Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator includes a body defining a hollow interior. The body includes an outer layer made at least in part from an absorbent material and an inner layer that isolates the outer layer from the hollow interior.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A cosmetic applicator, comprising a body defining a hollow interior, the body having an outer layer made at least in part from an absorbent material and an inner layer that isolates the outer layer from the hollow interior. 
     
     
         2 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer is a resilient material. 
     
     
         3 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer is made from open cell foam. 
     
     
         4 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion the outer layer has a predetermined rigidity, and wherein at least one of the material of the outer layer and a cross-sectional thickness of the outer layer at least partially determines the rigidity of at least a portion of the body. 
     
     
         5 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the body includes at least first and second sides and at least first, second, and third corners. 
     
     
         6 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer includes at least one textured surface. 
     
     
         7 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the outer layer is flocked using nylon (PA) fibers or any other material. 
     
     
         8 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer is one of a coating or film. 
     
     
         9 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer includes at least a first area coated with a first material and second area coated with a second material different from the first material. 
     
     
         10 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 9 , wherein the first area of the outer layer includes at least one of a hydrophilic material or a hydrophobic material. 
     
     
         11 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 10 , wherein the hydrophilic material is chosen from a group consisting of polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP), polyurethanes, polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polysaccharides, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 10 , wherein the hydrophobic material is chosen from a group consisting of manganese oxide polystyrene (MnO2/PS) nano-composite, zinc oxide polystyrene (ZnO/PS) nano-composite, precipitated calcium carbonate[3], carbon nano-tube structures, silica nano-coating, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 9 , wherein the first area of the outer layer includes a hydrophilic material and the second area includes a hydrophobic material. 
     
     
         14 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the outer layer is treated with a plasma treatment. 
     
     
         15 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the outer layer has a patterned surface to increase wettability. 
     
     
         16 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer is at least partially detachable from the outer layer. 
     
     
         17 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer is formed from at least one of thermoset polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic urethanes, and thermoplastic vulcanizates. 
     
     
         18 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer is coated or treated to increase waterproofing properties of the inner layer. 
     
     
         19 . The cosmetic applicator of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer is treated with additives that have antimicrobial effects.