Notched brush and make-up device including this brush

Abstract

A brush has an elongate core, bristles fitted radially into this core, and at least one notch consisting of at least two secant faces defining by their intersection a trough line. The two faces are asymmetric and form an angle at any point of their intersection of between 60° and 180°.

1. A brush comprising:
 an elongate core defining a central axis of the brush;  
 bristles fitted radially into said core, the ends of said bristles defining the external surface of the brush, and the ends of the longest ones of the bristles defining an envelope surface;  
 at least one notch in the external surface of the brush and comprising at least two secant faces, a first of said faces defining a non-concave notch back and having a height which varies along the axis, and a second of said faces defining a notch front and having a height which varies along the axis, said secant faces defining at their intersection a trough line,  
 wherein the intersection of the notch front of one notch with the envelope surface of the brush or with the notch back of a second notch defines a peak ridge forming the vertex of an emergent angle (α), wherein the two secant faces are asymmetric and form a reentrant angle (β) of between 60° and 180° at any point along the trough line.  
 
     
     
       2. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the core is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core. 
     
     
       3. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein each notch is obtained by trimming the brush. 
     
     
       4. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the two faces extend from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       5. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the reentrant angle of the two faces of each notch is between 90° and 160°. 
     
     
       6. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the notch front is plane. 
     
     
       7. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the notch front is convex. 
     
     
       8. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the height of each notch front is less than the height of the corresponding notch back. 
     
     
       9. The brush according to  claim 8 , wherein the height of each notch front is less than ⅔ of the height of the corresponding notch back. 
     
     
       10. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the envelope surface of the brush is a cone frustum. 
     
     
       11. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the notch front and notch back is straight. 
     
     
       12. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the emergent angle (α) is constant over the entire length of the brush. 
     
     
       13. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the reentrant angle (β) is constant from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       14. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the external surface of the brush consists entirely of generatrices converging to a fixed point (P). 
     
     
       15. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the trough line is straight. 
     
     
       16. The brush according to  claim 15 , wherein the trough line converges to the same point (P) as the generatrices of the surface of the brush. 
     
     
       17. The brush according to  claim 15 , wherein the peak ridge converges to the same point (P) as the generatrices of the surface of the brush. 
     
     
       18. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the peak ridge is straight. 
     
     
       19. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the notch back is rounded and has a radius such that the notch back is tangent to the envelope surface of the brush. 
     
     
       20. The brush according to  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of said notches. 
     
     
       21. The brush according to  claim 20 , wherein the notches are adjacent to one another. 
     
     
       22. The brush according to  claim 20 , wherein the notches are regularly spaced. 
     
     
       23. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the trough line extends over only a part of the length of the brush. 
     
     
       24. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein each notch is of spiral shape. 
     
     
       25. A make-up device comprising:
 a mascara reservoir;  
 a wiping constriction; and  
 a mascara applicator comprising an elongate core defining a central axis, bristles fitted radially into said core, the ends of said bristles defining an external surface, and the ends of the longest ones of the bristles defining an envelope surface, at least one notch in the external surface and comprising at least two secant faces, a first of said faces defining a non-concave notch back and having a height which varies along the axis, and a second of said faces defining a notch front and having a height which varies along the axis, said secant faces defining at their intersection a trough line, wherein the intersection of the notch front of one notch with the envelope surface or with the notch back of a second notch defines a peak ridge forming the vertex of an emergent angle (α), wherein the two secant faces are asymmetric and forms a reentrant angle (β) of between 60° and 180° at any point along the trough line.  
 
     
     
       26. A brush comprising:
 an elongate core;  
 bristles fitted radially into said core, the ends of said bristles defining the external surface of the brush, and the ends of the longest ones of the bristles defining an envelope surface;  
 at least one notch in the external surface of the brush and comprising at least two secant faces, a first of said faces defining a notch back, and a second of said faces defining a notch front, wherein said notch back is at least in part non-concave, said secant faces defining at their intersection a trough line extending in a direction which is not perpendicular to the length of said elongate core,  
 wherein the intersection of the notch front of one notch with the envelope surface of the brush or with the notch back of a second notch defines a peak ridge forming the vertex of an emergent angle (α), wherein the two secant faces are asymmetric and form a reentrant angle (β) of between 60° and 180° at any point along the trough line.  
 
     
     
       27. A make-up device comprising:
 a mascara reservoir;  
 a wiping constriction; and  
 a mascara applicator comprising an elongate core, bristles fitted radially into said core, the ends of said bristles defining an external surface, and the ends of the longest ones of the bristles defining an envelope surface, at least one notch in the external surface and comprising at least two secant faces, a first of said faces defining a notch back, and a second of said faces defining a notch front, wherein said notch back is at least in part non-concave, said secant faces defining at their intersection a trough line extending in a direction which is not perpendicular to the length of said elongate core, wherein the intersection of the notch front of one notch with the envelope surface or with the notch back of a second notch defines a peak ridge forming the vertex of an emergent angle (α), wherein the two secant faces are asymmetric and form a reentrant angle (β) of between 60° and 180° at any point along the trough line.  
 
     
     
       28. A brush comprising:
 an elongate core;  
 bristles fitted radially into said core, the ends of said bristles defining the external surface of the brush, and the ends of the longest ones of the bristles defining an envelope surface;  
 at least one notch in the external surface of the brush and comprising at least two secant faces, a first of said faces defining a notch back, and a second of said faces defining a notch front, wherein said notch back is non-concave, said secant faces defining at their intersection a trough line extending in a direction which is not perpendicular to the length of said elongate core,  
 wherein the intersection of the notch front of one notch with the envelope surface of the brush or with the notch back of a second notch defines a peak ridge forming the vertex of an emergent angle (α), wherein the two secant faces are asymmetric and form a reentrant angle (β) of between 60° and 180° at any point along the trough line.  
 
     
     
       29. A make-up device comprising:
 a mascara reservoir;  
 a wiping constriction; and  
 a mascara applicator comprising an elongate core, bristles fitted radially into said core, the ends of said bristles defining an external surface, and the ends of the longest ones of the bristles defining an envelope surface, at least one notch in the external surface and comprising at least two secant faces, a first of said faces defining a notch back, and a second of said faces defining a notch front, wherein said notch back is non-concave, said secant faces defining a notch at their intersection a trough line extending in a direction which is not perpendicular to the length of said elongate core, wherein said intersection of the notch front of one notch with the envelope surface or with the notch back of a second notch defines a peak ridge forming the vertex of an emergent angle (α), wherein the two secant faces are asymmetric and forms a reentrant angle (β) of between 60° and 180° at any point along the trough line.  
 
     
     
       30. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the notch back of the at least one notch is defined by bristles of varying lengths. 
     
     
       31. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       32. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       33. The brush according to  claim 32 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       34. The brush according to  claim 32 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       35. The brush according to  claim 30 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       36. The brush according to  claim 30 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       37. The brush according to  claim 36 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       38. The brush according to  claim 36 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       39. The make-up device according to  claim 25 , wherein the notch back of the at least one notch is defined by bristles of varying lengths. 
     
     
       40. The make-up device according to  claim 25 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       41. The make-up device according to  claim 25 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       42. The make-up device according to  claim 41 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       43. The make-up device according to  claim 41 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       44. The make-up device according to  claim 39 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       45. The make-up device according to  claim 39 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       46. The make-up device according to  claim 45 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       47. The make-up device according to  claim 45 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       48. The brush according to  claim 26 , wherein the notch back of the at least one notch is defined by bristles of varying lengths. 
     
     
       49. The brush according to  claim 26 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       50. The brush according to  claim 26 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       51. The brush according to  claim 50 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       52. The brush according to  claim 50 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       53. The brush according to  claim 48 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       54. The brush according to  claim 48 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       55. The brush according to  claim 54 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       56. The brush according to  claim 54 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       57. The make-up device according to  claim 27 , wherein the notch back of the at least one notch is defined by bristles of varying lengths. 
     
     
       58. The make-up device according to  claim 27 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       59. The make-up device according to  claim 27 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       60. The make-up device according to  claim 59 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       61. The make-up device according to  claim 59 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       62. The make-up device according to  claim 57 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       63. The make-up device according to  claim 57 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       64. The make-up device according to  claim 63 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       65. The make-up device according to  claim 63 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       66. The brush according to  claim 28 , wherein the notch back of the at least one notch is defined by bristles of varying lengths. 
     
     
       67. The brush according to  claim 28 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       68. The brush according to  claim 28 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       69. The brush according to  claim 68 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       70. The brush according to  claim 68 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       71. The brush according to  claim 66 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       72. The brush according to  claim 66 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       73. The brush according to  claim 72 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       74. The brush according to  claim 72 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       75. The make-up device according to  claim 29 , wherein the notch back of the at least one notch is defined by bristles of varying lengths. 
     
     
       76. The make-up device according to  claim 29 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       77. The make-up device according to  claim 29 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       78. The make-up device according to  claim 77 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       79. The make-up device according to  claim 77 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       80. The make-up device according to  claim 75 , wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       81. The make-up device according to  claim 75 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, and wherein the notch back of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the notch front of another notch. 
     
     
       82. The make-up device according to  claim 81 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       83. The make-up device according to  claim 81 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       84. A brush comprising:
   an elongate core;        bristles extending from said core, ends of said bristles defining an external surface of the brush; and        at least one notch on the external surface of the brush, the at least one notch comprising a front face and a back face, the back face being non-concave and asymmetric with respect to the front face,        wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch intersect one another at a trough line that is spaced away from the core, and        wherein the back face of the at least one notch is defined by bristles having varying lengths.     
     
     
       85. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch are separate and continuous surfaces. 
     
     
       86. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the ends of the longest of the bristles define an envelope surface of the brush. 
     
     
       87. The brush according to  claim 86 , wherein an outer edge of the front face of the at least one notch intersects with the envelope surface, and wherein the back face of the at least one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       88. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, wherein an outer edge of the front face of one notch intersects with the back face of a second notch, and wherein the back face of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the front face of another notch. 
     
     
       89. The brush according to  claim 88 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       90. The brush according to  claim 88 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       91. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the elongate core defines an axis of the brush, and wherein a height of the front face of the at least one notch varies along the axis and a height of the back face of the at least one notch varies along the axis. 
     
     
       92. The brush according to  claim 87 , wherein the intersection of the outer edge of the front face of the at least one notch with the envelope surface defines a peak ridge. 
     
     
       93. The brush according to  claim 88 , wherein the intersection of the outer edge of the front face of the at least one notch with the back face of the second notch defines a peak ridge. 
     
     
       94. The brush according to  claim 92 , wherein the peak ridge forms a vertex of an emergent angle α, and wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch form a reentrant angle β of between  60 ° and  180 ° at any point along the trough line. 
     
     
       95. The brush according to  claim 93 , wherein the peak ridge forms a vertex of an emergent angle α, and wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch form a reentrant angle β of between  60 ° and  180 ° at any point along the trough line. 
     
     
       96. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the core is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core. 
     
     
       97. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch extend from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       98. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch extend along only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       99. The brush according to  claim 94 , wherein the reentrant angle is between  90 ° and  160 °. 
     
     
       100. The brush according to  claim 95 , wherein the reentrant angle is between  90 ° and  160 °. 
     
     
       101. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein at least one of the front face and the back face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       102. The brush according to  claim 101 , wherein the front face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       103. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is convex. 
     
     
       104. The brush according to  claim 102 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       105. The brush according to  claim 102 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is convex. 
     
     
       106. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein a height of the front face of each notch is less than a height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       107. The brush according to  claim 106 , wherein the height of the front face of each notch is less than  2 / 3  of the height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       108. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially rectangularly shaped. 
     
     
       109. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially circularly shaped. 
     
     
       110. The brush according to  claim 94 , wherein the emergent angle α is constant over the entire length of the brush. 
     
     
       111. The brush according to  claim 95 , wherein the emergent angle α is constant over the entire length of the brush. 
     
     
       112. The brush according to  claim 94 , wherein the reentrant angle β is constant from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       113. The brush according to  claim 95 , wherein the reentrant angle β is constant from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       114. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the trough line is straight. 
     
     
       115. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the trough line is curved. 
     
     
       116. The brush according to  claim 92 , wherein the peak ridge is straight. 
     
     
       117. The brush according to  claim 93 , wherein the peak ridge is straight. 
     
     
       118. The brush according to  claim 92 , wherein the peak ridge is curved. 
     
     
       119. The brush according to  claim 93 , wherein the peak ridge is curved. 
     
     
       120. The brush according to  claim 87 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is rounded and has a radius such that the back face is tangent to the envelope surface of the brush. 
     
     
       121. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the at least one notch comprises a plurality of said notches. 
     
     
       122. The brush according to  claim 121 , wherein the notches are adjacent to one another. 
     
     
       123. The brush according to  claim 121 , wherein the notches are regularly spaced. 
     
     
       124. The brush according to  claim 84 , wherein the trough line extends over only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       125. A make-up device comprising:
   a reservoir for containing a make-up product;        a wiping member associated with the reservoir; and        the brush according to    claim 84   .     
     
     
       126. The make-up device of  claim 125 , further comprising mascara contained in the reservoir. 
     
     
       127. A brush comprising:
   an elongate core;        bristles extending from said core, ends of said bristles defining an external surface of the brush; and        at least one notch on the external surface of the brush, the at least one notch comprising a front face and a back face, the back face being at least in part non-concave and asymmetric with respect to the front face,        wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch intersect one another at a trough line that is spaced away from the core, the trough line extending in a direction non-perpendicular to the length of said elongate core, and        wherein the back face of the at least one notch is defined by bristles having varying lengths.     
     
     
       128. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch are separate and continuous surfaces. 
     
     
       129. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the ends of the longest of the bristles define an envelope surface of the brush. 
     
     
       130. The brush according to  claim 129 , wherein an outer edge of the front face of the at least one notch intersects with the envelope surface, and wherein the back face of the at least one notch intersects with the envelope surface. 
     
     
       131. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the at least one notch comprises at least two notches, wherein an outer edge of the front face of one notch intersects with the back face of a second notch, and wherein the back face of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the front face of another notch. 
     
     
       132. The brush according to  claim 131 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       133. The brush according to  claim 131 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       134. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the elongate core defines an axis of the brush, and wherein a height of the front face of the at least one notch varies along the axis and a height of the back face of the at least one notch varies along the axis. 
     
     
       135. The brush according to  claim 130 , wherein the intersection of the outer edge of the front face of the at least one notch with the envelope surface defines a peak ridge. 
     
     
       136. The brush according to  claim 131 , wherein the intersection of the outer edge of the front face of the at least one notch with the back face of the second notch defines a peak ridge. 
     
     
       137. The brush according to  claim 135 , wherein the peak ridge forms a vertex of an emergent angle α, and wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch form a reentrant angle β of between  60 ° and  180 ° at any point along the trough line. 
     
     
       138. The brush according to  claim 136 , wherein the peak ridge forms a vertex of an emergent angle α, and wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch form a reentrant angle β of between  60 ° and  180 ° at any point along the trough line. 
     
     
       139. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the core is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core. 
     
     
       140. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch extend from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       141. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch extend along only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       142. The brush according to  claim 137 , wherein the reentrant angle is between  90 ° and  160 °. 
     
     
       143. The brush according to  claim 138 , wherein the reentrant angle is between  90 ° and  160 °. 
     
     
       144. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein at least one of the front face and the back face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       145. The brush according to  claim 144 , wherein the front face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       146. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is convex. 
     
     
       147. The brush according to  claim 145 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       148. The brush according to  claim 145 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is convex. 
     
     
       149. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein a height of the front face of each notch is less than a height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       150. The brush according to  claim 149 , wherein the height of the front face of each notch is less than  2 / 3  of the height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       151. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially rectangularly shaped. 
     
     
       152. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially circularly shaped. 
     
     
       153. The brush according to  claim 137 , wherein the emergent angle α is constant over the entire length of the brush. 
     
     
       154. The brush according to  claim 138 , wherein the emergent angle α is constant over the entire length of the brush. 
     
     
       155. The brush according to  claim 137 , wherein the reentrant angle β is constant from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       156. The brush according to  claim 138 , wherein the reentrant angle β is constant from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       157. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the trough line is straight. 
     
     
       158. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the trough line is curved. 
     
     
       159. The brush according to  claim 135 , wherein the peak ridge is straight. 
     
     
       160. The brush according to  claim 136 , wherein the peak ridge is straight. 
     
     
       161. The brush according to  claim 135 , wherein the peak ridge is curved. 
     
     
       162. The brush according to  claim 136 , wherein the peak ridge is curved. 
     
     
       163. The brush according to  claim 130 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is rounded and has a radius such that the back face is tangent to the envelope surface of the brush. 
     
     
       164. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the at least one notch comprises a plurality of said notches. 
     
     
       165. The brush according to  claim 164 , wherein the notches are adjacent to one another. 
     
     
       166. The brush according to  claim 164 , wherein the notches are regularly spaced. 
     
     
       167. The brush according to  claim 127 , wherein the trough line extends over only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       168. A make-up device comprising:
   a reservoir for containing a make-up product;        a wiping member associated with the reservoir; and        the brush according to    claim 127   .     
     
     
       169. The make-up device of  claim 168 , further comprising mascara contained in the reservoir. 
     
     
       170. A brush comprising:
   an elongate core;        bristles extending from said core, ends of said bristles defining an external surface of the brush, the ends of the longest of the bristles defining an envelope surface of the brush; and        at least one notch on the external surface of the brush, the at least one notch comprising a front face and a back face, the back face being non-concave and asymmetric with respect to the front face,        wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch intersect one another at a trough line that is spaced away from the core,        wherein an outer edge of the front face of one notch intersects with the envelope surface of the brush, and        wherein the back face of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface of the brush.     
     
     
       171. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch are separate and continuous surfaces. 
     
     
       172. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the elongate core defines an axis of the brush, and wherein a height of the front face of the at least one notch varies along the axis and a height of the back face of the at least one notch varies along the axis. 
     
     
       173. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the intersection of the outer edge of the front face of the at least one notch with the envelope surface defines a peak ridge. 
     
     
       174. The brush according to  claim 173 , wherein the peak ridge forms a vertex of an emergent angle α, and wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch form a reentrant angle β of between  60 ° and  180 ° at any point along the trough line. 
     
     
       175. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the core is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core. 
     
     
       176. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch extend from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       177. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch extend along only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       178. The brush according to  claim 174 , wherein the reentrant angle is between  90 ° and  160 °. 
     
     
       179. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein at least one of the front face and the back face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       180. The brush according to  claim 179 , wherein the front face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       181. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is convex. 
     
     
       182. The brush according to  claim 180 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       183. The brush according to  claim 180 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is convex. 
     
     
       184. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein a height of the front face of each notch is less than a height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       185. The brush according to  claim 184 , wherein the height of the front face of each notch is less than  2 / 3  of the height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       186. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
       187. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially circular. 
     
     
       188. The brush according to  claim 174 , wherein the emergent angle α is constant over the entire length of the brush. 
     
     
       189. The brush according to  claim 174 , wherein the emergent angle β is constant from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       190. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the trough line is straight. 
     
     
       191. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the trough line is curved. 
     
     
       192. The brush according to  claim 173 , wherein the peak ridge is straight. 
     
     
       193. The brush according to  claim 173 , wherein the peak ridge is curved. 
     
     
       194. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is rounded and has a radius such that the back face is tangent to the envelope surface of the brush. 
     
     
       195. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the at least one notch comprises a plurality of said notches. 
     
     
       196. The brush according to  claim 195 , wherein the notches are adjacent to one another. 
     
     
       197. The brush according to  claim 195 , wherein the notches are regularly spaced. 
     
     
       198. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein the trough line extends over only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       199. A make-up device comprising:
   a reservoir for containing a make-up product;        a wiping member associated with the reservoir; and        the brush according to    claim 170   .     
     
     
       200. The make-up device of  claim 199 , further comprising mascara contained in the reservoir. 
     
     
       201. A brush comprising:
   an elongate core;        bristles extending from said core, ends of said bristles defining an external surface of the brush; and        at least two notches on the external surface of the brush, the at least two notches each comprising a front face, a back face, and a trough line, the back face being non-concave and asymmetric with respect to the front face,        wherein the front and back faces of each of the at least two notches intersect one another at the trough line that is spaced away from the core,        wherein an outer edge of the front face of one notch intersects with the back face of a second notch, and        wherein the back face of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the front face of another notch.     
     
     
       202. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least two notches are separate and continuous surfaces. 
     
     
       203. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       204. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       205. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the elongate core defines an axis of the brush, and wherein a height of the front face of the at least two notches varies along the axis and a height of the back face of the at least two notches varies along the axis. 
     
     
       206. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the intersection of the outer edge of the front face of the one notch and the back face of the second notch defines a peak ridge. 
     
     
       207. The brush according to  claim 206 , wherein the peak ridge forms a vertex of an emergent angle α, and wherein the front and back faces of the at least two notches form a reentrant angle β of between  60 ° and  180 ° at any point along the trough line. 
     
     
       208. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the core is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core. 
     
     
       209. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least two notches extend from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       210. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least two notches extend along only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       211. The brush according to  claim 207 , wherein the reentrant angle is between  90 ° and  160 °. 
     
     
       212. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein at least one of the front face and the back face of the at least two notches is planar. 
     
     
       213. The brush according to  claim 212 , wherein the front face of the at least two notches is planar. 
     
     
       214. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the back face of the at least two notches is convex. 
     
     
       215. The brush according to  claim 213 , wherein the back face of the at least two notches is planar. 
     
     
       216. The brush according to  claim 213 , wherein the back face of the at least two notches is convex. 
     
     
       217. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein a height of the front face of each notch is less than a height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       218. The brush according to  claim 217 , wherein the height of the front face of each notch is less than  2 / 3  of the height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       219. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially rectangularly shaped. 
     
     
       220. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially circularly shaped. 
     
     
       221. The brush according to  claim 207 , wherein the emergent angle α is constant over the entire length of the brush. 
     
     
       222. The brush according to  claim 207 , wherein the reentrant angle β is constant from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       223. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the trough line is straight. 
     
     
       224. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the trough line is curved. 
     
     
       225. The brush according to  claim 206 , wherein the peak ridge is straight. 
     
     
       226. The brush according to  claim 206 , wherein the peak ridge is curved. 
     
     
       227. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein ends of the longest of the bristles define an envelope surface of the brush, and wherein the back face of at least one of the at least two notches is rounded and has a radius such that the back face is tangent to the envelope surface of the brush. 
     
     
       228. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the notches are adjacent to one another. 
     
     
       229. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the notches are regularly spaced. 
     
     
       230. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein the trough line extends over only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       231. A make-up device comprising:
   a reservoir for containing a make-up product;        a wiping member associated with the reservoir; and        the brush according to    claim 201   .     
     
     
       232. The make-up device of  claim 231 , further comprising mascara contained in the reservoir. 
     
     
       233. A brush comprising:
   an elongate core;        bristles extending from said core, ends of said bristles defining an external surface of the brush, the ends of the longest of the bristles defining an envelope surface of the brush; and        at least one notch on the external surface of the brush, the at least one notch comprising a front face and a back face, the back face being at least in part non-concave and asymmetric with respect to the front face,        wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch intersect one another at a trough line that is spaced away from the core, the trough line extending in a direction non-perpendicular to the length of said elongate core, and        wherein an outer edge of the front face of one notch intersects with the envelope surface of the brush, and        wherein the back face of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface of the brush.     
     
     
       234. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch are separate and continuous surfaces. 
     
     
       235. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the elongate core defines an axis of the brush, and wherein a height of the front face of the at least one notch varies along the axis and a height of the back face of the at least one notch varies along the axis. 
     
     
       236. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the intersection of the outer edge of the front face of the at least one notch with the envelope surface defines a peak ridge. 
     
     
       237. The brush according to  claim 236 , wherein the peak ridge forms a vertex of an emergent angle α, and wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch form a reentrant angle β of between  60 ° and  180 ° at any point along the trough line. 
     
     
       238. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the core is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core. 
     
     
       239. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch extend from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       240. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least one notch extend along only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       241. The brush according to  claim 237 , wherein the reentrant angle is between  90 ° and  160 °. 
     
     
       242. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein at least one of the front face and the back face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       243. The brush according to  claim 242 , wherein the front face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       244. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is convex. 
     
     
       245. The brush according to  claim 243 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is planar. 
     
     
       246. The brush according to  claim 243 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is convex. 
     
     
       247. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein a height of the front face of each notch is less than a height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       248. The brush according to  claim 247 , wherein the height of the front face of each notch is less than  2 / 3  of the height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       249. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
       250. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially circular. 
     
     
       251. The brush according to  claim 237 , wherein the emergent angle α is constant over the entire length of the brush. 
     
     
       252. The brush according to  claim 237 , wherein the reentrant angle β is constant from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       253. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the trough line is straight. 
     
     
       254. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the trough line is curved. 
     
     
       255. The brush according to  claim 236 , wherein the peak ridge is straight. 
     
     
       256. The brush according to  claim 236 , wherein the peak ridge is curved. 
     
     
       257. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the back face of the at least one notch is rounded and has a radius such that the back face is tangent to the envelope surface of the brush. 
     
     
       258. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the at least one notch comprises a plurality of said notches. 
     
     
       259. The brush according to  claim 258 , wherein the notches are adjacent to one another. 
     
     
       260. The brush according to  claim 258 , wherein the notches are regularly spaced. 
     
     
       261. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein the trough line extends over only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       262. A make-up device comprising:
   a reservoir for containing a make-up product;        a wiping member associated with the reservoir; and        the brush according to    claim 233   .     
     
     
       263. The make-up device of  claim 262 , further comprising mascara contained in the reservoir. 
     
     
       264. A brush comprising:
   an elongate core;        bristles extending from said core, ends of said bristles defining an external surface of the brush; and        at least two notches on the external surface of the brush, the at least two notches each comprising a front face, a back face, and a trough line, the back face being at least in part non-concave and asymmetric with respect to the front face,        wherein the front and back faces of each of the at least two notches intersect one another at the trough line that is spaced away from the core, the trough line extending in a direction non-perpendicular to the length of said elongate core, and        wherein an outer edge of the front face of one notch intersects with the back face of a second notch, and        wherein the back face of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the front face of another notch.     
     
     
       265. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least two notches are separate and continuous surfaces. 
     
     
       266. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein said another notch is said second notch. 
     
     
       267. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein said another notch is not said second notch. 
     
     
       268. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the elongate core defines an axis of the brush, and wherein a height of the front face of the at least two notches varies along the axis and a height of the back face of the at least two notches varies along the axis. 
     
     
       269. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the intersection of the outer edge of the front face of the one notch and the back face of the second notch defines a peak ridge. 
     
     
       270. The brush according to  claim 269 , wherein the peak ridge forms a vertex of an emergent angle α, and wherein the front and back faces of the at least two notches form a reentrant angle β of between  60 ° and  180 ° at any point along the trough line. 
     
     
       271. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the core is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core. 
     
     
       272. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least two notches extend from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       273. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the front and back faces of the at least two notches extend along only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       274. The brush according to  claim 270 , wherein the reentrant angle is between  90 ° and  160 °. 
     
     
       275. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein at least one of the front face and the back face of the at least two notches is planar. 
     
     
       276. The brush according to  claim 275 , wherein the front face of the at least two notches is planar. 
     
     
       277. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the back face of the at least two notches is convex. 
     
     
       278. The brush according to  claim 276 , wherein the back face of the at least two notches is planar. 
     
     
       279. The brush according to  claim 276 , wherein the back face of the at least two notches is convex. 
     
     
       280. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein a height of the front face of each notch is less than a height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       281. The brush according to  claim 280 , wherein the height of the front face of each notch is less than  2 / 3  of the height of the corresponding back face of each notch. 
     
     
       282. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially rectangularly shaped. 
     
     
       283. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein a cross-section of the brush is substantially circularly shaped. 
     
     
       284. The brush according to  claim 270 , wherein the emergent angle α is constant over the entire length of the brush. 
     
     
       285. The brush according to  claim 270 , wherein the reentrant angle β is constant from one end of the brush to the other. 
     
     
       286. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the trough line is straight. 
     
     
       287. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the trough line is curved. 
     
     
       288. The brush according to  claim 269 , wherein the peak ridge is straight. 
     
     
       289. The brush according to  claim 269 , wherein the peak ridge is curved. 
     
     
       290. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein ends of the longest of the bristles define an envelope surface of the brush, and wherein the back face of at least one of the at least two notches is rounded and has a radius such that the back face is tangent to the envelope surface of the brush. 
     
     
       291. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the notches are adjacent to one another. 
     
     
       292. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the notches are regularly spaced. 
     
     
       293. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein the trough line extends over only a part of a length of the brush. 
     
     
       294. A make-up device comprising:
   a reservoir for containing a make-up product;        a wiping member associated with the reservoir; and        the brush according to    claim 264   .     
     
     
       295. The make-up device of  claim 294 , further comprising mascara contained in the reservoir. 
     
     
       296. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein a cross-section of the envelope has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       297. The make-up device according to  claim 25 , wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       298. The brush according to  claim 26 , wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       299. The make-up device according to  claim 27 , wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       300. The brush according to  claim 28 , wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       301. The make-up device according to  claim 29 , wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       302. The brush according to  claim 86 , wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       303. The brush according to  claim 129 , wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       304. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       305. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein ends of the longest of the bristles define an envelope surface of the brush, and wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       306. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       307. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein ends of the longest of the bristles define an envelope surface of the brush, and wherein a cross-section of the envelope surface has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
       308. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       309. The make-up device according to  claim 25 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       310. The brush according to  claim 26 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       311. The make-up device according to  claim 27 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       312. The brush according to  claim 28 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       313. The make-up device according to  claim 29 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       314. The brush according to  claim 86 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       315. The brush according to  claim 129 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       316. The brush according to  claim 170 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       317. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein ends of the longest of the bristles define an envelope surface of the brush, and wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       318. The brush according to  claim 233 , at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       319. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein ends of the longest of the bristles define an envelope surface of the brush, and wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially cylindrical shape. 
     
     
       320. The brush according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       321. The make-up device according to  claim 25 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       322. The brush according to  claim 26 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       323. The make-up device according to  claim 27 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       324. The brush according to  claim 28 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       325. The make-up device according to  claim 29 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       326. The brush according to  claim 86 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       327. The brush according to  claim 129 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       328. The brush according to  claim 170 , at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       329. The brush according to  claim 201 , wherein ends of the longest of the bristles define an envelope surface of the brush, and wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       330. The brush according to  claim 233 , wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       331. The brush according to  claim 264 , wherein ends of the longest of the bristles define an envelope surface of the brush, and wherein at least a portion of the envelope surface has a substantially conical shape. 
     
     
       332. A brush comprising:
   an elongate core;        bristles extending from said core, ends of said bristles defining an external surface of the brush, the ends of the longest of the bristles defining an envelope surface of the brush; and        at least two notches on the external surface of the brush, the at least two notches each comprising a front face, a back face, and a trough line, the back face being non-concave and asymmetric with respect to the front face,        wherein the front and back faces of each of the at least two notches intersect one another at the trough line that is spaced away from the core,        wherein an outer edge of the front face of one notch intersects with the envelope surface of the brush, and        wherein the back face of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the front face of another notch.     
     
     
       333. A brush comprising:
   an elongate core;        bristles extending from said core, ends of said bristles defining an external surface of the brush, the ends of the longest of the bristles defining an envelope surface of the brush; and        at least two notches on the external surface of the brush, the at least two notches each comprising a front face, a back face, and a trough line, the back face being at least in part non-concave and asymmetric with respect to the front face,        wherein the front and back faces of each of the at least two notches intersect one another at the trough line that is spaced away from the core, the trough line extending in a direction non-perpendicular to the length of said elongate core, and        wherein an outer edge of the front face of one notch intersects with the envelope surface of the brush, and        wherein the back face of the one notch intersects with an outer edge of the front face of another notch.     
     
     
       334. A brush comprising:
   an elongate core;        bristles extending from said core, ends of said bristles defining an external surface of the brush, the ends of the longest of the bristles defining an envelope surface of the brush; and        at least two notches on the external surface of the brush, the at least two notches each comprising a front face, a back face, and a trough line, the back face being non-concave and asymmetric with respect to the front face,        wherein the front and back faces of each of the at least two notches intersect one another at the trough line that is spaced away from the core,        wherein an outer edge of the front face of one notch intersects with the back face of a second notch, and        wherein the back face of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface of the brush.     
     
     
       335. A brush comprising:
   an elongate core;        bristles extending from said core, ends of said bristles defining an external surface of the brush, the ends of the longest of the bristles defining an envelope surface of the brush; and        at least two notches on the external surface of the brush, the at least two notches each comprising a front face, a back face, and a trough line, the back face being at least in part non-concave and asymmetric with respect to the front face,        wherein the front and back faces of each of the at least two notches intersect one another at the trough line that is spaced away from the core, the trough line extending in a direction non-perpendicular to the length of said elongate core, and        wherein an outer edge of the front face of one notch intersects with the back face of a second notch, and        wherein the back face of the one notch intersects with the envelope surface of the brush.     
     
     
       336. The brush according to  claim 332 , wherein the core comprises is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core. 
     
     
       337. The brush according to  claim 333 , wherein the core comprises is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core. 
     
     
       338. The brush according to  claim 334 , wherein the core comprises is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core. 
     
     
       339. The brush according to  claim 335 , wherein the core comprises is formed by the spiral winding of two branches of a wire, and wherein the bristles are clamped between the wound branches of the core.