WO2007007219A1 - A display unit for cosmetic compositions having non-zero magnetic properties - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention concerns a display unit for makeup compositions, comprising: at least one magnetic device; at least one composition comprising bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility; the display unit being configured so that, when the composition is located at least partially inside a magnetic field generated by the magnetic device, a modification to the orientation and/or a displacement of at least a portion of said bodies within the composition may be viewed.

Description

A DISPLAY UNIT FOR COSMETIC COMPOSTIONS HAVING NON-ZERO MAGNETIC PROPERTIES

The present invention relates to display units used to sell cosmetic compositions.

BACKGROUND

United States reissued patent US-Re-25882 discloses the use of magnetic beads in a vessel, said beads having poles of different colors to allow a magnetic scribing member to be used for writing.

In particular, the invention provides a novel display unit for makeup compositions comprising:

^• at least one magnetic device; and

^■ at least one composition comprising bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility; the display unit being arranged so that, when the composition is located at least partially inside a magnetic field generated by the magnetic device, a modification to the orientation and/or a displacement of at least a portion of said bodies within the composition may be viewed.

The magnetic device may thus be positioned or is positionable with respect to the composition to allow a modification to the orientation and/or a displacement of at least a portion of said bodies to be viewed.

The term "magnetic device" means a device which can generate a magnetic field using at least one magnet or electromagnet. The magnetic field generated by the magnetic device is not necessarily permanent.

If appropriate, the composition may be entirely constituted by said bodies .

The dimension of the magnetic particles is, for example, in the range 1 nm [nanometer] to 700 μm [micrometer] .

SUMMARY

The invention allows novel makeup effects to be demonstrated and can create movement which may attract the attention of consumers present, for example, in the store in which the display unit is located and thereby prompt the purchase of the composition.

The bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility may be contained in at least one enclosure, which may be stationary or movable depending on how the invention is embodied. In particular, the enclosure may, like the magnetic device, be integral with the display unit.

The enclosure may have a large conspicuous surface, for example a vertical transparent wall with a surface area of more than 1 dm² [square decimeter], for example.

The enclosure may also reproduce, especially on a larger scale, the shape of the region of the body onto which the composition is intended to be applied, for example the shape of a nail.

The enclosure may also be constituted by a receptacle identical to those used to package the cosmetic composition offered for sale, or it may reproduce the shape on a larger scale.

The magnetic field generated by the magnetic device may allow a predefined motif to be created by modifying the orientation and/or by displacing the bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility.

The interaction between the magnetic field and said bodies may vary with time, for example to cause at least one motif to appear then disappear in a periodic manner.

The display unit may comprise a mechanism which can create relative movement between the enclosure and at least one magnet or electromagnet of the magnetic device, for example a device for driving the magnet or electromagnet in displacement. Said displacement may be accompanied by a modification to the orientation and/or a displacement of the body with non-zero magnetic susceptibility, thereby changing the appearance of the composition in the enclosure.

The magnetic device may comprise at least one electromagnet and a device for controlling the electromagnet arranged to energize the electromagnet or not as a function of its relative position with the enclosure. This may facilitate the formation of complex motifs .

The magnetic device may comprise at least two electromagnets energized in a manner which varies with time to create a modification in the orientation and/or intensity of the magnetic field to which the bodies with non-zero magnetic susceptibility are subjected. This may modify the appearance of the composition with no relative movement between the electromagnets and the enclosure.

The display unit may comprise at least one receptacle containing the cosmetic composition. Such a receptacle may or may not be intended for sale.

When such a receptacle is not intended for sale and acts, for example, solely to contain the bodies with nonzero magnetic susceptibility exposed to a magnetic field, the display unit may comprise means which can retain the receptacle on the display unit, for example an adhesive or mechanical fastening, to prevent dishonest customers from taking it.

When the receptacle is intended for sale, the display unit is advantageously arranged to allow consumers to expose that receptacle to the magnetic field and to observe a change in appearance.

The magnetic device may comprise at least one magnet or electromagnet arranged to allow a consumer to bring it close to the receptacle containing the cosmetic composition. Said magnet or electromagnet may be retained on the display unit in a permanent manner, for example by a cable, a chain, or an articulated support arm, inter alia.

The display unit may be configured to allow a consumer to receive at least one sample of composition and to expose it to a magnetic field in order to modify its appearance.

As an example, said sample could be dispensed from a composition sample dispenser, present on the display unit. In a variation, at least one person may be present beside the display unit to distribute a sample of composition and, for example, to apply it and then, if appropriate, to expose the deposit to a magnetic field.

The display unit may comprise a pedestal or means for securing to a wall or a bearing structure such as a shelf or table.

The invention also provides a method of promoting the sale of a cosmetic composition, said cosmetic composition having non-zero magnetic susceptibility, the method comprising:

^• subjecting bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility, said bodies forming part of a composition, to a magnetic field to displace them and/or modify their orientation;

^• allowing at least one consumer to observe a change in the appearance of the composition thereby exposed to the magnetic field.

The bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility which are thereby exposed to the magnetic field may be identical to those contained in the cosmetic composition the sale of which is to be promoted, or they may belong thereto .

Thus, said bodies exposed to a magnetic field may be contained in an enclosure within a composition which may or may not be identical to the cosmetic composition the sale of which is to be promoted.

The invention also provides a method of promoting a makeup composition comprising a physiologically acceptable medium in which bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility are dispersed, said method comprising allowing visitors to a point of sale for said composition to view a modification to the orientation and/or a displacement of bodies with non-zero magnetic susceptibility when all or part of the composition is placed in a magnetic field. The point of sale may be real or virtual; it may, for example, be an internet site.

The invention can be better understood from the following detailed description of non-limiting implementations thereof and from the accompanying drawings in which:

^• Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of an example of a display unit in accordance with the invention;

^• Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of an example of a magnetic device;

^• Figures 3, 4, and 6 are diagrammatic perspective views of other examples of display units in accordance with the invention; and

^■ Figure 5 is a partial diagrammatic sectional view on V-V of Figure 4.

The display unit shown in Figure 1 comprises a demonstration enclosure 2 containing a fluid composition and a magnetic device 3 allowing the composition contained in the enclosure 2 to be exposed to a magnetic field.

In the example under consideration, the enclosure 2 is a receptacle which is identical to or similar to receptacles that are being promoted for sale by using the display unit 1, and comprising, for example, a transparent body 4 of plastics material or glass and a closure cap 5 which may also serve as handle means for an applicator (not shown) , for example a brush enabling the composition to be applied to the nails.

The display unit 1 also comprises a support structure 6 and a display panel 7 containing advertising material 8, for example.

The composition contained in the demonstration enclosure 2 may be identical to the cosmetic composition that is being promoted for sale.

Said composition contains bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility and the appearance of the composition in the demonstration enclosure is capable of being modified following exposure to a magnetic field, which causes a modification to the orientation and/or displacement of the bodies.

The magnetic field to which the bodies are exposed may vary with time in order, for example, to create a periodic change in the appearance of the composition, independently of any action by the consumer.

The variability of the magnetic field may, for example, be due to a relative displacement of the enclosure and of a source of a magnetic field of the magnetic device 3.

The magnetic device 3 comprises, for example, at least one magnet or electromagnet driven in displacement relative to the demonstration enclosure 2 so that the bodies with non-zero magnetic susceptibility contained in the demonstration enclosure 2 are exposed to a magnetic field with orientation that varies with time.

Said displacement is, for example a rotary drive, so that the orientation of the magnetic field relative to the enclosure 2 is modified. A change in the appearance of the composition inside the enclosure is thus caused by a change in the orientation and/or displacement of the bodies with non-zero magnetic susceptibility under the effect of the magnetic field.

The demonstration enclosure 2 rests, for example, on a fixed base 10 which is, for example, bonded thereto.

In a variation, the magnetic device 3 may, as shown in Figure 2, comprise a plurality of fixed electromagnets 21 energized sequentially via an electronic control circuit 20 to create a magnetic field with varying orientation.

Figure 3 shows a display unit in a variation. This display unit comprises a dispenser 12 of samples of the cosmetic composition containing the bodies having nonzero magnetic susceptibility and a magnetic device 3 which enables said bodies to be exposed to a magnetic field. The dispenser 12 is, for example, integral with a top 13 maintained by a pedestal 14.

The dispenser 12 comprises, for example, a pump or any other means 16 for removing a sample of composition.

The magnetic device 3 is, for example, attached to the top 13 via a cable or a chain 15, and comprises a permanent magnet, for example. If appropriate, the magnetic device 3 may be similar to that offered for sale in kit form with the cosmetic composition.

As an example, the display unit 1 is placed to one side of shelving 18 where compositions 19 with the property of changing their appearance under the effect of a magnetic field are displayed for sale.

In the example shown in Figure 3, a consumer may take a sample of composition and after spreading it on a region of the skin or nails or hair, for example, the consumer may expose the deposited composition to a magnetic field by means of the magnetic device 3 in order to modify the appearance thereby.

The display unit 1 shown in Figures 4 and 5 comprises a demonstration enclosure 2 having a transparent wall 26, for example flat and vertical, which allows the appearance of composition C contained therein to be observed.

The enclosure 2 may be integral, for example via its back face, with a magnetic device 3 which allows the composition C contained in the enclosure to be exposed to a magnetic field, to create a motif following modification of the orientation of magnetic bodies contained in said composition.

The magnetic device 3 comprises, for example, one or more magnets and/or electromagnets displaced and/or energized in a manner that creates the desired motif.

The magnetic device 3 may be arranged to create then erase one or more motifs in a periodic manner, to attract the attention of consumers . A rotating field such as a field generated by a magnet driven in rotation about itself may enable a motif resembling a sphere to be created. Displacing the magnet in translation could create a strip.

A first magnetic field may be applied to create a motif and a second magnetic field, with a different orientation, may be applied to erase that motif. The first and second magnetic fields may be applied in alternating manner.

The display unit may comprise one or more shelves 27 allowing storage of articles 19 containing a cosmetic composition which can change appearance following exposure to a magnetic field.

The invention is not limited to the examples of display units described above.

As an example, rather than a composition identical to that which is to be sold, it is possible to provide in the demonstration enclosure 2 a composition which is formulated so as to keep for longer and/or to be more compatible with the materials used to produce the enclosure and/or to present higher magnetic field susceptibility. However, said composition may, for example, contain the same magnetic bodies as the cosmetic composition offered to consumers. The composition contained in the demonstration enclosure may be free of volatile organic solvent or film-forming polymer, if appropriate, while the composition intended for sale may contain some.

The demonstration enclosure may at least partially reproduce, on a large scale, the shape of the region to be made up with the cosmetic composition, for example the shape of a nail, as shown in Figure 5.

In a variation of the invention, the point of sale is virtual and at least one composition having magnetic properties may be promoted by providing the potential consumer with at least one image, preferably a video sequence, for example in the form of a file to be downloaded, illustrating the effect of a magnetic field on the appearance of the composition.

The composition contained in the demonstration enclosure and/or offered to consumers may comprise both magnetic bodies and non-magnetic bodies .

The presence of magnetic bodies and non-magnetic bodies in the composition may, for example, allow novel optical effects to be created, which may be modified under the effect of a magnetic field.

MAGNETIC BODIES

Preferably, the magnetic bodies used do not have remanent magnetization in the absence of a magnetic field.

The magnetic bodies may comprise any magnetic material that is sensitive to magnetic field lines, whether said field is produced by a permanent magnet or by induction, said material being selected, for example, from nickel, cobalt, iron, their alloys and oxides, in particular FesCU, and also gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, erbium, and their alloys and oxides. The magnetic material may be "soft" or "hard" in type. The material may be soft iron.

The magnetic bodies may or may not have a multi- layered structure, comprising at least one layer of a magnetic material such as iron, nickel, cobalt and their alloys and oxides, in particular FesCU .

The magnetic bodies are preferably aspherical, having an elongate shape, for example. When subjected to a magnetic field, said bodies thus tend to become orientated with their longitudinal axes aligned with the field lines, and undergo a change in orientation which results in a change in the appearance of the composition. The bodies may be magnetic fibers .

When the magnetic bodies are substantially spherical particles, their appearance is preferably non-uniform, so that a change in orientation induces a change in appearance .

The quantity of magnetic bodies is sufficient for the appearance of the composition contained in the demonstration enclosure and/or offered to the consumers to be dependent on their orientation and/or positioning.

The concentration of magnetic bodies in the composition contained in the demonstration enclosure and/or offered to consumers is, for example, in the range from about 0.05% to about 97% by weight, in particular in the range from about 0.1% to about 95% by weight, preferably in the range from about 0.1% to about 90% by weight, for example of the order of 3% by weight. The dimension of the magnetic bodies is, for example, in the range 1 nm to 700 μm, preferably in the range 1 μm to 500 μm, more preferably in the range 10 μm to 150 μm. The term "dimension" means the dimension given by the statistical grain size distribution at half of the population, termed D50.

Magnetic pigments

The magnetic bodies may include magnetic pigments . Particularly suitable pigments are nacres comprising iron oxide, Fe₃04. examples of pigments having magnetic properties are those sold under the trade names COLORONA BLACKSTAR BLUE, COLORONA BLACKSTAR GREEN, COLORONA BLACKSTAR GOLD, COLORONA BLACKSTAR RED, CLOISONNE NU ANTIQUE SUPER GREEN, MICRONA MATTE BLACK (17437), MICA BLACK (17260), COLORONA PATINA SILVER (17289) and COLORONA PATINA GOLD (117288) from MERCK or FLAMENCO TWILIGHT RED, FLAMENCO TWILIGHT GREEN, FLAMENCO TWILIGHT GOLD, FLAMENCO TWILIGHT BLUE, TIMICA NU ANTIQUE SILVER 110 AB, TIMICA NU ANTIQUE GOLD 212 GB, TIMICA NU ANTIQUE COPPER 340 AB, TIMICA NU ANTIQUE BRONZE 240 AB, CLOISONNE NU ANTIQUE GREEN 828 CB, CLOISONNE NU ANTIQUE BLUE 626 CB, GEMTONE MOONSTONE G 004, CLOISONNE NU ANTIQUE RED 424 CB, CHROMA-LITE BLACK (4498), CLOISONNE NU ANTIQUE ROUGE FLAMBE (code 440 XB) , CLOISONNE NU ANTIQUE BRONZE (240 XB) , CLOISONNE NU ANTIQUE GOLD (222 CB) and CLOISONNE NU ANTIQUE COPPER (340 XB) from ENGELHARD.

The magnetic pigments may also include metallic iron, in particular passivated soft iron, for example obtained by carrying out the process described in United States patent US-A-6 589 331, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. A pigment including metallic iron may be more sensitive to a magnetic field.

Magnetic fibers

The term "fibers" designates bodies which are generally elongate having, for example, a form factor of 3.5 to 2500 or 5 to 500, for example 5 to 150. The form factor is defined by the ratio L/D, in which L is the length of the fiber and D is the diameter of the circle within which the largest cross section of the fiber is inscribed.

The fiber cross section may, for example, be inscribed within a circle with a diameter of 2 nm to 500 μm, for example 100 nm to 100 μm, or even 1 μm to 50 μm.

The fibers may, for example, have a length of 1 μm to 10 mm [millimeter], for example 0.1 mm to 5 mm, or even 0.3 mm to 3.5 mm.

The fibers may have a mass of 0.15 to 30 denier (mass in grams for 9 km [kilometers] of filament), for example 0.18 to 18 denier.

The fibers may have any cross section, for example circular or polygonal, in particular square, hexagonal, or octagonal .

The composition contained in the demonstration enclosure and/or offered for sale may comprise solid or hollow fibers which may be individual or linked, for example woven.

The composition may comprise fibers having blunt and/or rounded ends, for example obtained by polishing. The shape of the fibers need not be substantially modified when the fibers are introduced into the composition, since they can be initially rectilinear, for example, and sufficiently rigid to preserve their shape. In a variation, the fibers may be flexible, allowing them to deform substantially within the composition.

The fibers may comprise a non-zero amount of up to 100% of a magnetic material selected from soft magnetic materials, hard magnetic materials, in particular based on iron, zinc, nickel, cobalt, or manganese, and their alloys and oxides, in particular Fe₃04, rare earths, barium sulfate, iron-silicon alloys, optionally filled with molybdenum, Cu₂MnAl, MnBi, or a mixture thereof; this list is not limiting.

When the composition comprises fibers containing magnetic particles, these particles may, for example, be present at least at the surface of the fiber, or even only at the surface of the fibers, or only inside the fiber, or dispersed within the fiber in a substantially uniform manner.

The fibers may, for example, comprise a non-magnetic core with a plurality of magnetic particles at its surface .

The fibers may also comprise a synthetic matrix containing a plurality of magnetic grains dispersed therein.

If appropriate, a synthetic material filled with magnetic particles may itself be coated with a nonmagnetic husk. Such a husk constitutes, for example, a barrier isolating the magnetic materials from the ambient medium and/or it may color them. The fibers may comprise a monolithic magnetic core and be coated with a nonmagnetic husk, or vice versa.

The composition may comprise fibers produced by extrusion or co-extrusion of one or more polymeric materials, in particular thermoplastics and/or elastomers. One of the extruded materials may contain a fill of dispersed magnetic particles.

The fiber may comprise a synthetic material selected from polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) , acetates, polyolefins, in particular polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) , polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , polyester block amide, plasticized Rilsan®, elastomers, especially polyester elastomers, PE elastomers, silicone elastomers, nitrile elastomers or a mixture of those materials; this list is not limiting.

The composition may contain composite fibers comprising a magnetic core at least partially coated with at least one synthetic or natural amagentic material. The magnetic core may, for example, be coated by co- extrusion around the core of a husk of non-magnetic material .

The core may also be coated in another manner, for example by in situ polymerization.

The core may be monolithic or comprise a charge of magnetic grains dispersed in a matrix.

The composition may also contain composite fibers obtained by coating a synthetic or natural amagnetic core with a synthetic material charged with magnetic particles, the core being composed, for example, of a wood, rayon, polyamide, vegetable material, polyolefin, in particular polyethylene, Nylon®, polyimide-amide, or aramid, this list is not limiting.

The composition contained in the demonstration enclosure and/or offered for sale may also include composite magnetic particles, in particular a magnetic latex.

Composite magnetic particles

A composite magnetic particle is a composite material constituted by an organic or mineral matrix and magnetic grains. The composite magnetic particles may thus include grains of a magnetic material at their surface and/or inside them. The composite particles may be constituted by a magnetic core coated with an organic or mineral matrix, or vice versa.

The dimension of the composite magnetic particles is, for example, in the range 1 nm to 1 mm, preferably in the range 100 nm to 500 μm, more preferably in the range 500 nm to 100 μm. The term "dimension" means the dimension given by the statistical grain size distribution at half of the population, termed D50.

Chapter 1 of the thesis by C. GOUBAULT dated 23^rd March 2004, hereby incorporated by reference, summarizes the state of the art as regards composite magnetic particles and provides a list of preparation methods that can be used to prepare composite magnetic particles, namely separate synthesis of magnetic grains and matrix, synthesis of magnetic grains in contact with the matrix or synthesis of the matrix in the presence of magnetic grains .

KISKER sells composite magnetic particles with a mineral matrix composed of silica. DYNAL, SERADYN, ESTAPOR and ADEMTECH offer composite magnetic particles with an organic matrix, which may be used in the context of the invention.

More particularly, ESTAPOR sells, under reference Ml-070/60, magnetic latexes constituted by grains of ferrite uniformly distributed in a polystyrene matrix, said latex comprising 65% of iron oxide, the mean polystyrene particle diameter being 890 nm and the dry- matter content being 10% by weight. The composite magnetic particles include one of the magnetic materials mentioned above, for example.

Ferrofluid

The composition contained in the demonstration enclosure and/or offered for sale may comprise a ferrofluid, i.e. a stable colloidal suspension of magnetic particles, in particular magnetic nanoparticles . The particles, for example of the order of a few tens of nanometers in size, are dispersed in a solvent (water, oil, organic solvent) either using a surfactant or a dispersing agent, or by electrostatic interactions.

Ferrofluids are, for example, prepared by grinding ferrites or other magnetic particles until nanoparticles are obtained which are then dispersed in a fluid containing a surfactant which is adsorbed on the particles and stabilizes them, or by precipitation of a solution of metal ions in a basic medium.

Each ferrofluid particle has a magnetic moment determined by the size of the particle and the nature of the magnetic material.

Under the action of a magnetic field, the magnetic moments of the particles tend to align along the field lines with the appearance of non-zero magnetization in the liquid. If the field is extinguished, there is no hysteresis and the magnetization is extinguished.

Beyond a certain threshold field value, macroscopic changes in the liquid may also be produced, for example the appearance of peaks or a modification to rheological properties .

The term "ferrofluid" also encompasses an emulsion of droplets of ferrofluid in a solvent. Each drop then contains colloidal magnetic particles in stable suspension. This produces a ferrofluid in any type of solvent. The dimension of the magnetic particles in suspension in the ferrofluid is, for example, in the range 1 nm to 10 μm, preferably in the range 1 nm to 1 μm, more preferably in the range 1 nm to 100 nm. The term "dimension" means the dimension given by the statistical grain size distribution at half of the population, termed D50.

Ferrofluids sold by LIQUIDS RESEARCH LTD under the following trade names may in particular be mentioned: ^• WHKS1S9 (A, B or C) , which is an aqueous based ferrofluid comprising magnetite (FesCU) having 10 nm diameter particles;

^• WHJSl (A, B or C) , which is a ferrofluid based on iso-paraffin and 10 nm diameter magnetite particles (Fe₃O₄);

^■ BKS25 dextran, which is an aqueous based ferrofluid stabilized by dextran, comprising 9 nm diameter magnetite (FesCU) particles.

Chains of magnetic particles and/or fibers

The composition may comprise agglomerates of particles or fibers the largest dimension of which, for example the length is, for example, in the range 1 nm to 10 mm, for example in the range 10 nm to 5 mm, or in the range 100 nm to 1 mm, or in the range 0.5 μm to 3.5 mm, for example in the range 1 μm to 150 μm. The dimension designates that given by the statistical grain size distribution at half of the population, termed D50.

Chains of magnetic particles may, for example, be obtained by assembling colloidal magnetic particles as described in the publications "Permanently linked monodisperse paramagnetic chains", E.M. Furst, C. Suzuki, M. Fermigier, A. P. Gast, Langmuir 14, 7334-7336 (1998), "Suspensions de particules magnetiques" [suspensions of magnetic particles], M. Fermigier, Y. Grasselli, Bulletin de Ia SFP (105) , July 96, and "Flexible magnetic filaments as micromechanical sensors", C. Goubault, P. Jop, M. Fermigier, J. Baudry, E. Bertrand, J. Bibette, Phys Rev Lett, 91, 26, 260802-1 to 260802-4 (2003), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Those articles describe how to obtain chains of magnetic latex particles comprising a polystyrene matrix containing grains of surface functionalized iron oxide, linked together in a permanent manner following a chemical reaction, especially covalent links between the surfaces of adjacent particles; they also describe a process for producing chains of droplets of ferrofluid emulsion, linked together by interactions of a physical nature. The length and diameter of the permanent chains obtained may be controlled. Said magnetic chains constitute orientatable anisotropic magnetic articles which can be displaced under the effect of a magnetic field.

The dimensions of the magnetic chains may satisfy the same conditions as the magnetic fibers .

GONIOCHROMATIC COLORING AGENT

In one example of the invention, the composition contained in the demonstration enclosure and/or offered to consumers includes at least one goniochromatic coloring agent, which means that the observed color changes with the angle of observation. Said goniochromatic coloring agent may or may not be magnetic.

When the composition comprises magnetic particles of a certain color and a non-magnetic goniochromatic coloring agent, the goniochromatic coloring agent may be selected so that its color plot passes substantially through the color of the magnetic particles .

This can, for example render the magnetic particles more difficult to detect when they are not orientated in a magnetic field.

This can also cause the motif induced by the orientation of magnetic particles to appear only under certain observation conditions and/or illumination conditions of the made up surface, which can create particularly attractive motif appearance and disappearance effects.

The term "goniochromatic coloring agent" means a coloring agent which, when the composition is spread over a surface, can produce a color plot in the a*b* plane of the CIE 1976 color space which corresponds to a variation Δh° of the hue angle h⁰ of at least 20° when the angle of observation is varied relative to the normal between 0° and 80°, for an illumination angle of incidence of 45°.

The color plot may be measured, for example, using a spectrogonioreflectometer sold by INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS with reference GON 360 GONIOMETER, after the composition has been spread in the fluid state to a thickness of 300 μm using an automatic spreader onto an ERICHSEN contrast card with reference Typ 24/5, the measurement being carried out on the black background of the card.

The goniochromatic coloring agent may, for example, be selected from interferential multi-layered structures and liquid crystal coloring agents .

In the case of a multi-layered structure, this may, for example, comprise at least two layers, each layer being carried out, for example, from at least one material selected from the group constituted by the following materials: MgF₂, CeF₃, ZnS, ZnSe, Si, SiO₂, Ge, Te, Fe₂O₃, Pt, Va, Al₂O₃, MgO, Y₂O₃, S₂O₃, SiO, HfO₂, ZrO₂, CeO₂, Nb₂O₅, Ta₂O₅, TiO₂, Ag, Al, Au, Cu, Rb, Ti, Ta, W, Zn, MoS₂, cryolite, alloys, polymers, and combinations thereof.

The multi-layered structure may or may not be symmetrical with respect to a central layer as regards the chemical nature of the stacked layers. Different effects are obtained depending on the thickness and the nature of the various layers .

Examples of symmetrical multi-layered interferential structures are the following structures: Fe₂O₃/SiO₂/ Fe₂O₃/SiO₂/ Fe₂O₃, a pigment having that structure being sold under the trade name SICOPEARL by BASF; MoS₂/Si0₂/mica-oxide/Si0₂/MoS₂; Fe₂0₃/Si0₂/mica-oxide/Si0₂/ Fe₂O₃; TiO₂/SiO₂/TiO₂ and TiO₂/Al₂O₃/TiO₂; pigments having those structures are sold under the trade name XIRONA by MERCK (Darmstadt) .

Liquid crystal coloring agents comprise, for example, silicones or cellulose ethers onto which mesomorphous groups are grafted. Examples of particular goniochromatic liquid crystals which may be used are those sold by CHENIX and those sold under the trade name HELICONE® HC by WACKER.

The goniochromatic coloring agent may also be a nacre, a special effect pigment on a synthetic substrate, in particular a substrate of the alumina, silica, borosilicate, iron oxide, or aluminum type or interferential holographic flakes from a polyterephthalate film.

The ratio of the proportion of magnetic bodies to the proportion of goniochromatic coloring agent is, for example, in the range H to 4, for example in the range H to 2, for example close to 1.

The composition may also include dispersed goniochromatic fibers. Such fibers may be less than 80 μm in length, for example.

The composition may also include at least one diffracting pigment, which may if appropriate have magnetic properties .

DIFFRACTING PIGMENT

The term "diffracting pigment" as used in the present invention means a pigment which is capable of producing a color variation depending on the angle of observation when illuminated with white light due to the presence of a structure which diffracts light. Such a pigment is also sometimes termed a holographic pigment or rainbow effect pigment.

A diffracting pigment may comprise a diffraction matrix capable, for example, of diffracting an incident ray of monochromatic light in predetermined directions .

The diffraction matrix may comprise a periodic motif, in particular a line, the distance between two adjacent motifs being of the same order of magnitude as the wavelength of the incident light. When the incident light is polychromatic, the diffraction matrix separates the various spectral components of the light and produces a rainbow effect.

Concerning the structure of diffracting pigments, reference should be made to the article "Pigments Exhibiting Diffractive Effects" by Alberto Argoitia and Matt Witzman, 2002, Society of Vacuum Coaters, 45^th Annual Technical Conference Proceedings, 2002, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The diffracting pigment may be produced with motifs having different profiles, in particular triangular, symmetrical or unsymmetrical, crenellated, with a constant or non constant width, sinusoidal, or stepped.

The spatial frequency of the matrix and the motif depth will be selected as a function of the desired degree of separation of the various orders . As an example, the frequency may lie in the range 500 to 3000 lines per mm.

Preferably, the particles of diffracting pigment each have a flattened form, in particular in the form of a platelet.

The same pigment particle may comprise two crossed diffraction matrices, which may or may not be perpendicular, and may or may not have the same spacing.

The diffracting pigment may have a multi-layered structure comprising a layer of reflective material, covered on at least one side by a layer of a dielectric material. This layer may provide the diffracting pigment with better rigidity and durability. The dielectric material may thus, for example, be selected from the following materials: MgF₂, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, AlF₃, CeF₃, LaF₃, NdF₃, SmF₂, BaF₂, CaF₂, LiF and combinations thereof. The reflective material may, for example, be selected from metals and their alloys and also from non-metallic reflective materials. Metals which may be mentioned include Al, Ag, Cu, Au, Pt, Sn, Ti, Pd, Ni, Co, Rd, Nb, Cr and their materials, combinations or alloys. Such a reflective material may alone constitute the diffracting pigment which is then a monolayer.

In a variation, the diffracting pigment may comprise a multi-layered structure comprising a core of a dielectric material covered on at least one side by a reflective layer, or even completely encapsulating the core. A layer of a dielectric material may also cover the reflective layer or layers . The dielectric material used is thus preferably inorganic and may, for example, be selected from metal fluorides, metal oxides, metal sulfides, metal nitrides, metal carbides and combinations thereof. The dielectric material may be in the crystalline, semi-crystalline or amorphous state. The dielectric material in this configuration may, for example, be selected from the following materials: MgF2, SiO, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, WO, AlN, BN, B₄C, WC, TiC, TiN, N₄Si₃, ZnS, glass particles, diamond type carbons, and combinations thereof.

In a variation, the diffracting pigment may be composed of a dielectric or preformed ceramic material such as a mineral in natural lamellae, for example mica peroskovite or talc, or synthetic lamellae formed from glass, alumina, SiO₂, carbon, an iron oxide/mica, mica coated with BN, BC, graphite, bismuth oxychloride, and combinations thereof.

Instead of a layer of a dielectric material, other materials which improve the mechanical properties may be suitable. Such materials may include silicone, metal suicides, semiconductor materials formed from elements from groups III, IV, and V, metals having a body-centered cubic crystal structure, Cermet compositions or materials, semiconductor glasses, and their various combinations .

The diffracting pigment used may in particular be selected from those described in United States patent application US-2003/0031870 published on February 13, 2003. A diffracting pigment may, for example, comprise the following structure: MgF₂/Al/MgF₂, a diffracting pigment having that structure being sold under the trade name SPECTRAFLAIR 1400 Pigment Silver by FLEX PRODUCTS, or SPECTRFLAIR 1400 Pigment Silver FG. The proportion by weight of MgF₂ may be in the range 80% to 95% of the total weight of the pigment.

Other diffracting pigments are sold under the trade names METALURE® PRISMATIC by ECKART®.

Other possible structures are Fe/Al/Fe or Al/Fe/Al, which have non-zero magnetic susceptibility.

The quantity of diffracting pigment may vary, by weight with respect to the total weight of the first composition, from 0.1% to 5%, for example.

The dimension of the diffracting pigment may, for example, be in the range 5 μm to 200 μm, preferably in the range 5 μm to 100 μm, for example in the range 5 μm to 30 μm.

The thickness of the particles of diffracting pigment may be 3 μm or less, preferably 2 μm, for example of the order of 1 μm.

REFLECTIVE PARTICLES

The composition contained in enclosure 2 and/or offered to consumers may, for example, comprise reflective particles, in particular flakes, inter alia, which may or may not be magnetic.

The term "reflective particles" means particles the size, structure, in particular the thickness of the layer or layers which constitute it, and physical or chemical nature and surface quality of which allows them to reflect incident light. Said reflection may, if appropriate, be sufficiently intense to create, on the surface of the composition or mixture when applied to the surface to be made up, highlights which are visible to the naked eye, i.e. points which are more luminous which contrast with their environment and appear to shine. The reflective particles may be selected so that they do not significantly alter the color effect generated by coloring agents which are associated therewith and more particularly, to optimize this effect as regards color yield. More particularly, they may possess a yellow, pink, red, bronze, orangey, brown, gold, and/or coppery color, or glint.

The reflective particles may be present in the composition in an amount of 0.5% to 60% with respect to the total composition weight, in particular 1% to 30% by weight, more particularly 3% to 10% by weight.

Said particles may have different forms, in particular the form of platelets, or they may be globular, in particular spherical.

Regardless of their form, the reflective particles may or may not have a multi-layered structure and, with a multi-layered structure, for example, they may have at least one layer of uniform thickness, in particular of a reflective material.

When the reflective particles do not have a multi- layered structure they may, for example, be composed of metal oxides, in particular oxides of titanium or iron obtained by synthesis.

When the reflective particles have a multi-layered structure, these may, for example, comprise a natural or synthetic substrate, in particular a synthetic substrate which is at least partially coated with at least one layer of a reflective material, in particular at least one metal or metallic material.

The substrate may be an organic and/or inorganic mono-material or multi-material. More particularly, it may be selected from glasses, ceramics, graphite, metal oxides, aluminas, silicas, silicates, in particular aluminosilicates and borosilicates, synthetic mica and mixtures thereof, this list being non-limiting.

The reflective material may comprise a layer of metal or a metallic material. Reflective particles have in particular been described in Japanese patent documents JP-A-09188830, JP-A-10158450, JP-A-10158541, JP-A-07258460, and JP-A-05017710.

Further examples of reflective particles comprising a mineral substrate coated with a layer of metal which may be mentioned are particles comprising a borosilicate substrate coated with silver.

Particles with a glass substrate coated with silver in the form of platelets are sold under the trade name MICROGLASS METASHINE REFSX 2025 PS by TOYAL. Particles with a glass substrate coated with an alloy of nickel/chromium/molybdenum are sold under the trade name CRYSTAL STAR GF 550, GF 2525 by the same supplier.

Regardless of their form, the reflective particles may also be selected from particles with a synthetic substrate at least partially coated with at least one layer of at least one metallic material, in particular a metal oxide selected, for example, from oxides of titanium, in particular TiO₂, of iron, in particular Fe2U₃, of tin, of chromium, of barium sulfate and the following materials: MgF₂, CrF₃, ZnS, ZnSe, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, MgO, Y₂O₃, SeO₃, SiO, HfO₂, ZrO₂, CeO₂, Nb₂O₅, Ta₂O₅, MoS₂ and mixtures and alloys thereof.

Examples of such particles which may be mentioned are particles comprising a synthetic mica substrate coated with titanium dioxide, or particles of glass coated either with brown iron oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide or a mixture thereof, such as those sold under the trade name REFLECKS® by ENGELHARD.

The composition of the invention may include at least one nacre, which may or may not be magnetic.

The term "nacre" means colored particles of any form, iridescent or otherwise, in particular those produced in the husks of certain mollusks or synthesized and which have a color effect produced by optical interference . The nacres may be selected from nacreous pigments such as mica titanium coated with an iron oxide, mica coated with bismuth oxychloride, mica titanium coated with chromium oxide, mica titanium coated with an organic colorant in particular of the type mentioned above, and nacreous pigments based on bismuth oxychloride. They may also be mica particles having surfaces superimposed with at least two successive layers of metal oxides and/or organic coloring materials.

More particularly, the nacres may have a yellow, pink, red, bronze, orangey, brown, gold, and/or coppery- color or glint.

Illustrative examples of nacres which may be introduced into the composition which may be mentioned are gold colored nacres sold by ENGELHARD under the trade name Brillant gold 212G (Timica) , Gold 222C (Cloisonne) , Sparkle gold (Timica) , Gold 4504 (Chromalite) and Monarch gold 233X (Cloisonne) ; bronze nacres sold by MERCK under the trade name Bronze fine (17384) (Colorana) and Bronze (17353) (Colorana) and by ENGELHARD under the trade name Super bronze (Cloisonne) ; orange nacres sold under the trade name ENGELHARD under the trade name Orange 363C (Cloisonne) and Orange MCR 101 (Cosmica) and by MERCK under the trade name Passion orange (Colorana) and Matte orange (17449) (Microna) ; nacres with a brown hue, in particular those sold by ENGELHARD under the trade name Nu-antique copper 340XB (Cloisonne) and Brown CL4509 (Chromalite) ; nacres with a copper glint in particular those sold by ENGELHARD under the trade name Copper 340A (Timica) ; nacres with a red glint, in particular those sold by MERCK under the trade name Sienna fine (17386) (Colorana) ; nacres with a yellow glint, in particular those sold by ENGELHARD under the trade name Yellow (4502) (Chromalite); nacres with a red hue and a gold glint sold by ENGELHARD under the trade name Sunstone G012 (Gemtone) ; pink nacres, in particular those sold by ENGELHARD under the trade name Tan opale GO05 (Gemtone) ; black nacres with a gold glint in particular those sold by ENGELHARD under the trade name Nu antique bronze 240 AB (Timica) , blue nacres in particular those sold by MERCK under the trade name Matte blue (17433) (Microna) , white nacres with a silvery glint in particular those sold by MERCK under the trade name Xirona Silver and orangey pink gold-green nacres sold by MERCK under the trade name Indian summer (Xirona), and mixtures thereof.

OTHER COLORING AGENTS

The composition contained in the enclosure and/or to be offered for sale may also comprise dyes, organic pigments or lakes .

The dyes may be liposoluble or hydrosoluble .

Examples of liposoluble dyes are Sudan red, DC Red 17, DC Green 6, β-carotene, soya oil, Sudan brown, DC Yellow 11, DC Violet 2, DC orange 5, quinoline yellow.

Examples of hydrosoluble dyes are beetroot juice and methylene blue.

As an example, the dyes may represent 0.1% to 20% of the weight of composition P, or even 0.1% to 6%, when present .

The organic lakes or pigments may be selected from the materials below and their mixtures:

^• cochineal red;

^• organic pigments of azo, anthraquinone, indigo, xanthene, pyrene, quinoline dyes, triphenylmethane, and fluorane;

^■ organic lakes or insoluble salts of sodium, potassium, calcium, barium, aluminum, zirconium, strontium, titanium, acid dyes such as azo, anthraquinone, indigo, xanthene, pyrene, quinoline dyes, triphenylmethane and fluorane dyes, said dyes possibly comprising at least one carboxylic or sulfonic acid group.

Organic pigments which may be mentioned are those known by the following denominations: D&C Blue No 4, D&C Brown No 1, D&C Green No 5, D&C Green No 6, D&C Orange No 4, D&C Orange No 5, D&C Orange No 10, D&C Orange No 11, D&C Red No 6, D&C Red No 7, D&C Red No 17, D&C Red No 21, D&C Red No 22, D&C Red No 27, D&C Red No 28, D&C Red No 30, D&C Red No 31, D&C Red No 33, D&C Red No 34, D&C Red No 36, D&C Violet No 2, D&C Yellow No 7, D&C Yellow No 8, D&C Yellow No 10, D&C Yellow No 11, FD&C Blue No 1, FD&C Green No 3, FD&C Red No 40, FD&C Yellow No 5, FD&C Yellow No 6.

The organic dye may comprise an organic lake supported by an organic support such as colophane or aluminum benzoate, for example.

Particular examples of organic lakes which may be mentioned are those known by the following denominations : D&C Red No 2 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 3 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 4 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 6 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 6 Barium lake, D&C Red No 6 Barium/Strontium lake, D&C Red No 6 Strontium lake, D&C Red No 6 Potassium lake, D&C Red No 7 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 7 Barium lake, D&C Red No 7 Calcium lake, D&C Red No 7 Calcium/Strontium lake, D&C Red No 7 Zirconium lake, D&C Red No 8 Sodium lake, D&C Red No 9 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 9 Barium lake, D&C Red No 9 Barium/Strontium lake, D&C Red No 9 Zirconium lake, D&C Red No 10 Sodium lake, D&C Red No 19 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 19 Barium lake, D&C Red No 19 Zirconium lake, D&C Red No 21 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 21 Zirconium lake, D&C Red No 22 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 27 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 27 Aluminum/Titanium/Zirconium lake, D&C Red No 27 Barium lake, D&C Red No 27 Calcium lake, D&C Red No 27 Zirconium lake, D&C Red No 28 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 30 lake, D&C Red No 31 Calcium lake, D&C Red No 33 Aluminum lake, D&C Red No 34 Calcium lake, D&C Red No 36 lake, D&C Red No 40 Aluminum lake, D&C Blue No 1 Aluminum lake, D&C Green No 3 Aluminum lake, D&C Orange No 4 Aluminum lake, D&C Orange No 5 Aluminum lake, D&C Orange No 5 Zirconium lake, D&C Orange No 10 Aluminum lake, D&C Orange No 17 Barium lake, D&C Yellow No 5 Aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No 5 Zirconium lake, D&C Yellow No 6 Aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No 7 Zirconium lake, D&C Yellow No 10 Aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No 1 Aluminum lake, FD&C Red No 4 Aluminum lake, FD&C Red No 40 Aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow No 5 Aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow No 6 Aluminum lake.

The chemical materials corresponding to each of the organic dyes mentioned above are mentioned in the work "International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook", 1997 edition, pages 371 to 386 and 524 to 528, published by "The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association" the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The composition offered to consumers and/or contained in the demonstration enclosure may comprise a composite pigment.

The composite pigment may be composed of particles comprising:

^■ a magnetic or non-magnetic inorganic core;

^• at least one at least partial coating of at least one organic coloring material.

At least one binder may advantageously contribute to fixing the organic coloring material on the inorganic core .

The composite pigment particles may have various forms . Said particles may in particular be in the form of platelets or they may be globular, in particular spherical, and may be hollow or solid. The term "in the form of platelets" designates particles for which the ratio of the largest dimension to the thickness is 5 or more .

A composite pigment may, for example, have a specific surface area in the range 1 m²/g [square meters per gram] to 1000 m²/g, in particular in the range from about 10 m²/g to 600 m²/g, and in particular in the range from about 20 m²/g to 400 m²/g. The specific surface area is the value measured by the BET method. The inorganic core of the composite pigment may have any form suitable for binding particles of organic coloring material, for example spherical, globular, granular, polyhedral, acicular, spindle-shaped, flattened into the form of a flake, a grain of rice, a scale, and a combination of those forms, this list being non-limiting.

The ratio of the largest dimension of the core to its smallest dimension may be in the range 1 to 50.

The inorganic core may have a dimension in the range from about 1 nm to about 100 nm, or even in the range from about 5 nm to about 75 nm, for example in the range from about 10 nm to about 50 nm.

The inorganic core may be produced from a material selected from the non-limiting list comprising metal salts and metal oxides, in particular oxides of titanium, zirconium, cerium, zinc, iron, ferric blue, aluminum and chromium, aluminas, glasses, ceramics, graphite, silicas, silicates, in particular aluminosilicates and borosilicates, synthetic mica, and mixtures thereof.

Oxides of titanium, in particular TiC>2, of iron, in particular Fe₂U₃, of cerium, of zinc, and of aluminum, silicates, in particular aluminosilicates and borosilicates, are particularly suitable.

The inorganic core may have a specific surface area, measured by the BET method, included, for example, in the range from about 1 m²/g to about 1000 m²/g, preferably in the range from about 10 m²/g to about 600 m²/g, for example in the range from about 20 m²/g to about 400 m²/g.

The inorganic core may be colored if appropriate.

The organic coloring material may be as defined above .

The binder for the composite pigment may be any type provided that it allows the organic coloring material to adhere to the surface of the inorganic core.

The binder may in particular be selected from a non- limiting list comprising silicone materials, polymeric, oligomeric or the like materials, and in particular from organosilanes, fluoroalkyl organosilanes and polysiloxanes, for example polymethyl-hydrogen-siloxane, as well as various coupling agents, such as coupling agents based on silanes, titanates, aluminates, zirconates, and mixtures thereof.

The coloring agent may comprise a photochromic coloring material or a photochromic agent.

In general, a photochromic coloring agent is a coloring agent having the property of changing hue when it is illuminated by ultraviolet light and reestablishing its initial color when it is no longer illuminated by said light, or of changing from a non colored state to a colored state and vice versa. In other words, such an agent has different hues depending on whether it is illuminated by light containing a certain amount of UV radiation, such as sunlight or artificial light.

Reference can be made to the examples of photochromic agents described in European patent EP-A-I 410 786.

It is possible, for example, to use a thermochromic agent sold under reference number KROMAFAST YELLOW 5GX 02- by KROMACHEM LTD.

The composition offered to consumers and/or contained in the demonstration enclosure may also comprise piezochromic compounds, in particular tribochromic or solvatochromic compounds .

The composition offered to consumers and/or contained in the demonstration enclosure may, for example, comprise at least one filler, which may or may not be magnetic.

FILLERS

The term "filler" means particles of any form, which are insoluble in the medium of the composition, regardless of the temperature at which the composition is manufactured. A filler may in particular act to modify the rheology or texture of the composition. The nature and quantity of particles may depend on the desired mechanical properties and the textures .

Examples of fillers which may be mentioned amongst others are talc, mica, silica, kaolin, sericite, powders of polyamide, polyolefins, for example polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polyurethane, starch powders, and silicone resin beads.

The fillers may be intended, inter alia, to create a blurred effect, in particular in the case of a foundation, in order to conceal skin imperfections.

OTHER COMPOSITIONS

The composition offered to consumers comprises a physiologically acceptable medium. The term "physiologically acceptable medium" means a non toxic medium which is capable of being applied to the skin, hair and nails, or the lips of human beings. The physiologically acceptable medium is generally adapted to the nature of the surface on which the composition is to be applied and to the form in which the composition is packaged.

The composition contained in the demonstration enclosure may or may not include a physiologically acceptable medium.

The composition contained in the demonstration enclosure or offered to consumers may include ingredients other than those described above, in particular at least one solvent, a fatty phase, a film-forming polymer and/or a dermatological or cosmetic active ingredient, depending on its form.

The composition offered to consumers and/or contained in the demonstration enclosure may comprise at least one aqueous or organic solvent, in particular at least one volatile solvent, especially a volatile oil. When the composition comprises one or more organic solvents, said solvents may be present in an amount of 0.1% to 99% with respect to the total composition weight.

In general, the quantity of solvent (s), in particular organic solvent, depends on the nature of the surface onto which the composition is intended to be applied.

The composition may comprise at least one organic solvent selected from the following list:

^• ketones which are liquid at ambient temperature, such as methylethylketone, methylisobutylketone, diisobutylketone, isophorone, cyclohexanone, acetone;

^■ alcohols which are liquid at ambient temperature, such as ethanol, isopropanol, diacetone alcohol, 2- butoxyethanol, cyclohexanol;

^• glycols which are liquid at ambient temperature, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, pentylene glycol, glycerol;

^• propylene glycol ethers which are liquid at ambient temperature, such as propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol mono n-butyl ether;

• short chain esters (containing 3 to 8 carbon atoms in total) , such as ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, isopentyl acetate;

^• alkanes which are liquid at ambient temperature, such as decane, heptane, dodecane, cyclohexane.

The composition may also comprise water or a mixture of water and hydrophilic organic solvents routinely used in cosmetics such as alcohols and especially linear or branched lower mono-alcohols containing 2 to 5 carbon atoms, such as ethanol, isopropanol or n-propanol, polyols such as glycerin, diglycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, penthylene glycol, polyethylene glycols. The composition may also contain C2 ethers and hydrophilic C2- C4 aldehydes . The water or mixture of water and hydrophilic organic solvents may be present in the first or second composition in an amount which is, for example, from 0 to 90%, in particular 0.1% to 90% by weight, preferably 0 to 60% by weight, in particular 0.1% to 60% by weight with respect to the total composition weight.

When it is intended to be applied to the lips, the composition may comprise a fatty phase and in particular at least one fat which is liquid at ambient temperature (25⁰C) and/or a fat which is solid at ambient temperature, such as waxes, pasty fats, gums, and mixtures thereof. Further, the fatty phase may contain lipophilic organic solvents .

The composition may, for example, have a continuous fatty phase, which may contain less than 5% water, in particular less than 1% of water with respect to its total weight and in particular it may be in the anhydrous form.

Fats which are liquid at ambient temperature, often termed "oils" which may be mentioned are: vegetable hydrocarbon oils such as liquid triglycerides of fatty acids containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms, such as heptanoic or octanoic acid triglycerides, or sunflower seed, corn, soya, grapeseed, sesame, apricot, macadamia, castor or avocado oils, triglycerides of caprylic/capric acid, jojoba oil, shea butter oil, lanolin, acetylated lanolin, linear or branched hydrocarbons of mineral or synthetic origin such as paraffin oils and derivatives thereof, Vaseline, polydecenes, hydrogenated polyisobutene such as Parleam; synthesized esters and ethers such as those from fatty acids, such as Purcellin oil, isopropyl myristate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-octyldodecyl stearate, 2- octyldodecyl erucate, isostearyl isostearate; hydroxylated esters such as isostearyl lactate, octylhydroxystearate, octyldodecyl hydroxystearate, diisostearylmalate, triisocetyl citrate, heptanoates, octanoates, decanoates of fatty alcohols; isononyl isonanoate, isopropyl lanolate, tridecyl trimellilate, diisostearyl malate; polyol esters such as propylene glycol dioctanoate, neopentylglycol diheptanoate, diethylene glycol diisononanoate; pentaeythritol esters; fatty alcohols containing 12 to 26 carbon atoms, such as octyldodecanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2- undecylpentadecanol, oleic alcohol; partially fluorinated hydrocarbon and/or silicone oils; silicone oils such as polymethylsiloxanes (PDMS) , volatile or otherwise, linear or cyclic, liquid or pasty at ambient temperature such as cyclomethicones, dimethicones, optionally comprising a phenyl group, such as phenyltrimethicones, phenyltrimethylsiloxydiphenylsiloxanes, diphenylmethyldimethyl-trisiloxanes, diphenyldimethicones, phenyl dimethicones, polymethylphenyl siloxanes; and mixtures thereof. The oils may be present in an amount of 0.01% to 90%, preferably 0.1% to 85% by weight with respect to the total composition weight.

The presence of an oily phase may provide gloss and, for example, a refractive index in the range 1.47 to 1.51, preferably in the range 1.48 to 1.50. The refractive index is measured at ambient temperature (25⁰C) using a refractometer .

The composition offered to consumers and/or contained in the demonstration enclosure may comprise a pasty fat, a wax, or a gum.

Pasty fats are generally hydrocarbon compounds with a melting point in the range 25⁰C to 6O⁰C, preferably in the range 3O⁰C to 45⁰C, and/or a hardness in the range 0.001 MPa to 0.5 MPa, preferably in the range 0.005 MPa to 0.4 MPa, such as lanolins and derivatives thereof.

The waxes may be solid at ambient temperature (25⁰C) , with a reversible solid/liquid change of state, having a melting temperature of more than 3O⁰C which may be up to 200⁰C, with a hardness of more than 0.5 MPa, and having an anisotropic crystalline organization in the solid state. In particular, the waxes may have a melting point of more than 25⁰C, preferably more than 45⁰C. The waxes may be hydrocarbon, fluorinated, and/or silicone waxes and be of vegetable, mineral, animal, and/or synthetic origin. Waxes which may be used which may be mentioned are beeswax, carnauba wax or candellila wax, paraffin, microcrystalline waxes, ceresine or ozokerite; synthetic waxes such as polyethylene waxes or Fischer- Tropsch waxes, silicone waxes such as alkyl or alkoxy- dimethicone waxes containing 16 to 45 carbon atoms. The composition may contain 0 to 50% by weight of waxes relative to the total composition weight, or even 1% to 30% by weight.

Gums which may be used are generally polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) with a high molecular weight, cellulose gums or polysaccharides.

The composition offered to consumers and/or contained in the demonstration enclosure may also, for example, comprise a film-forming polymer, in particular in the case of a mascara or a nail varnish. The term "film-forming polymer" designates a polymer which may, by itself or in the presence of an auxiliary film-forming agent, form a continuous film which adheres to a surface, in particular to keratinous materials.

Examples of film-forming polymers which may be used in composition P which may be mentioned include synthetic polymers, of the radical or polycondensate type, polymers of natural origin such as nitrocellulose or cellulose esters, and mixtures thereof.

Radical type film-forming polymers may be vinyl polymers or copolymers, in particular acrylic polymers.

Vinyl film-forming polymers may result from polymerizing monomers with an ethylenically unsaturated bond containing at least one acid group and/or esters of said acid monomers and/or amides of said acid monomers like unsaturated OC, β-ethylenic carboxylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, maleic acid, or itaconic acid. Vinyl film-forming polymers may also be the result of homopolymerization or copolymerization of monomers selected from vinyl esters such as vinyl acetate, vinyl neodecanoate, vinyl pivalate, vinyl benzoate or vinyl t- butyl benzoate and styrene monomers such as styrene and alpha-methyl styrene.

Film-forming polycondensates which may be mentioned include polyurethanes, polyesters, polyester amides, polyamides and polyureas, this list being non-limiting.

Polymers of natural origin which may be modified may be selected from shellac resin, sandarac gum, dammar resins, elemi gums, copal gums, cellulose polymers such as nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose or nitrocellulose esters selected, for example, from cellulose acetate, cellulose acetobutyrate and cellulose acetopropionate, and mixtures thereof.

The film-forming polymer may be present in the form of solid particles in aqueous or oily dispersion, generally known as latexes or pseudolatexes . The film- forming polymer may comprise one or more stable dispersions of particles of generally spherical polymers of one or more polymers in a physiologically acceptable liquid fatty phase. Said dispersions are generally termed NAD (non aqueous dispersions) of polymers as opposed to latexes, which are aqueous dispersions of a polymer. Said dispersions may be in the form of nanoparticles of polymers in stable dispersion in said fatty phase. The nanoparticles preferably have a size in the range 5 nm to 600 nm. Techniques for preparing such dispersions are well known to the skilled person.

Examples of aqueous film-forming polymer dispersions which may be used are acrylic dispersions sold under the trade name NEOCRYL XK-90®, NEOCRYL A-I070®, NEOCRYL A- 1090®, NEOCRYL BT-62®, NEOCRYL A-1079®, NEOCRYL A-523® by AVECIA-NEORESINS, DOW LATEX 432® by DOW CHEMICAL, DAITOSOL 5000 AD® by DAITO KASEI KOGYO; or aqueous dispersions of polyurethane sold under the trade name NEOREZ R-981®, NEOREZ R-974® by AVECIA-NEORESINS, AVALURE UR-4O5®, AVALURE UR-410®, AVALURE UR-425®, AVALURE UR- 450®, SANCURE 875®, SANCURE 861®, SANCURE 878®, SANCURE 2060® by GOODRICH, IMPRANIL 85® by BAYER, AQUAMERE H- 1511® by HYDROMER; sulfopolyesters sold under the trade name Eastman AQ by Eastman Chemical Products .

The composition may also comprise an auxiliary film- forming agent encouraging the formation of a film with the film-forming polymer.

The composition offered to consumers and/or contained in the demonstration enclosure may comprise at least one cosmetically or dermatologically active ingredient. Cosmetically, dermatologically, hygienically or pharmaceutically active ingredients which may be used in the compositions of the invention which may be mentioned are moisturizers (polyol such as glycerin) , vitamins, (C, A, E, F, B or PP) , essential fatty acids, essential oils, ceramids, sphingolipids, liposoluble sunscreens or sunscreens in the form of nano-particles, specific active ingredients for the treatment of skin (protective agents, antibacterials, anti-wrinkle agents, etc), self-tanning agents. Said active ingredients may, for example, be used in concentrations of 0 to 20% and especially 0.001% to 15% with respect to the total composition weight.

The composition offered to consumers and/or contained in the demonstration enclosure may also contain ingredients which are routinely used in cosmetics, such as thickeners, surfactants, oligo elements, moisturizers, softeners, sequestrating agents, fragrances, alkalizing or acidifying agents, preservatives, anti-oxidants, UV screens, colorants, or mixtures thereof.

Depending on the envisaged type of application, the composition may comprise constituents conventionally used in the fields under consideration which are present in a quantity appropriate for the desired form. The composition contained in the demonstration enclosure and/or offered to consumers may have various forms, depending on its destination. The composition may thus be in any form which is normally used for topical application and in particular in the anhydrous form, in the form of an oily or aqueous solution, an oily or aqueous gel, an oil-in-water emulsion, a water-in-oil emulsion, a wax in water emulsion or a water-in-wax emulsion, a multiple emulsion, a dispersion of oil in water using vesicles located at the oil/water interface.

Kits

The composition offered to consumers may be in the form of a kit comprising a magnetic device arranged to generate a magnetic field which is sufficiently strong to be able to modify the orientation and/or position of magnetic particles in the solution after application to a surface such as the skin, mucous membranes, the skin and nails or keratinous fibers, to change the appearance hereof.

Said magnetic device may comprise a permanent magnet or an electromagnet energized, for example, by at least one battery or storage cell. In the last case, the magnetic device may include a switch which can selectively energize the electromagnet with electricity.

The magnetic device of the kit may be arranged to create a magnetic field the orientation of which varies with time. When the magnetic device comprises a magnet, the device may, for example, comprise a motor which can drive the magnet in rotation. In a variation, the magnetic device may comprise several solenoids arranged to generate a rotating magnetic field when energized with electricity in sequence.

A rotary magnetic field may, for example, produce a motif having a symmetry of revolution, for example a motif giving the impression of a sphere in relief. The electromagnet or electromagnets may be permanently or intermittently supplied as the consumer selects. In particular, the magnetic device of the kit may be arranged so that the electromagnet or electromagnets can not be energized when the magnetic device is not positioned correctly near the surface coated with composition.

The magnetic field is, for example, at least 50 mT [milliteslas] , or at least 0.2 T or 1 T.

To render application of the magnetic field easier, the magnetic device in the kit may comprise a member allowing it to be positioned relative to the surface onto which the composition has been deposited. This could, for example, prevent the magnetic device from accidentally coming into contact with the composition and/or allow the motif to be centered in the region concerned.

The magnetic device of the kit may be integral with an applicator acting to apply the cosmetic composition. This reduces the number of items manipulated by the user and facilitates making up.

The magnetic device of the kit may comprise a magnet mounted at one end of a stem the second end of which is connected to a handle member of an applicator acting to apply the cosmetic composition.

The magnetic field may also be exerted by means of a magnetic structure, in particular a flexible structure, comprising alternating N and S poles. Such a structure may, for example, be able to produce repetitive motifs on the composition, for example lines.

The kit may comprise a case housing the cosmetic composition and the magnetic device. In this case, the case may, for example, comprise a plurality of magnets of different shapes to produce different motifs.

The kit may also comprise a second cosmetic composition to be applied to the first or to the surface before applying the first composition. The second composition may be transparent and intended, for example, to be applied to the lips, nails or skin. It may comprise at least one of the components described above.

The second composition may or may not be colored. Said second composition may comprise a coloring agent to create a colored background, in particular when it is intended to be covered by the first.

PROPOSED EXAMPLES

The composition offered to consumers and/or contained in the demonstration enclosure may have one of the following formulations; in all of the examples, the quantities are expressed as the fractions by weight.

Example A: Nail varnish

* Nacres containing at least 14% Fe₃U4, with reference COLORANA PATINA GOLD (117288), sold by MERCK.

Example B: Nail varnish

Example C: Nail varnish

* Nacres containing at least 14% Fe₃U4, with reference COLORANA PATINA GOLD (117288), sold by MERCK. ** Pigments sold under the trade name SECTRAFLAIR by FLEX PRODUCTS . Example D : Lipstick

* Nacres containing at least 14% Fθ₃θ4, sold under the trade name CLOISONNE ANTIQUE GREEN 828 CB by ENGELHARD,

Example E : Foundation

* Nacres containing at least 14% Fe₃O₄, sold by MERCK under the trade name TIMICA NU ANTIQUE BRONZE 240 AB.

The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless otherwise indicated. The expression "in the range" should be construed as including the limits .

The invention is not limited to the examples shown. Other pedestals or means for attachment to the wall or to a bearing structure such as a table or shelf may be used.

Claims

1. A display unit for makeup compositions comprising:

^• at least one magnetic device;

• at least one composition comprising bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility; the display unit being configured so that, when the composition is located at least partially inside a magnetic field generated by the magnetic device, a modification to the orientation and/or a displacement of at least a portion of said bodies within the composition may be viewed.

2. A display unit according to claim 1, in which the dimension of the bodies is in the range 1 μm to 700 μm.

3. A display unit according to claim 1, in which the bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility are contained in at least one demonstration enclosure.

4. A display unit according to claim 3, in which the demonstration enclosure is fixed, being integral with the display unit.

5. A display unit according to claim 3, in which the demonstration enclosure is mobile.

6. A display unit according to claim 3, in which the enclosure has a large conspicuous surface.

7. A display unit according to claim 3, in which the enclosure reproduces, on a large scale, the shape of the region of the body onto which a cosmetic composition associated with the display unit is intended to be applied.

8. A display unit according to claim 3, in which the enclosure is constituted by a receptacle identical to those used to package a cosmetic composition associated with the display unit.

9. A display unit according to claim 1, in which the magnetic field is generated by the magnetic device to create a predefined motif.

10. A display unit according to claim 1, in which the magnetic device comprises a mechanism which is configured to create a relative movement between the enclosure and at least one magnet or electromagnet.

11. A display unit according to claim 1, in which the magnetic device comprises at least two electromagnets energized in a manner which varies with time, to create a modification in the orientation and/or intensity of the magnetic field to which the bodies with non-zero magnetic susceptibility are subjected.

12. A display unit according to claim 1, comprising at least one receptacle containing a cosmetic composition having non-zero magnetic susceptibility.

13. A display unit according to claim 12, comprising means for retaining the receptacle on the display unit.

14. A display unit according to claim 12, the unit being configured to allow consumers to expose the receptacle to a magnetic field produced by the magnetic device and to observe a change in appearance.

15. A display unit according to claim 1, configured to allow a consumer to receive at least one sample and to expose it to a magnetic field to modify an appearance of the sample.

16. A display unit according to claim 15, comprising a dispenser for samples of composition.

17. A display unit according to claim 1, comprising a foot or means for attachment to a wall or a bearing structure .

18. A display unit according to claim 1, in which the magnetic bodies comprise iron metal.

19. A method of promoting the sale of a cosmetic composition, said composition having non-zero magnetic susceptibility, the method comprising:

^• subjecting bodies having non-zero susceptibility, said bodies forming part of a composition, to a magnetic field to displace them and/or modify their orientation;

^• allowing at least one consumer to observe a change in the appearance of the composition thereby exposed to the magnetic field.

20. A method according to claim 19, in which the bodies with non-zero magnetic susceptibility are identical to those contained in the composition offered for sale.

21. A method of promoting a makeup composition comprising a physiologically acceptable medium in which bodies having non-zero magnetic susceptibility are dispersed, said method comprising allowing visitors to a point of sale of said composition to view a modification in the orientation and/or displacement of the bodies with nonzero magnetic susceptibility when all or part of said composition is placed in a magnetic field.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the point of sale is real.

23. A method according to claim 21, wherein the point of sale is virtual.