1 COSMETIC BRUSH AND CANISTER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to makeup brushes, and related cosmetic 5 brushes, and storage canisters and the like for such brushes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Professional makeup brushes are of quality construction compared to consumer level products. A professional makeup brush is typically constructed using natural fibres of the highest grade. Natural fibres are generally softer than 10 synthetic fibres, or lower grade natural fibres. A higher grade natural fibre should also make the brush last longer and maintain its shape better over time. Most makeup artists favour brushes constructing using natural fibres, as these typically do a better job of holding just the right amount of product, and smoothly blending product for flawless application. 15 The ferrule is the piece of material that connects the brush handle to the bristles. A professional makeup brush generally has a nickel or aluminium ferrule. Nickel is considered the highest quality ferrule material and aluminium can be a good alternative. A makeup brush should be cleaned on a regular basis and because of this wear and tear on the brush, a quality ferrule is one of the most 20 important components of a makeup brush. A quality ferrule will maintain a tight fit between the bristles and handle, and prevent the bristles from shedding. The majority of makeup brushes in the market have a handle turned from wood, though the material and shape is largely a matter of personal preference. A professional makeup brush will tend to have a long handle because makeup 25 artists find a long handle to be easier to use with clients. However, brush lengths can vary and this too tends to be a personal preference. Professional makeup artists rely on a significant number of brushes when working with clients. Organisation, storage and transport of these brushes is a particular problem, and significant logistical challenge for any professional, 30 especially if travelling to service clients, and working in a number of locations on a regular basis.
2 There is a need, in light of the foregoing, for improvements to cosmetic brushes that at least attempt to address these and other limitations of existing products. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 5 The inventive concept arises from a recognition that a key to organising, transporting and caring for cosmetic brushes advantageously involves compact and reliable storage that avoids damaging the brush bristles. The present invention, in one aspect, provides a cosmetic brush comprising a brush head of fibres, a ferrule holding the fibres, and a handle 10 connected to the ferrule, wherein the handle has at its base distal the ferrule a magnetic unit adapted to retain the cosmetic brush against a co-operating surface, such as a steel plate. The problem of organising, storing and transport of brushes is in other words solved by magnetising an end of the cosmetic brush, distal the brush head, 15 so that the cosmetic brush can be conveniently retained against a co-operating ferromagnetic surface. Preferably, the magnetic unit is circular and affixed flush to the circular base of the brush handle. Preferably, the magnetic unit has a substantially flat base, and is of a 20 ferromagnetic material, ideally a rare-earth permanent magnet. Preferably, the brushes can be used with ancillary co-operating accessories, such as trays, canisters, and frames, incorporating a plated ferromagnetic surface, which allow for flexibility of arranging and organising the brushes. 25 The present invention in a further aspect comprises a kit comprising one or more cosmetic brushes according to a first aspect of the present invention, and one or more selected from the group comprising: (a) a storage canister having at one or both ends a co-operating ferromagnetic surface for retaining the cosmetic brushes, whereby the brush heads of the cosmetic brushes avoid damage during 30 storage, (b) a tray formed of a ferromagnetic surface for retaining the cosmetic brushes, whereby the brush heads of the cosmetic brushes can be arranged for use, (c) a generally rectangular frame formed from a ferromagnetic material for retaining the cosmetic brushes, whereby the brush heads of the cosmetic brushes 3 can be arranged for use, and (d) a carry bag having a matching generally rectangular shape to snugly receive the frame. The advantages of the present invention are manifold. Rather than lying on a bench, the cosmetic brushes can securely stand upright on any magnetic 5 surface - or alternatively, be arranged in other orientations. As a consequence, a professional makeup artist can efficiently arrange and organise her working space so that cosmetic brushes all stand upright, side-by-side for compact storage, easy identification and hygienic use (namely, no contact with other surfaces). Brushes are far less likely to become damaged or worn as a consequence of avoiding 10 wear and tear to which brushes are ordinarily subject. The storage canister having a co-operating magnetic surface extends these advantages to the storage and transport of brushes. The generally rectangular frame allows for convenient organization of brushes, and co-operates with a carry bag that can readily transport the brushes 15 in a desired arrangement. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Fig. 1 depicts a cosmetic brush having a ferromagnetic incorporated into its base according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 depicts a plurality of brushes of the type depicted in Fig. 1, stored in 20 a canister having a magnetic base. Fig. 3 depicts a plurality of brushes of the type depicted in Fig. 1, used in conjunction with tray and cup accessories. Fig. 4 depicts a magnetic frame, also used in conjunction with the brushes of the type depicted in Figs. 1 to 3. 25 Fig. 5 depicts the magnetic frame of Fig. 4, placed both in and beside a matching carry bag. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 depicts a cosmetic brush 10 provided according an example of the present invention. 30 The brush 10 comprises a brush head 20, a ferrule 30, a handle 40, and a ferromagnetic unit 50. The brush head 20, ferrule 30, and brush handle 40 can be of any suitable conventional manufacture.
4 The brush handle 40 has its end, distal from the ferrule 30, a ferromagnetic unit 50. This is a simple magnet, of any suitable type, and having a magnetic strength generally sufficient to allow the brush to balance upon the ferromagnetic unit 50 and - ideally - to support the entire weight of the brush 10. 5 The ferromagnetic unit 50 can be attached to the brush handle 40 by any suitable means - such as via an adhesive, or press-fit. The ferromagnetic unit ideally has a table form - that is, a circular disc of a certain thickness. For the benefit of aesthetic appearances, it is preferred that the profile of the ferromagnetic unit 50 match that the brush handle 40, at least where 10 it attaches to the brush handle 40. This allows for flush attachment that is seamless to the eye. Furthermore, it is generally preferred that the size of the ferromagnetic unit 50 be minimal, which requires that its thickness be minimal. Accordingly, a high strength magnetic material is preferred so that a magnetic unit of minimal size 15 can be used, while being readily able to balance and support the brush 10. A ferromagnetic unit 50 of a rare earth material is consequently preferred. Obviously, it is undesirable that the ferromagnetic unit 50 be so strong that it becomes cumbersome to readily remove the brush 10 from a working magnetic surface to which it is attached. Makeup artists are usually called upon to work 20 quickly and efficiently, and their dexterity in this regard should not be compromised by an overly 'sticky' attachment. A steel sheet or tray may be used as such a co-operating surface, or a steel strip, similar to a steel ruler may also be used for this purpose. Regular grades of steel are paramagnetic, and thus the ferromagnetic unit 50 will attach 25 by magnetic attraction. The supporting surface may rest on a table, or indeed by attached on the underside of an overhanging feature, with the brushes hanging down. Any suitable orientation may be adopted as required. Fig. 2 depicts a storage canister 100 that may be used with the brushes of the type described above with reference to Fig. 1. 30 The canister 100 comprises two parts - namely base 110 and lid 120. These two components may mate in any suitable manner. As an example, a press-fit lid may can a base. As depicted, the base 110 and lid 120 engage in a snug fit by telescopic engagement of these engaging components 110, 120. The 5 base 110, and optionally or alternatively the lid 120 is fitted internally with a co operating surface, such as a steel plate to retain and secure one or more cosmetic brushes of the type described above with reference to Fig. 1. A variety of different storage compartments can thus be contemplated, in 5 which the brushes are retained within, and effectively protected from damage during transport by avoiding being knocked against the internal surfaces of the storage canister, or against other brushes. Accordingly, advantages that accrue to the cosmetic brushes are also available when storing or transporting such brushes using such canisters 100. 10 Fig. 3 depicts use of brushes 10 of the type depicted in Fig. 1 when use with ancillary accessories, namely a tray 200 and cup 300. The tray 200 provides a flat surface, incorporating a steel plate, that allows a number of such brushes 10 to be arranged during use. A cup 300 is similarly provided, having a steel plate internally at its base, so one or brushes can be arranged and grouped together 15 for easy reference. Fig. 4 depicts a frame 400 that is well suited to be used in conjunction with brushes 10, and preferably forming a kit with one or more brushes 10 and/or other components, such as a tray 200 and a container 300. The frame 400 is of a generally rectangular form, and is formed as a band 20 of ferromagnetic material such as a suitable grade of steel. As depicted, the frame 400 is almost square in shape, though any suitable form can be adopted. The frame 400 is fabricated from a flat band or strip of steep that is pressed or otherwise shaped into the generally rectangular form depicted. The corners of the frame 400 are rounded, which lends the frame 400 a pleasing appearance, which 25 is readily achieved as a consequence of pressing. The ends of the band or strip from which the frame 400 is fabricated meet, at the bottom of the frame 400 as indicated, and are welded together to achieve a clean finish. Other means of fixing, such as fasteners of any suitable type can also be used as required. Preferably, the entire frame 400 is given a 30 powdercoated finish in, for example, matte black. Rubber feet (not shown) may be optionally adhered at each of the four corners of the frame along the underside of the frame 400.
6 As with the tray 200, the frame 400 provides a surface against which the brushes 10 can be retained. A particular feature of the frame 400 is that brushes can also be retained hanging vertically downwards (in bat fashion) as well as standing proud vertically upwards, as depicted in Fig. 4. This allows the brushes 5 10 to be 'guarded' within the frame - in a manner which permits for their easy access during use, but shielded by the frame from being knocked over. It also provides a clean, neat appearance. A relatively sizable collection of brushes 10 can be managed within a small operating space, whilst occupying relatively little bench space, and also moved as 10 required without having to take care to collect and move brushes 10 individually. Moreover, brushes 10 can is desired be cantilevered outwards from the sides of the frame 400, inwardly or outwardly of the frame, or stood on top of the frame 400. This may be helpful in informally categorising different brushes during use. 15 The frame 400 provides various operational advantages when used in conjunction with the brushes 10. These primarily relate to convenient organization of the brushes 10. Furthermore, the ability to suspend the brushes allows them to be dried properly whilst retaining their shape. These advantages are elaborated below, as follows: 20 - organisation - using the frame, magnetic brushes 10 cannot only be stored vertically (both upright and upside down), they can also be organised on the inner and outer sides of the frame horizontally thanks to the magnetic brush base. drying of brushes 10 - by hanging brushes 10 upside down to dry, 25 water does not leach into the ferrule 30 where moisture can potentially soften the glue, when fixed using an adhesive, resulting in the loosening (and shedding of brush hairs from the brush head 20). Further, by drying the brushes 10 upside down it is also possible to stop water coming in contact with the wooden handle 40. Often when wood becomes wet, it can swell which can result in the cracking 30 of the varnish on the wood 40. - retention of shape - when a brush 20 is dried upside down it tends to hold (and return to) its intended shape as opposed to when the brush 10 is laid 7 flat on a surface and one side of the head tends to flatten, and dry unevenly. The hairs of the brush head 20 can also clump together. Fig. 5 depicts the frame 400, alternatively both beside and placed inside a matching carry bag 500. The carry bag 500 is sized to snugly accept the frame 5 400 within, so that the frame can be transported while retaining the organizational layout of the brushes. Conveniently, the snug fit of the frame 400 in the carry bag 500 avoids the frame 400 moving about excessively in the carry bag 500, which could cause the brushes to become dislodged. The carry bag 500 is thus also of a generally rectangular shape, slightly larger than the frame 400 it carries, and 10 has a depth to accommodate the frame 400. Preferably, the carry bag of made of a nylon material, and is hinged, and opened and closed via a zipper arrangement. The carry bag 500 is otherwise of any suitable construction, and may embody various features as are typical in luggage of this type. The storage canister 100, tray 200, cup 300, frame 400 and carry bag 500 15 all serve to extend the utility and convenience of the brushes 10 in conjunction with which they are used, as described and depicted herein. Various modifications can be made to the cosmetic brush, storage canister, carry bag and kit described above, as would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art. 20