Abstract: A tweezer-type cosmetic applicator, especially for mascara application, comprises a conventional product container equipped with a rotating wiper system in the neck of the container. The tweezer cosmetic applicator system effects a pincer grip without the application of external pressure, and can be operated while in the container for better evacuation.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact has a pan made from an elastomeric material. The pan is elastically biased to a size that is smaller than a pre-formed cake of cosmetic product. The empty pan is temporarily expanded by applying vacuum to a bottom and sidewalls of the pan. The cake of cosmetic is inserted in the expanded pan and the pan is released from the vacuum. The pan contracts toward the smaller size and thus traps and holds the cake in the compact.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact has a pan made from an elastomeric material. The pan is elastically biased to a size that is smaller than a pre-formed cake of cosmetic product. The empty pan is temporarily expanded by applying vacuum to a bottom and sidewalls of the pan. The cake of cosmetic is inserted in the expanded pan and the pan is released from the vacuum. The pan contracts toward the smaller size and thus traps and holds the cake in the compact.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact has a pan made from an elastomeric material. The pan is elastically biased to a size that is smaller than a pre-formed cake of cosmetic product. The empty pan is temporarily expanded by applying vacuum to a bottom and sidewalls of the pan. The cake of cosmetic is inserted in the expanded pan and the pan is released from the vacuum. The pan contracts toward the smaller size and thus traps and holds the cake in the compact.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.

Abstract: A handheld mascara applicator comprising an applicator head, a source of electric current, and a heat generating portion that is effective to heat a quantity of mascara located on the applicator head, from an ambient temperature to a product application temperature, in 25 seconds or less, or that is effective to raise the temperature of the outer surface of the applicator head from an ambient temperature to about 55° C. or more, in 25 seconds or less. Systems for applying various types of mascara compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for sampling a heated product comprising a disposable first subassembly and a physically separate reusable second subassembly. Prior to use, the two subassemblies are able to form a rigid connection. As a result of forming this connection, a portion of an electric heating circuit is inserted into an interior space of an applicator head. After forming the connection, the first subassembly is broken, the electric heating circuit is turned on, and the applicator head is used to apply product.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact that is capable of serving as a docking station for an assortment of power transfer, data transfer, and signal transfer connections. In general, power, data, and signal transfer connections will be of the input and output type, with respect to the compact. The compact docking station is able to provide power on an as needed basis or may be used to recharge one or more portable devices. A Universal Docking Station Compact according to the present invention is characterized by an assortment of power and data interfaces.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact has a pan made from an elastomeric material. The pan is elastically biased to a size that is smaller than a pre-formed cake of cosmetic product. The empty pan is temporarily expanded by applying vacuum to a bottom and sidewalls of the pan. The cake of cosmetic is inserted in the expanded pan and the pan is released from the vacuum. The pan contracts toward the smaller size and thus traps and holds the cake in the compact.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.

Abstract: Metered dose applicators that irradiate a portion of light sensitive product. When a dropper applicator is secured to a reservoir, a usable volume inside the dropper is reduced. As the dropper is removed from the reservoir, the usable volume in the dropper increases, creating a suction within the dropper that draws product into the dropper from the reservoir. When the dropper is off the reservoir, then a button that is accessible to a user is used to increase and decrease the size of the usable volume. The button also turns on a light that is effective to activate the product as it is being dispensed from the dropper.

Abstract: A hairbrush has a plurality of molded tines, each with a main shaft and a first branch extending from the shaft. The first branch extends at a point between the base of the shaft and the free end of the shaft, and is oriented on the shaft and dimensioned such that the tine is adapted to comb and separate tangled or matted hair. The tines may be arranged such that the first branch of one tine is randomly oriented relative to the first branch of adjacent tines. The tines may have a second branch extending from the shaft at a point between the base of the shaft and the first branch. The first and second branches extend in a radial direction from the shaft at an angle of 5° to 90° relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A dual-ended applicator is provided. The applicator includes a handle, a first roller having a broad concave surface at one end of the handle, and a second, ball-like roller having a convex surface, at the opposite end of the handle. The first roller, having a greater axial length and surface area than does the second roller is intended for applying a cosmetic to broader convex areas of the skin. The second roller, having a lesser axial dimension and surface area as compared with the first roller is intended for distributing a cosmetic to the narrower, concave areas of the skin. The first roller is mounted on the applicator so as to rotate about a fixed axis lateral to the longitudinal axis of the applicator, and will move in straight paths along the skin, in line with the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator brush head has a plurality of molded tines, each with a main shaft and a first and a second branch extending from the shaft. The first branch extends at a point between the base of the shaft and the free end of the shaft. The second branch extends from the shaft at a point between the base of the shaft and the first branch. The first and second branches extend in a radial direction from the shaft at an angle of 5° to 90° relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.