MAKEUP SHIELD

Abstract

A makeup shield comprising a pliant sheet sufficiently flexible to overlay selected contoured portions of the human body, e.g. around the eyes, and having at least one edge shaped to conform to an important feature of the body portion, e.g. having a concave arcuate edge to closely follow the edge of the eye. The shaped edge allows careful positioning and covering selected areas without contact to areas to be avoided. The makeup shield may be held in place with an adhesive disposed on the shield at the arcuate edge or recessed slightly to permit a protective cover without the presence of the adhesive to change the makeup to be protected. Thus, the present invention will allow the user to avoid tugging at delicate under eye area to remove unwanted makeup and smearing, and frees up the user's hand from holding tissues under the eyes to catch makeup powders and the flaking of makeup. Further embodiments include moisturizers and other skin substances which are carried by or impregnated in the shield and transferred to the underlying skin while the makeup shield is in place. Additional embodiments relate to particular shapes, e.g. asymmetrically shaped makeup shields, and holders or carriers provided to facilitate storage and application thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to makeup aids used in the process of applying makeup. More specifically, this application relates to makeup shields disposed to prevent unwanted transfer of makeup products upon selected body sites, e.g. adjacent the eyes and shaped to conform thereto.

BACKGROUND

The typical makeup process typically includes multiple and often very different steps involving the treatment and preparation of the skin and related body features, e.g. hair, and the application of a wide variety of products desired to impart different effects, all provided in relatively close proximity and some steps being provided in areas of difficult access.

Unfortunately, the application of some makeup products in or on one area will spoil the completed application in nearby or adjacent areas, which cannot be easily avoided or repaired. Crude hand-held shields, often no more than any available nearby loose paper pieces may be used as a last resort. However, holding the piece of paper in the proper manner to effect the desired shielding is not easily done and is a significant distraction if the holder is attempting further makeup application or other steps in the esthetic process. Moreover, important areas such as near the eyes cannot be easily shielded as the curved shapes and detail of the makeup make straight-edged paper ineffective and hand-held cloth to difficult to manage without damaging the makeup already applied.

SUMMARY

The makeup shield according to the present invention comprises a pliant sheet sufficiently flexible to overlay selected contoured portions of the human body, e.g. around the eyes, and having at least one edge shaped to conform to an important feature of the body portion, e.g. having a concave arcuate edge to closely follow the edge of the eye. The shaped edge allows careful positioning and covering selected areas without contact to areas to be avoided. The makeup shield may be held in place with an adhesive disposed on the shield at the arcuate edge or recessed slightly to permit a protective cover without the presence of the adhesive to change the makeup to be protected. Thus, the present invention will allow the user to avoid tugging at delicate under eye area to remove unwanted makeup and smearing, and frees up the user's hand from holding tissues under the eyes to catch makeup powders and the flaking of makeup.

Further embodiments include moisturizers and other skin substances which are carried by or impregnated in the shield and transferred to the underlying skin while the makeup shield is in place. Additional embodiments relate to particular shapes, e.g. asymmetrically shaped makeup shields, and holders or carriers provided to facilitate storage and application thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings, when considered in connection with the following description, are presented for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected.

FIG. 1A is a plan view of one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a plan view of an alternate embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a plan view of a further alternate embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-section of one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an application of the embodiment of FIG. 1C; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention including a container.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A makeup shield 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1A, comprises a substantially planar sheet 52 of a flexible material having sufficient structure to block makeup or other matter from passing through the sheet, and may include various flexible papers or fabrics, such as cotton, linen, etc., and is generally formed in a diamond (rhombus) shape and includes an arcuate concave edge 54, resulting in a somewhat asymmetric shape. Similarly, a second planar sheet 56 is formed with a mirror-image of the planar sheet 52, and together are suitable for use on the face under the eyes. Being asymmetric, the shields 52, 56 may be used in pairs or singly as desired. Moreover, as shown in the embodiment 50, the arcuate edges 54, 58 may depart from a circle curvature as desired to accommodate the facial feature to which the shields relate.

An alternate embodiment of the shield 60 shown in FIG. 1B is generally symmetric (along a vertical dimension in the illustrative figure), having a generally trapezoidal shape with a larger arcuate concave edge 62, a narrower opposite edge 64. A further alternate embodiment of the shield 70 shown in FIG. 1C comprises a side having edge 72 having a concave arcuate shape and an opposite side 74 having a convex arcuate edge of substantially similar length, also providing a generally symmetrical embodiment.

A vertical cross-section 80 of one embodiment 52A is shown in FIG. 2, having a deposit of an adhesive 82 proximal to the top edge 54A, typically terminating therewith. However, alternate embodiments provide a slight recess 86 or set back of the adhesive from the edge 54A. The adhesive 82 typically comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive, but may include other forms of adhesive as desired and as applicable for the region of the body. Also shown in the embodiment 80 of FIG. 2 is the planar sheet 52A includes a layer 84 and an optional disposition 88 of a topical material, e.g. lotions, aloe, etc., which may be carried on the surface having the adhesive 82 thereon, or absorbed or carried within the layer 84 to contact and be transferred to the skin. Still further embodiments envision material to be transferred to the skin to be carried within the adhesive 82 itself.

In FIG. 3, the exemplary embodiment 70 of the shield according to the present invention is shown applied to the face 90 under the lower eyelid 92 and secured gently by the adhesive on the rear (not shown in FIG. 3) of the shield. Typically in use, the facial area under the shield 70 will have had makeup applied prior to the application of the shield, and after application of the shield, makeup is applied to facial areas above the eye. With the shield 70 in place, any stray makeup will be blocked from the surface under the shield 70. After the application of makeup is complete, the shield 70 is removed having protected the previously applied makeup from damage. While the shield embodiment 70 is shown in FIG. 3, other embodiments provided within the scope of the present invention are applicable as discussed above.

A dispensing container 90 is shown in FIG. 4 typically having a central planar member 92 and having compartments 94A and 94B substantially symmetrically disposed on either surface of the planar member 92 and generally aligned with each other. When used with asymmetrical shields, e.g. 52 and 56, each type from the pairs of asymmetrical shields may reside in a corresponding compartment, e.g. 94A and 94B to facilitate ease of use. Moreover, further alternate embodiments of the dispensing container 90 may itself be asymmetric to correspond to the shape of the shields contained therein. The container 90 typically includes panels 96A and 96B to enclose and/or secure the shields in the respective compartment 94A and 94B, and are opened to provide access to the shields contained therein. The panels 96A and 96B may comprise hinged panels or flexible panels.

It should also be appreciated that apart from being utilized as a makeup shield, the present invention may also be utilized as a topical substance applicator. Although not shown, the present invention may include a substantially planar sheet of a flexible material having significant surface area to attach to a facial surface and made of similar materials as the makeup shield described above. Further, a topical substance such as aloe and/or other skin conditioners, may be disposed substantially onto said planar member. The topical substance application device may attach to a person's face using the adhesive quality of the topical substance disposed on said planar member. It should also be noted that the application device may contain an adhesive, substantially disposed onto said planar member along with said topical substance to assist in adhesion.

Modifications and substitutions made by one of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the present invention, which is not limited except by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A facial shield, comprising:

a flexible planar member having a concave arcuate edge; and

an adhesive disposed proximal to said arcuate edge.

2. The facial shield of claim 1, wherein said planar member comprises one of a cotton and a linen fabric.

3. The facial shield of claim 1, wherein said planar member is an asymmetrical planar member.

4. The facial shield of claim 1 further comprises a second, mirror-image facial shield being otherwise substantially identical thereto.

5. The facial shield of claim 4 further including a case having correspondingly shaped recesses therein adapted to receive one of said facial shield and said mirror-image facial shield.

6. The facial shield of claim 1, wherein said planar member comprises one of a rhombus and a trapezoidal shape.

7. The facial shield of claim 1, wherein said planar member is a symmetrical planar member.

8. The facial shield of claim 1, wherein said adhesive is disposed substantially at said arcuate edge.

9. The facial shield of claim 1, wherein said adhesive comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive.

10. The facial shield of claim 1, further including a topical substance capable of transfer to a facial surface upon which said facial shield is applied.

11. The facial shield of claim 10, wherein said topical substance comprises at least one of aloe and skin conditioners.

12. A method of makeup application, comprising the steps of:

applying a contoured shield proximal to a selected body feature, said contoured shield having an arcuate edge being disposed proximal to said selected body feature and overlying a body portion adjacent said selected body feature;

securing said contoured shield with an adhesive;

applying makeup at least proximal to said body feature; and

removing said contoured shield.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each said steps of applying proximal to a selected body feature comprises the step of applying proximal to the eye.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of applying a contoured sheet comprises the step of applying an asymmetrical shield.

15. A topical application device comprising:

a flexible planar member; and

a topical substance disposed substantially over said planar member.

16. The topical application device of claim 15, wherein said planar member comprises one of a cotton and a linen fabric.

17. The topical application device of claim 15, wherein said topical substance comprises at least one of aloe and skin conditioners.

18. The topical application device of claim 15, wherein said topical substance further includes an adhesive disposed substantially to said planar member.

19. The topical application device of claim 15, wherein said planar member, when attached to a facial surface, stays substantially in place.

20. The topical application device of claim 19, wherein said topical substance further includes an adhesive disposed substantially to said planar member.