Applicator for facial formulas

Abstract

Formula applicators suitable for use in the cosmetics industry, among others. Several disclosed applicators are ergonomically designed to work with the contours of the face. Several are provided with one or more surfaces that are ergonomically and anatomically designed to provide, for example, precise control of the application of a formula to the face, and in particular, under and around the eyes. The applicators include, for example, a flexible free end portion that applies the formula to the face. Some applicators are configured to apply a film-like formula, including formulas having compositions that comprise at least one thermoplastic elastomer, at least one adhesive polymer, and at least one filler.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . An applicator, comprising:
 an applicator body having a handle portion and an application portion, the application portion forming a rounded tip at a free end thereof,   wherein the applicator body is configured such that the stiffness of at least the application portion is different than the handle portion.   
     
     
         2 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the central axis of the tip is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the application body. 
     
     
         3 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the rounded tip is in the range between about 9.0 mm and about 9.5 mm. 
     
     
         4 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the tip is tapered. 
     
     
         5 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising a depression disposed on the tip, the depression configured to receive a dose of formula. 
     
     
         6 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising means for indicating a location for receiving a dose of formula. 
     
     
         7 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising a cleanliness indicator disposed on the application portion. 
     
     
         8 . The applicator of  claim 7 , wherein the cleanliness indicator comprises a microtextured surface. 
     
     
         9 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising means for indicating the cleanliness of the application portion. 
     
     
         10 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the application portion varies is stiffness along its length or parts thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the handle portion includes a material having a first stiffness and the application portion includes a material having a second stiffness, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness. 
     
     
         12 . The applicator of  claim 11 , wherein the handle portion includes a projection that projects into a section of the application portion, the projection configured to alter the stiffness of at least part of the application portion. 
     
     
         13 . An applicator, comprising:
 an applicator body having a handle portion and an application portion, the application portion forming a rounded, tapering tip at a free end thereof;   means for varying the stiffness of the applicator body along portions thereof;   means for indicating a location for receiving a dose of formula.   
     
     
         14 . The applicator of  claim 13 , further comprising means for indicating the cleanliness of the application portion. 
     
     
         15 . The applicator of  claim 13 , wherein said means for indicating the cleanliness includes a microtextured surface. 
     
     
         16 . The applicator of  claim 13 , wherein said means for indicating a location includes a depression disposed in the tip of the applicator body. 
     
     
         17 . The applicator of  claim 13 , wherein said means for indicating a location includes a textured area disposed in the tip of the applicator body.