US20170188687A1

US20170188687A1 - Applicator for facial formulas

Info

Publication number: US20170188687A1
Application number: US14/986,143
Authority: US
Inventors: Marisol Simard; Richard Abucewicz
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2015-12-31
Filing date: 2015-12-31
Publication date: 2017-07-06
Also published as: WO2017116689A1

Abstract

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

Description

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an applicator suitable for use in applying formula to the face of a subject is provided. The applicator includes an applicator body having a handle portion and an application portion. The application portion in some embodiments forms a rounded tip at a free end thereof. In some embodiments, the applicator body is configured such that the stiffness of at least the application portion is different than the handle portion.
In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an applicator suitable for use in applying formula to the face of a subject is provided. The applicator includes an applicator body having a handle portion and an application portion. The application portion in some embodiments forms a rounded, tapering tip at a free end thereof. The applicator includes means for varying the stiffness of the applicator body along portions thereof and means for indicating a location for receiving a dose of formula.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the claimed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one representative embodiment of an applicator in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 1 taken along lines 9-9 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is an assembly view of the applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of another representative embodiment of an applicator in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the applicator of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the applicator of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a left side view of the applicator of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a right side view of the applicator of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the applicator of FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the applicator of FIG. 11;

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 11 taken along lines 19-19 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is an assembly view of the applicator of FIG. 11;

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of another representative embodiment of an applicator in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the applicator of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the applicator of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a left side view of the applicator of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is a right side view of the applicator of FIG. 21;

FIG. 27 is a front view of the applicator of FIG. 21;

FIG. 28 is a rear view of the applicator of FIG. 21;

FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of another representative embodiment of an applicator in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a top view of the applicator of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the applicator of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a left side view of the applicator of FIG. 29;

FIG. 34 is a right side view of the applicator of FIG. 29;

FIG. 35 is a rear view of the applicator of FIG. 29;

FIG. 36 is a front view of the applicator of FIG. 29;

FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 29 taken along lines 37-37 in FIG. 31;

FIG. 38 is an assembly view of the applicator of FIG. 29;

FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of another representative embodiment of an applicator in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 40 is a bottom perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a top view of the applicator of FIG. 39;

FIG. 42 is a bottom view of the applicator of FIG. 39;

FIG. 43 is a left side view of the applicator of FIG. 39;

FIG. 44 is a right side view of the applicator of FIG. 39;

FIG. 45 is a rear view of the applicator of FIG. 39; and

FIG. 46 is a top view of the applicator of FIG. 39.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings where like numerals reference like elements is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.
The following discussion provides examples of applicators suitable for use in the cosmetics industry, among others. Several examples discussed below are ergonomically designed to work with the contours of the face. In the examples of the applicators set forth in more detail below, several are provided with one or more surfaces that are ergonomically and anatomically designed to provide, for example, precise control of an application of a formula to the face, and in particular, under and around the eyes. In some embodiments, the applicator includes a flexible free end portion that applies the formula to the face. In embodiments that apply a film-like formula, including formulas having compositions that comprise at least one thermoplastic elastomer, at least one adhesive polymer, and at least one filler, the flexing characteristics of the applicator reduces the amount of force applied in the application of the formula, reducing the likeliness that the film will tear or break, and allowing for a gentle feathering of the formula onto the skin.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.
Turning now to FIGS. 1-10, there is shown one example of an applicator, generally designated 20, formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the applicator 20 includes body 24 having a proximal handle portion 26 configured to be grasped by a hand of a user and a distal application portion 28. At the free end of the distal application portion 28 there is formed a rounded, and tapering in some embodiments, tip portion 30 configured to apply an amount of formula to the face of either the user or another subject. As will be described in more detail below, the ergonomic shape of the tip portion 30 provides an applicator that can easily fit into the corners of the eye and below the eyelashes. Further, the flexibility of the tip portion 30 and/or the application portion 28 in some embodiments aids in applying the formula with a generally uniform thickness, is capable of sealing the edges of some film formulas, and can prevent the breakup of some film formulas, as will be described in more detail below.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, the body 24 is formed, for example, by top and bottom surfaces 34 and 36 and left and right side or lateral surfaces 40 and 42. The side surfaces 40 and 42 are generally rounded at the interface with the top and bottom surfaces 34 and 36. The lateral surfaces 40 and 42 both extend from the end of the distal application portion 28 to the end of the proximal handle portion 26, the intersections of which form the rounded tip portion 30 and a rounded rear portion 46. The lateral surfaces 40 and 42 are symmetrical about the central axis of the body 24, and are curved to form a larger, rounded tip portion 30 and a smaller, rounded rear portion 46. As such, in the top view shown in FIG. 3, the body 24 of the applicator 20 has a generally elongated hourglass shape. As shown in the side views of FIGS. 5 and 6, the top and bottom surfaces 34 and 36 both extend end to end in a generally tapering manner, thereby forming a thicker rear end portion 46 and a tapering, thinner tip portion 30. The tip portion 30 has rounded edges and in some embodiments, the top surface of the tip portion 30 is domed from side to side. In other embodiments, instead of being domed, the top surface of the tip portion 30 is slightly concave or flat from side to side.
As shown in the top perspective and side views of FIGS. 1 and 5-6, the application portion 28 has a thinner tapered profile than the handle portion 26. As such, the configuration of the application portion 28 of the applicator 20 allows the tip portion 30 to easily access the corner of the eyes and below the eyelashes. In some embodiments, the application portion 28 is approximately 35-40 mm long or longer, and the tip portion has a diameter of between approximately 9 mm and approximately 10 mm, and in some embodiments is approximately 9.5 mm. In some embodiments, the applicator 20 curves inwardly to a middle portion having a minimum width of approximately 6-10 mm and curves outwardly to begin formation of the tip portion 30 to a maximum width of approximately 14-16 mm. The lateral surface of the tip portion 30 then tapers inwardly until it reaches the distal end of the application portion 28. The distal end of the applicator 20, which in this embodiment is also the distal end of the tip portion 30, is rounded, from top surface to bottom surface and from side surface to side surface. In some embodiments, the applicator 20 tapers from the rear end having a thickness of approximately 6-9 mm or more to a tip end having a thickness of approximately 2-3 mm or less. The thinner, tapering tip portion 30 allows the applicator to flex when force is applied as the applicator applies formula to the face of the subject.
The flexing characteristics of the applicator 20, and in particular, the application portion 28, depends at least in part on the shape and material selection thereof. In some embodiments, the stiffness of the applicator 20 varies from the rear portion 46 to the tip portion 30. The applicator or parts thereof in some embodiments are constructed out of one or more of the following: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the like, and blends, copolymers, etc., thereof. Other materials can be used to construct the applicator or parts thereof, including but not limited to thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), including thermoplastic urethanes (TPUs), thermoplastic polyamides, thermoplastic olefins, etc. In some embodiments, at least the application portion 28 is constructed out of a TPE sold under the brand name Versaflex™ OM 1245X-1. In some embodiments, the durometer of the material selected for the application portion 28 is between approximately 60-70 Shore A.
In order to vary the stiffness of the applicator body 24, the applicator 20 in some embodiments is formed by constructing the handle portion 26 with a first material and the application portion 28 with a second, less rigid material. In some embodiments, the portions 26, 28 are joined by overmolding, co-molding, etc., heat bonding, adhesive bonding, etc., just to name a few. In some embodiments, other techniques, means, or methodologies can be implemented to control the stiffness of the applicator in one or more sections thereof, and to allow the applicator to vary in stiffness as it extends from its proximal end to its distal end. In the embodiment shown, the handle portion 26 is formed with a spear-like projection 60 that extends outwardly from its distal end along the central axis thereof. The projection 60 is sized and configured to be received with a cooperatingly configured socket 62 in the application portion 28. The projection 60 can vary in length and thickness, and once joined to the application portion 28, forms a core therein for changing the stiffness of the application portion 28 along a portion or portions thereof. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the tip portion 30 is less stiff than other segments of the application portion 28. As such, the stiffness profile of the applicator 20 or parts thereof can change in different implementations of the applicator 20 by varying the materials used, the length and thickness of the projection, and the configuration of the applicator portion 28.
The applicator 20 may also include a depression 70, shown as circular in FIGS. 2 and 4, disposed in the bottom surface of tip portion 30. The depression 70 provides the user with a location indicator for placement of the formula prior to use. In some embodiments, the depression is sized to help control the quantity of formula the user places onto the applicator for application to the face. In some embodiments, the depression aims to control the user to apply approximately 0.4 grams onto the tip portion 30. In some embodiments, the depression has a diameter of approximately 7 mm. The depth of the depression can range between about 0.5 mm and about 1.25 mm or more. In some embodiments, the depression can be omitted, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-28.
In some embodiments, micropatterning, such as Morphotonic micropatterning, can be implemented. In some embodiment, the micropatterning can be in the form of indicia, such as an X or word, an image, and/or the like. In embodiments without the depression, the indicia, image, etc., can function as a means for indicating the location for receiving a dose of formula. In embodiments with or without the depression, the micropatterning can also be used as a cleanliness indicator. After one or more uses of the application, the indicia, picture, etc., can appear faded, etc. which signals to the user to clean the applicator. Other benefits of micopatterning may occur, including, for example, improved transfer of the formula to the face of the subject.
FIGS. 11-20 depict another representative embodiment of a formula applicator 120 formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The applicator 20 is substantially identical in construction, operation, and materials as the applicator 20 except for the differences that will now be described. As shown in FIG. 20, the projection 160 is of a different configuration, longer tapering in this embodiment, in order to control the stiffness profile of the application portion 128.
FIGS. 21-28 depict another representative embodiment of a formula applicator 220 formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The applicator 220 is substantially identical in construction, operation, and materials as the applicator 20 except for the differences that will now be described. In this embodiment, the projection 60 of applicator 20 can be omitted. In its stead, the handle portion 226 can be configured to blend into the application portion in a tapering manner as shown in FIGS. 21, 22, 25, and 26. When the application portion 228 is constructed from a less rigid material than the handle portion 226, such a blending configuration can control the stiffness profile of the application portion 28 and provide sufficient flexibility characteristics for the intended application. Additionally, in this embodiment, the depression 70 of applicator 20 can be omitted. In its stead, micropatterning (not shown), such as Morphotonic micropatterning can be implemented. In some embodiments, the micropatterning can be in the form of an indicia, such as an X, a picture, and/or the like. Similar to the depression, the indicia, image, etc., can function as a means for indicating the location for receiving a dose of formula, which can be located on the bottom surface of the tip portion 230. Additionally or alternatively, micropatterning can also be used as a cleanliness indicator. After one or more uses of the application, the indicia, picture, etc., can appear faded, etc. This can provide a signal to the user to clean the applicator 20. Other benefits of micopatterning may occur, including, for example, improved transfer of the formula to the face of the subject.
FIGS. 29-38 depicts another representative embodiment of a formula applicator 320 formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 29, the applicator 320 includes a body 324 having a proximal handle portion 326 configured to be grasped by a hand of a user and a distal application portion 328. At the free end of the distal application portion 328 there is formed a rounded tip portion 330 configured to apply an amount of formula to the face of either the user or another subject. As will be described in more detail below, the ergonomic shape of the tip portion 330 provides an applicator that can easily fit into the corners of the eye and below the eyelashes. Further, the flexibility of the tip portion 330 and/or the application portion 328 in some embodiments aids in applying the formula with a generally uniform thickness, is capable of sealing the edges of some film formulas, and can prevent breakup of some film formulas, as will be described in more detail below.
As shown in FIGS. 29-38, the body is formed, for example, by top and bottom surfaces 334 and 336 and left and right side or lateral surfaces 340 and 342. The side surfaces 340 and 342 are generally rounded at the interface with the top and bottom surfaces 334 and 336. The side surfaces 340 and 342 both extend from the end of the distal application portion 328 to the end of the proximal handle portion 326, the intersections of which form the rounded tip portion 330 and a much larger rounded rear portion 46. Right lateral surface 342 is convex from end to end while left lateral surface 340 has a convex proximal segment 340 a and a concave distal section 340 b. As such, in the top view shown in FIG. 31, the body 324 of the applicator 320 has a general teardrop shape with a slightly curved or angled tip portion 330. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the top and bottom surfaces both extend end to end in a generally tapering manner, thereby forming a thicker rear end portion 346 and a tapered, thinner tip portion 330. The tip portion 330 has rounded edges and in some embodiments, the top surface of the tip portion 330 is domed from side to side. In other embodiments, instead of being domed, the top surface of the tip portion 330 is slightly concave or flat from side to side.
In the embodiment shown, the tip portion 330 is slightly curved, as shown in the top view of FIG. 31, and has a thinner tapered profile than the handle portion 328, as shown in the side views of FIGS. 33 and 34. As such, the configuration of the application portion 326 of the applicator 320 allows the tip portion 330 to easily access the corner of the eyes and below the eyelashes. In some embodiments, the tip portion 330 has a diameter D of between approximately 9.0 mm and approximately 10 mm, and in some embodiments is approximately 9.5 mm. In some embodiments, the applicator tapers from the rear end having a thickness of approximately 7 mm or more to a tip end having a thickness of approximately 2 mm or less. The thinner, tapered tip portion 330 also allows the applicator to flex when force is applied as the applicator applies formula to the face of the subject.
The flexing characteristics of the applicator 320, and in particular, the application portion 328, depends at least in part on the shape and material selection thereof. In some embodiments, the stiffness of the applicator 320 varies from the rear portion 346 to the tip portion 330. The applicator or parts thereof in some embodiments are constructed out of one or more of the following: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyester, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the like, and blends, copolymers, etc., thereof. Other materials can be used to construct the applicator or parts thereof, including but not limited to thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), including thermoplastic urethanes (TPUs), thermoplastic polyamides, thermoplastic olefins, etc. In some embodiments, at least the application portion 28 is constructed out of a TPE sold under the brand name Versaflex™ OM 1245X-1. In some embodiments, the durometer of the material selected for the applicator portion 328 is between approximately 60-70 Shore A. In these and other embodiments, the handle portion 326 can be constructed of a stiffer material, such as ABS, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, etc.
In order to vary the stiffness of the applicator between the rear end and the tip end, the applicator 320 in some embodiments is formed by constructing the handle portion 326 with a first material and the application portion 328 with a second, less rigid material. In some embodiments, the portions 326, 328 are joined by overmolding, co-molding, etc., heat bonding, adhesive bonding, etc., just to name a few. In some embodiments, other techniques, means, or methodologies can be implemented to control the stiffness of the applicator in one or more areas thereof, and to allow the applicator to vary in stiffness as it extends from the proximal end to the distal end. In the embodiment shown, the handle portion 326 is formed with a rabbet 360 or other projection along a portion of its perimeter. The rabbet 360 is sized configured to be received with a cooperatingly configured dado or slot 362 in the application portion 328. The rabbet 360 can vary in length and thickness, and once joined to the application portion 328, forms a core therein for changing the stiffness of the applicator portion 328 along a portion thereof. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the tip portion 330 is less stiff than other segments of the application portion 328. As such, the stiffness profile of the applicator or parts thereof can change in different implementations of the applicator 320 by varying the materials used, the length and thickness of the rabbet, and the configuration of the application portion 328.
The applicator 320 may also include a depression 370, shown as circular, disposed in the top and bottom surfaces of the tip portion 330. The depressions 370 provide the user with a location indicator for placement of the formula prior to use. In some embodiments, the depression is sized to help control the quantity of formula the user places onto the applicator for application to the face. In some embodiments, the depression aims to control the user to apply approximately 0.4 grams onto the tip portion 330. In some embodiments, at least one of the depressions has a diameter of approximately 7 mm. The depth of the depressions can range between about 0.5 mm and about 1.25 mm or more.
FIGS. 39-46 depicts another representative embodiment of a formula applicator 420 formed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The applicator 420 is substantially identical in construction, operation, and materials as the applicator 320 described above.
In some of the embodiments described above, a bar code, a quick response (QR) code, or the like, can be applied to the applicator itself or associated with the packaging at the point of sale. The bar code, a quick response (QR) code, or the like, once scanned, can direct an internet connected device to specific content about the applicator, formulas, etc., which is hosted on a web site. The content includes but is not limited to tutorials on how to use the applicator, various formulas for different facial treatment protocols, etc.
As was described in brief detail above, the applicators of the present disclosure are capable of applying a wide range of formulas or compositions to the skin of a subject. For example, several examples of the applicators described above are suitable for applying liquids, creams, salves, and the like. Several examples of the applicators described above are also well suited to apply a formula having a composition comprising at least one thermoplastic elastomer, at least one adhesive polymer, and at least one filler, which together form an association in the composition. In one embodiment of the composition, the thermoplastic elastomer is chosen so as to have at least two glass transition temperatures (T_g). Additional optional components, such as solvents, silicone elastomers, humectants, water, and pigments, may also be included in the compositions. When these representative compositions are applied to the skin, the at least one thermoplastic elastomer, the at least one adhesive polymer, and the at least one filler together form a matrix that creates a film on the skin. The films formed by the composition form quickly, are long-lasting and durable, and have optical properties that are advantageous for a skin-tightening film, such as transparency, matte effect, and a soft focus effect which helps to blur skin imperfections so that they are less noticeable.
In one application, the composition may be used to tighten the skin around the eyes to treat, for example, wrinkles that are sometimes referred to as “crow's feet,” among others. In this regard, the compositions form a film that is stiffer than, and thus capable of tightening, human skin. Human skin has a Young Modulus in the range of 10 kPa to 100 kPa; thus, a film for tightening the skin should have a Young Modulus of greater than 100 kPa. The films that are formed by the compositions have Young Modulus' greater than 500 kPa (0.5 MPa) in some embodiments, greater than 1000 kPa (1 MPa) in some embodiments, greater than 5000 kPa (5 MPa) in some embodiments, and even greater than 10,000 kPa (10 MPa) in some embodiments. Additionally, these compositions have sufficient consistency G* and phase angle below 45°, in order to form an effective and lasting film on the skin. In various embodiments, it may be advantageous for the total amount of thermoplastic elastomer plus adhesive polymer plus filler to be greater than about 10%, such as greater than about 15% or greater than about 20%, by weight, of the total weight of the composition. For a more detail description of the compositions, please see PCT/US15/66510 and PCT/US15/66420, which were both filed on Dec. 17, 2015, and entitled “Compositions and Methods For Improving The Appearance Of The Skin.”
It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” etc., should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. The term “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., means plus or minus 5% of the stated value or condition.
The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. An applicator, comprising:

an applicator body having a handle portion and an application portion, the application portion forming a rounded tip at a free end thereof,

wherein the applicator body is configured such that the stiffness of at least the application portion is different than the handle portion.

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the central axis of the tip is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the application body.

3. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the rounded tip is in the range between about 9.0 mm and about 9.5 mm.

4. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the tip is tapered.

5. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a depression disposed on the tip, the depression configured to receive a dose of formula.

6. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising means for indicating a location for receiving a dose of formula.

7. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a cleanliness indicator disposed on the application portion.

8. The applicator of claim 7, wherein the cleanliness indicator comprises a microtextured surface.

9. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising means for indicating the cleanliness of the application portion.

10. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the application portion varies is stiffness along its length or parts thereof.

11. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the handle portion includes a material having a first stiffness and the application portion includes a material having a second stiffness, wherein the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness.

12. The applicator of claim 11, wherein the handle portion includes a projection that projects into a section of the application portion, the projection configured to alter the stiffness of at least part of the application portion.

13. An applicator, comprising:

an applicator body having a handle portion and an application portion, the application portion forming a rounded, tapering tip at a free end thereof;

means for varying the stiffness of the applicator body along portions thereof;

means for indicating a location for receiving a dose of formula.

14. The applicator of claim 13, further comprising means for indicating the cleanliness of the application portion.

15. The applicator of claim 13, wherein said means for indicating the cleanliness includes a microtextured surface.

16. The applicator of claim 13, wherein said means for indicating a location includes a depression disposed in the tip of the applicator body.

17. The applicator of claim 13, wherein said means for indicating a location includes a textured area disposed in the tip of the applicator body.