COSMETIC COMPONENT RETAINER

Abstract

A cosmetic palette for retaining a cosmetic component includes a base and a non-metallic retention layer. The base includes a first side and an opposing second side. The retention layer is secured to and covers at least a portion of the first side. The retention layer removably secures the cosmetic component to inhibit movement of the cosmetic component relative to the first side. The retention layer is devoid of any predetermined locations that are adapted to secure the cosmetic component. Further, the retention layer can retain a cosmetic component that is formed from plastic or metal. The cosmetic palette can include a removable rim that is positioned so that a portion of the retention layer is positioned directly between the rim and the first side of the base. The retention layer can be formed from a plastic material or a vinyl compound. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed toward a cosmetic component retainer that includes a first cosmetic palette and a second cosmetic palette that are hingedly attached to one another.

Description

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic or “make-up” cases (sometimes referred to herein simply as a “case”) are used for holding one or more cosmetic components in a single location. As used herein, the term “cosmetic” refers to substances used to enhance or protect the appearance of the human body. In general, cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, lipsticks, eye and facial makeup, and many other similar types of products. Cosmetic components vary in size and shape. For example, typical cosmetic components can include mirrors, different types of make-up applicators, i.e. brushes, sponges, pads, etc., cosmetic pans that retain various types of solid, semi-solid or liquid make-up, and the like. These types of cosmetic pans can typically be purchased individually or in sets, and can be utilized to replace old or used cosmetic pans.

However, many conventional cases include pre-sized and pre-positioned recesses or compartments that receive cosmetic components of a specific form factor. In other words, many of today's cases include certain sized recesses that are used to ensure a conforming fit of a similarly sized cosmetic component. Consequently, for these types of cases, only a specific sized or proprietary replacement cosmetic component can be utilized to replace an empty cosmetic component within the case. These cosmetic components cannot be repositioned within the case, other than to be reinserted in a different preset location within the case that happens to have the same dimensions. This restriction of movement of the cosmetic components inhibits a user from customizing not only the positioning. but the size, type and/or brand of the cosmetic components within the case.

Another type of cosmetic case uses pre-positioned magnets that attract and secure a metal cosmetic pan to a specific location within the case. Unfortunately, the replacement cosmetic pans that can be utilized with these types of cases are limited to certain types of metallic cosmetic pans. Further, these cosmetic pans must be positioned in specific locations that correlate with the positioning of the magnets within the case, and therefore restrict customized placement of the cosmetic pans by the user. Moreover, the pre-positioned magnets can be ineffective at securing other non-metallic types of cosmetic components such as mirrors, applicators, etc.

Alternatively, some cosmetic pans can include a magnet that allows removable attachment to a metallic case formed from a magnetic material. A major drawback of this design is that these types of cosmetic pans are ineffective with cases that are formed from any other type of material, and are therefore limited in their potential usage.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a cosmetic palette for retaining a cosmetic component. In one embodiment, the cosmetic palette includes a base and a non-metallic retention layer. The base includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. In one embodiment, the retention layer is secured to the first side so that the retention layer covers at least a portion of the first side. The retention layer is adapted to removably secure the cosmetic component so that the retention layer inhibits movement of the cosmetic component relative to the first side.

In one embodiment, the retention layer covers a majority of the first side of the base. Alternatively, the retention layer covers at least approximately 90% of the first side of the base. In certain embodiments, the retention layer is substantially planar. In various embodiments, the retention layer is devoid of any predetermined locations that are adapted to secure the cosmetic component. Further, the retention layer can retain a cosmetic component that is formed from one of plastic or metal. In another embodiment, the cosmetic palette includes a plurality of side walls that extend away from the base. The side walls can surround the retention layer. In one embodiment, the cosmetic palette includes a removable rim that is positioned adjacent to at least one of the side walls. The rim can be positioned so that a portion of the retention layer is positioned directly between the rim and the first side of the base. In one embodiment, the retention layer is formed at least partially from a plastic material. Alternatively, the retention layer can be formed at least partially from a vinyl compound.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed toward a cosmetic component retainer. The cosmetic component retainer can include a first cosmetic palette and a second cosmetic palette that are hingedly attached to one another. In one embodiment, the cosmetic component retainer is movable between a closed position that substantially encloses the cosmetic retainer and an open position wherein the cosmetic retainer is at least partially exposed.

Further, the present invention is directed to a method for retaining a cosmetic component on a cosmetic palette.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a cosmetic component retainer having features of the present invention, illustrated in an open position, and a plurality of cosmetic components;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cosmetic component retainer illustrated in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the cosmetic component retainer illustrated in FIG. 1A, and the plurality of cosmetic components;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cosmetic component retainer and the plurality of cosmetic components, taken on line 3A-3A in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of the cosmetic component retainer and the plurality of cosmetic components;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another embodiment of the cosmetic component retainer and the plurality of cosmetic components;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of still another embodiment of the cosmetic component retainer and the plurality of cosmetic components; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cosmetic palette having features of the present invention, and a plurality of cosmetic components.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cosmetic component retainer 10, illustrated in an open position, and a plurality of cosmetic components 12. In this embodiment, the cosmetic component retainer 10 is in the form of a case that moves from the open position to a closed position (illustrated in FIG. 1B). In one embodiment, the cosmetic component retainer 10 includes a case housing 14 having a first cosmetic palette 16F (sometimes referred to herein as a “palette”) and a second cosmetic palette 16S. In the open position, the contents of the cosmetic component retainer 10 are visible and/or accessible to a user.

The palettes 16F, 16S cooperate to enclose the cosmetic components 12. The palettes 16F, 16S can be hingedly secured to one another, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. Alternatively, the palettes 16F, 16S can be secured to one another in another suitable manner. In various embodiments, the cooperation of the palettes 16F, 16S allows the case housing 14, and thus the cosmetic component retainer 10, to move between the open position, and the closed position in which the contents of the cosmetic component retainer 10 are concealed and/or inaccessible to the user. In an alternative embodiment (not shown in FIG. 1A), the case housing 14 includes only one of a first palette 16F and a second palette 16S.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, one or both of the palettes 16F, 16S each includes a base 20 and a plurality of side walls 22 (four side walls 22 are illustrated in FIG. 1A) that extend away from the base 20. The base 20 includes a first side 21F (illustrated in FIG. 3A) and an opposing second side 21S (illustrated in FIG. 3A). In one embodiment, the base 20 and the side walls 22 are formed integrally as a unitary structure. Alternatively, the base 20 and the side walls 22 can be formed separately and secured together. In various non-exclusive embodiments, the base 20 and/or the side walls 22 can be formed from any suitable material(s), such as one or more of a metal (which can be ferrous or non-ferrous), plastic, ceramic, glass, wood, epoxy resin, a composite material, or other suitable material(s).

For ease of discussion, unless otherwise indicated, only the first palette 16F will be referred to herein with the understanding that the terms “first palette 16F” and “second palette 16S” are basically interchangeable. In various embodiments described herein, the cosmetic components 12 can be removably secured to the first palette 16F, as described in greater detail below. With the designs provided herein, the number, shape and size of the cosmetic components 12 can be varied. The number, shapes and sizes of the cosmetic components 12 illustrated in FIG. 1A are provided for ease of discussion as one non-exclusive, representative example only, and are not intended to limit the number, sizes and shapes of the cosmetic components 12 in any manner. Further, although no cosmetic components 12 are positioned on or in the second palette 16S in FIG. 1A, any number of cosmetic components 12 could have been illustrated as being positioned in the second palette 16S.

In one embodiment, one type of cosmetic component 12 can include a cosmetic 24 and a cosmetic retainer 26 that retains the cosmetic 24. The cosmetic 24 can include any solid, semi-solid or liquid material that is typically applied to the face or other body parts to enhance or alter the appearance of the user. The cosmetic retainer 26 can be formed from any suitable material, such as metal (either ferrous or non-ferrous), plastic, ceramic, glass, wood, a composite material, epoxy resin, etc. As provided herein, the first palette 16F removably secures the cosmetic retainer 26. In certain embodiments, the first palette 16F can secure the cosmetic component 12 irrespective of the material used to form the cosmetic retainer 26 or any other type of cosmetic components 12.

In accordance with various embodiments described herein, the first palette 16F includes a retention layer 28. The retention layer 28 is secured to at least a portion of the base 20. In one embodiment, the side walls 22 surround the retention layer 28. The retention layer 28 inhibits movement of the cosmetic component 12 relative to the first palette 16F and the first side 21F of the base 20. The retention layer 28 can cover the entire base 20, or the retention layer 28 can cover less than the entire base 20. In one embodiment, the retention layer 28 covers at least approximately 50% of the base 20. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the retention layer 28 can cover at least approximately 25%, the majority, 75% or 90% of the base 20. Still alternatively, the retention layer 28 can cover less than 25% or greater than 90% of the base 20. In one embodiment, the retention layer 28 is a single, continuous layer. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the retention layer 28 can be formed intermittently, from a plurality of discontinuous sections that cover different spaced-apart regions of the base 20.

The material(s) used to form the retention layer 28 can vary to suit the design requirements of the first palette 16F and/or the cosmetic component retainer 10, as described in greater detail below. In certain embodiments, the retention layer 28 is formed from a non-metallic, high friction material that maintains the positioning of the cosmetic components 12 relative to the case housing 14. Additionally, in one embodiment, the retention layer 28 is formed from a material that can frictionally maintain the positioning of the retention layer 28 relative to the base 20 of the case housing 14. Alternatively, the retention layer 28 can be adhered to the base 20 of the case housing 14 using an adhesive material or by some other suitable method.

In one embodiment, the retention layer 28 can be formed from an expanded vinyl material. Alternatively, the retention layer 28 can be formed from another type of plastic material, or from a silicone material. Still alternatively, the retention layer 28 can be formed from another suitable material that frictionally attracts and maintains the positioning of the cosmetic components 12 relative to the base 20, while decreasing the likelihood of any residue on the cosmetic components 12. In another embodiment, the retention layer 28 can be “tacky”, such that the cosmetic components 12 tend to cling to the retention layer 28 in a mechanical fashion, as opposed to a chemical or adhesive manner. In one such embodiment, the retention layer 28 has no sticky residue, is non-toxic and/or can have a relatively wide temperature resistance range. In yet another embodiment, the retention layer 28 can include an adhesive material that removably secures the cosmetic component 12 to the retention layer 28, while allowing the user to remove and/or replace the cosmetic component 12 as needed.

In certain embodiments, the retainer layer 28 provides a relatively high frictional or “tacky” quality so that the retainer layer 28 can removably retain the cosmetic components 12. With this design, the retention layer 28 is less likely to mar or otherwise chemically interfere with the material that forms the cosmetic components 12. In one embodiment, the retention layer 28 forms a temporary non-chemical bond with one or both of (i) the cosmetic components 12, and (ii) the base 20. In some embodiments, the retention layer 28 can be removed from the base 20 as necessary without leaving behind any residue. In certain embodiments, the retention layer 28 can be easily cleaned with soap and water, and can still retain its tackiness. Thus, the retention layer 28 can be reusable.

In various embodiments, the retention layer 28 more specifically can include vinyl compounds such as: diisodecy/phlthalate, polymeric plasticer, an ultraviolet stabilizer, a blowing agent for vinyl plastisol, and/or vinyl resin (plastic). In one embodiment, the retention layer 28 can have a weight between approximately 10 and 20 ounces per square yard. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the retention layer 28 can have a weight between approximately 12 and 18 ounces per square yard, or between approximately 14 and 16 ounces per square yard. Still alternatively, the weight of the retention layer 28 can be outside of the foregoing ranges.

In various embodiments, the retention layer 28 can be flexible and capable of bending to conform to curves or details in the base 20. Alternatively, the retention layer 28 also can have a relatively rigid planar configuration and can be used on planar surfaces. In one embodiment, the retention layer 28 can have a thickness between approximately 0.03 and 0.09 inches. In non-exclusive embodiments, the retention layer 28 can have a thickness between approximately 0.04 and 0.08 inches, or between approximately 0.05 and 0.06 inches. Still alternatively, the thickness of the retention layer 28 can be outside of the foregoing ranges.

With the designs provided herein, as nonexclusive examples, any cosmetic component 12 can be (i) more easily removed and replaced in the same position on the retention layer 28, (ii) removed and replaced in a different position or orientation on the retention layer 28, (iii) removed and replaced with another cosmetic component 12 that is formed from the same or different materials, (iv), added to any vacant area on the retention layer 28, and/or (v) removed, i.e. for cleaning of the retention layer 28, since buildup of powder or other cosmetics on the retention layer 28 can potentially reduce the tackiness of the retention layer 28. With this design, the user is not limited in the location, orientation, organization, pattern, brand, materials, shape, size and/or configuration of the cosmetic components 12 that can be used with the first palette 16F and/or cosmetic component retainer 10. Additionally, the retention layer 28 is devoid of any predetermined locations that are to secured a cosmetic component 12. In other words, the cosmetic component(s) 12 can be secured to any location on the retention layer 28, in any orientation, due to a lack of any specified, pre-fixed position that the cosmetic component(s) 12 must occupy.

In one embodiment, the cosmetic component retainer 10 also includes a rim 30 that is positioned on top of at least a portion of the first palette 16F and adjacent to at least one of the side walls 22. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the rim 30 is positioned adjacent to the first palette 16F and each of the four side walls 22. In one embodiment, the rim 30 can enhance the appearance of the first palette 16F by covering a portion of the retention layer, such as edges that may otherwise curl away from the base 20, for example. Additionally, the rim 30 can be removable, allowing the user easier access to an edge of the retention layer 28 for removal and/or cleaning of the retention layer 28. In an alternative embodiment, the rim 30 can be permanently fixed to one or more of the side walls 22, or to another portion of the cosmetic component retainer 10.

The rim 30 can be formed from any suitable material, such as metal (either ferrous or non-ferrous), plastic, ceramic, glass, wood, a composite material, epoxy resin, etc. In one embodiment, the material used to form the rim 30 is substantially similar or identical to the material used to form one or both of the palettes 16F, 16S.

Further, the cosmetic component retainer 10 can also include a locking mechanism 32 that selectively locks the palettes 16F, 16S to one another in the closed position. The locking mechanism 32 can be moved by the user between an unlocked position illustrated in FIG. 1A, to a locked position illustrated in FIG. 1B. The type of locking mechanism 32 can be varied to suit the design requirements of the cosmetic component retainer 10, and can be any suitable type of locking mechanism 32 known to those skilled in the art. In an alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism does not actually lock the palettes 16F, 16S to one another, but biases the palettes 16F, 16S toward one another so the cosmetic component retainer 10 is selectively maintained in the closed position.

The cosmetic component retainer 10 can also include one or more hinges 34 that couple the first palette 16F and the second palette 16S to one another. The type of hinge(s) 34 used can vary depending upon the design requirements of the cosmetic component retainer 10, and are not intended to be limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1A, which are provided as one representative example for ease of understanding only.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cosmetic component retainer 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A, shown in the closed position. In the closed position, the contents of the cosmetic component retainer 10 are concealed and/or inaccessible to the user until the cosmetic component retainer 10 is moved to the open position (illustrated in FIG. 1A). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, the locking mechanism 32 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) can include an opener 36 that is activated by the user to move the locking mechanism 32 to the unlocked position. The opener 36, if present, can be any suitable type of opener 36 known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the cosmetic component retainer 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A, shown in the open position. In this embodiment, the cosmetic component retainer 10 includes a first retention layer 28A positioned on the base 20 of the first palette 16F, and a second retention layer 28B positioned on the base 20 of the second palette 16S. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a portion of each retention layer 28A, 28B is obscured by the rims 30A, 30B that are positioned on their respective palettes 16F, 16S.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cosmetic component retainer 10 taken on line 3A-3A in FIG. 1B, and a plurality of cosmetic components 12. In FIG. 3A, the positioning of the retention layer 28 relative to the other structures of the cosmetic component retainer 10 can be appreciated. In certain embodiments, the base 20 includes the first side 21F and the second side 21S. In this embodiment, the first palette 16F includes the retainer layer 28, which is directly secured to the first side 21F of the base 20. Further, the rim 30 is positioned adjacent to at least one of the side walls 22 and the retention layer 28. In this embodiment, the retention layer 28 is positioned at least partially directly between the rim 30 and the first side 21F of the base 20.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of the cosmetic component retainer 310B, and a plurality of cosmetic components 12. In this embodiment, the first palette 316FB includes the base 320B and the retainer layer 328B. The base 320B includes a retainer layer substrate 338B. The retainer layer 328B is secured to a first side 321FB of the retainer layer substrate 338B. In one embodiment, the retainer layer substrate 338B is formed from a relatively rigid material such as metal, wood, various plastics or composites, etc. In one embodiment, the retainer layer substrate 338B and the retainer layer 328B, are removable from the remainder of the base 320B of the first palette 316FB. With this design, the retainer layer 328B can be more easily cleaned, and changing, repositioning or cleaning the cosmetic components 12 is facilitated. The rim 330B can be removed, followed by simultaneous or individual removal of the retainer layer substrate 338B and the retainer layer 328B. In this embodiment, replacement of these structures can be carried out in the reverse order.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another embodiment of the cosmetic component retainer 310C and a plurality of cosmetic components 12. In this embodiment, the first palette 316FC includes the base 320C, the side walls 322C and the retainer layer 328C, which is directly secured to the base 320C. Further, in this embodiment, the rim 30 (illustrated in FIG. 3A, for example) is omitted. Instead, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3C, the retention layer 328C is positioned on the base 320C, and extends along the base 320C to the side walls 322C. With this design, a greater surface area of the retention layer 328C is exposed for use within the cosmetic component retainer 310C. In FIG. 3C, a plurality of cosmetic components 12 are secured to the retention layers 328C of the first palette 316FC and the second palette 316SC. Further, as with several embodiments described herein, one or more cosmetic components 12 positioned in the first palette 316FC can be repositioned or exchanged for one or more cosmetic components 12 positioned in the second palette 316SC. In an alternative embodiment, the retention layers need not extend to the side walls 322C in either or both of the palettes 316FC, 316SC.

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another embodiment of the cosmetic component retainer 310D and a plurality of cosmetic components 12. In this embodiment, the first palette 316FD includes the base 320D, the side walls 322D and the retainer layer 328D, which is directly secured to the base 320D. Further, in this embodiment, the rim 30 (illustrated in FIG. 3A, for example) is omitted. Instead, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3D, the retention layer 328D extends along the base 320D to the side walls 322D of the second palette 316SD. In the first palette 316FD, no retention layer 328D is present. Rather, one or more cosmetic components 12, such as a mirror, can be permanently secured directly to the base 320D of the first palette 316FD. Thus, it is not necessary for each of the palettes 316FD, 316SD to include a retention layer 328D. In FIG. 3D, a plurality of removable cosmetic components 12 are secured to the retention layer 328D of the second palette 316SD.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cosmetic component retainer 410, including a cosmetic palette 416 and a plurality of cosmetic components 412. In this embodiment, only one cosmetic palette 416 is used. The design of the cosmetic palette 416 can vary. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the cosmetic palette 416 is elliptical in shape. However, it is recognized that the overall configuration of the palette 416 can be any desired shape, including but not limited to, circular, polygonal (regular or irregular), or the palette 416 can have a random configuration or any other suitable configuration.

In this embodiment, the cosmetic palette 416 includes a retention layer 428 (illustrated by a dotted surface in FIG. 4) and a base 420. The retention layer 428 is formed from the same materials and performs substantially the same functions as described previously herein. The base 420 has a first side 421F and an opposing second side (not shown in FIG. 4). The retention layer 428 is secured to the first side 421F of the base 420 in any manner set forth previously herein so that the first side 421F includes an exposed portion 440E (illustrated by the undotted surface in FIG. 4) and an unexposed portion 440U (obscured by the retainer layer 428) that is covered by the retainer layer 428.

In one embodiment, the retainer layer 428 covers approximately 50% of the first side 421F. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the retainer layer 428 can cover the majority, or at least approximately 25%, 75%, 90% or 100% of the first side 421F. Still alternatively, the retainer layer 428 can cover less than 25% of the first side 421F. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the retainer layer 428 and the exposed portion of the first side 421F of the base 420 form a recognizable pattern or art form, such as a Yin Yang, as one non-exclusive example.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the unexposed portion 440U of the first side 421F of the base 420 has a reduced thickness that receives the retainer layer 428. In this embodiment, the retainer layer 428 is substantially planar, and is inlayed over the unexposed portion 440U of the first side 421F so that the retainer layer 428 is flush with the exposed portion 440E of the first side 421F. Alternatively, the entire first side 421F of the base 420 can be substantially planar for ease in manufacturing. In this embodiment, the retainer layer 428 can be positioned on top of the unexposed portion 440U of the first side 421F, creating a small height differential between the exposed portion 440E of the first side 421F and the surface of the retainer layer 428 upon which the cosmetic components 412 are positioned.

Further, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the cosmetic palette 416 includes one or more gripping features 442 (two gripping features 442 are illustrated in FIG. 4) that can be gripped by the user holding the palette 416. In one embodiment, the gripping features 442 are in the form of apertures that receive one or more fingers of the user. Alternatively, the gripping features 442 can include another suitable structure that can be gripped by the user.

The exposed portion 440E of the first side 421F can be used for retaining cosmetics 424 that do not have cosmetic retainers 26 (illustrated in FIG. 1A). These cosmetics 424 can be mixed or combined with other cosmetics 424 on the exposed portion 440E of the first side 421F for use by a user.

The base 420 can be formed from any suitable material that can readily receive and/or bind to the retainer layer 428, and that can accept and maintain the positioning of the cosmetics 424 on the exposed portion 440E. For example, the base 420 can be formed from various plastics, wood, metal, composites, epoxy resin or any other suitable material. In an alternative embodiment, the exposed portion 440E and the unexposed portion 440U can be formed from different materials relative to one another.

Several embodiments that each includes one or more different features have been presented herein. However, it should be recognized that the embodiments described herein do not represent the entire universe of embodiments that can benefit from the advantages presented, and are therefore not intended to be limiting in any manner. Further, it is understood that various features of one embodiment can be combined with features of one or more other embodiments shown and described herein to yield further embodiments that are not specifically shown or described.

While the cosmetic component retainer 10 and cosmetic palette 16 as shown and disclosed herein are fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that they are merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cosmetic palette for retaining a cosmetic component, the cosmetic palette comprising:

a base including a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and

a non-metallic retention layer that is secured to the first side so that the retention layer covers at least a portion of the first side, the retention layer being adapted to removably secure the cosmetic component so that the retention layer inhibits movement of the cosmetic component relative to the first side.

2. The cosmetic palette of claim 1 wherein the retention layer covers a majority of the first side of the base.

3. The cosmetic palette of claim 2 wherein the retention layer is substantially planar.

4. The cosmetic palette of claim 1 wherein the retention layer covers at least approximately 90% of the first side of the base.

5. The cosmetic palette of claim 1 wherein the retention layer is devoid of any predetermined locations that are adapted to secure the cosmetic component.

6. The cosmetic palette of claim 1 wherein the retention layer is adapted to retain a cosmetic component that is formed from one of plastic or metal.

7. The cosmetic palette of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of side walls that extend away from the base, the plurality of side walls surrounding the retention layer.

8. The cosmetic palette of claim 7 further comprising a rim that is positioned adjacent to at least one of the side walls, the rim being positioned so that a portion of the retention layer is positioned directly between the rim and the first side of the base.

9. The cosmetic palette of claim 1 wherein the retention layer is formed at least partially from a plastic material.

10. The cosmetic palette of claim 1 wherein the retention layer is formed at least partially from a vinyl compound.

11. A cosmetic component retainer including the cosmetic palette of claim 1 and a second cosmetic palette that is hingedly attached to the cosmetic palette, the cosmetic component retainer being movable between a closed position that substantially encloses the cosmetic retainer and an open position wherein the cosmetic retainer is at least partially exposed.

12. A method for retaining a cosmetic component on a cosmetic palette, the method comprising the steps of:

securing a non-metallic retention layer to a first side of a base of the cosmetic palette so that the retention layer covers at least a portion of the first side; and

removably securing the cosmetic component to the retention layer.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of securing includes the retention layer covering a majority of the first side of the base.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of removably securing includes the retention layer being devoid of any predetermined locations that are adapted to secure the cosmetic component.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of securing includes the retention layer being adapted to retain a cosmetic component that is formed from one of plastic or metal.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of securing includes surrounding the retention layer with a plurality of side walls that extend away from the base.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of positioning a rim adjacent to at least one of the side walls so that a portion of the retention layer is positioned directly between the rim and the first side of the base.

18. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of securing includes forming the retention layer at least partially from a plastic material.

19. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of securing includes forming the retention layer at least partially from a vinyl compound.

20. A cosmetic palette for retaining a plurality of cosmetic components, the cosmetic components including cosmetic retainers that are formed of one of metal or plastic, the cosmetic palette comprising:

a base including a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and

a non-metallic, substantially planar retention layer that is secured to the first side so that the retention layer covers at least approximately 50% of the first side, the retention layer being adapted to removably secure the cosmetic component so that the retention layer inhibits movement of the cosmetic component relative to the first side, the retention layer being formed at least partially from one of a plastic material or a vinyl compound, the retention layer being devoid of any predetermined locations that are adapted to secure the cosmetic component.