Abstract:
Cosmetic applicators, and methods for making and using the same, are described. The applicators are selectively configured so as to include, without limitation, one or more surfaces operable to access various confined spaces, such as but not limited to crevices, creases, folds, and the like of a human face. The applicators may be shaped in configurations selected from the group consisting of teardrops, ovals, diamonds, squares, multi-points, and combinations thereof. The applicators are provided with a relatively weak adhesive material disposed on a surface opposite the operative surface so as to permit the user to place the applicator on a fingertip and manipulate the applicator with having to grasp the applicator.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/573,999, filed May 24, 2004, the entire specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to cosmetic applicators and more particularly to cosmetic applicators, and methods of making and using the same, that are selectively configured so as to include, without limitation, one or more surfaces operable to access various confined spaces, such as but not limited to crevices, creases, folds, and the like of a human face.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Conventional cosmetic applicators are typically employed to selectively apply cosmetics, as well to selectively remove cosmetics. These applicators are sometimes comprised of foam and/or sponge materials.  
         [0004]     In practice, the applicator is typically used to accumulate a suitable amount of cosmetic material on an outer major surface (i.e., an operative surface) of the applicator, whereupon the accumulated cosmetic material is then applied by a user or to a subject, e.g., during the application of make-up. Likewise, when it is desired to remove the cosmetic material from the user or the subject, a new (i.e., unsoiled) applicator is typically used to physically remove, typically by wiping, the cosmetic material.  
         [0005]     Applicators that are shaped in a round configuration about the size of a human fingertip have been recently developed and are readily commercially available from L&#39;Oreal (Paris, France) under the trade name LANCOME MAKEUP DOTS. These applicators typically have a weak adhesive material disposed on a major face (i.e., opposite the operative surface) thereof so as to permit the user to position the applicator on his/her fingertip without having to grasp the applicator during the makeup application process. Once the applicator is used, it can then be easily removed from the user&#39;s fingertip and either discarded or stored for later use, if so desired. These applicators typically include an approximate 0.59-inch length and can be packaged in kit form.  
         [0006]     Although these types of applicators are useful, they suffer from the major disadvantage of being incapable of accessing those portions of the human face wherein space is very limited. That is, the human face contains many crevices, creases, folds, and the like, that make it very difficult, if not impossible, for a round applicator to easily access. Non-limiting examples of these areas include the corners of the eyes and lips, the eyelids, the nostrils, the exterior portions of the ears, and the like.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, there exists a desire for cosmetic applicators and methods of making and using the same, wherein the applicators are selectively configured so as to include, without limitation, one or more surfaces operable to access various confined spaces, such as but not limited to crevices, creases, folds, and the like of a human face  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, cosmetic applicators, and methods of making and using the same, are provided.  
         [0009]     In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic applicator is provided including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.  
         [0010]     In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, a kit is provided, comprising at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.  
         [0011]     In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided, comprising: (1) a backing layer; and (2) at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one cosmetic applicator is selectively removable from the backing layer.  
         [0012]     In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for making a cosmetic applicator comprising providing a cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.  
         [0013]     In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for making a kit, comprising providing at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.  
         [0014]     In accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for making a system, comprising: (1) providing a backing layer; and (2) providing at least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one cosmetic applicator is selectively removable from the backing layer.  
         [0015]     A further understanding of the present invention will be had in view of the description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention, when viewed in conjunction with the subjoined claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an elevational view of a teardrop-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an elevational view of a raindrop-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2C  illustrates an elevational view of a fingernail-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2D  illustrates an elevational view of an oval-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2E  illustrates an elevational view of a diamond-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3A  illustrates an elevational view of a larger teardrop-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3B  illustrates an elevational view of a larger raindrop-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3C  illustrates an elevational view of a larger fingernail-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3D  illustrates an elevational view of a larger oval-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 3E  illustrates an elevational view of a larger diamond-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 4A  illustrates an elevational view of a square-shaped cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4B  illustrates an elevational view of a two-pointed cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 4C  illustrates an elevational view of a three-pointed cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 4D  illustrates an elevational view of a four-pointed cosmetic applicator, in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates an elevational view of various differently shaped cosmetic applicators on a backing sheet, in accordance with a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of various differently shaped cosmetic applicators in a kit form, in accordance with a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator being removed from a backing sheet, in accordance with an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of a cosmetic applicator being removed from a backing sheet, in accordance with a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator positioned on a user&#39;s fingertip, in accordance with a twentieth embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator positioned on a user&#39;s fingertip being used to access a confined space on the user&#39;s face, in accordance with a twentieth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0037]     The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0038]     While the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter, it is to be understood at the outset that persons of skill in the art may modify the invention herein described while still achieving the favorable results of this disclosure. Accordingly, the description that follows is to be understood as being a broad teaching disclosure directed to persons of skill in the appropriate arts, and not as limiting upon the present invention.  
         [0039]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 A, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  10 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Although a teardrop-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention, such as but not limited to raindrops, fingernails, ovals, diamonds, squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like.  
         [0040]     Applicator  10  can be comprised of any number of suitable materials, including but not limited to foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and the like. Regardless of the composition of applicator  10 , it is preferred to employ materials that will not harm or damage the user or subject&#39;s skin. Thus, materials that are relatively deformable and/or resilient are preferred.  
         [0041]     Applicator  10  primarily includes a body  12  having at least one major face  14  that is intended to function as an operative surface  16 . By “operative surface,” as that term is used herein, it is meant to include any surface that is capable of being used to either apply and/or remove cosmetics and the like from the skin of a user or subject. An opposed second major face  18  is intended to be used in conjunction with the user&#39;s fingertip, to be discussed herein.  
         [0042]     On a portion of the operative surface  16  there is preferably formed an operative edge  20 . By “operative edge,” as that term is used herein, it is meant any surface that is capable of accessing a confined space. In this embodiment, the operative edge  20  is depicted as being an area of narrowed width, as compared to the rest of the body  12 , thus allowing it to relatively easily fit within a confined space. By way of a non-limiting example, a confined space can include, without limitation, a crevice, crease, fold, and the like of a human face. Non-limiting examples of these areas include the corners of the eyes and lips, the eyelids, the nostrils, the exterior portions of the ears, and the like. It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be practiced on other objects other than a human face, such as mannequins, models, sculptures, animal faces, and the like.  
         [0043]     The exact dimensions of the applicator  10  are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator  10  are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.125 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge  20 .  
         [0044]     An optional adhesive material  22  may be disposed on the second major face  18 . Without being bound to a particular theory of the operation of the present invention, the adhesive material  22  is intended to facilitate the selective adherence of the second major face  18  to the user&#39;s fingertip. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive material  22  should be strong enough so as to allow the second major face  18  to adhere to the user&#39;s fingertip wherein the applicator  10  can be manipulated without falling off from the user&#39;s fingertip. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive material  22  should not be so strong as to make removal of the second major face  18  from the second major face  18  difficult. By way of a non-limiting example, the adhesive material  22  can include various types of adhesives, resins, tackifiers, waxes, and the like. It should also be appreciated that the adhesive material  22  can be pre-applied to the second major face  18  or, alternatively, the adhesive material  22  can be applied to the second major face  18  at the time of use of the applicator  10 .  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 2B , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  100 , in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the previously described embodiment, e.g., in form and/or function, the applicator  100  includes a body  102  having at least one major face  104 , an operative surface  106 , an opposed second major face  108 , an operative edge  110 , and an optional adhesive material  112  disposed on the second major face  108 .  
         [0046]     However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment, in that the applicator  100 , specifically the body  102 , has a substantially raindrop-shaped configuration. Although a raindrop-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention, such as but not limited to teardrops, fingernails, ovals, diamonds, squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the function of the applicator  100  is intended to be substantially identical to the previously described embodiment in that the operative edge  110  is intended to be able to access confined spaces.  
         [0047]     The exact dimensions of the applicator  100  are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator  100  are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge  110 .  
         [0048]     Referring to  FIG. 2C , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  200 , in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the previously described embodiments, e.g., in form and/or function, the applicator  200  includes a body  202  having at least one major face  204 , an operative surface  206 , an opposed second major face  208 , an operative edge  210 , and an optional adhesive material  212  disposed on the second major face  208 .  
         [0049]     However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments, in that the applicator  200 , specifically the body  202 , has a substantially fingernail-shaped configuration. Although a fingernail-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention, such as but not limited to teardrops, raindrops, ovals, diamonds, squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the function of the applicator  200  is intended to be substantially identical to the previously described embodiments in that the operative edge  210  is intended to be able to access confined spaces.  
         [0050]     The exact dimensions of the applicator  200  are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator  200  are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge  210 .  
         [0051]     Referring to  FIG. 2D , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  300 , in accordance with a third alternative embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the previously described embodiments, e.g., in form and/or function, the applicator  300  includes a body  302  having at least one major face  304 , an operative surface  306 , an opposed second major face  308 , an operative edge  310 , and an optional adhesive material  312  disposed on the second major face  308 .  
         [0052]     However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments, in that the applicator  300 , specifically the body  302 , has a substantially oval-shaped configuration. Although an oval-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention, such as but not limited to teardrops, raindrops, fingernails, diamonds, squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the function of the applicator  300  is intended to be substantially identical to the previously described embodiment in that the operative edge  310  is intended to be able to access confined spaces.  
         [0053]     The exact dimensions of the applicator  300  are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator  300  are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.37 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge  310 .  
         [0054]     Referring to  FIG. 2E , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  400 , in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the previously described embodiment, e.g., in form and/or function, the applicator  400  includes a body  402  having at least one major face  404 , an operative surface  406 , an opposed second major face  408 , an operative edge  410 , and an optional adhesive material  412  disposed on the second major face  408 .  
         [0055]     However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments, in that the applicator  400 , specifically the body  402 , has a substantially diamond-shaped configuration. Although a diamond-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention, such as but not limited to teardrops, raindrops, fingernails, ovals, squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the function of the applicator  400  is intended to be substantially identical to the previously described embodiments in that the operative edge  410  is intended to be able to access confined spaces.  
         [0056]     Because of the diamond shape, the applicator  400  can include a second operative edge  410 ′, located at a spaced and opposed end of the applicator  400  from the other operative edge  410 .  
         [0057]     The exact dimensions of the applicator  400  are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator  400  are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to either operative edge  410 ,  410 ′, respectively.  
         [0058]     Because some individuals have various size fingertips, the present invention envisions the use of applicators of varying sizes and dimensions.  
         [0059]     Referring to  FIG. 3A , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  500 , in accordance with a fifth alternative embodiment of the present invention. It is similar to the previously described embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 A, in that it is substantially teardrop-shaped and includes a body  502  having at least one major face  504 , an operative surface  506 , an opposed second major face  508 , an operative edge  510 , and an optional adhesive material  512  disposed on the second major face  508 .  
         [0060]     However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 A, in that the applicator  500 , specifically the body  502 , is relatively larger. The exact dimensions of the applicator  500  are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator  500  are approximately 0.59 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.18 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge  510 .  
         [0061]     Referring to  FIG. 3B , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  600 , in accordance with a sixth alternative embodiment of the present invention. The applicator  600  includes a body  602  having at least one major face  604 , an operative surface  606 , an opposed second major face  608 , an operative edge  610 , and an optional adhesive material  612  disposed on the second major face  608 .  
         [0062]     However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in several respects. First, the applicator  600 , specifically the body  602 , is substantially dauber-shaped (e.g. pear-shaped). Second, the applicator  600 , specifically the body  502 , is relatively larger than most of the previously described embodiments. The exact dimensions of the applicator  600  are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator  600  are approximately 0.59 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.36 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge  610 .  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIG. 3C , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  700 , in accordance with a seventh alternative embodiment of the present invention. It is similar to the previously described embodiment shown in  FIG. 2C , in that it is substantially fingernail-shaped and includes a body  702  having at least one major face  704 , an operative surface  706 , an opposed second major face  708 , an operative edge  710 , and an optional adhesive material  712  disposed on the second major face  708 .  
         [0064]     However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment shown in  FIG. 2C , in that the applicator  700 , specifically the body  702 , is relatively larger. The exact dimensions of the applicator  700  are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator  700  are approximately 0.59 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge  710 .  
         [0065]     Referring to  FIG. 3D , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  800 , in accordance with an eighth alternative embodiment of the present invention. It is similar to the previously described embodiment shown in  FIG. 2D , in that it is substantially oval-shaped and includes a body  802  having at least one major face  804 , an operative surface  806 , an opposed second major face  808 , an operative edge  810 , and an optional adhesive material  812  disposed on the second major face  808 .  
         [0066]     However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment shown in  FIG. 2D , in that the applicator  800 , specifically the body  802 , is relatively larger. The exact dimensions of the applicator  800  are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator  800  are approximately 0.59 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.4 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge  810 .  
         [0067]     Referring to  FIG. 3E , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  900 , in accordance with a ninth alternative embodiment of the present invention. It is similar to the previously described embodiment shown in  FIG. 2E , in that it is substantially diamond-shaped and includes a body  902  having at least one major face  904 , an operative surface  906 , an opposed second major face  908 , two spaced and opposed operative edges  910 ,  910 ′, respectively, and an optional adhesive material  912  disposed on the second major face  908 .  
         [0068]     However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment shown in  FIG. 2E , in that the applicator  900 , specifically the body  902 , is relatively larger. The exact dimensions of the applicator  900  are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator  900  are approximately 0.59 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.3 inches wide in proximity to either of the operative edges  910 ,  910 ′, respectively.  
         [0069]     As previously noted, the applicators of the present invention can be configured in any number of shapes, provided that at least one operative edge is provided.  
         [0070]     Referring to  FIG. 4A , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  1000 , in accordance with a tenth alternative embodiment of the present invention. It is substantially square-shaped and includes a body  1002  having at least one major face  1004 , an operative surface  1006 , an opposed second major face  1008 , four operative edges  1010 ,  1012 ,  1014 ,  1016 , respectively, and an optional adhesive material  1018  disposed on the second major face  1008 .  
         [0071]     Referring to  FIG. 4B , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  1100 , in accordance with an eleventh alternative embodiment of the present invention. It is substantially dual-pointed and includes a body  1102  having at least one major face  1104 , an operative surface  1106 , an opposed second major face  1108 , a pair of spaced and opposed operative edges  1110 ,  1112 , respectively, and an optional adhesive material  1114  disposed on the second major face  1108 .  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIG. 4C , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  1200 , in accordance with a twelfth alternative embodiment of the present invention. It is substantially three-pointed and includes a body  1202  having at least one major face  1204 , an operative surface  1206 , an opposed second major face  1208 , three operative edges  1210 ,  1212 ,  1214 , respectively, and an optional adhesive material  1216  disposed on the second major face  1208 .  
         [0073]     Referring to  FIG. 4D , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator  1300 , in accordance with a thirteenth alternative embodiment of the present invention. It substantially four-pointed and includes a body  1302  having at least one major face  1304 , an operative surface  1306 , an opposed second major face  1308 , four operative edges  1310 ,  1312 ,  1314 ,  1316 , respectively, and an optional adhesive material  1318  disposed on the second major face  1308 .  
         [0074]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator sheet system  1400 , in accordance with a fourteenth alternative embodiment of the present invention. The system  1400  preferably includes an optional sheet member  1402 , such as a backing sheet made of any number of suitable materials such as polyester. Several applicators  1404  are then formed on, or otherwise disposed on, the sheet member  1402  in preparation for use. In this manner, the user can conveniently have multiple applicators, instead of having to carry a multitude of individual applicators. Although several different types of applicators are shown, such as dauber-shaped applicators  1406 , teardrop-shaped applicators  1408 , and fingernail-shaped applicators  1410 , it should be appreciated that any number of different types of applicators could be used in conjunction with the sheet system  1400  of the present invention.  
         [0075]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a kit  1500  containing various cosmetic applicators, in accordance with a fifteenth alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this view, kit  1500  includes a housing  1502  containing several applicators  1504  which can be formed on, or otherwise disposed on, an optional sheet member  1506  in preparation for use. Furthermore, the kit  1500  can include one or more additional optional sheets members  1508  contained therein, for example, with each sheet either containing identical types of applicators, or containing various applicator shapes to provide the user with a choice of applicator configurations.  
         [0076]     In practice, any of the afore-mentioned applicators are intended to apply and remove cosmetic materials and the like from the skin of the user and/or subject. Toward this end, cosmetic materials are preferably applied, disposed, accumulated, or otherwise placed any of the operative surfaces. Cosmetic materials are then preferably applied to the user&#39;s/subject&#39;s skin. Likewise, any of the afore-mentioned applicators may be employed to remove previously applied cosmetic materials from the skin of users/subjects. By way of a non-limiting example, any of the afore-mentioned unsoiled operative surfaces are preferably wiped, rubbed or otherwise manipulated against the user&#39;s/subject&#39;s skin such that the cosmetic materials adhere thereto.  
         [0077]     Referring to  FIGS. 7-10 , an illustrative method for using the applicators of the present invention will be described.  
         [0078]     Referring to  FIGS. 7-8 , it is preferred that the user remove an applicator  1600  for the optional sheet member  1602  by picking the applicator  1600  up from a peripheral edge thereof so that it lifts off and away from the sheet member  1602  so as to expose the adhesive material  1604 .  
         [0079]     Once the applicator  1600  has been removed from the sheet member  1602 , it is preferred that the user place the applicator  1600  on a fingertip so that the adhesive material  1604  is adjacent to the user&#39;s fingertip and the first major face  1606  is exposed to the environment. In this manner, the adhesive material  1604  will serve to keep the applicator on the user&#39;s fingertip without requiring the user to grasp, e.g., with his/her other fingers, the applicator  1600  so as to keep it from falling off the user&#39;s fingertip. Thus, the user can use the applicator  1600  without fear that the applicator  1600  will fall off the user&#39;s fingertip.  
         [0080]     Although the operative edge  1608  is shown as being oriented towards the tip of the user&#39;s fingertip, it should be appreciated that the operative edge  1608  can be oriented in any number of directions on the user&#39;s fingertip, depending, in part, on the particular needs and requirements of the user.  
         [0081]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the user can then preferably use the applicator to either apply and/or remove makeup and the like, from confined spaces, such as but not limited to creases, crevices, folds, and the like of a human face. Although  FIG. 10  shows the user using the applicator  1600  in proximity to the user&#39;s eyelid, it should be appreciated that the applicator  1600 , especially the operative edge  1608 , can be used on any number of surfaces.  
         [0082]     The foregoing embodiments and examples are to be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive of the invention, and those modifications, which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims, are to be included therein.