CN112969381A

CN112969381A - Applicator member for applying a cosmetic product to the skin by stamping

Info

Publication number: CN112969381A
Application number: CN201980074307.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·卡邦; K·J·朴
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2018-11-15
Filing date: 2019-10-28
Publication date: 2021-06-15
Also published as: KR20210062086A; WO2020099105A1; KR20230148278A; JP2023093584A; EP3880030A1; JP2022507181A

Abstract

The invention relates to an application member (3, 3 ') for applying a cosmetic product on the skin by stamping, in particular for applying eyeliner to the eyelids, the application member defining a longitudinal axis (X), a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a front-rear axis (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) and the transverse axis (Y), and having a front application surface (30, 30') adapted to be loaded with the cosmetic product by placing the front application surface (30, 30 ') in contact with the cosmetic product and adapted to be placed at least partially in contact with the skin to deposit a line of cosmetic product on the skin by stamping, the shape and contour of the line substantially corresponding to the shape and contour of the portion of the front application surface (30, 30') placed in contact with the skin, wherein the front application surface (30, 30') is outwardly convex when the application member is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis (X) and the transverse axis (Y).

Description

Applicator member for applying a cosmetic product to the skin by stamping

The present invention relates to the field of applicators for applying a cosmetic product to the skin, in particular to applicators for applying a cosmetic product to the eye, and in particular to applicators for applying eyeliner to the eyelids.

In this field, it is known practice to make applicators in the form of pencils, the writing cores of which form the application members, allowing eyeliner lines to be drawn on the eyelids at the root of the eyelashes, and/or allowing light hooks (flicks) to be drawn on the outer corners of the eyes.

Also known in the art are applicators in the form of pens, the body of which is hollow and forms a reservoir of product communicating with an application member in the form of a tip made of porous material (usually felt), fed with product by capillary action and allowing to draw a line of eyeliner on the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes and/or to draw a light hook on the external canthus.

Furthermore, in the field there are applicators in the form of immersed applicators comprising a treatment element, a stem and an application member carried at the end of the stem and intended to be immersed in a container containing the product to be applied, in order to load the product and allow the eyeliner line to be drawn on the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes and/or allow a light delineation on the external corner of the eye.

However, the use of such eyeliner applicators by which the application member is placed in contact with the eyelid and drawn parallel to the eyelash line to draw the eyeliner line by drawing requires a certain amount of practice and certain flexibility to draw a clear, continuous and precise eyeliner line on the eyelid.

Furthermore, in particular in the case of older users, the drawing action associated with the eyeliner applicator may cause a certain amount of deformation of the eyelid during the passage of the application member over the eyelid, which tends to generate irregular lines and strengthen the fine lines of the eyelid.

Therefore, in order to overcome these drawbacks, applicators equipped with a member for applying the cosmetic product to the skin by stamping have been developed. In such applicators, the application member has an application surface adapted to be loaded with cosmetic by placing the application surface in contact with the cosmetic and adapted to be placed at least partially in contact with the skin to deposit a line or trace of cosmetic on the skin by stamping, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the portion of the application surface placed in contact with the skin.

By means of such an applicator, the action of applying the cosmetic product and in particular the eyeliner to the eyelid is facilitated, since the stamping action is easier to control for an inexperienced user than the action of drawing an eyeliner line using an application member that slides along the eyelid.

Furthermore, with such impression applicators, the eyelids do not deform during application of the eyeliner, and therefore the eyeliner line so formed is clearer and more precise, especially in the case of older users whose eyelids tend to deform or fold easily as the application member is moved thereon by sliding.

FR 3026620 in the name of the applicant describes such an impression applicator in which the application member is provided at the end of the handle and is in the form of a spatula, one of its drop-shaped faces being provided to allow the impression of the application eyeliner line, thereby forming a light hook on the corner of the eye.

However, with this applicator, only a light hook of the corner of the eye can be formed on the eyelid of the user, and the application member is not suitable for forming a line of eyeliner on the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes.

US 9635924 also describes an impression applicator in which the application member received at the end of the handle has a triangular overall shape and is intended only for impression application of the application barbs on the outer corners of the eye and is not suitable for forming a line of eyeliner on the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes.

The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks and proposes for this purpose an application member for applying a cosmetic product on the skin by stamping, in particular for applying eyeliner to the eyelids, the application member defining a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a front-rear axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the transverse axis, and having a front application surface suitable for loading the cosmetic product by placing it in contact with the cosmetic product and suitable for being placed at least partially in contact with the skin to deposit on the skin by stamping a line or trace of cosmetic product having a shape and contour substantially corresponding to the shape and contour of the portion of the front application surface placed in contact with the skin, wherein the front application surface has an elongated shape along the transverse axis, and projects outwardly when the application member is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

By these provisions, the application of an eyeliner line on an eyelid, the shape and contour of which corresponds to the shape and contour of the portion of the front application surface placed in contact with the skin, can be performed easily and ergonomically for inexperienced users, and the application of an eyeliner line on an eyelid can be performed in a more precise manner for older users by placing at least a portion of the front application surface in contact with the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, wherein the transverse axis of the application member extends substantially parallel to the eyelash line, and in particular wherein the longitudinal axis of the application member extends substantially perpendicular to the eyelid.

The user can apply the cosmetic product by stamping with the application member according to the invention using different gestures.

According to a first use gesture, the user loads the entire front application surface with the cosmetic product and places substantially the entire front application surface in contact with the skin to deposit a cosmetic line on the skin by stamping, the shape and contour of the cosmetic line substantially corresponding to the shape and contour of the front application surface.

Thus, application of an eyeliner line on the eyelid, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the front application surface, is achieved by: placing the front application surface loaded with the cosmetic product in contact with the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, wherein the transverse axis of the applicator member extends substantially parallel to the implantation line of the eyelashes, and preferably wherein the longitudinal axis of the applicator member extends substantially perpendicular to the eyelid; and rolling the front application surface over the eyelid by rotating the applicator member about a front-to-back axis, alternatively in a first and a second rotational direction.

The outwardly convex shape of the front application surface advantageously facilitates such rolling movement of the front application surface on the eyelid by rotation of the applicator member about the front-to-back axis when the applicator member is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

According to a second use gesture, the user places all or part of the front application surface loaded with cosmetic and only a portion of the front application surface loaded with the cosmetic (for example a central portion or lateral portions, in particular lateral halves, of the front application surface) in contact with the skin, so as to deposit, by stamping, a cosmetic line on the skin, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the portion of the front application surface placed in contact with the skin.

Thus, the application of an eyeliner line on an eyelid, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the portion of the front application surface placed in contact with the skin, is achieved by placing a portion of the front application surface loaded with cosmetic in contact with the eyelid at the base of the eyelash, wherein the transverse axis of the applicator member extends substantially parallel to the eyelash implantation line, in particular wherein the longitudinal axis of the applicator member extends substantially perpendicular to the eyelid, and preferably without rolling the front application surface on the eyelid.

If the size of the applicator member is such that several consecutive applications are required to achieve the application of a full eyeliner line (which line travels straight from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner of the eye) on the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, the user can advantageously achieve the application of the full eyeliner line with a smaller number of consecutive applications by means of the first gesture than by means of the second gesture. However, this first gesture requires rolling the front application surface over the eyelid by rotating the applicator member about the forward-rearward axis, which may be awkward for some users who prefer to employ the second gesture, even though the second gesture requires a greater number of successive applications to form a complete eyeliner line at the base of the eyelashes.

The application member according to the invention may be in the form of a tip which can be connected to the handle, and in particular to the end of the handle which can be operated by the user.

Advantageously, the application member according to the invention is used at the end of a handle that can be operated by the user. Thus, the application member has an end along the longitudinal axis for attachment to the handle, and an opposite application end carrying the front application surface.

For the front application surface, the term "elongated shape along the transverse axis" is understood to mean: the front application surface has a dimension along the transverse axis that is greater than a dimension along the front-to-back axis or along the longitudinal axis.

This elongated form of the front application surface makes it possible to form, by pressing, on the skin a line whose form and profile correspond to the shape and profile of the portion of the front application surface that is placed in contact with the skin and is thus elongated on the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes.

Furthermore, the term "front application surface projecting outwards when the application member is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis" is understood to mean: the intersection between the front application surface and any plane parallel thereto defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis is a curved section (in particular a circular section) which bulges towards the outside of the application member.

The outwardly convex profile of the front application surface in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis makes it possible to apply a eyeliner line at the base of the eyelashes easily and precisely by impressing on the domed portion of the eyelid and on the hollow portion of the eyelid in the region of the inner and outer canthus.

Furthermore, within the framework of the first usage gesture disclosed above, this outwardly convex profile of the front application surface facilitates a rolling movement of the front application surface on the eyelid by rotation of the applicator member about the front-to-back axis.

According to a particularly advantageous provision of the invention, the front application surface has a curved profile defining a concave surface when the application member is viewed in a plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis.

The term "front application surface having a curved profile defining a concave surface when the application member is viewed in a plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis" is understood to mean: the transverse section of the front application surface, at the intersection between the front application surface and any plane parallel thereto defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis, or in a plane parallel thereto defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis, has a closed curved profile, in particular a bean shape, in particular a circular arc, extending along the axis of the curved extension.

The curved profile of the front application surface, in the plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis, defining a concavity adapted to the curvature of the mascara line so that the application line of the mascara follows the latter as much as possible, makes it possible to further improve the ease, ergonomics and precision of the impression application of the eyeliner line at the base of the eyelashes.

According to other advantageous aspects, the applicator according to the invention has one or more of the following features considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations:

-the front application surface has a circular profile, when the application member is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, the radius of curvature of the circular profile preferably being less than or equal to 60 mm, in particular between 30 mm and 50 mm, in particular about 40 mm. By means of these provisions, the curvature of the front application surface, in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, is particularly well suited to applying eyeliner clearly and precisely on the domed part of the eyelid and also on the hollow part of the eyelid in the region of the inner and outer corners of the eye. Furthermore, within the framework of the first usage gesture disclosed above, such curvature of the front application surface promotes a rolling movement of the front application surface on the eyelid, in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transversal axis, by rotation of the applicator member about the front-rear axis.

-in a plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis, the curved profile of the front application surface extends along a curved axis, which advantageously forms a circular arc, the radius of curvature of which is preferably between 30 mm and 200 mm, and in particular is about 50 mm. By virtue of these provisions, the curvature of the front application surface, in the plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis, is particularly well suited to further improve the ease, ergonomics and precision of impressing the line of applied eyeliner at the base of the eyelashes, the concavity defined by the curved profile being adapted to the curvature of the eyeliner so that the line of applied eyeliner follows the eyeliner as much as possible.

-the front application surface is substantially flat when the application member is viewed in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the front-to-back axis. In other words, the intersection between the front application surface and any plane parallel thereto defined by the longitudinal axis and the front-to-back axis is a substantially straight section. Thanks to these provisions, an applicator member is provided that ensures a certain application comfort, the application surface, when placed in contact with the skin, being free from any unpleasant, even potentially harmful, edges in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the front-rear axis, while ensuring a controlled, constant and relatively thin width of the cosmetic line on said skin, and in particular of the eyeliner line applied to the eyelids.

-the front application surface extends over a height along the longitudinal axis and has a width measured along the transverse axis between a first side end and a second opposite side end, and a thickness measured along the front-rear axis between a first edge and a second opposite edge, and the thickness of the front application surface varies when moving along the transverse axis and is minimal at the first side end and/or the second side end. By means of these provisions, an impression daubing member is obtained whose front application surface narrows in the direction of one or both of its side extremities, which makes it possible to apply an eyeliner line at the narrow end to the eyelids, and in particular to the eyelid ends in the region of the inner and outer corners of the eye, which contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the resulting makeup. Furthermore, by means of the shape of the front application surface of the application member, which is thinned at the lateral extremities, it is possible to apply a curved eyeliner line, which follows the curvature of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, formed by a plurality of adjacent lines deposited by embossing with the application member, wherein there is an angular displacement between the adjacent lines about the longitudinal axis, so as to form a substantially continuous profile, i.e. a profile which is substantially free of depressions/significant angles, in particular at the interface between two adjacent lines. As a variant, the thickness of the front application surface is substantially constant when moving along the transversal axis. In particular, when the front application surface has a curved profile in the plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis, said profile extending along the curved axis so as to form an arc of a circle, the thickness of the front application surface is substantially constant when moving along the curved axis. By these provisions, the line of cosmetic product applied to the skin by means of said front application surface will accordingly have a substantially constant thickness over its entire length. This constant thickness of the front application surface, when viewed in the plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis, in combination with the curved profile of the front application surface in that same plane, also advantageously makes it possible to apply a curved eyeliner line, which follows the curvature of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, formed by a plurality of adjacent lines deposited by embossing with the application member, wherein there is an angular displacement between adjacent lines about the longitudinal axis so as to form a substantially continuous profile, i.e. a profile substantially free of depressions/significant angles, in particular at the interface between two adjacent lines.

-the thickness of the front application surface is at a minimum, and in particular zero, at a first and/or a second side end, at which the first and second edges of the front application surface meet. Thanks to these provisions, an applicator member is provided for producing eyeliner lines on the eyelids, the ends of which, located at the inner and outer corners of the eye, are delicate and aesthetically pleasing.

-the thickness of the front application surface varies continuously while moving along the transverse axis, the front application surface having a substantially oval shape, in particular an elliptical shape, in projection on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As a variant, the first and second edges of the front application surface intersect at the first and/or second lateral extremity to form a circular shape, the projection of the front application surface on a plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis being of a curved substantially rectangular shape. These shapes are particularly suitable for being able to form adjacent eyeliner lines on the eyelid, which lines are deposited continuously by partial overlap at their ends, so as to together form a continuous line (in particular a curved line) of eyeliner on the eyelid (over its entire length) by adapting to the topology of the eyelid. Such a shape makes it possible in particular to apply a curved eyeliner line, which follows the curvature of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, formed by a plurality of adjacent lines deposited by embossing with an application member, wherein there is an angular displacement between adjacent lines about the longitudinal axis, so as to form a profile of substantially continuous curvature, i.e. a profile substantially free of depressions/significant angles, in particular at the interface between two adjacent lines.

-the maximum thickness of the front application surface (which is preferably midway between the first and second lateral ends of the front application surface) is between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, and preferably about 1.3 mm.

The width of the front application surface is advantageously between 10 mm and 20 mm and in particular about 15 mm.

-the first and/or second edge of the front application surface has a rim protruding from the front application face along the longitudinal axis, in particular at a first and/or second side end. Such a protruding rim advantageously makes it possible to form a reservoir of cosmetic product between the front application surface and the protruding rim, increasing the amount of cosmetic product that can be carried on the application member and improving its autonomy, requiring the user to reload the application member with cosmetic product less frequently.

According to an advantageous provision, the application member also has a side application surface adjacent to the front application surface and extending substantially perpendicularly thereto, the side application surface preferably being outwardly concave when the application member is viewed in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

The realization of such a lateral or side application surface forming an acute angle with the front application surface is particularly advantageous in order to limit the risk of spots being created between the product track deposited by means of the front application surface and the product track deposited by means of the side application surface.

Furthermore, when the application member according to the invention is attached to the handle, in particular wherein the longitudinal axis of the handle coincides with the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, the realization of such a lateral application surface is particularly convenient in terms of ergonomics of use, in particular for depositing a trajectory of a product (in particular eyeliner) at the inner corners of the eyes, while avoiding the handle from hitting on the bridge of the nose, as is the application of a cosmetic product at the inner corners of the eyes by means of the front application surface. In fact, in this case, when applying the eyeliner trace at the internal corners of the eye by means of the lateral application surfaces, the handle is placed with its longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the eyelids and thus limits the risk of hitting the bridge of the nose during this application.

The term "outwardly concave side application surface when viewing the application member in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis" is to be understood to mean: the intersection between the side application surface and any plane parallel thereto defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis is a curved section (in particular a circular section) which is concave towards the exterior of the application member.

The outwardly concave profile of the side application surfaces in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis makes it possible to apply the eyeliner line easily and precisely at the base of the eyelashes by embossing, in particular on the hollow parts of the eyelids in the region of the inner and outer corners of the eyes.

Preferably, the side application surface has a circular profile, when the application member is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, the radius of curvature of the circular profile preferably being between 140 mm and 170 mm, in particular about 155 mm. By means of these provisions, the curvature of the side application surface in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis is particularly well suited for a clear and precise application of the eyeliner line, in particular on the hollow parts of the eyelid in the region of the inner and outer corners of the eye.

Alternatively, the lateral application surface is flat or convex outwardly when viewing the applicator member in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

According to an advantageous provision of the invention, the side application surface has a recess in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. By realizing this recess, and preferably on each side application surface, the height of the application member along the longitudinal axis is reduced with respect to the height of its central portion. Thus, these side portions of the application member (having recesses perpendicular thereto) have a greater flexibility than the central portion of the application member, in particular in the direction of the longitudinal axis and the front-rear axis. These provisions are particularly advantageous for applying a curved eyeliner line, following the curvature of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, formed by a plurality of adjacent lines deposited by embossing with the application member, the flexibility of the side portions of the application member allowing the user to modify the deformation of the application member to obtain a substantially continuous profile, i.e. a profile substantially free of depressions/significant angles, in particular at the interface between two adjacent lines.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that at least the front application surface of the application member carries flocking. Such flocking makes it possible in particular to increase the autonomy of the application member.

The invention also relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the skin by stamping, in particular for applying eyeliner to the eyelids, said applicator comprising:

-a handle extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second opposite end;

-an application member as previously defined, attached to the first end of the handle, the longitudinal axis of the handle preferably coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the application member.

As a variant, the longitudinal axis of the handle may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the application member or may form an angle with the longitudinal axis of the application member.

Advantageously, in the plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis, the section of the handle has a curved profile defining a concavity, preferably having the same orientation as the concavity defined by the curved profile of the front application surface in the plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis.

Preferably, the curved profile of the front application surface belonging to the application member in a plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis and/or the curved profile of the transverse section of the handle in this plane are symmetrical with respect to a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the front-rear axis.

By these provisions, the handle and the application member of the applicator according to the invention have, in the plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-rear axis, recessed shapes of the same orientation along the longitudinal axis, so that the user determines intuitively and ergonomically how to hold the applicator in order to orient the concavity of the front application surface of the application member appropriately with respect to the eyelid thereof, i.e. in the direction of the eye to be made up.

Preferably, in a plane defined by the transverse axis and the anteroposterior axis, the curved profile of the cross-section of the handle extends along a curved axis, which advantageously forms a circular arc, the radius of curvature of which is preferably between 10 mm and 35 mm, and in particular is about 15 mm.

Thus, in the plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-to-back axis, the curvature of the handle may be more pronounced than the curvature of the front application surface in that same plane. In other words, in the plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-to-back axis, the radius of curvature of the handle may therefore be smaller than the radius of curvature of the front application surface in that same plane. This is particularly advantageous in so far as the curvature of the front application surface is adapted to the curvature of the mascara line, which may be relatively small (with a relatively large radius of curvature) and difficult for a user to detect in order to hold and manipulate the applicator in a proper orientation. The more pronounced curvature of the handle in the plane defined by the transverse axis and the front-to-back axis more clearly indicates to the user the proper orientation for operating and maneuvering the applicator.

According to an advantageous provision, the second end of the handle is equipped with a secondary application member having a secondary application surface suitable for loading the cosmetic product by placing it in contact with the cosmetic product and suitable for placing in contact with the skin to deposit a line of the cosmetic product on the skin by stamping, the shape and contour of the line substantially corresponding to the shape and contour of the secondary application surface, which extends in particular in a plane forming an angle with the longitudinal axis of the handle and preferably has a triangular or drop-shaped outer contour.

An applicator is thus obtained which makes it possible to apply a line of eyeliner along the eyelid by stamping at the base of the eyelashes and to apply a light hook of eyeliner in the form of a triangle or a drop of water on the outer corners of the eyes.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that at least the secondary application surface of the secondary application member carries flocking. Such flocking makes it possible in particular to increase the autonomy of the secondary application member.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the application member and/or the secondary application member is attached to the first end and/or the second end of the handle by overmoulding. This provision makes it possible to simplify and limit the cost of manufacture of the applicator and also facilitates its use in the form of a single object.

To this end, the first and second ends of the handle advantageously have projections defining a hollow portion, which facilitate the attachment by overmoulding the application member and/or the secondary application member to said handle.

As a variant, the application member and/or the secondary application member are co-injected with the handle.

Preferably, the handle is made of a relatively rigid plastic, in particular a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyamide (PA) or the like. Such a relatively rigid plastic may have a shore hardness of, for example, more than 80 shore D.

Preferably, the application member and/or the secondary application member are made of a relatively flexible plastic, such as silicone, rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Such a relatively flexible plastic may have a shore hardness of, for example, between 20 shore a and 80 shore D.

The term "relatively rigid" is understood to mean that the rigidity of the plastic of which the handle is made is greater than the rigidity of the plastic of which the application member and/or the secondary application member is made. Similarly, the term "relatively flexible" is understood to mean that the flexibility of the plastic from which the application member and the secondary application member are made is greater than the flexibility of the plastic from which the handle is made.

Advantageously, the material from which the handle is made and the material from which the application member is made have a hardness difference of at least 10 shore units, better still at least 20 shore units.

The invention also relates to an assembly for packaging and embossing an application of a cosmetic product, in particular eyeliner, comprising:

-a container containing a cosmetic product to be applied;

-an applicator as described previously.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for applying a cosmetic product to the skin, in particular for applying eyeliner to the eyelids, is proposed, said method comprising the steps consisting of:

-providing a packaging and application assembly as described above;

-loading said portion of front application surface with the cosmetic product to be applied by placing at least part of said front application surface in contact with said cosmetic product contained in said container;

-applying the cosmetic product loaded on the front application surface to the skin by being placed in contact with the skin, the longitudinal axis of the application member preferably being placed substantially perpendicular to the surface of the skin and, where appropriate, the concavity of the front application surface being oriented in the direction of the eyes to deposit, by imprinting, a line of cosmetic product on the skin, the shape and contour of the line substantially corresponding to the shape and contour of the portion of the front application surface placed in contact with the skin.

According to an advantageous provision, the method according to the invention comprises a plurality of successive steps of applying the cosmetic product loaded on the front application surface to the skin, the lines of cosmetic product deposited successively on the skin being adjacent to each other and preferably partially overlapping so as to form together on the skin successive lines of cosmetic product, in particular successive curved lines.

By means of the shape of the front application surface of the application member, which is thinned at the side extremities, it is possible to apply a curved eyeliner line, which follows the curvature of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, formed by a plurality of adjacent lines deposited by embossing with said application member, with an angular displacement between the adjacent lines around the longitudinal axis, so as to form a profile of substantially continuous curvature, i.e. a profile substantially free of depressions/significant angles, in particular at the interface between two adjacent lines.

Advantageously, the two adjacent lines of cosmetic product continuously deposited onto the skin overlap over a length of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular about 2 mm.

In the case of the use of an application member comprising a side application surface as described above, the method according to the invention advantageously comprises the additional steps of:

-loading the side application surface with the cosmetic product to be applied by placing it in contact with the cosmetic product contained in the container;

-applying the cosmetic product loaded on the side application surface to the skin, in particular at the inner corners of the eyelids, by placing in contact with the skin, the longitudinal axis of the application member preferably being placed substantially parallel to the surface of the skin, so as to deposit, by stamping, a line of cosmetic product on the skin, the shape and contour of which line substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the side application surface, in particular the line deposited by means of the side application surface being adjacent to and partially overlapping the line of cosmetic product deposited by means of the front application surface.

In the case of the use of an applicator with a secondary application member as described above, the method according to the invention advantageously comprises the following additional steps:

-loading the secondary application surface with the cosmetic product to be applied by placing it in contact with the cosmetic product contained in the container;

-applying the cosmetic loaded on the secondary application surface to the skin, in particular at the external corners of the eyelids, by placing in contact with the skin, so as to deposit, by impression, a line of cosmetic on the skin, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to those of the secondary application surface, preferably connected to the line of cosmetic deposited by means of the front application surface by means of the line deposited by means of the secondary application surface.

By means of the method according to the invention, it is possible to easily, ergonomically and precisely completely make up the eye by means of a continuous embossing operation by means of an eyeliner composition comprising a line extending over the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes between the inner and outer corners of the eyes, and light hooks on the outer corners of the eyes.

The invention may be more clearly understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 illustrates in perspective view an applicator for the stamping of an application cosmetic product using an application member according to a first embodiment of the invention in a first embodiment;

figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the applicator of figure 1;

figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the applicator of figures 1 and 2;

figure 4 is a top view of the application member of figures 1 to 3;

fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the successive impression application of three eyeliner lines according to a first usage gesture using the applicator of fig. 1 to 4;

figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of an applicator for applying a cosmetic product, in a first embodiment, using an application member according to a second embodiment of the invention for embossing;

figure 7 is a partial view of a longitudinal section of the applicator of figure 6;

figure 8 shows in perspective view an assembly for packaging and embossing an application cosmetic product according to the invention;

figure 9 illustrates the step of applying, in line-pressing, an eyeliner on the eyelid of a user by means of the front application surface of an application member equipped with an applicator for packaging and pressing an assembly for applying a cosmetic product according to the invention;

fig. 10 illustrates the step of applying a light hook impression of eyeliner to the external canthus of the user by means of a secondary application member of an applicator belonging to the assembly for packaging and impression-applying a cosmetic product according to the invention;

figure 11 illustrates the step of applying, in an impression, a line of eyeliner on the eyelid at the internal angle of the eye of the user by means of the side application surface of an application member equipped with an applicator for packaging and impression-applying an assembly of cosmetics according to the invention;

figure 12 illustrates a first use gesture of the application member according to the invention;

figure 13 illustrates a second use gesture of the application member according to the invention;

fig. 14 shows in perspective view an applicator for the impression-applied cosmetic product in a second embodiment;

figure 15 is a front view of the applicator of figure 14;

figure 16 is a top view of the applicator of figures 14 and 15;

figure 17 is a cross-sectional view along line XVII-XVII of figure 15;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 15;

fig. 19 shows, in a perspective view, a variant of the applicator for the impression-applied cosmetic product in the second embodiment;

figure 20 is a front view of the applicator of figure 19;

fig. 21 is a schematic view illustrating the successive impression application of three eyeliner lines using the applicator of fig. 14 to 20 according to a first usage gesture.

Fig. 1 to 4 show an applicator 1 for applying a cosmetic product P to the skin, in particular for applying eyeliner to the eyelids, in a first embodiment using an application member according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As can be seen in fig. 1 to 3, the applicator 1 comprises a handle 2 extending along a longitudinal axis X' between a first end 21 and a second opposite end 22.

The first end 21 of the handle 2 is equipped with an application member 3 or primary application member, and the second end 22 of the handle 2 is equipped with a secondary application member 4, as will be seen in more detail herein below.

The main application member 3 is in the form of a tip connected to a first end 21 of the handle 2 that can be operated by a user.

The main application member 3, which is provided for the impression application of the cosmetic product P on the skin, in particular for the application of eyeliner on the eyelid, defines a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and a front-rear axis Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and to the transverse axis Y.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the longitudinal axis X of the main application member 3 coincides with the longitudinal axis X' of the handle 2 when the application member 3 is attached to the first end 21 of the handle 2.

As a variant not shown, when the application member 3 is attached to the first end 21 of the handle 2 (an offset or deflecting arm could for example connect the application member 3 to the first end 21 of the handle 2), the longitudinal axis X of the application member 3 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis X' of the handle 2 or may form an angle therewith.

As shown in fig. 1 to 4, the main application member 3 has a front application surface 30 suitable for loading the cosmetic product P to be applied (in the present case an eyeliner composition) by placing the front application surface 30 in contact with the cosmetic product P and for being placed at least partially in contact with the skin (in the present case the eyelid), in particular at the base of the eyelashes, to deposit by impression a line of cosmetic product P on the skin, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the portion 30 of the front application surface placed in contact with the skin.

The main application member 3 has, along the longitudinal axis X, a first end 37, which constitutes the end for attachment to the handle 2, and a second opposite end 38, which carries the front application surface 30.

According to the present invention, and as is clearly seen in particular in fig. 3 and 4, the front application surface 30 has an elongated shape along the transverse axis Y, which projects outwards when the application member 3 is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y.

The term "elongated shape along the transverse axis Y" is understood to mean: the front application surface is of greater dimension along this transverse axis Y and its dimension along the longitudinal axis X and along the front-rear axis Z is smaller than that along the transverse axis Y.

Furthermore, and as seen more particularly in fig. 3, when the main application member 3 is viewed in a plane (or plane X, Y) defined by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y, the front application surface 30 advantageously has a circular profile, in other words the front application surface 30 extends along a circular arc.

Thus, the term "front application surface 30 projecting outwards when the application member is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y" is understood to mean: the intersection between the front application surface 30 and any plane parallel thereto defined by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y is a curved section (in particular a circular section) which projects towards the outside of the main application member 3.

Advantageously, the radius of curvature of the circular profile of the front application surface 30 in the plane X, Y is less than or equal to 60 mm, in particular between 30 mm and 50 mm, in particular about 40 mm. Such curvature is particularly advantageous in being able to easily and accurately apply the line of eyeliner composition to the domed portion of the eyelid, and also to the hollow portion of the eyelid, particularly at the ends of the eyelid in the region of the inner and outer corners of the eye.

Furthermore, and as can be seen in fig. 1 to 4, the front application surface 30 is substantially flat when the main application member 3 is viewed in a plane (or plane X, Z) defined by the longitudinal axis X and the front-rear axis Z. In other words, the intersection between front application surface 30 and any plane parallel to plane X, Z is a substantially straight section.

As a variant, it is conceivable that the front application surface 30 bulges outwards when the main application member 30 is viewed in the plane (or plane X, Z) defined by the longitudinal axis X and the front-rear axis Z. Thus, in this variant, the intersection between the front application surface 30 and any plane parallel to the plane X, Z is a substantially curved section (in particular a circular section).

As seen in particular in fig. 3 and 4, the front application surface 30 extends along the longitudinal axis X over a height h between its first end 37 for attachment to the handle and its second end 38 carrying the front application surface 30.

Further, the front application surface 30 has a width l measured along the transverse axis Y between a first lateral end 31 and a second opposite lateral end 32.

The width/of the front application surface 30 is advantageously between 10 mm and 20 mm and is in particular about 15 mm.

Finally, the front application surface 30 has a thickness e measured along the front-rear axis Z between a first edge 33 and an opposite second edge 34.

According to an advantageous provision of the invention, the thickness e of the front application surface 30 varies when moving along the transversal axis Y and is minimal at the first lateral extremity 31 and at the second lateral extremity 32.

Thus, a primary impression smearing member 3 is obtained, the front smearing surface 30 of which narrows in the direction of its

lateral extremities

31, 32, which makes it possible to smear a line of eyeliner to the eyelid at the narrow end, and in particular to the end of the eyelid in the area of the inner and outer corners of the eye, which contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the resulting makeup.

Furthermore, and as will appear in more detail in the rest of the present description, by virtue of the shape of the front application surface 30 of the main application member 3, which is thinned at the

lateral extremities

31, 32, it is possible to apply a curved eyeliner line, which follows the curvature of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, formed by a plurality of adjacent lines deposited by embossing by means of the application member 3, with an angular displacement occurring between the adjacent lines about the longitudinal axis X, so as to form, in particular at the interface between two adjacent lines, a profile of substantially continuous curvature, i.e. a profile substantially free of depressions/distinct angles.

More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the thickness e of the front application surface 30 is zero at the first and second lateral ends 31, 32, the first and

second edges

33, 34 of the front application surface 30 intersecting at these first and second lateral ends 31, 32.

Even more particularly, in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1 to 11, and as can be seen in particular in fig. 4, the thickness e of the front application surface 30 varies continuously when moving along the transversal axis Y, said front application surface 30 having, in projection on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, a substantially oval shape, in particular an elliptical shape.

The maximum thickness of the front application surface is between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, and preferably about 1.3 mm, in the illustrated embodiment midway between the first side end 31 and the second side end 32 of the front application surface 30.

According to an advantageous provision of the invention, the front application surface 30 of the main application member 3 is laterally elongated by means of side application surfaces 35, 36 extending substantially perpendicularly to the front application surface 30.

In the manner of the previous application surface 30, the side application surfaces 35, 36 are suitable for loading the cosmetic product P by placing the side application surfaces 35, 36 in contact with the cosmetic product P and for placing in contact with the skin to deposit by impression a line of cosmetic product P on the skin, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the side application surfaces 35, 36.

Advantageously, the side application surfaces 35, 36 are outwardly concave when the application member is viewed in the plane X, Y.

The term "outwardly concave when viewing the application member in plane X, Y" is to be understood to mean: the intersection between the side application surfaces 35, 36 and any plane parallel to the plane X, Y is a curved section (in particular a circular section) which is concave towards the outside of the main application member 3.

As will be described hereinafter, the outwardly concave profile of side application surfaces 35, 36 in plane X, Y enables the eyeliner line to be easily and accurately applied at the base of the eyelashes by stamping, particularly on the hollow portions of the eyelids in the region of the inner and outer corners of the eyes.

Preferably, the side application surfaces 35, 36 have a circular profile, preferably with a radius of curvature between 140 mm and 170 mm, in particular about 155 mm, when the main application member 3 is viewed in the plane X, Y. By means of these provisions, the curvature of the side application surfaces 35, 36 in the plane X, Y is particularly well suited for a clear and precise application of the eyeliner line, in particular on the hollow parts of the eyelids in the region of the inner and outer canthus.

Fig. 6 and 7 show an applicator for the impression-application of a cosmetic product using an application member according to a second embodiment of the invention. This second embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment in that the side application surfaces 35, 36 have a greater dimension along the longitudinal axis X.

Thus, in the first embodiment, the main application member 3 has a height h along the longitudinal axis X of between 3 mm and 6 mm (for example about 4.5 mm), and, in the second embodiment, the main application member 3 has a height h along the longitudinal axis X of between 10 mm and 20 mm (for example about 15 mm).

Furthermore, and as can be seen in particular in fig. 1 to 3, the second end 22 of the handle 2 is equipped with a secondary application member 4.

The secondary application member 4 has a secondary application surface 40 suitable for loading the cosmetic product P by placing the secondary application surface 40 in contact with the cosmetic product P and suitable for placing in contact with the skin to deposit, by impression, a line ts of cosmetic product P on the skin, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the secondary application surface 40.

The secondary application surface 40 extends in a plane forming an angle with the longitudinal axis X' of the handle 2 and has a triangular or drop-shaped outer contour.

The secondary application member 4 allows to apply a light hook impression of eyeliner on the external corner of the eye.

In this way an applicator 1 is obtained which allows to apply a line of eyeliner along the eyelid impression at the base of the eyelashes using the front application surface 30 and the side application surfaces 35, 36 belonging to the primary application member 3, and to apply a light hook of eyeliner on the external corners of the eyes using the secondary application surface 40 belonging to the secondary application member 4.

Preferably, the handle 2 of the applicator, as well as the primary and secondary application members 3, 4, are made of plastic.

More precisely, the handle 2 is advantageously made of a relatively rigid plastic, in particular of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyamide (PA) and the like. Such a relatively rigid plastic may have a shore hardness of, for example, more than 80 shore D.

Furthermore, the primary application member 3 and the secondary application member 4 are made of a relatively flexible plastic, such as silicone, rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Such a relatively flexible plastic may have a shore hardness of, for example, between 20 shore a and 80 shore D.

The term "relatively rigid" is understood to mean that the rigidity of the plastic of which the handle 2 is made is greater than the rigidity of the plastic of which the primary application member 3 and the secondary application member 4 are made. Similarly, the term "relatively flexible" is understood to mean that the flexibility of the plastic of which the primary application member 3 and the secondary application member 4 are made is greater than the flexibility of the plastic of which the handle 2 is made.

Advantageously, the material of which the handle 2 is made and the material of which the primary application member 3 and the secondary application member 4 are made has a difference in hardness of at least 10 shore units, better still of at least 20 shore units.

Advantageously, the primary application member 3 and the secondary application member 4 are assembled on the handle 2 of the applicator 1 by overmoulding.

For this end, the first end 21 and the second end 22 of the handle 2 advantageously have projections defining a hollow portion for facilitating the attachment by overmoulding the primary application member 3 and the secondary application member 4 to the handle 2.

Thus, the first end 21 of the handle 2, which receives the main application member 3, has an arched portion 210 that defines with the body of the handle 2 a hollow into which the constituent material of the main application member 3 penetrates during the overmoulding of the main application member 3 on the handle 2.

Thus, the second end 22 of the handle 2, which receives the secondary application member 4, has studs 220, optionally provided with radial grooves, making it possible to define reliefs to facilitate the attachment of the secondary application member by overmoulding onto the second end 22 of the handle 2.

As a variant, the peg is adapted to be inserted by gripping into a complementary housing provided on the secondary application member 4.

According to a further variant, the primary application member 3 and/or the secondary application member 4 are co-injected with the handle 2.

The invention also relates to an assembly illustrated in fig. 8, comprising an applicator 1 as previously described, and a container 5 containing a cosmetic product P (in the present case an eyeliner composition to be applied to the eyelids) to be applied using the applicator.

A method for applying an eyeliner composition impression to the eyelid using the applicator as previously described in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to fig. 5 and 8-11.

In a first step of the method according to the invention, an assembly for packaging and applying a cosmetic product as previously described and as illustrated in fig. 8 is provided.

In a second step, at least a portion of the front application surface 30 is loaded with the cosmetic product P to be applied (in the present case, an eyeliner composition) by placing said portion of the front application surface 30 in contact with the cosmetic product P contained in the container 5.

According to a first usage gesture, the user loads the entire front application surface 30 with the cosmetic product P to be applied (in this case, an eyeliner composition) by bringing the entire front application surface 30 into contact with the cosmetic product P contained in the container 5.

According to the second use gesture, the user can load the entire front application surface 30 or only a portion of the front application surface 30 (for example, a central portion or side portions, in particular lateral halves, of the front application surface) with the cosmetic product P to be applied (in this case, an eyeliner composition) by bringing the entire front application surface 30 or only a portion of the front application surface into contact with the cosmetic product P contained in the container 5.

In a third step, and as can be seen in fig. 9, by placing the front application surface 30 in contact with the eyelid, applying the cosmetic product P loaded on the front application surface 30 to the eyelid, the transversal axis Y of the application member 3 preferably extends substantially parallel to the implantation line of the eyelashes, and the longitudinal axis X of the application member 3 is preferably placed substantially perpendicular to the surface of the eyelid, so as to deposit, by embossing, a line t of cosmetic product P on the surface of the eyelid, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the portion of the front application surface 30 placed in contact with the eyelid.

According to a first use gesture, the user places substantially all of front application surface 30 in contact with the skin to deposit, by stamping, a trace of cosmetic product P on the skin, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of front application surface 30.

Thus, according to this first usage gesture, the application of the eyeliner trace t on the eyelid, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the front application surface 30, is achieved by: placing the front application surface 30 loaded with cosmetic in contact with the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, with the transverse axis Y of the applicator member 3 extending substantially parallel to the line of implantation of the eyelashes, and preferably with the longitudinal axis X of the applicator member 3 extending substantially perpendicular to the eyelid; and rolling the front application surface 30 on the eyelid by rotating the applicator member 3 about the front-rear axis Z, alternatively in the first and second rotation directions, as illustrated in fig. 12.

In this fig. 12, the applicator 1 is shown in three successive positions of impression application, so that a full eyeliner line can be produced on the eyelid in the following manner: by means of a first use gesture in which the longitudinal axes X1, X2, X3 occupy three successive positions on the eyelid along the eyelash implantation line and extend in each case substantially perpendicularly to the eyelid, the front application surface 30 is then rolled over the eyelid by rotating the applicator member 3 about the front-rear axis Z, alternatively in a first and a second direction of rotation, as illustrated by the double arrow in fig. 12.

The outwardly convex shape of the front application surface 30 advantageously facilitates such rolling movement of the front application surface 30 on the eyelid by rotation of the applicator member 3 about the front-rear axis Z when viewing the applicator member 3 in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y.

According to the second use gesture, the user loads all or part of front application surface 30 with cosmetic and places only a portion of front surface 30 loaded with cosmetic (for example a central portion or a side portion, in particular a lateral half, of front application surface 30) in contact with the skin, so as to deposit on the skin, by stamping, a trace of cosmetic whose shape and contour substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the portion of front application surface 30 placed in contact with the skin.

Thus, according to this second use gesture, the application of an eyeliner trace on the eyelid is performed by placing a portion of the front application surface 30 loaded with cosmetic product in contact with the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the portion of the front application surface 30 placed in contact with the eyelid, wherein the transverse axis Y of the applicator member 3 extends substantially parallel to the eyelash implantation line, in particular wherein the longitudinal axis X of the applicator member 3 extends substantially perpendicular to the eyelid, and preferably without rolling the front application surface 30 on the eyelid, as shown in fig. 13.

In this fig. 13, the applicator 1 is shown in five successive positions of impression application, so that a full eyeliner line can be produced on the eyelid by means of a second use gesture, wherein the longitudinal axes X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 occupy five successive positions on the eyelid along the eyelash implantation line and each time extend substantially perpendicular to the eyelid. Unlike the first use gesture, in the second use gesture, the applicator does not tremble around the anterior-posterior axis, and the user applies the cosmetic on the eyelid with a light touch, thereby moving the applicator according to the normal of the eyelid.

According to an advantageous provision of the method according to the invention, a plurality of successive steps of applying the eyeliner composition P loaded on the front application surface 30 to the eyelids is carried out so as to form an eyeliner line thereon along the entire length of the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes between the ends of the eyelids in the region of the inner canthus C1 and the outer canthus C2, as can be seen in fig. 11.

As can be seen in this fig. 11, the lines of eyeliner composition P continuously deposited on the skin are adjacent to each other and partially overlap so as to together form on the skin a continuous bending line T which follows the topology of the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes between the ends of the eyelids in the region of the inner canthus C1 and the outer canthus C2.

Fig. 5 illustrates the successive application of three traces t1, t2, t3 by impressing eyeliner by means of the applicator of fig. 1 to 4 according to a first usage gesture, in which the user loads the entire front application surface with cosmetic product P and applies the loaded product on the eyelid by: the entire front application surface 30 is brought into contact with the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, wherein the transverse axes Y1, Y2, Y3 of the applicator member 3 extend substantially parallel to the implantation line of the eyelashes, and preferably wherein the longitudinal axes X1, X2, X3 of the applicator member 3 extend substantially perpendicular to the eyelid, and the front application surface 30 is rolled over the eyelid by rotating the applicator member 3 about the front-rear axis, alternatively in the first and second rotational directions, as shown in fig. 12.

According to an advantageous provision of the method according to the invention, according to the first use gesture or the second use gesture, and as shown in fig. 5, two adjacent lines t1, t2, t3 of the eyeliner composition P deposited successively on the skin are overlapped over a length Lsp1, Lsp2 of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular about 2 mm.

This overlap length Lsp1, Lsp2 of the first and second adjacent lines t1, t2, t2, t3 is measured along the transverse axes Y2, Y3 of the smeared second lines t2, t 3.

Thus, in the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the overlap length Lsp1 between the first and second lines t1 and t2 is measured along the transverse axis Y2 of the second line t2, and the overlap length Lsp2 between the second and third lines t2 and t3 is measured along the transverse axis Y3 of the third line t 3.

Furthermore, and according to another advantageous provision of the method according to the invention, the successive steps of applying the eyeliner composition P using the front application surface 30 are carried out by applying angular displacements α 1, α 2 around the longitudinal axis X between a first line tn and an adjacent line tn +1 of the eyeliner composition.

Thus, and as can be seen in fig. 5, by placing the transverse axis Y1 in a first angular orientation about the longitudinal axis X, the first thread t1 of eyeliner composition P is deposited on the eyelid, which is intended to be suitable for the location of the eyelid to which it is desired to apply the first thread t1 of eyeliner composition P.

Then, the second line t2 is smeared by angularly displacing the smearing member about its longitudinal axis X by an angle α 1 and by partially overlapping the second line t2 with the first line t1 over an overlap length Lsp 1.

Then, the third line t3 is smeared by angularly displacing the smearing member by an angle α 2 about its longitudinal axis X and by partially overlapping the third line t3 with the second line t2 over an overlap length Lsp 2.

In the embodiment shown, the overlap lengths Lsp1, Lsp2 are equal between the first and second lines t1, t2 on the one hand, and the second and third lines t2, t3 on the other hand.

However, without departing from the scope of the invention, these overlap lengths Lsp1, Lsp2 may differ, the essential feature being that all lines form a continuous bending line T that follows the topology of the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes between the ends of the eyelids in the region of the inner canthus C1 and the outer canthus C2.

Similarly, in the embodiment shown, the displacement angles α 1, α 2 about the longitudinal axis X are equal between the transverse axes of the first and second lines t1, t2 on the one hand and the second and third lines t2, t3 on the other hand.

However, without departing from the scope of the invention, the displacement angles α 1, α 2 may be different, the essential feature being that all lines form a continuous curved line T which follows the topology of the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes between the ends of the eyelids in the region of the inner canthus C1 and the outer canthus C2.

Furthermore, although in the illustrated embodiment three lines T1, T2, T3 are applied to together form a continuous bending line T that follows the topology of the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes between the ends of the eyelids in the region of the inner canthus C1 and the outer canthus C2, the line T may be generated by more or less than three lines.

In particular, and as can be seen in fig. 13, the second use gesture of the applicator member according to the invention applies a greater number of successive applications, to form a complete eyeliner line at the base of the eyelashes as the first use gesture.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a full eyeliner line is formed from inner corner of the eye C1 to outer corner of the eye C2 at the base of the eyelashes in three consecutive applications when the user employs a first use gesture as seen in fig. 12, and in five consecutive applications when the user employs a second use gesture as shown in fig. 13.

As can be seen in fig. 5, the ellipse of the projection of the front application surface on the plane Y, Z, combined with the partial overlap of the two adjacent lines T1, T2, T3, makes it possible to produce a resulting line T whose profile is curved and continuous, i.e. which is substantially free of depressions/significant angles, in particular at the interface between two adjacent lines.

According to an advantageous provision, and as illustrated in fig. 11, the method according to the invention may comprise an additional step consisting of:

loading the side application surfaces 35, 36 with eyeliner composition P to be applied by placing the side application surfaces 35, 36 in contact with eyeliner composition P contained in the container 5; and

-applying the eyeliner composition P loaded on the side application surfaces 35, 36 to the skin, in particular at the inner canthus C1 of the eyelid, by placing in contact with the skin, the longitudinal axis X of the application member 3 being preferably placed substantially parallel to the skin surface, to deposit by impression a line of the eyeliner composition P on the skin, the shape and contour of which line substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the side application surfaces 35, 36, said line deposited by means of the side application surfaces 35, 36 being adjacent to and partially overlapping the line t of the eyeliner composition P deposited by means of the front application surface 30.

Finally, the method according to the invention may advantageously comprise the step of modifying the application of the eyeliner composition on the eyelid, including forming a light hook V at the outer corner of the eye C2, as illustrated in fig. 10 and 11.

The method according to the invention therefore advantageously comprises an additional step consisting of:

loading secondary application surface 40 of secondary application member 4 with eyeliner composition P to be applied by placing secondary application surface 40 in contact with eyeliner composition P contained in container 5; and

applying the eyeliner composition P loaded on the secondary application surface 40 to the skin, in particular at the external canthus C2 of the eyelid, by placing in contact with the skin, so as to deposit by impression a line ts of eyeliner composition P on the skin, the shape and contour of which line substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the secondary application surface 40, said line tss deposited by means of the secondary application surface 40 being adjacent to the line t of eyeliner composition P deposited by means of the front application surface 30.

Thus, by means of the application member 3/applicator 1 and method according to the invention, it is possible to apply by impressing a line T on the eyelid, which line T follows the topology of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes between the ends of the eyelid in the region of the inner corner of the eye C1 and the outer corner of the eye C2, and the profile of which line T is curved and continuous, i.e. it is substantially free of depressions/significant angles, in particular at the interface between two consecutively deposited adjacent lines.

By means of the method according to the invention, it is possible to easily, ergonomically and precisely completely make up the eye by means of a continuous embossing operation by means of an eyeliner composition comprising a line T extending over the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes between an inner corner of the eye C1 and an outer corner of the eye C2, and light hooks V located on the outer corner of the eye.

Fig. 14 to 21 show an applicator 1' for applying a cosmetic product P to the skin, in particular for applying eyeliner to the eyelids, in a second exemplary embodiment.

In these figures, the same or similar elements as in the first embodiment of the applicator are indicated by the same reference numerals, with a punctuation mark' added thereto.

These elements, which are common between the first and second embodiments of the applicator according to the invention, will not be described in detail; elements that only distinguish the second embodiment from the first embodiment will constitute the subject matter of the following detailed description.

As can be seen in particular in fig. 14, 15, 19 and 20, the applicator 1 ' comprises a handle 2 ' extending along a longitudinal axis X ' between a first end 21 ' and a second opposite end 22 '.

The first end 21 'of the handle 2' is equipped with an application member 3 'or a primary application member, and the second end 22' of the handle 2 'is equipped with a secondary application member 4'.

In the embodiment examples illustrated in these fig. 14, 15, 19 and 20, the secondary application member 4' is identical to the second application member described in connection with the first embodiment of the applicator according to the invention.

As a variant, the second end 22 'of the handle 2' may be provided with an eyeliner-applying nib, such as a nib made of fibrous material (for example felt) or a nib made of elastomer. Such an eyeliner application pen tip is advantageously fluidically connected to an eyeliner reservoir integrated in the handle 2' to be supplied with eyeliner, in particular by capillary action or by flow.

The main application member 3 ' is in the form of a tip connected to a first end 21 ' of the handle 2 ' that can be operated by the user.

The main application member 3', which is provided for the impression application of the cosmetic product P on the skin, in particular for the application of eyeliner to the eyelid, defines a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and a front-rear axis Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and to the transverse axis Y.

As can be seen in fig. 14, 15, 19 and 20, when the application member 3 'is attached to the first end 21' of the handle 2 ', the longitudinal axis X of the main application member 3' coincides with the longitudinal axis X 'of the handle 2'.

As seen in these figures, the main application member 3 'has a front application surface 30' suitable for being loaded with the cosmetic product P to be applied (in the present case an eyeliner composition) by placing at least part of the front application surface 30 'in contact with the cosmetic product P, and for being placed in contact with the skin (in the present case the eyelid), in particular at the base of the eyelashes, to deposit by impression a line of cosmetic product P on the skin, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the part 30' of the front application surface placed in contact with the skin.

The main application member 3 ' has, along the longitudinal axis X, a first end 37 ' constituting the end for attachment to the handle 2 ', and a second opposite end 38 ' carrying the front application surface 30 '.

As described in connection with the first embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention, the front application surface 30 'has an elongated shape along the transverse axis Y, which projects outwards when the application member 3' is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y.

Similarly, the front application surface 30 'has a width l' measured along the transverse axis Y between the first side end 31 'and the second opposite side end 32'.

The width l 'of the front application surface 30' is advantageously between 10 mm and 20 mm and in particular about 15 mm.

Furthermore, as can also be seen in fig. 16, the front application surface 30 'of the application member 3' belonging to the applicator 1 'according to the second embodiment of the invention has a curved profile defining a concave surface C when the application member 3' is viewed in a plane defined by the transverse axis Y and the front-rear axis Z.

The curved profile of the front application surface 30' extends along a curved axis Ac in a plane defined by the transverse axis Y and the front-to-back axis Z.

The bending axis Ac advantageously forms a circular arc, preferably having a radius of curvature R less than or equal to 60 mm, in particular between 30 mm and 200 mm.

In the embodiment example illustrated in fig. 14 to 21, and as can be seen in particular in fig. 17, the radius of curvature R of the bending axis Ac is about 50 mm.

The depth p of the concave surface C along the Z axis, defined by the curved profile of the front application surface 30' in the plane Y, Z, is advantageously between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm. In the embodiment example particularly illustrated in fig. 17, this depth p is about 0.7 mm.

By virtue of these provisions, the curvature of the front application surface 30', in the plane defined by the transverse axis Y and the front-rear axis Z, is particularly well suited to improve the ease of use, ergonomics and precision of impressing the line of applied eyeliner at the base of the eyelashes, the concavity C defined by the curved profile being adapted to the curvature of the eyeliner so that the line of application of the eyeliner follows the eyeliner as much as possible.

Advantageously, in the embodiment example illustrated in fig. 14 to 21, the cross section of the handle 2 'also has a curved profile defining a concave surface C' in the plane defined by the transverse axis Y and the front-rear axis Z. In this same plane defined by the transverse axis and the anterior-posterior axis, the concavity C 'has the same orientation as the concavity C defined by the curved profile of the anterior application surface 30'.

The curved profile of the front application surface 30 ' belonging to the application member 3 ' in a plane defined by the transversal axis Y and the front-rear axis Z is symmetrical with the curved profile of the cross-section of the handle 2 ' in the same plane with respect to the plane defined by the longitudinal axis X and the front-rear axis Y. In other words, the curved profile of the front application surface 30 ' belonging to the application member 3 ' in a plane defined by the transverse axis Y and the front-rear axis Z and the curved profile of the cross-section of the handle 2 ' in this same plane are centred with respect to each other on the axes Y, Z. Preferably, the two curved profiles are also centred with respect to each other on the longitudinal axis X.

By these provisions, the handle 2 'and the application member 3' of the applicator 1 'have, in the plane defined by the transverse axis Y and the front-rear axis Z, a concave shape of the same orientation along the longitudinal axis X, so that the user determines intuitively and ergonomically how to hold the applicator 1' so as to orient the concavity C of the front application surface 30 'of the application member 3' appropriately with respect to the eyelid thereof, i.e. in the direction of the eye to be made up.

The curved profile of the cross-section of the handle 2 ', in the plane defined by the transversal axis Y and the front-rear axis Z, advantageously extends along a curved axis Ac'.

The bending axis Ac 'advantageously forms a circular arc, preferably having a radius of curvature R' between 10 mm and 35 mm.

In the embodiment example illustrated in fig. 14 to 21, and as can be seen in particular in fig. 18, the radius of curvature R 'of the bending axis Ac' is about 15 mm.

In the plane Y, Z, the depth p ' of the concave surface C ' along the Z axis, defined by the curved profile of the section of the handle 2 ', is advantageously between 0.4 mm and 3 mm. In the embodiment example particularly illustrated in fig. 17, the depth p' is about 0.9 mm.

Thus, in the plane defined by the transverse axis Y and the front-to-back axis Z, the curvature of the handle 2 'is more pronounced than the curvature of the front application surface 30' in that same plane.

In other words, in the plane defined by the transverse axis Y and the front-rear axis Z, the radius of curvature R ' of the handle 2 ' is smaller than the radius of curvature R of the front application surface 30 ' in this same plane.

The more pronounced curvature of the handle 2 ', in the plane defined by the transverse axis Y and the front-rear axis Z, clearly indicates to the user the proper orientation for handling and operating the applicator 1'.

As can be seen in particular in fig. 16, the thickness e of the front application surface 30' is substantially constant when moving along the transversal axis Y following the bending axis Ac.

The first edge 33 ' and the second edge 34 ' of the front application surface 30 ' meet at the first lateral end 31 ' and the second lateral end 32 ' to form a rounded shape.

The projection of the front application surface 30' on a plane defined by the transverse axis Y and the front-rear axis Z is of a substantially rectangular curved shape.

According to an advantageous provision, the first edge 33 'and the second edge 34' of the front application surface 30 'have, in particular at the first side end 31' and the second side end 32 ', edges projecting from the front application surface 30' along the longitudinal axis.

Such a rim advantageously makes it possible to form a reservoir of cosmetic product between the front application surface 30 ' and the protruding edge, thus increasing the amount of cosmetic product that can be carried on the application member 3 ' and improving its autonomy, requiring the user to reload the application member with cosmetic product less frequently, the protruding distance along the longitudinal axis X with respect to the front application surface 30 ' may be, for example, between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, or even 1.5 mm.

According to an advantageous provision, and as can be seen in fig. 19 and 20, the side application surfaces 35 ', 36' have respective notches 350 ', 360' in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y.

Thus, the height hf of the application member 3' along the longitudinal axis X is reduced in its side portions with respect to the height h of its central portion. Thus, these side portions of the application member 3 '(with the notches 350', 360 'perpendicular thereto) have a greater flexibility than the central portion of the application member 3', in particular in the direction of the longitudinal axis X and the front-rear axis Z.

As can be seen most clearly in fig. 21, this figure, like fig. 5, illustrates the eyeliner line T ' obtained after the successive application of the three eyeliner lines T1 ', T2 ', T3 ', by means of the application member 3 ' according to the first usage gesture (which front application surface 30 ' is convex outwards when it is viewed in the plane X, Y, and which also has a curved profile defining the concave surface C when it is viewed in the plane Y, Z), it is possible to produce a continuous, clear and dent-free line T ' having a relatively pronounced curvature and following the topology of the eyelid onto which the eyeliner is applied at the base of the eyelashes.

In one implementation of the invention, provision may be made for the application member 3, 3 ' or at least the front application surface 30, 30 ' and/or the secondary application member 4, 4 ' of the application member 3, 3 ', or at least the secondary application surface 40, 40 ' to have a flock.

The application members 3, 3' according to the first and second embodiments can be used with a first or second use gesture.

Claims

1. An application member (3, 3 ') for stamp-applying a cosmetic product (P) on skin, in particular for applying eyeliner to the eyelids, the application member defining a longitudinal axis (X), a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), and a front-rear axis (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) and the transverse axis (Y), and having a front application surface (30, 30') adapted to be loaded with the cosmetic product (P) by placing the front application surface (30, 30 ') in contact with the cosmetic product (P) and adapted to be placed at least partially in contact with the skin to deposit a line (t, t') of cosmetic product (P) on the skin by stamp, the shape and contour of the line substantially corresponding to the front application surface (30) placed in contact with the skin, 30') of the shape and contour of the portions,

characterized in that said front application surface (30, 30 ') has an elongated shape along said transverse axis (Y), said front application surface being convex outwards when said application member (3, 3') is viewed in a plane defined by said longitudinal axis (X) and said transverse axis (Y).

2. Application member (3 ') according to claim 1, wherein said front application surface (30 ') has a curved profile defining a concave surface (C) when said application member (3 ') is viewed in a plane defined by said transverse axis (Y) and said front-rear axis (Z).

3. Application member (3) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the front application surface (30, 30 ') is substantially flat when the application member (3, 3') is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis (X) and the front-rear axis (Z).

4. Application member (3 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the front application surface (30') extends along the longitudinal axis (X) over a height (h) and has a width (I) measured along the transverse axis (Y) between a first lateral extremity (31 ') and a second opposite lateral extremity (32') and a thickness (e) measured along the front-rear axis (Z) between a first edge (33 ') and a second opposite edge (34'),

and wherein the thickness (e) of the front application surface (30') is substantially constant when moving along the transversal axis (Y).

5. Spreading member (3 ') according to claim 4, wherein the thickness (e) of the front spreading surface (30 ') is minimal, and in particular zero, at the first side extremity (31 ') and/or the second side extremity (32 '), at which first and second edges (33 ', 34 ') of the front spreading surface (30 ') meet.

6. Spreading member (3 ') according to claim 5, wherein a first and a second edge (33 ', 34 ') of the front spreading surface (30 ') intersect at the first side extremity (31 ') and/or the second side extremity (32 ') so as to form a circular shape, the front spreading surface (30 ') having a substantially rectangular curved shape in projection on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

7. Spreading member (3 ') according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a first and/or second edge (33 ', 34 ') of the front spreading surface (30 '), in particular at the first and/or second lateral extremity (31 ', 32 '), has a rim projecting from the front spreading face (30 ') along the longitudinal axis (X).

8. Spreading member (3, 3 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further having a side spreading surface (35, 36; 35 ', 36 ') adjacent to the front spreading surface (30, 30 ') and extending substantially perpendicular thereto, the side spreading surface (35, 36; 35 ', 36 ') being preferably outwardly concave when the spreading member (3, 3 ') is viewed in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis (X) and the transverse axis (Y).

9. Application member (3 ') according to claim 8, wherein said side application surface (35 ', 36 ') has a recess (350 ', 360 ') in a plane defined by said longitudinal axis (X) and said transverse axis (Y).

10. Applicator (1, 1') for applying a cosmetic product (P) on the skin by stamping, in particular for applying eyeliner to the eyelids, comprising:

-a handle (2, 2 ') extending along a longitudinal axis (X') between a first end (21, 21 ') and a second opposite end (22, 22');

-an application member (3, 3 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 9, attached to a first end (21, 21') of the handle (2, 2 '), the longitudinal axis (X') of the handle (2, 2 ') preferably coinciding with a longitudinal axis (X) of the application member (3, 3').

11. Applicator (1 ') according to claim 10, wherein, in a plane defined by the transverse axis (Y) and the front-rear axis (Z), the cross-section of the handle (2 ') has a curved profile defining a concavity (C), which, in a plane defined by the transverse axis (Y) and the front-rear axis (Z), preferably has the same orientation as the concavity (C) defined by the curved profile of the front application surface (30 ').

12. Applicator (1, 1 ') according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the second end (22, 22 ') of the handle (2, 2 ') is equipped with a secondary application member (4, 4 ') carrying a secondary application surface (40, 40 ') suitable for loading the cosmetic product (P) by placing the secondary application surface (40, 40 ') in contact with the cosmetic product (P) and suitable for placing in contact with the skin to deposit on the skin, by stamping, a line (ts) of cosmetic product (P) whose shape and contour substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the secondary application surface (40, 40 '),

and wherein the secondary application surface (40, 40 ') extends in particular in a plane forming an angle with the longitudinal axis (X ') of the handle (2, 2 '), and preferably has a triangular or drop-shaped outer contour.

13. Applicator (1, 1 ') according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the application member (3, 3') and/or the secondary application member (4, 4 ') are attached to the first end (21, 21') and/or the second end (22, 22 ') of the handle (2, 2') by overmoulding.

14. Applicator (1, 1 ') according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the handle (2, 2') is made of a relatively rigid plastic, in particular of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE) or Polyamide (PA), and/or the application member (3, 3 ') and/or the secondary application member (4, 4') is made of a relatively flexible plastic such as silicone, rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

15. An assembly for packaging and embossing application of a cosmetic product, in particular eyeliner, comprising:

-a container (5) containing a cosmetic product (P) to be applied;

-an applicator (1, 1') according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

16. A method for applying a cosmetic product (P) to the skin, in particular for applying eyeliner to the eyelids, said method comprising the steps consisting of:

-providing an assembly for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to claim 15;

-loading at least a portion of the front application surface (30, 30') with a cosmetic product (P) to be applied by placing said portion of the front application surface (30) in contact with the cosmetic product (P) contained in the container (5);

-applying the cosmetic product (P) loaded on the portion of the front application surface (30, 30 ') onto the skin by being placed in contact with the skin, the longitudinal axis (X) of the application member (3, 3') being preferably placed substantially perpendicular to the surface of the skin and, where appropriate, the concavity (C) of the front application surface (30) being oriented in the direction of the eyes to deposit on the skin by impression a line (t, t ') of cosmetic product (P), the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the portion of the front application surface (30, 30') placed in contact with the skin.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising: a plurality of successive steps of applying the cosmetic product (P) loaded on said front application surface (30, 30 ') to the skin and wherein the lines (T1, T2, T3; T1 ', T2 ', T3 ') of cosmetic product (P) successively deposited on said skin are adjacent to each other and preferably partially overlap so as to form together on said skin successive lines (T, T '), in particular successive curved lines, of cosmetic product (P).

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein two adjacent lines (t 1, t2, t 3; t1 ', t2 ', t3 ') of cosmetic product (P) deposited continuously onto the skin overlap over a length (Lsp 1, Lsp 2; Lsp1 ', Lsp2 ') of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular of about 2 mm.

19. Method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, using an applicator (1, 1 ') equipped with an application member (3, 3') according to claim 8 or 9, the method further comprising the steps of:

-loading the side application surfaces (35, 36; 35 ', 36') with the cosmetic product (P) to be applied by placing the front application surface (35, 36; 35 ', 36') in contact with the cosmetic product (P) contained in the container (5);

-applying the cosmetic product (P) loaded on the side application surface (35, 36; 35 ', 36 ') onto the skin, in particular at the internal corners of the eyelids, by placing in contact with the skin, the longitudinal axis (X) of the application member (3, 3 ') being preferably placed substantially parallel to the surface of the skin, so as to deposit, by stamping, a line of cosmetic product (P) on the skin, the shape and contour of which substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the side application surface (35, 36; 35 ', 36 '), in particular the line deposited by means of the side application surface (35, 36; 35 ', 36 ') being adjacent to and partially overlapping the line (t, t ') of cosmetic product (P) deposited by means of the front application surface (30, 30 ').

20. Method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, using an applicator (1, 1') according to any one of claims 12 to 14, the method further comprising the steps of:

-loading the secondary application surface (40, 40 ') with the cosmetic product (P) to be applied by placing the secondary application surface (40, 40') in contact with the cosmetic product (P) contained in the container (5);

-applying the cosmetic product (P) loaded on said secondary application surface (40, 40 ') on the skin, in particular at the external corners of the eyelids, by placing in contact with the skin, so as to deposit, by impression, on the skin a line (ts) of cosmetic product (P) whose shape and profile substantially correspond to those of the secondary application surface (40, 40'), preferably the line (ts) deposited by means of the secondary application surface (40, 40 ') being preferably connected to the line (t, t') of cosmetic product (P) deposited by means of the front application surface (30, 30).