Abstract: An analyte monitor having a plurality of fluid paths, each fluid path having a distal opening adapted to be disposed on one side of a stratum corneum layer of a user's skin, a proximal opening adapted to be disposed on another side of the stratum corneum layer and an interior space extending between the distal and proximal openings; a sensing zone in fluid communication with the proximal openings of the fluid paths; sensing fluid extending from the sensing zone into substantially the entire interior space of the fluid paths; and an analyte sensor adapted to detect a concentration of analyte in the sensing fluid within the sensing zone, wherein at least one of the sensing fluid and the analyte sensor comprises a catalyst for mutarotation of glucose. The invention also includes a method of using the monitor.

Abstract: There is provided a long-wearing powder-based cosmetic or personal care composition. The composition comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, such as a styrene-isobutylene-styrene (SIBS) triblock copolymer, a non-volatile oil, and a film forming polymer comprising a polypropylene glycol (PPG) backbone.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method of in vivo monitoring of an individual's interstitial fluid glucose concentration comprising inserting a plurality of tissue piercing elements through a stratum corneum layer of an area of the individual's skin. The tissue piercing elements each comprise a distal end in fluid communication with interstitial fluid of the individual, and a proximal end in fluid communication with a sensing zone located outside of the patient's body. An interior space extends between the distal and proximal ends of the tissue piercing elements. A sensing fluid fills substantially the entire interior space and the sensing fluid concentration comprises a concentration of citrate in a buffer solution. The concentration of citrate may range from 100 mM to 200 mM, preferably 135-165 mM.

Abstract: Gel-based lipstick compositions are disclosed comprising an ester terminated poly(ester-amide) (ETPEA) polymeric gellant, a first wax component having a melting point above the sol-gel transition temperature of the ETPEA gellant, a second wax compositions having a melting point equal to of below the sol-gel transition temperature of the ETPEA gellant, optionally a silicone T-resin co-gellant, and one or more oils capable of forming a gel with the ETPEA gellant. The gel compositions are solid or semi-solid at room temperature and are capable of being molded into self-supporting sticks. The disclosed gels provide high gloss films when applied to the lips and/or provide a rheology characterized by a high viscosity over repeated shear cycles.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the preparation of a composition comprising a block copolymer and ester-terminated polyester amide solubilized in a compatible solvent are disclosed. The disclosed compositions are long-lasting, transfer resistant, flexible, and water-proof capable of complexing the active ingredient to provide such benefits. The disclosed compositions are useful for formulating cosmetics, personal care products, cosmeceuticals, and the like.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a glucose monitor having a plurality of tissue piercing elements, each tissue piercing element having a distal opening, a proximal opening and interior space extending between the distal and proximal openings; a sensing area in fluid communication with the proximal openings of the tissue piercing elements; sensing fluid extending from the sensing area into substantially the entire interior space of the tissue piercing elements; and a glucose sensor adapted to detect a concentration of glucose in the sensing fluid within the sensing area.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a glucose monitor having a plurality of tissue piercing elements, each tissue piercing element having a distal opening, a proximal opening and interior space extending between the distal and proximal openings; a sensing area in fluid communication with the proximal openings of the tissue piercing elements; sensing fluid extending from the sensing area into substantially the entire interior space of the tissue piercing elements; and a glucose sensor adapted to detect a concentration of glucose in the sensing fluid within the sensing area.

Abstract: A system for treating a blood sample (700) having an analyte of interest comprises a strip (200) having a membrane (218), respective portions (216, 220 and 222, or 300) which are provided for receiving the sample, for lysing cells of the sample to liberate hemoglobin, and for capturing glycated hemoglobin. The latter two portions (220 and 222, or 300) of the membrane are treated with lysing and capture agents, respectively. A portion of the strip (214 or 230 or 240) is provided for holding an eluting agent and for releasing the agent upon a release condition. A system for detecting analyte comprises an optical subsystem (550) that is aligned with the strip to provide a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte, and an electronic subsystem (650) for processing the signal (560) to provide a result, such as an amount or percentage of glycated hemoglobin.

Abstract: A cosmetic film dispenser includes a body held by a user and an actuator housed in the body and used in coordination with a film for delivering a dispensed agent. The actuator includes a supply reel for holding film and a take-up reel for receiving the film. An arm engages the take-up reel to advance the film and a tip at an end of the arm places the film in proximity to the user. Novel films are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for treating a blood sample (700) having an analyte of interest comprises a strip (200) having a membrane (218), respective portions (216, 220 and 222, or 300) which are provided for receiving the sample, for lysing cells of the sample to liberate hemoglobin, and for capturing glycated hemoglobin. The latter two portions (220 and 222, or 300) of the membrane are treated with lysing and capture agents, respectively. A portion of the strip (214 or 230 or 240) is provided for holding an eluting agent and for releasing the agent upon a release condition. A system for detecting analyte comprises an optical subsystem (550) that is aligned with the strip to provide a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte, and an electronic subsystem (650) for processing the signal (560) to provide a result, such as an amount or percentage of glycated hemoglobin.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an analyte monitor including a sensing volume, an analyte extraction area in contact with the sensing volume adapted to extract an analyte into the sensing volume, and an analyte sensor adapted to detect a concentration of analyte in the sensing volume. The sensing volume is defined by a first face, a second face opposite to the first face, and a thickness equal to the distance between the two faces. The surface area of the first face is about equal to the surface area of the second face and the extraction area is about equal to the surface area of the first and second face of the sensing volume. The analyte sensor includes a working electrode in contact with the sensing volume, the working electrode having a surface area at least as large as the analyte extraction area, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the sensing volume.

Abstract: There is provided compositions and methods for providing a natural appearance, healthy glow, and other aesthetic benefits to the skin. One composition has a shade-matched pearlescent component. Another composition has a blend of a shade-matched pearlescent component and a shade-matched pigment component. Preferably, the blend is incorporated into an emulsion, a powder, cream-to-powder cosmetic, a gel, a pomade, a solution, a stick, suspension, or a wet/dry foundation.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a solid powder cosmetic composition comprise heating a wax component and one or more cosmetic powders at a temperature sufficient to melt the wax, and subsequently cooling the mixture to provide a solid composition comprising a wax matrix having particulate materials homogenously dispersed therein.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a glucose monitor having a plurality of tissue piercing elements, each tissue piercing element having a distal opening, a proximal opening and interior space extending between the distal and proximal openings; a sensing volume in fluid communication with the proximal openings of the tissue piercing elements; sensing fluid extending into the sensing volume; and a glucose sensor adapted to detect a concentration of glucose in the sensing fluid within the sensing volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface penetration device, a method to use the device, and an analyte monitor. Embodiments of the surface penetration device include a substrate with first and second surfaces, and first and second tissue piercing elements, the elements differing in configuration, but each associated with the first surface of the substrate. At least some of the tissue piercing elements have a distal and a proximal opening and a lumen extending between the openings. The proximal openings are in fluid communication with an opening in the second surface of the substrate. Embodiments of the analyte monitor include the features of the penetration device plus an analyte sensor that detects an analyte in a fluid. Embodiments of the method of penetrating tissue include providing a surface penetration device and urging the surface penetration device against a tissue surface until some of the first and second tissue piercing elements penetrate the tissue surface.

Abstract: There is a method for imparting curl to eyelashes. The method has the step of applying to the eyelashes an anhydrous liquid composition having the following: a) an organic solvent and b) an alkyl cycloalkylacrylate copolymer soluble or dispersible in the solvent. The organic solvent is present in an amount sufficient to dissolve or disperse the alkyl cycloalkylacrylate copolymer. The alkyl cycloalkylacrylate copolymer is present at about 0.1 wt % to about 90 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: An analyte monitor is provided with a sensor unit body configured for mounting on tissue, a sensor configured to detect an analyte in a fluid in the sensing area, an output device configured to communicate a result from the sensor to a user; and a user input device coupled with the sensor and the output device, wherein the monitor is configured to communicate a result to the user through the output device only after the user input device is activated. Systems, sensors and methods associated with the monitor are also disclosed.

Abstract: Analyte monitors and their methods of use. The analyte monitors include multiple calibration fluids which may have different known concentrations of an analyte, such as glucose. The analyte monitors may also include sensing or washing fluids. The analyte monitors are configured to be calibrated with the multiple calibration fluids to potentially provide a more accurate determination of analyte concentrations. The analyte monitors can be adapted to be self-calibrating with the multiple calibration fluids.

Abstract: Gel-based lipstick compositions are disclosed comprising an ester terminated poly(ester-amide) (ETPEA) polymeric gellant, a first wax component having a melting point above the sol-gel transition temperature of the ETPEA gellant, a second wax compositions having a melting point equal to of below the sol-gel transition temperature of the ETPEA gellant, optionally a silicone T-resin co-gellent, and one or more oils capable of forming a gel with the ETPEA gellant. The gel compositions are solid or semi-solid at room temperature and are capable of being molded into self-supporting sticks. The disclosed gels provide high gloss films when applied to the lips and/or provide a rheology characterized by a high viscosity over repeated shear cycles.

Abstract: Gel-based lipstick compositions are disclosed comprising an ester terminated poly(ester-amide) (ETPEA) polymeric gellant, a first wax component having a melting point above the sol-gel transition temperature of the ETPEA gellant, a second wax compositions having a melting point equal to of below the sol-gel transition temperature of the ETPEA gellant, optionally a silicone T-resin co-gellent, and one or more oils capable of forming a gel with the ETPEA gellant. The gel compositions are solid or semi-solid at room temperature and are capable of being molded into self-supporting sticks. The disclosed gels provide high gloss films when applied to the lips and/or provide a rheology characterized by a high viscosity over repeated shear cycles.