Abstract: A skin color measuring device is provided for use with a kit and method to measure skin shades at point-of-sale. The device includes a hand holdable housing encompassing a spectrophotometer/colorimeter, a logic program for calculating L, a, b values measured by the spectrophotometer/colorimeter and for converting these values into corresponding shades of facial foundation cosmetic products suitable for the measured customer, and a display window formed in the wall of the housing allowing visualization of the logic selected facial foundation products. Kits in the form of a display case are provided which include the skin measuring device and an inventory of different facial foundation products as well as a reader card set for correlating the selected facial foundation products with complementary color cosmetics such as lipsticks, eye shadows, eye liners, blush and lip liners.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for selecting a facial color cosmetic scheme. Apparatus employed for the system includes a computer module with a color monitor screen, a spectrophotometer for measuring a customer's skin color and a device for transferring the measured color information from the spectrophotometer to the computer module for entry into a program allowing visualization of a model face with skin color matched to that of the customer. The method includes measuring via spectrophotometer a customer's facial color, transmitting information on that color to the module for display on the model face appearing in the monitor, allowing the customer to select at least one color for an area of the face to be covered by a cosmetic product, and then displaying the visualized model face with the selected color. The system and method allow a customer to visualize the color combination without the necessity of using the actual color cosmetic on their own face for evaluation purposes.

Abstract: A lipstick is provided for freshening the breath and reducing oral malodor. These lipsticks are based on a combination of free menthol and a bound menthol substance, the latter being either a complex or an encapsulated form. Most preferred is a menthol complex with beta-cyclodextrin. Further components of the lipstick include lipophilic material such as waxes and usually colorants. Water is advantageously included at levels ranging up to 10% by weight.

Abstract: A lipstick is provided for freshening the breath and reducing oral malodor. These lipsticks utilize an antibacterial agent in combination with menthol as the active components. Most preferred as the antibacterial agent are zinc salts, especially zinc citrate. Further components of the lipstick include a lipophilic material such as waxes and usually colorants. Water may be included at levels ranging up to about 25% by weight.