Systems and cosmetic kits for removing makeup from a region of an eye

Systems and cosmetic kits including a formulation for removing eye makeup from a region of an eye; and a brush including a plurality of bristles shaped to apply the formulation to the region of the eye are described. In an example, the system includes a formulation for removing eye makeup from a region of an eye; and a brush including a plurality of bristles shaped to apply the formulation to the region of the eye.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for eye makeup removal, the system generally including a formulation for removing eye makeup from a region of an eye; and a brush including a plurality of bristles shaped to apply the formulation to the region of the eye.

In another aspect, the present disclosure includes a cosmetic kit generally including eye makeup for application onto a region of an eye; and a system for removing the eye makeup from the region of the eye, the system including a formulation for removing the eye makeup from the region of the eye; and a brush including a plurality of bristles shaped to apply the formulation to the region of the eye.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the plurality of bristles is a first plurality of bristles, the system further comprising a second plurality of bristles shaped to remove the eye makeup from the region of the eye. In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a bristle space between two neighboring bristles of the second plurality of bristles corresponds to a lash space between eyelashes of the eye. In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a size of the bristle space is an integer multiple of a size of the lash space. In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first plurality of bristles has a first stiffness and the second plurality of bristles has a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the plurality of bristles is optically transmissive.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the formulation comprises a surfactant solution. In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the formulation comprises a biphasic distribution of an oil and the surfactant solution.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the brush generally includes a handle portion configured to be grasped by a hand; and a support member extending between the handle and the plurality of bristles. In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the system includes a wiper slideably disposed about the support member, the wiper configured to remove eye makeup from the brush. In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the system generally includes a wiper portion of the handle portion is slideably disposed about the support member and includes a wiper configured to remove eye makeup from the brush.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the formulation is disposed in a formulation reservoir shaped to receive the brush and to cooperatively couple with the handle portion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the eye makeup comprises a phase-change material. In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the brush further comprises a heating element adjacent to the plurality of bristles configured to heat the plurality of bristles above a phase-change temperature of the phase-change material. In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the phase-change material is a sheer-thinning material configured to undergo phase change when contacted by the plurality of bristles.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides examples of systems and cosmetic kits for removing eye makeup from regions of an eye, such as eyelashes, eyelids, and the like. In the examples of the systems set forth below in more detail below, several are provided that include a formulation for removing eye makeup from a region of an eye and a brush having a plurality of bristles shaped to apply the formulation to the region of the eye. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

Eye makeup, such as mascara, eye liner, brow liner, eye shadow, and the like, is conventionally removed from regions of the eye to which it has been applied with towelettes that wipe eye makeup off of the regions of the eye. Such towelettes, such as those containing an absorbed surfactant solution and/or alcohol, are not specifically structured according to corresponding structures of the eye, such as eyelashes, eyelids, and the like. Therefore, users frequently use several towelettes to remove eye makeup, and in the process frequently irritate the eyes and portions of skin surrounding and covering the eyes, such as eyelids.

Such conventional techniques also frequently result in smudging of eye makeup over the face. In this regard, users are frequently unable to remove eye makeup from the eye, particularly from roots of eyelashes even by using several towelettes.

Toward that end, the present disclosure provides systems and cosmetic kits for removing eye makeup from an eye. In some embodiments, the inventive systems and cosmetic kits include a formulation for removing eye makeup and a brush shaped to apply the formulation to the eye.

Systems for Removing Eye Makeup

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for removing eye makeup. In an embodiment, the system includes a formulation for removing eye makeup and an application portion, such as a brush, shaped to apply the formulation to the eye. In an embodiment, the brush is further configured to remove the eye makeup from the region of the eye, such as by brushing the formulation, now containing the eye makeup, from the eye. As discussed further herein, the brushes of the present disclosure may also be shaped to remove eye makeup from portions of the eye, such as eyelashes and eyelids, that are difficult to reach using conventional products, such as towelettes, for removing eye makeup.

Systems Including a Brush and a Formulation

Turning now toFIGS. 1A-1Cthere is shown an example of a system100, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the system100includes a formulation102and a brush106shaped to apply the formulation102. As discussed further herein, the formulation102can be a formulation102to remove makeup, such as eye makeup104from the region of the eye. The brush106includes a plurality of bristles108shaped to apply the formulation102. In an embodiment, the formulation102is configured to remove eye makeup104, such as mascara, eye liner, brow liner, eye shadow, and the like, and the brush106including the bristles108is shaped to apply the formulation102to a region of the eye.

In the illustrated embodiment, the brush106includes a handle portion116configured to be grasped by a hand; and a support member118extending between the handle portion116and the bristles108. The handle portion116may be grasped by a hand during application of the formulation102to a portion of an eye, such as during application of formulation and removal of eye makeup104. In that regard, the bristles108may be used to apply the formulation102and subsequently brush the formulation102and eye makeup104away from or off of the region of the eye.

As shown, the formulation102is disposed in a formulation reservoir122. In the illustrated embodiment, the formulation reservoir122is shaped to receive the brush106and to cooperatively couple with the handle portion116. The formulation reservoir122and handle portion116are each shown to include threads124A and124B, respectively, configured to cooperatively couple. While the threads124A and124B are illustrated, it will be understood that other cooperative coupling structures may be used to cooperatively couple brush106and formulation reservoir122. Such cooperative coupling may be configured to retain the formulation102in the formulation reservoir122, such as when the system100is not being used to remove eye makeup104from a region of an eye.

In an embodiment, the formulation102includes a surfactant solution. Such a surfactant solution may be suitable to remove, for example, mascara, eye liner, brow liner, eye shadow, and the like from a region of an eye. In an embodiment, the formulation102comprises a biphasic distribution of an oil and a surfactant solution. Such a biphasic distribution may be suitable to remove, for example, waterproof mascara from eyelashes of an eye. In an embodiment, the formulation102is a gel configured, for example, to remain on the region of the eye when applied. In this regard, the gel formulation102tends not to run into an eye after application to the region of the eye. In an embodiment, the formulation102is configured to be used on a region of the eye, such as a region adjacent to the eyeball. In this regard, the formulation102may be gentle enough such that it generally will not irritate the eye and surrounding skin. In an embodiment, the formulation102is also configured to interact with eye makeup104, such as by dissolving or partially dissolving eye makeup104suitable to make the eye makeup104easier to remove from the portion of the body.

As above, the brush106includes a plurality of bristles108. In an embodiment, the bristles108have a color different from a color of eye makeup104. In that regard, in an embodiment, the bristles108are white or have another light color. In another embodiment, the bristles108are optically transmissive. Eye makeup104, such as mascara and eyeliner, is generally dark. Accordingly, as the formulation102is applied and then wiped off of the region of the eye with the brush106, the bristles108may accumulate eye makeup104. With the bristles108having a different color than the eye makeup104, they are suitable to provide a contrast between a clean brush106, as shown inFIG. 1A, and the brush106on which eye makeup104is disposed, as shown inFIGS. 1B and 1C. In this regard, the bristles108are configured to provide a visual indication to a user than the system100is removing eye makeup104from the region of the eye.

The illustrated system100includes a wiper120slideably disposed about the support member118. The wiper120is configured to remove eye makeup104and formulation102from the brush106. InFIG. 1A, the wiper120is disposed about the support member118in a first configuration, and distally from the bristles108. InFIG. 1B, wiper120is shown in a second configuration disposed adjacent to the bristles108, in which the wiper120is partially inverted as the wiper fingers128of the wiper120are pressed against and catch on the plurality of bristles108. InFIG. 1C, the wiper120is shown in a third, inverted configuration in which the wiper fingers128are shown scraping eye makeup104from the bristles108. Therefore, in some embodiments eye makeup104is being removed from the plurality of bristles112as the wiper fingers128scrape the eye makeup104from the bristles108due to the contrasting colors between the eye makeup104and the bristles108. In this regard, the system100is configured to provide a visual signal to the user that eye makeup104has been removed from the region of the eye and, once the eye makeup104has been transferred from the bristles108to the wiper120, that it has also been removed from the plurality of bristles with the wiper120.

The formulation102and eye makeup104disposed on the wiper120can be removed from the wiper120with, for example, water and/or tissue paper, such that the wiper120and brush106may be used to apply formulation102to and remove eye makeup104from the region of the eye.

A system200, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, including two or more pluralities of bristles208and212will now be described. In that regard, attention is directed toFIGS. 2A-2Cillustrating a system200in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, system200includes a formulation202for removing eye makeup204from a region of an eye; and a brush206including pluralities of bristles208and212shaped to apply the formulation202to the region of the eye and remove the eye makeup204from the region of the eye, respectively. The brush206includes a handle portion216configured to be grasped by a hand; and a support member218extending between the handle portion216and the pluralities of bristles208and212.

The brush206includes a first plurality of bristles208shaped to apply the formulation202to the region of the eye and a second plurality of bristles212shaped to remove the eye makeup204from the region of the eye. In this regard, the first plurality of bristles208may be shaped to apply the formulation202, such as by spreading, to the region of the eye, such as eyelashes. Correspondingly, the second plurality of bristles212may be configured to remove the formulation202and eye makeup204from the region of the eye, such as by brushing the formulation202and the eye makeup204through eyelashes.

In an embodiment, a bristle space210between two neighboring bristles of the second plurality of bristles212corresponds to a lash space between eyelashes of the eye. In an embodiment, a size of the bristle space210is an integer multiple of a size of the lash space. In this regard, the second plurality of bristles212is configured to separate neighboring eyelashes, such as by interdigitating bristles of the second plurality of bristles212between neighboring eyelashes. As the second plurality of bristles212is applied to the separated neighboring eyelashes, the eye makeup204and formulation202may be more easily and efficiently removed than if the eyelashes were, for example, clumped together due to the formulation202and eye makeup204.

In an embodiment, the first plurality of bristles208has a first stiffness and the second plurality of bristles212has a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness. With softer bristles, the first plurality of bristles208may bend or deflect when pressed against, for example, eyelashes and, in this regard, they are suitable to apply the formulation202to the eyelashes. Correspondingly, the second plurality of bristles212, having a relatively higher stiffness, may not bend or deflect when pressed against eyelashes. In this regard, they are suitable, for example, to separate eyelashes clumped together by formulation202and eye makeup204and brush out the eye makeup204and formulation202disposed on the eye lashes. Such separation may be suitable to remove the formulation202and eye makeup204from the eyelashes.

Illustrated system200includes a wiper220slideably disposed about the support member218, and configured to remove eye makeup204from the brush206. In the illustrated embodiment, a wiper portion242of the handle portion216is slideably disposed about the support member218and includes a wiper220configured to remove the eye makeup204from the brush206. InFIG. 2A, the wiper portion242is shown slideably disposed about the support member218.

InFIG. 2B, the bristles208enter the wiper portion242and partially invert the wiper220as the pluralities of bristles208and212contact the fingers228of the wiper220. As shown inFIG. 2C, the wiper220is in an inverted configuration in which the fingers228of the wiper220scrape or otherwise remove eye makeup204from the pluralities of bristles208and212of the brush206.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system200includes a formulation reservoir222in which the formulation202is disposed to receive the brush206, such as from the pluralities of bristles208and212. As shown, the formulation reservoir222is configured to cooperatively couple with the handle portion216, such as to securely retain the formulation202when cooperatively coupled. In the illustrated embodiment, the brush206and formulation reservoir222are shown to include threads224A and224B, respectively, configured to cooperatively couple.

If not removed from the brush206, excess formulation202may cause clumping of eyelashes and/or get into eyes of a user when applied to the region of the eye. In this regard, the formulation reservoir222further includes a formulation wiper230configured to remove excess formulation202from the brush206as it is removed from the formulation reservoir222.

Illustrated system200is shown to include a heating element214disposed adjacent to the pluralities of bristles208and212and configured to heat the pluralities of bristles208and212. As discussed further herein with respect toFIG. 4, such a heating element214is suitable to heat the pluralities of bristles208and212above a phase-change temperature of a phase-change material of an eye makeup204. As shown, heating element214is operatively coupled to power source226, where power source226is suitable to provide electrical power to heat the pluralities of bristles208and212. In this regard, the heating element214is suitable to remove such an eye makeup204including a phase-change material from the region of the eye by heating the eye makeup204above the phase-change temperature and inducing phase change in the eye makeup204from, for example, solid to liquid.

As shown, the formulation202and eye makeup204that is removed from the brush206are disposed in the wiper portion242of the handle portion216. In this regard, a user can use the system200to remove eye makeup204from a region of an eye and clean the brush206in a manner suitable to retain the formulation202and eye makeup204removed from the brush206inside the system200. In this regard, the system200is suitable to be used where a user may not have to clean the brush206, such as by rinsing with water, before placing the brush206back into the formulation202.

An embodiment of a system300including a formulation reservoir322and a waste reservoir332will now be described.FIGS. 3A-3Care views in cross-section of a system300in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the system300includes a formulation302for removing eye makeup304from a region of an eye; and a brush306including a plurality of bristles308shaped to apply the formulation302to the region of the eye. The bristles306may also be configured to remove the eye makeup from the region of the eye. The brush306includes a handle portion316configured to be grasped by a hand; and a support member318extending between the handle portion316and the bristles308. A wiper320is also shown disposed within the waste reservoir332configured to slideably receive the support member318and plurality of bristles308. As discussed further herein, the wiper320is configured to remove eye makeup304from the brush306.

The formulation302is disposed in a formulation reservoir322. InFIG. 3A, the brush306is received by the formulation reservoir322. In the illustrated embodiment, the bristles308are shown submerged in the formulation302. In this regard, as the brush306is removed from the formulation reservoir322, the bristles308, for example, are coated with the formulation302for application to a region of an eye, such as eyelashes and/or eyelids. The formulation reservoir322is further shown to include a formulation wiper330shaped to receive a portion of the brush306including the bristles308. The formulation wiper330is configured to remove excess formulation302from the bristles308such that an amount of the formulation302that is applied to the region of the eye is suitable to, for example, avoid clumping of eyelashes, or the formulation302dripping into eyes after it has been applied to the region of the eye. Such a formulation wiper330is particularly useful in embodiments where the formulation302is a gel, distribution, or other solid or semi-solid formulation that, for example, tends to clump on the bristles308.

Illustrated system300further includes waste reservoir332. The waste reservoir332is configured to receive the brush306, such as after the brush306has been used to remove the eye makeup304and formulation302from the region of the eye. As shown inFIG. 3B, as brush306is moved within the wiper320along the support member318, the fingers328of the wiper320are pressed against the bristles308. As a result, the wiper320begins to invert. As the plurality of bristles308is translated farther through the wiper320, the wiper320inverts further, scraping the fingers328along the bristles308to remove formulation302and eye makeup304from the bristles308, as illustrated inFIG. 3C. In an embodiment, a color of the bristles308is different from a color of the eye makeup304. In an embodiment, the bristles308are optically transmissive. In this regard, the system300is configured to provide a visual indication that eye makeup304has been removed from the region of the eye and removed from the bristles308, as shown inFIGS. 3B and 3C.

In some embodiments, such waste formulation302and eye makeup304are received by the waste reservoir332. By disposing of such waste in the waste reservoir332, a user may remove eye makeup304from a region of the eye and clean the brush306while keeping waste contained within the system300. In this regard, a user may use the system300to remove eye makeup304without generating uncontained waste formulation and eye makeup304, which might otherwise stain clothing, bags, and the like. Such features may be particularly useful when, for example, removing eye makeup304while away from home where disposal of waste eye makeup304and formulation302may otherwise be challenging.

As shown, the waste reservoir332is coupled to the formulation reservoir322. In the illustrated embodiment, the waste reservoir332is cooperatively coupled to the formulation reservoir322with interlocking ridges336. In the regard, the formulation reservoir322and waste reservoir332are configured to pair together for, for example, on-the-go use and, for example to be uncoupled, for example, when the waste reservoir332is full such that it can be emptied without inverting the formulation reservoir322.

Illustrated formulation reservoir322and waste reservoir332include threads324B and324C, respectively, configured for cooperative coupling with threads324A and324D of the handle portion316and waste reservoir cap334, respectively. Accordingly, the system300is configured to contain the formulation302and waste eye makeup304in the formulation reservoir322and waste reservoir332, respectively. In this regard, the system300may be placed in a pocket or a bag when not in use without spilling formulation302and/or eye makeup304. In an embodiment, the threads324A of the handle portion316are configured to cooperatively couple with the threads324C of the waste reservoir332and threads324D of waste reservoir cap334are shaped to couple with the threads324B of the formulation reservoir322. In this regard, as the plurality of bristles308are being cleaned and the waste formulation302and eye makeup304are being removed from the bristles308in to the waste reservoir332, the waste reservoir cap334can be cooperatively coupled to the formulation reservoir322such that formulation302is not spilled from the formulation reservoir322, such as during manipulation of the system300.

Systems Including a Brush Having a Hollow Support Member

In an embodiment, the systems of the present technology include application portions, such as brushes, coupled to hollow support members in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir carried by a handle portion. In that regard, attention is directed toFIGS. 5A-5Dillustrating a system500, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The illustrated system500includes a handle portion516configured to be grasped by a hand, an application portion506for applying a formulation502to a region of an eye, and a support member518extending between the handle portion516and the application portion506. The application portion506, shown here as a brush, includes pluralities of bristles508and512shaped to apply the formulation502, and an aperture534among the pluralities of bristles508and512. As shown, the handle portion516also defines a formulation reservoir522that carries a formulation502for removing eye makeup504from a region of an eye. Further, the support member518defines a lumen536in fluid communication with the formulation reservoir522and the aperture534. In this regard, the aperture534is configured to supply the formulation502to the application portion506including the pluralities of bristles508and512. Such formulation502applied to the pluralities of bristles508and512may be suitable for application to the region of the eye to remove eye makeup504disposed thereon.

In some embodiments, the system500includes a pump532configured to dispense the formulation502from the formulation reservoir522through the lumen536, out of the aperture534, and onto the pluralities of bristles508and512. As shown inFIG. 5A, the pump532is in a first position with the formulation502carried by the formulation reservoir522. Upon actuation of the pump532, such as by pressing the pump532with a finger, the pump532extends farther into the formulation reservoir522to a second position, as shown inFIG. 5B. Likewise, upon actuation of the pump532, the formulation502is urged through the lumen536of the support member518, out of the aperture534, and onto the pluralities of bristles508and512. In this regard, the formulation502may be applied to the application portion506through actuation of the pump532. While the illustrated pump532is shown to include a pressable piston slideably disposed within a cylinder of the formulation reservoir522, it will be understood that other pumps, such as pneumatic pumps, peristaltic pumps, syringe pumps, and the like, are possible.

As discussed above, formulations of the present disclosure are suitable to remove eye makeup504from a region of an eye, such as by application of the formulation502to the region of the eye with the application portion506. In an embodiment, the formulation502comprises a surfactant solution. In an embodiment, the formulation502comprises a biphasic distribution of an oil and a surfactant solution suitable to remove, for example, waterproof mascara.

The application portion506of the illustrated system500includes a first plurality of bristles508and a second plurality of bristles512. In an embodiment, the first plurality of bristles508is shaped to apply the formulation502to the region of the eye and the second plurality of bristles512is shaped to remove the eye makeup504from the region of the eye. In that regard, the first plurality of bristles508may have a first stiffness and the second plurality of bristles512may have a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness. In an embodiment, a bristle space510between two neighboring bristles of the second plurality of bristles512corresponds to a lash space between eyelashes of the eye. As discussed further herein with respect toFIGS. 2A-2C, such a spacing is suitable to separate eyelashes of an eye, particularly, where a size of the bristle space510is an integer multiple of a size of the lash space.

The system500further includes a wiper520slideably disposed about the support member518. The wiper520is configured to remove eye makeup504from the pluralities of bristles508and512. As shown inFIG. 5C, as the wiper520is moved along the support member518toward the pluralities of bristles508and512, the fingers528of the wiper520catch on the pluralities of bristles508and512causing the wiper520to invert. InFIG. 5D, the wiper520is shown fully inverted with the fingers528scraping the eye makeup504from the pluralities of bristles508and512. In this regard, the wiper520is suitable to remove eye makeup504from the pluralities of bristles508and512after the pluralities of bristles508and512have been used to remove the eye makeup504from the region of the eye.

In an embodiment, the systems of the present disclosure include a handle portion, an application portion, a support member extending between the handle portion and the application portion, and a wiper portion cooperatively coupleable to the handle portion. In that regard, attention is directed toFIGS. 6A-6Cillustrating a system600according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Illustrated system600includes a handle portion616configured to be grasped by a hand and defining a formulation reservoir622that carries a formulation602for removing eye makeup604from a region of an eye; an application portion606including pluralities of bristles608and612shaped to apply the formulation602to the region of the eye and an aperture634; and a support member618extending between the handle portion616and the application portion606. As shown, the support member618defines a lumen636in fluid communication with the formulation reservoir622and the aperture634. As discussed further herein with respect toFIGS. 5A-5D, the lumen636and aperture634are suitable to provide fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. In this regard, the formulation602may be applied to the pluralities of bristles608and612, such as through actuation of the pump632.

The application portion606includes a first plurality of bristles608configured to apply the formulation602to the region of the eye and a second plurality of bristles612configured to remove makeup from the region of the eye. As discussed above, in an embodiment, a bristle space610between two neighboring bristles of the second plurality of bristles612corresponds to a lash space between eyelashes of the eye, such as where a size of the bristle space610is an integer multiple of a size of the lash space. In this regard, the formulation602may be applied to the region of the eye and eye makeup604may be removed therefrom.

As above, the system600includes a wiper620slideably disposed about the support member618, configured to remove eye makeup604from the plurality of bristles. In the illustrated embodiment, the wiper620is disposed in a wiper portion642. The wiper portion642is configured to cooperatively couple to the formulation reservoir622, such as through threads624A and624B. By cooperatively coupling the wiper portion642to the formulation reservoir622, the wiper620is prevented from inadvertently interfering with the application portion606, such as during application of the formulation602to and/or removal of eye makeup604from the region of the eye. Further, as shown, the wiper portion642encloses the wiper620, such that the wiper620may be used to remove eye makeup604from the application portion606without a user touching the wiper620or a soiled application portion606thereby, for example, not dirtying hands. Likewise, eye makeup604and waste formulation602removed from the application portion606are contained within the wiper portion642as it is removed from the application portion606, as shown inFIGS. 6B and 6C, because the wiper portion642encloses the wiper620.

In an embodiment, the systems of the present disclosure include a cap shaped to cooperatively couple with a handle portion to enclose a plurality of bristles of an application portion. In that regard, attention is directed toFIGS. 7A-7Cillustrating a system700, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Illustrated system700includes a handle portion716configured to be grasped by a hand and defining a formulation reservoir722that carries a formulation702for removing eye makeup704from a region of an eye; an application portion706including pluralities of bristles708and712shaped to apply the formulation702to the region of the eye; and an aperture734; and a support member718extending between the handle portion716and the application portion706, the support member718defining a lumen736in fluid communication with the formulation reservoir722and the aperture734.

Support member718defines a lumen736in fluid communication with the formulation reservoir722and the aperture734. As discussed further herein with respect toFIGS. 5A-5D, the lumen736and aperture734are suitable to provide formulation702to the pluralities of bristles708and712, such as through actuation of the pump732.

Application portion706includes a first plurality of bristles708configured to apply the formulation702to the region of the eye and a second plurality of bristles712configured to remove eye makeup704from the region of the eye. As discussed above, in an embodiment, a bristle space710between two neighboring bristles of the second plurality of bristles712corresponds to a lash space between eyelashes of the eye, such as where a size of the bristle space710is an integer multiple of a size of the lash space.

As above, the system700includes a cap728shaped to cooperatively couple with the handle portion716. As shown, the cap728is configured to receive the application portion706and enclose the pluralities of bristles708and712when the cap728is cooperatively coupled to the handle portion716with threads724A and724B. In this regard, the cap728is configured to cover the application portion706preventing formulation702and eye makeup704from dirtying, for example, hands, clothing, and the like that may come in contact with the application portion706.

The cap728further includes a cap wiper730disposed within the cap728. The cap728is configured to receive the application portion706. In this regard, the cap wiper730inverts when contacted by the application portion706to scrape the eye makeup704and formulation702from the application portion706, as shown inFIGS. 7B and 7C. Further, such eye makeup704and formulation702removed from the application portion706is retained within the cap728as the cap728substantially encloses the cap wiper730.

The system700further includes a support member wiper720slideably disposed on the support member718. Support member wiper720is suitable for removing, for example, excess formulation702from the application portion706, such as to avoid clumping of formulation702when applied to the region of the eye.

Cosmetic Kits

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cosmetic kit for application and removal of eye makeup from a region of an eye. In an embodiment, the cosmetic kits include a system for removing eye makeup from a region of the eye and eye makeup for application to the region of the eye.

Cosmetic Kits Including Eye Makeup and Systems Including a Brush and a Formulation for Removing the Eye Makeup

In that regard, attention is directed toFIG. 4, in which a cosmetic kit401according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.FIG. 4is a view in cross-section of a cosmetic kit401shown to include eye makeup404for application onto a region of an eye; and a system400for removing the eye makeup404from the region of the eye.

As shown, the cosmetic kit401includes an eye makeup reservoir403carrying the eye makeup404and an applicator438for applying the eye makeup404to a portion of the eye. In the illustrated embodiment, the eye makeup404is mascara404for application to eyelashes of the eye and the applicator438is a brush438configured to apply the mascara404to the eyelashes. While mascara404is illustrated and discussed further herein, it will be understood that other forms of eye makeup404, such as eye liner, brow liner, eye shadow, and the like, are encompassed by the cosmetic kit401of the present disclosure. The cosmetic kit401further includes an eye makeup wiper440configured to remove eye makeup404from applicator403.

The system400is shown to include a formulation402for removing the eye makeup404from the region of the eye disposed in formulation reservoir422; and a brush406including a plurality of bristles408shaped to apply the formulation402to the region of the eye, a handle portion416configured to be grasped by a hand, and a support member418extending between the bristles408and the handle portion416. As discussed further herein with respect to, for example,FIGS. 1A-1C, the bristles408of brush406are configured to apply the formulation402to, for example, eyelashes of the eye and then used to brush the formulation402and eye makeup404from the eyelashes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bristles408are a first plurality of bristles408, and the system400further includes a second plurality of bristles412shaped to remove the eye makeup404from the region of the eye. As discussed further herein with respect toFIGS. 2A-2C, in an embodiment, the second plurality of bristles412are configured to separate eyelashes of an eye. In this regard, in an embodiment, a bristle space410between two neighboring bristles of the second plurality of bristles412corresponds to a lash space between eyelashes of the eye. In an embodiment, a size of the bristle space410is an integer multiple of a size of the lash space. By interdigitating with eyelashes, the second plurality of bristles412is configured to break up any clumps of formulation402and eye makeup404and brush formulation402and eye makeup404from the region of the eye.

As discussed further herein with respect toFIGS. 2A-2C, in an embodiment, the bristles of the second plurality of bristles412are stiffer than the bristles of the first plurality of bristles408. In an embodiment, the first plurality of bristles408has a first stiffness and the second plurality of bristles412has a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness. In that regard, the first plurality of bristles408may have a stiffness suitable to apply the formulation402to the region of the eye, whereas the second plurality of bristles412have a stiffness suitable to remove the formulation402and eye makeup404from the region of the eye.

In an embodiment, the formulation402includes a surfactant suitable for removing eye makeup404, such as mascara, from the region of the eye. In an embodiment, the formulation402includes a gel including a surfactant. Such a formulation402including a gel tends to stay on the region of the eye when applied, rather than, for example, running into an eye. In an embodiment, the eye makeup404is a waterproof mascara404and the formulation402comprises a biphasic distribution of an oil and the surfactant solution suitable to remove the waterproof mascara404from the region of the eye.

Illustrated cosmetic kit401is shown to further include a wiper420slideably disposed about the support member418, configured to remove eye makeup404from the pluralities of bristles408and412, as discussed further herein.

In an embodiment, the eye makeup404includes a phase-change material configured to change phases, such as from solid to liquid, in response to a stimulus. In an embodiment, the phase-change material is a sheer-thinning material configured to undergo phase change when contacted by the second plurality of bristles412. In this regard, as the second plurality of bristles412are, for example, applied to the eye makeup404disposed on the region of the eye, sheer stress from the second plurality of bristles412induces a phase change in the eye makeup404suitable to remove the eye makeup404from the region of the eye. In an embodiment, the phase-change material has a phase-change temperature above which the eye makeup404is a liquid. In an embodiment, the brush406further comprises a heating element414adjacent to the pluralities of bristles408and412configured to heat the pluralities of bristles408and412above the phase-change temperature of the phase-change material. In this regard, as the pluralities of bristles408and412having a temperature above the phase-change temperature are applied to the eye makeup404, the eye makeup404changes phases from a solid to a liquid and is, thus, easier to remove from the region of the eye. The system400further includes a power source426operatively coupled to the heating element414configured to power the heating element414.

Cosmetic Kits Including an Application Portion and a Hollow Support Member

In an embodiment, the cosmetic kits according to the present disclosure include eye makeup for application onto a region of an eye; and a system for eye makeup removal, wherein the system includes an application portion, such as a brush, a hollow support member in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir defined by a handle portion coupled to the support member. In that regard, attention is directed toFIG. 8illustrating a cosmetic kit801, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Illustrated cosmetic kit801includes eye makeup804for application onto a region of an eye; and a system800for eye makeup804removal. The eye makeup804is shown to be mascara804for application to eyelashes of an eye. In an embodiment, the mascara804is a waterproof mascara804. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the formulation802of the system800is a biphasic distribution of an oil and a surfactant solution configured to remove the waterproof mascara804from the eyelashes. In an embodiment, the eye makeup804includes a phase-change material. In an embodiment, the phase-change material is a sheer-thinning material configured to undergo a phase change under sheer stress. In this regard, the phase-change material may be configured to undergo the phase change, for example, from solid to liquid, when contacted by one or more of the pluralities of bristles808and812.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cosmetic kit801further comprises a makeup reservoir803configured to carry the eye makeup804and a brush838configured for applying the eye makeup804to the region of the eye. The cosmetic kit801is further shown to include a wiper840for wiping excess eye makeup804from the brush838to avoid clumping of applied eye makeup804on the brush838.

The system800is shown to include a handle portion816configured to be grasped by a hand and defining a formulation802reservoir that carries a formulation802for removing the eye makeup804from the region of the eye. The support member818extends between the handle portion816and the application portion806, which includes the pluralities of bristles808and812and an aperture834disposed among the pluralities of bristles808and812. As shown, the support member818defines a lumen836in fluid communication with the formulation reservoir822and the aperture834. A wiper820is slideably disposed about support member818for wiping eye makeup804and excess formulation802from the application portion806. As above, the pump832is configured to flow the formulation802from the formulation reservoir822, through the lumen836, and out of the aperture834such that a portion of the formulation802is applied to the pluralities of bristles808and812. In this regard, the pump832may be used to apply the formulation802to the pluralities of bristles808and812for application to the region of the eye. As above, a bristle space810between two neighboring bristles of the second plurality of bristles812may correspond to a lash space between eyelashes of the eye.

The system800is shown to further include a heating element814adjacent to the pluralities of bristles808and812and operatively coupled to a power source826. Such a heating element814may be suitable to heat the pluralities of bristles808and812above a phase-change temperature of a phase-change material of the eye makeup804. As above, by heating the pluralities of bristles808and812above the phase-change temperature, the phase-change material may change phases from, for example, solid to liquid, rendering it easier to remove from the region of the eye.

It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” etc., should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. The term “about” means plus or minus 5% of the stated value.