Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring an electromagnetic radiation response property associated with a substrate and selecting a color for use by a personal care product recommendation system based on the measurement are disclosed. The method positions an electromagnetic source, an electromagnetic capture device, and, in certain embodiments, a plurality of filters in a predetermined arrangement in order to construct an apparatus for measuring an electromagnetic radiation response property associated with a substrate and one or more calibration standards. A retail customer self-aligns a portion of his/her body and the standard(s) with the apparatus and triggers an electromagnetic measurement. Digital data is determined from captured electromagnetic waves. Based on the digital data, the customer is given certain choices and/or informed of certain personal care product recommendations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring an electromagnetic radiation response property associated with a substrate are disclosed. The methods and apparatus generate electromagnetic waves and capture a portion of the generated waves after the waves pass through a first polarized filter, reflect from a substrate, and pass through a second polarized filter arranged in a cross polar arrangement with respect to the first polarized filter. Digital data is determined from the captured electromagnetic waves. Based on the digital data, the customer is given certain choices and/or informed of certain personal care product recommendations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring an electromagnetic radiation response property associated with a substrate and calibrating an electromagnetic measurement device are disclosed. The methods and apparatus generate electromagnetic waves and capture a portion of the generated waves after the waves pass through a first polarized filter, reflect from a substrate, and pass through a second polarized filter arranged in a cross polar arrangement with respect to the first polarized filter. In addition, the apparatus captures electromagnetic waves that pass through an attenuating filter and reflect from one or more calibration standards. Digital data is determined from the captured electromagnetic waves. The digital data is used to recalibrate the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring an electromagnetic radiation response property associated with a substrate and selecting a color for use by a personal care product recommendation system based on the measurement are disclosed. The method positions an electromagnetic source, an electromagnetic capture device, and a plurality of filters in a predetermined arrangement in order to construct an apparatus for measuring an electromagnetic radiation response property associated with a substrate. A retail customer self-aligns a portion of his/her body with the apparatus and triggers an electromagnetic measurement. Digital data is determined from captured electromagnetic waves. Based on the digital data, the customer is given certain choices and/or informed of certain personal care product recommendations.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved oil and water emulsions and improved oil and water emulsification systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for increasing the sun protection factor of oil and water sunscreen emulsions comprising adding a phthalic acid derivative to an oil and water sunscreen emulsion in an amount effective to increase the sun protection factor of the emulsion, the phthalic acid derivative having the general formula: ##STR1## where R represents an organic substituent, X represents a cation; and m is an integer satisfying the valency of X.