Cosmetic article selection device and related method

Abstract

A cosmetic article selection device and method is provided including a storage mechanism for holding at least one coupon and a dispensing mechanism for delivering the coupon to a consumer. The coupon includes either a physical test requiring contact with a body part or a plurality of questions. Results from the test or from the questions provide an output which may be correlated with a most suitable product from a plurality of similar type products. The coupon will also contain a discount offer on purchase of the most suitable product.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A cosmetic article selection device comprising: 
 (a) a storage means for holding at least one coupon, the coupon comprising a contact test with a consumer's body or a plurality of questions and a suggested product list correlating from a plurality of similar products a most suitable product identified by output from the test or from answers to the questions; and    (b) a dispensing means for delivery to a consumer of a coupon in paper format, the coupon including an in-store discount offer on purchase of the most suitable product.    
     
     
         2 . The article according to  claim 1  wherein the test measures body properties selected from the group consisting of pH, oiliness, moisture, skin dryness, temperature and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The article according to  claim 1  wherein the storage and dispensing means is an instant coupon machine which is a device storing the at least one coupon in a compartment with a slot through which coupons are removable, and an attachment device whereby the machine is attachable to a store shelf.  
     
     
         4 . The article according to  claim 1  wherein the storage and dispensing means is a newspaper or magazine having the coupon printed therein with a border of solid or dashed line indicating a cut-out direction.  
     
     
         5 . A method for selecting a product more suitable for a consumer from among possible variants, the method comprising: 
 (i) obtaining a coupon from a coupon dispensing device, the device comprising: 
 (a) a storage means for holding at least one coupon, the coupon comprising a contact test with a consumer's body or a plurality of questions and a suggested product list correlating from a plurality of similar products a most suitable product identified by output from the test or from answers to the questions; and  
 (b) a dispensing means for delivery to a consumer of the at least one coupon in paper format, the coupon including a discount offer on purchase of the most suitable product;  
   (ii) employing the test against an appropriate body part or answering the plurality of questions to collect the output, correlating the output with the suggested product list to identify the most suitable product; and    (iii) purchasing the identified most suitable product.