Makeup Tool

Abstract

A makeup or cosmetic tool or blender for applying liquid, powder, or cream foundation, eyeshadow, blush, facial or body mask, etc. The makeup tool includes a main body and a sleeve or shell partially covering the main body. The main body is made of a material with porous structure such as sponge. The sleeve or shell is made of silicone or rubber.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a makeup tool or blender for makeup/cosmetic. In particular, a multi-purpose makeup tool or blender for effective and efficient application of makeup.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the current technology, there are separate tools or blenders for applying powder foundation and liquid foundation. Both of these tools, applicators or blenders are typically block shaped and made of one kind of material. When applying the liquid or powder foundations, certain parts such as the wings of the nose are usually missed. In order to reach those areas, it is necessary to roll or fold up the tool or blender, and even though the tools or blenders are usually made of flexible materials, this constant flexing will disadvantageously distort its shape, causing different shades of uneven foundation being applied, and affect the useful life of the tool or blender.

In particular, when applying makeup such as foundation, the contact between the block shaped tool or blender and the face is not a good fit. This causes the foundation layer to be unevenly applied. Being made with just one kind of material, the traditional tool or blender tends to waste more foundation.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved makeup tool or blender that can effectively and efficiently apply various makeup.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to solve the technical challenge by providing a makeup tool or blender that can be used for different cosmetics such as a variety of foundations, eyeshadow, facial or body mask (such as mud mask), etc. It is easy to use, makes putting on makeup faster and uses less products.

The makeup tool or blender of the present invention includes a main body, a sleeve or shell on and partially cover the main body, the material for the sleeve or shell can be any of the following: silicone, silicone gel, or rubber. The main body is elastic, and can be made from one of these materials: silicone with pores, sponge, or fiber.

The present invention can have the following structure: a makeup tool or blender that includes a main body, the main body includes a tail portion and a head portion. The head portion has a general conical shape section and a convex curve on the outer surface, with a sleeve/shell for the main body. The tail portion has a general circular platform shape section and a convex curve on the outer surface. In one embodiment, the bottom part of the tail portion has a convex curve. In another embodiment, the tail portion has inclined surfaces and the bottom part of the tail portion has an edge. In another embodiment, the head portion has an inclined surface. In another embodiment, the sleeve or shell covers both the head and tail portions of the main body.

The present invention has a unique design, shortening the time used to apply makeup, and evenly distributes the thickness of the makeup or foundation without wasting the makeup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and are shown in the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the main body of a makeup tool of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the sleeve of a makeup tool of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the makeup tool of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the makeup tool of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the sleeve of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a third embodiment of the makeup tool of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a right side view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a left side view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the makeup tool of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of the makeup tool of the present invention without a sleeve/shell.

FIG. 15 is a left side view of FIG. 14, the right side view is identical.

FIG. 16 is the left side view of FIG. 14 with a sleeve/shell.

FIG. 17 is the right side view of FIG. 14 with a sleeve/shell.

FIG. 18 is the front view of FIG. 14 with a sleeve/shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, wherein the same reference number indicates the same element throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 a makeup tool or blender 100 that includes a main body 1 and a sleeve/shell 30.

The main body 1 of the makeup tool 100 as shown in FIG. 1 has a tear drop, round shape. However, the main body 1 can have a traditional block shape, circular shape, or an irregular shape. The main body 1 can be made of elastic, porous sponge, silicone, fiber material, or other porous structure such that it can absorb/store a small amount of makeup. The porous structure allows the main body 1 to be compressible/conformable to certain shapes during makeup application to ensure a good contact with the contour of a user's face. The main body 1 has a head portion 10 and a tail portion 20. A user can hold either the head portion 10 or the tail portion 20 to apply makeup with the makeup tool 100.

The head portion 10 is a generally conical shape with a generally pointed tip 11 and curved outer surface 12. The pointed tip 11 makes it easier to apply makeup to hard to reach places, such as the wings of the nose or the eye area, and it would be unnecessary to roll up or squish the makeup tool 100 as with prior art blenders to create the smaller tip. The curved outer surface 12 allows cosmetics such as foundation to stay in place on the main body 1 so that powder, liquid, or cream foundation will not spread or drip. For prior art blenders, it is harder to control the pickup surface, resulting in makeup sticking to other parts of the blender unintentionally. This not only results in waste, but also makes it harder to control the thickness of the foundation during application.

The tail portion 20 has a generally circular platform shape with a generally planar bottom surface 21 and a curved outer surface 22. The generally circular platform has a small diameter at the lower end compared to the upper end. The planar bottom surface 21 allows the main body 1 to be in an upright standing portion. The planar surface 21 of the tail portion 20 can also be utilized to apply makeup. The boundary where the head portion 10 and the tail portion 20 meets has the widest diameter and is continuous so that the curved outer surface 12 of the head portion 10 and the curved outer surface 22 of the tail portion 20 are smooth in transition. The curved outer surfaces 12 and 22 allow all surfaces on the makeup tool 100 to be used for applying makeup and provide good contact against different parts of a user's face to provide improved application.

Sleeve 30 removably fits over the head portion 10 of the main body 1 to partially cover the main body 1. Sleeve 30 is made of a skin-like material, such as silicone, silicone gel, or rubber, such that it is soft, has a smooth surface, and will not absorb excess liquid makeup or foundation. Both the main body 1 and the sleeve 30 can be used to apply makeup/cosmetic/facial or body mask, whether the sleeve 30 is fitted over the main body 1 or not. However, it is easier to hold the sleeve 30 when it is fitted over the main body 1. The provision of a sleeve 30 over the main body 1 makes the makeup tool 100 easier and more convenient to use than prior art makeup tool or blender. A prior art makeup tool/blender that is entirely made of sponge would waste the liquid makeup or foundation or facial/body mask as it is absorbent. With the silicone sleeve 30 over the main body 1, less makeup or foundation or facial/body mask is absorbed and avoids waste. Further, the silicon sleeve 30 advantageously facilitates application of liquid makeup or foundation or facial mask to the face due to its smooth surface, which is comfortable against the face and allows the liquid makeup or foundation or facial mask to be spread evenly to achieve improved results. If a user desires to use the makeup tool 100 as a prior art blender, one can simply remove the sleeve 30 and use the main body 1 without the sleeve 30.

Another advantage of the sleeve 30 is that it covers the main body 1, keeping the main body 1 clean by avoiding dust, dirt, or other contamination. Additionally, sleeve 30 can be used to hold powdery substances such as powder foundation, blush or eye shadow, as well as other makeup/cosmetics such as liquid foundation. With the sleeve 30 removed from the main body 1, a user can pour the needed amount of cosmetic into the cavity 31 of the sleeve 30, and then use the main body 1 to apply the cosmetic by first dipping the main body 1 into the cavity 31 of the sleeve 30. The cavity 31 can also serve as a mixing pot for different colors of makeup prior to application using the main body 1. The porous structure of the main body 1 would absorb or be coated with the powder or liquid makeup. Once the cosmetic is applied, the main body 1 and the sleeve 30 (whether on the main body 1 or not) can be used to spread/blend the cosmetic. By dispensing only the necessary amount of cosmetic into the cavity 31 of sleeve 30, less cosmetic is wasted and minimizes cross-contamination of the cosmetic. As a result of the material that the sleeve 30 is made of, i.e. silicone, silicone gel, or rubber, the sleeve 30 can be easily cleaned and will not retain dirt.

FIGS. 4-7 show a second embodiment of the makeup tool 101 of the present invention. The main body 1 of makeup tool 101 is similar to the makeup tool 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3. In comparison with the sleeve 30 in FIGS. 1-3, sleeve 32 removably fits over the tail portion 20 (instead of the head portion 10) of the main body 1 to partially cover the main body 1. In addition, on the outer surface of the sleeve 32 is, optionally, a plurality of concentric ring markings or raised ridges 33. The ring markings or raised ridges 33 provide a gauge for measuring out the amount of cosmetics. Cosmetics can be placed or squeezed onto the ring markings or raised ridges 33 of the sleeve 32 to determine how much is needed without being wasteful. Once the appropriate amount of cosmetics is on the outer surface of the sleeve 32, it can then directly pat/dot/apply the cosmetic or makeup on a user's face. The user can then use either the sponge head portion 10 of the main body 1 or the sleeve 32 to further spread/blend the makeup.

FIGS. 8-12 show a third embodiment of the makeup tool 102 of the present invention. The main body 1 of makeup tool 102 is similar to the makeup tool 100 or 101 shown in FIGS. 1-7 and has a pointed tip conical head portion 10, but has a truncated tail portion 22. The truncated tail portion 22 has at least one inclined surface. The makeup tool 102 has three inclined surfaces 23a, 23b, or 23c. Inclined surface 23a is opposite of inclined surfaces 23b and 23c. Inclined surfaces 23a and 23c intersect at the distal end of the truncated tail portion 22 to form a first edge 24. Inclined surfaces 23b and 23c intersect to form a second edge 25. Each inclined surface has a different surface area and shape—inclined surface 23a is the largest and is generally semi-oval, inclined surface 23b is second largest and is generally semi-circular, and inclined surface 23c is the smallest and is generally rectangular. While the inclined surfaces 23a, 23b, and 23c are shown to be planar, each can also be non-planar, such as convex, concave, or an uneven surface.

Similar to sleeve 30 of FIGS. 1-3, sleeve 34 of makeup tool 102 fits over the head portion 10 of the main body 1 to partially cover the main body 1. However, instead of covering more than half of the main body 1 with sleeve 30, sleeve 34 covers only around the pointed tip 11 of the head portion 10. Sleeve 34 can either be removably fitted over the pointed tip 11 or be fixedly attached.

The makeup tool 102 advantageously provides different surfaces and edges for the application and blending of makeup during use. For example, inclined surface 23a is ideal for coverage application on wider areas such as cheeks or the forehead; inclined surfaces 23b and 23c are ideal for precision application on hard to reach areas such as under the eyes, sides of the nose; sleeve 34 at the pointed tip 11 is ideal for detailing application and under the eyes; and the first edge 24, second edge 25, and the curved perimeter edges of the inclined surfaces 23a, 23b and 23c are ideal for reaching different areas and surfaces to apply makeup/facial mask or remove excess makeup/facial mask.

FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the makeup tool 103 of the present invention. The main body 1 of makeup tool 103 is similar to the makeup tool 101 shown in FIGS. 4-7, except that the pointed tip conical head portion 10 has an inclined surface 13. The inclined surface 13 begins at the pointed tip 11 and ends near the boundary where the head portion 10 and the tail portion 20 meets. Inclined surface 13 has a tear drop shape and is planar. The inclined surface 13 can also be non-planar. Sleeve 32 of the makeup tool 103 is the same as the sleeve 32 of makeup tool 101. The makeup tool 103 advantageously provides an additional inclined surface 13 and a perimeter edge of the inclined surface 13 for the application and blending of makeup during use. The inclined surface 13 is ideal for coverage application on wider areas such as cheeks or the forehead; and the curved perimeter edge of the inclined surface 13 is ideal for reaching different areas and surfaces to apply makeup/facial mask or remove excess makeup/facial mask.

FIGS. 14-18 show a fifth embodiment of the makeup tool 104 of the present invention. The main body 1 of makeup tool 104 is similar to the makeup tool 102 shown in FIGS. 8-12 with a truncated tail portion 22, except that it has two substantially identical inclined surfaces 26a and 26b. Inclined surfaces 26a and 26b are opposite each other, intersecting at the distal end of the truncated tail portion 22 to form an edge 27. The inclined surfaces 26a and 26b and edge 27 provide the same advantages as previously discussed in connection with the various inclined surfaces and edges of makeup tools 102 and 103.

Unlike sleeves 30, 32, and 34, sleeve 35 of makeup tool 104 is removably fitted over both the head portion 10 and the tail portion 20. Sleeve 35 covers the entire pointed tip 11, inclined surface 26a, and edge 27, and partially covers inclined surface 26b. Aside from the same advantages as previously discussed for the various inclined surfaces and edges, the additional coverage of the sleeve 35 allows the different surfaces and edges to have different textures and absorbency. A user may opt to use the main body 1 alone without the sleeve 35 for certain applications and use the main body 1 with the sleeve 35 for other applications.

As shown above, the makeup tool 100, 101, 102, 103, or 104 of the present invention advantageously shortens the time in applying makeup, is less wasteful with the makeup, and can effectively blend and apply the makeup for an improved overall look.

The features of the invention illustrated and described herein are the preferred embodiments. Therefore, it is understood that the specification is intended to cover unforeseeable embodiments with insubstantial differences that are within the spirit of the specification.

Claims

1. A makeup tool, comprising:

a main body made of a material having a porous structure; and

a sleeve conforming to the shape of said main body and partially covering said main body made of a material selected from the group consisting of: silicone, silicone gel, and rubber.

2. The makeup tool of claim 1 wherein said sleeve is removable from said main body.

3. The makeup tool of claim 1 wherein said porous structure is selected from the group consisting of: sponge, silicone with pores, and fiber.

4. The makeup tool of claim 1 wherein said main body has a head portion and a tail portion, and said sleeve partially covers said head portion.

5. The makeup tool of claim 1 wherein said main body has a head portion and a tail portion, and said sleeve partially covers said tail portion.

6. The makeup tool of claim 1 wherein said main body has a head portion and a tail portion, and said sleeve partially covers both of said head portion and said tail portion.

7. The makeup tool of claim 1 wherein said main body has a generally tear drop, round shape.

8. The makeup tool of claim 7 wherein said main body has a head portion and a tail portion, said head portion has a generally conical shape with a pointed tip and curved outer surface and said tail portion has a generally circular platform shape with a generally planar bottom surface and curved outer surface.

9. The makeup tool of claim 8 wherein the boundary between said head portion and said portion has the widest diameter and is continuous such that said curved outer surface of said head portion and said curved outer surface of said tail portion are smooth in transition.

10. The makeup tool of claim 1 wherein said main body has a head portion and a tail portion, wherein said head portion has a generally conical shape and said tail portion has a truncated tail portion with at least one inclined surface.

11. The makeup tool of claim 8 wherein said main body has at least one inclined surface.

12. The makeup tool of claim 8 wherein said head portion has at least one inclined surface.

13. The makeup tool of claim 8 wherein said tail portion has at least one inclined surface.

14. The makeup tool of claim 10 having first and second inclined surfaces, wherein said first inclined surface is opposite said second inclined surface and said first and second inclined surfaces intersect at a distal end of said truncated tail portion.

15. The makeup tool of claim 10 having first, second, and third inclined surfaces, wherein said first inclined surface is opposite said second and third inclined surfaces, said first and third inclined surfaces intersect at a distal end of said truncated tail portion, and said second and third inclined surfaces intersect.

16. The makeup tool of claim 15 wherein said first, second, and third inclined surfaces have different surface areas and shapes.

17. The makeup tool of claim 16 wherein said first inclined surface has the largest surface area and a generally semi-oval shape, said third inclined surface has the smallest surface area and a generally rectangular shape, and said second inclined surface has a surface area smaller than said first inclined surface and larger than said third inclined surface and a generally semi-circular shape.

18. The makeup tool of claim 11 wherein said at least one inclined surface is planar.

19. The makeup tool of claim 11 wherein said at least one inclined surface it non-planar.