Abstract:
A kit for making up keratinous fibers may include: a set for packaging and applying a substance on the keratinous fibers, the set including an applicator and a supply of substance to be applied by the applicator; and a tool configured to enable a user to finish off making up the keratinous fibers. The tool may include two branches, at least one of which may include an end portion configured to enable the user to act on the fibers.

Description:
[0001]     This non-provisional application claims the benefit of French Application No. 04 10972 filed on Oct. 15, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/622,600 filed on Oct. 28, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to applying makeup to keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes and/or eyebrows. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     For making up the eyelashes, it is known to use packaging and applicator devices comprising a receptacle containing a substance for application, such as mascara, and an applicator suitable for being immersed in the receptacle to pick up substance. The applicator comprises a stem provided at one end with an applicator member, such as a brush or a comb. The receptacle may be provided with a wiper member for wiping the stem and the applicator member as the stem and the applicator member leave the receptacle.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,442 discloses an applicator having two branches respectively provided with a comb and with a brush.  
         [0005]     European Patent Application EP 0 365 273 A2 describes a packaging and applicator device having two applicators suitable for being engaged in a common receptacle.  
         [0006]     European Patent Application EP 0 960 584 A1 describes a packaging and applicator device for use with keratinous fibers. The device comprises an applicator member secured to a handle member and suitable for engaging in a receptacle containing the substance for application, and a backing member secured to the handle member and capable of being moved toward the applicator member in use.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,690,777 describes a packaging and applicator device having two receptacles disposed in line with each other and receiving respective different applicators.  
         [0008]     A device that enables mascara to be applied and eyelashes to be curved is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,323,595.  
         [0009]     Another packaging and applicator device is described in German Utility Model G 9316704. The device has two branches respectively provided at their ends with a brush and a comb, or with two brushes.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0010]     All of the foregoing known devices are relatively complicated and/or not very easy to use.  
         [0011]     In addition, when such devices are used, the substance may not dry sufficiently to enable a desired result to be obtained easily.  
         [0012]     Thus, there exists a need to further improve the quality of makeup obtained with such devices.  
         [0013]     Exemplary embodiments of the invention seek to further improve devices that enable makeup to be applied to keratinous fibers.  
         [0014]     Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a kit for making up keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes, the kit comprising: a set for packaging and applying a substance on the keratinous fibers, the set comprising an applicator and a supply of substance to be applied by the applicator; and a tool configured to enable a user to finish off making up the keratinous fibers, the tool including two branches, at least one of which includes an end portion configured to enable the user to act on the fibers, for example, to comb the fibers.  
         [0015]     Various exemplary embodiments of the invention enable makeup to be applied to keratinous fibers in two stages, namely, a first stage in which the substance is applied by an applicator, and a second stage in which the fibers are worked by a tool.  
         [0016]     In exemplary embodiments, because the tool may be used independently of the applicator, the second stage may take place after allowing enough time to elapse for the substance deposited on the eyelashes to dry sufficiently to enable a good result to be obtained.  
         [0017]     In addition, the tool may remain relatively clean because it is not necessary to immerse the tool in the substance.  
         [0018]     In exemplary embodiments, the end portion that enables the user to act on the eyelashes may include a projecting element, preferably a plurality of projecting elements, that may be configured to comb the eyelashes, for example.  
         [0019]     In exemplary embodiments, the kit may comprise a first receptacle and a second receptacle secured to the first receptacle. The first and second receptacles may be configured to serve to receive the supply of substance and to receive the tool, respectively.  
         [0020]     The first receptacle configured to receive the supply of substance may also receive at least part of the applicator when the first receptacle is closed, for example, in a leaktight manner.  
         [0021]     In exemplary embodiments, the second receptacle may lack any substance for application by the tool.  
         [0022]     In exemplary embodiments, the second receptacle may be situated in line with the first receptacle. Alternatively, the first and second receptacles may be disposed side by side.  
         [0023]     In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the receptacles may be configured to serve as a handle member while using the applicator or the tool.  
         [0024]     In exemplary embodiments, the second receptacle configured to receive the tool may also be configured to serve as a handle member for the applicator while the applicator is being used.  
         [0025]     In exemplary embodiments, the tool may optionally be secured to a member for closing the second receptacle.  
         [0026]     In exemplary embodiments, each of the branches may be provided with an end portion configured to come into contact with the eyelashes when the two branches are moved toward each other. The two end portions may be identical or may be different, and a distribution of projecting elements thereon may be uniform or otherwise, and optionally symmetrical about a midplane of the respective end portion.  
         [0027]     In exemplary embodiments, the two end portions may be configured to engage at least in part one in the other when the branches are moved toward each other. For example, the two end portions may include shapes that are substantially complementary. For example, the two end portions may include projecting elements that become superposed or juxtaposed, at least in part, when the two branches are close together.  
         [0028]     In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the branches may include an end portion including a first face facing toward the end portion of the other branch, and a second face opposite from the first face. The second face may be provided with at least one projecting element, which element may be used, for example, when the user desires not to squeeze the eyelashes between the branches.  
         [0029]     In exemplary embodiments, the branches may include end portions with first faces facing toward each other when the branches are close together, and second faces opposite from the first faces. The end portions may include projecting elements on both the first and the second faces.  
         [0030]     In exemplary embodiments, one of the end portions need have no projecting elements, such as no bristles or teeth.  
         [0031]     In exemplary embodiments, the tool may include at least one branch including an end portion that is more flexible than a remainder of the branch.  
         [0032]     In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the end portions may include bristles, which may be fitted to a support, for example. The support may comprise a twisted core, for example. Alternatively, the bristles may be integrally, i.e., monolithically, molded with the support.  
         [0033]     In exemplary embodiments, the bristles may be of diameters, lengths, shapes, or sections that differ within at least one of the end portions, or between the two end portions.  
         [0034]     In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the end portions may include teeth. For example, one of the end portions may include two rows of teeth that are spaced apart from each other, with the other end portion being configured to engage at least in part between the rows when the branches are close together.  
         [0035]     In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the end portions may include a brush. Where appropriate or desired, the brush may include a core that is eccentric, at least in one cross-section of the brush.  
         [0036]     Whatever kind of brush, the brush may be fastened in various ways to the corresponding branch, for example, by snap-fastening or by plastic deformation.  
         [0037]     In exemplary embodiments, the brush may include a portion from which bristles extend. The portion may be superposed at least in part on the branch. The brush may be stiffened at least in part by the branch.  
         [0038]     In exemplary embodiments, the brush may be set back from a free end of the corresponding branch.  
         [0039]     In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the end portions may include a thread.  
         [0040]     In exemplary embodiments, the each end portion may comprise a brush.  
         [0041]     In other exemplary embodiments, each end portion may comprise a comb.  
         [0042]     In other exemplary embodiments, one of the end portions may comprise a brush and the other of the end portions may comprise a comb.  
         [0043]     In exemplary embodiments, the tool may be configured so as to enable the branches to return resiliently after the branches have been moved toward each other to act on the keratinous fibers. For example the tool may include a resilient return member interposed between the branches, for example, a helical spring.  
         [0044]     In exemplary embodiments, the tool may be arranged in such a manner as to enable one of the branches to turn through more than 180° relative to the other one of the branches. This may make it possible, for example, to select the faces of the branches between which the keratinous fibers are engaged.  
         [0045]     In exemplary embodiments, the branches may be made integrally, i.e., monolithically, with a junction portion uniting the branches. Alternatively, the branches may be united by a junction portion fitted thereto.  
         [0046]     In exemplary embodiments, the branches may be assembled together with the possibility of being shifted longitudinally. The branches may be assembled together with the possibility of being shifted laterally. The tool may include a member configured to adjust a degree of clamping of one the branches against the other, for example, at the junction thereof.  
         [0047]     In exemplary embodiments, the applicator may comprise a brush. The first receptacle may include a wiper member.  
         [0048]     In exemplary embodiments, the kit may include an element configured to clean the tool, such as a porous material impregnated with a biocidal agent, and located in the second receptacle.  
         [0049]     Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a method of applying makeup, in which: a substance is applied to keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes, using an applicator; and the makeup is finished off using a tool comprising two branches configured to be moved toward each other, after allowing the substance deposited on the keratinous fibers to dry, at least in part. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0050]     Various details of the invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0051]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic axial cross sectional view of an exemplary kit;  
         [0052]      FIG. 2  is an elevation view showing a fragment of the tool in the device of  FIG. 1 , in isolation;  
         [0053]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along III-III of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0054]     FIGS.  4  to  12  are diagrammatic fragmentary views showing other exemplary embodiments of the tool;  
         [0055]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken along XIII-XIII of  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0056]      FIGS. 14 and 15  show the possibility of making the tool with removable end portions;  
         [0057]      FIG. 16  is an elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of the tool;  
         [0058]      FIG. 17  is a side view taken along arrow XVII of  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0059]      FIG. 18  shows another exemplary embodiment of a junction between the branches;  
         [0060]      FIGS. 19 and 20  show a greater angular displacement available to the branches when the junction between the branches is made in accordance with  FIG. 18 ;  
         [0061]      FIGS. 21 and 22  are views analogous to  FIG. 18  showing other exemplary embodiments of the junction between the branches;  
         [0062]      FIG. 23  shows an exemplary resilient return member interposed between the branches;  
         [0063]      FIG. 24  is a diagrammatic and fragmentary plan view showing an exemplary embodiment in which the two branches may be shifted longitudinally;  
         [0064]      FIG. 25  is a fragmentary diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view taken along on XXV-XXV of  FIG. 24 ;  
         [0065]      FIG. 26  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment that allows the branches to be shifted sideways;  
         [0066]     FIGS.  27  to  30  show various exemplary arrangements for receptacles that are to receive the supply of substance and the tool, respectively;  
         [0067]      FIG. 31  is a view analogous to  FIG. 30  showing another exemplary embodiment;  
         [0068]      FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view taken along XXXII-XXXII of  FIG. 31 ;  
         [0069]      FIG. 33  is a view analogous to  FIG. 3  showing another exemplary embodiment;  
         [0070]      FIG. 34  is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary branch provided with a brush; and  
         [0071]      FIG. 35  is a cross-sectional view taken along XXXV-XXXV of  FIG. 34 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS  
       [0072]     The exemplary kit  1  shown in  FIG. 1  comprises firstly a supply of substance  2  contained in a receptacle  3  in which an applicator  4  may be immersed to take the substance, and secondly a tool  5  that is received, while not in use, in a receptacle  6  that is devoid of substance and that is provided with an opening  26 .  
         [0073]     In the exemplary embodiment described, the receptacle  3  comprises a neck  7  with an outside thread onto which a closure cap  8  may be screwed. The cap may also constitute a handle member for the applicator  4 . The applicator  4  includes a stem  10  with one end connected to the closure cap  8  and another end supporting an applicator member  12 . In the exemplary embodiment described, the applicator member  12  is constituted by a brush with a twisted core.  
         [0074]     The neck  7  may be provided on an inside thereof with a wiper member  14  that is configured to enable the stem  10  and the applicator member  12  to be wiped while the applicator  4  is being withdrawn from the receptacle  3 .  
         [0075]     In the exemplary embodiment described, the receptacles  3  and  6  are made as a one-piece molding of plastics material and are located side by side.  
         [0076]     The kit  1  may further comprise a cap  16  suitable for fastening, for example, by snap-fastening, on the receptacles  3  and  6  and capable of preventing the tool  5  from leaving the receptacle  6 , for example, while the kit is being transported.  
         [0077]     The tool  5  may comprise two branches  18  and  19  provided with respective end portions  20  and  21 . The end portions  20  and  21  may be moved toward each other by the user while applying makeup.  
         [0078]     In the exemplary embodiment described, the end portions  20  and  21  may become interleaved, at least in part, when the branches  18  and  19  are moved toward each other. Each of the end portions  20  and  21  may include projecting elements extending toward the other end portion. The projecting elements may be constituted by bristles and/or teeth, for example.  
         [0079]     In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.  1  to  3 , the end portion  20  may be constituted by a brush including a twisted core and the end portion  21  may be constituted by a comb, for example, molded integrally, i.e., monolithically, of the same plastics material as the branch  19 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the comb may include two substantially parallel rows of teeth  24  between which the end portion  20  may be engaged when the two branches  18  and  19  are moved as close together as possible, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  
         [0080]     The exemplary kit  1  may be used as follows.  
         [0081]     The user may begin by applying the substance to eyelashes, for example, using the applicator  4 . Once the substance has dried at least in part, the tool  5  may be used for treating the eyelashes.  
         [0082]     The user may engage the eyelashes between the end portions  20  and  21  while the branches are apart, and may then move the branches toward each other and move the tool away while the branches are pressed together.  
         [0083]     Depending on the movement given to the tool  5  and on the nature of the end portions  20  and  21 , the tool  5  may be used to separate and/or curve the eyelashes.  
         [0084]     The user may vary effects, for example, by varying pressure exerted on the branches.  
         [0085]     After use, the user may reinsert the tool  5  in the receptacle  6  through the opening  26  therein and put the cap  16  back into place.  
         [0086]     Naturally, the invention is not limited to a particular embodiment of the tool and numerous variants are possible, depending on the desired effects to be achieved.  
         [0087]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 4 , an exemplary tool is shown including two identical end portions  20  and  21 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the end portions  20  and  21  are constituted by combs including teeth molded integrally, i.e., monolithically, of the same plastics material as the branches. For example, the teeth  24  may be disposed on facing faces of the branches of the tool, with it being possible to vary shape and disposition of the teeth  24  on the faces. For example, it is possible to use V-shaped teeth that are optionally offset sideways from an axis of a row, or even double rows of V-shaped teeth.  
         [0088]     The teeth  24  may be rectilinear, as shown in  FIG. 4 , or may be of some other shape, for example, including angular portions, as shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0089]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the end portions  20  and  21  comprise bristles of different sizes. For example, the bristles for the end portion  20  may include a diameter greater than the bristles for the end portion  21 . For example, the bristles may be stapled in the branches  18  and  19  or secured thereto in some other way, for example, by overmolding. The bristles may thus be overmolded onto one and/or the other of the end portions  20  and  21 .  
         [0090]      FIG. 7  illustrates that the end portion  21  may comprise projecting elements  24  arranged in packets that are mutually spaced-apart, for example, bristles leaving gaps  30 , while the end portion  20  includes a uniform configuration of projecting elements  24 , for example.  
         [0091]      FIG. 8  illustrates that the end portions  20  and  21  may be made with threads with edges that constitute projecting elements  24 , which may be used for combing the eyelashes.  
         [0092]     The projecting elements  24  carried by the end portions  20  and  21  may also be configured so as to become longitudinally interleaved when the branches  18  and  19  are moved toward each other and the tool is observed from the side, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the branches, as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0093]     One of the end portions, specifically the end portion  20  in  FIG. 10 , may be lacking in projecting elements. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 10 , only the end portion  21  included projecting elements  24  on the face  32  thereof facing toward the other end portion  20 . The projecting elements  24  may be constituted, for example, by at least one row of teeth that are laterally offset relative to the end portion  20  so as to enable said end portion to be used for pushing the eyelashes into bottoms of grooves formed between the teeth, for example.  
         [0094]      FIG. 11  illustrates the possibility for one of the end portions, specifically the end portion  20 , to include a face  34  that has no projecting elements facing toward the other end portion  21  and that includes an opposite face  35  carrying projecting elements  24 .  
         [0095]      FIG. 11  also illustrates that at least one of the end portions may extend along a longitudinal axis X that makes a non-zero angle α relative to the longitudinal axis Y of the portion of the branch to which the end portion is connected.  
         [0096]     The tool shown in  FIG. 12  may include a brush with bristles  24  that are molded integrally, i.e., monolithically, of the same plastics material as the corresponding branch  19 .  
         [0097]      FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate that it is possible for the tool to include removable end portions  20  and  21 , for example, configured to fasten onto remaining portions of the respective branches  18  and  19 , for example, by snap-fastening. This may make it possible, for example, to make the end portions of a material that is more flexible than the material used for making the remainder of the tool.  
         [0098]     The projecting elements  24  may extend along the longitudinal axis X of the corresponding end portion, which, where appropriate or desired, may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the associated branch portion, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 .  
         [0099]     The branches  18  and  19  may be connected together in various ways.  
         [0100]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the branches  18  and  19  are made as a single piece by molding a plastics material, and include elasticity that enables the branches  18  and  19  to return to a configuration in which the branches  18  and  19  are spaced apart when the user releases the tool.  
         [0101]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 18 , the branches  18  and  19  are connected together by a hinge comprising a film hinge  40 , for example, which may be configured to enable the branches  18  and  19  to move through a relatively large angle β, for example, an angle greater than 180°, and better an angle close to 360°.  
         [0102]     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , such an arrangement may enable the user to select properties of the end portions as a function of the desired result to be achieved, when at least one of the end portions includes projecting elements of different configurations on each face thereof.  
         [0103]     In the exemplary embodiment described, the user may, for example, choose to move the end portion  20  close to the face of the end portion  21  that is without teeth, or to move the end portion  20  close to the opposite face that is with teeth.  
         [0104]     Bulges  39  may be provided on the branches so as to press against each other to allow the branches to continue to flex elastically when the branches are close together.  
         [0105]     For example, a similar result may be obtained using a hinge  36 , as shown in  FIG. 21 .  
         [0106]     It is also possible for the two branches  18  and  19  to be made separately and to be united by a junction portion  42  fitted to the branches  18  and  19 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 22 . The junction portion  42  may be overmolded on the branches  18  and  19 , for example, or may be force-fitted in corresponding housings provided in the junction portion  42 .  
         [0107]     The junction portion  42  may constitute an independent endpiece or may be secured to a member acting as a handle for the tool.  
         [0108]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the branches  18  and  19  include a certain amount of elasticity such that once the user releases the tool, the tool returns to a configuration in which the end portions  20  and  21  are spaced far enough apart to receive therebetween the keratinous fibers for working thereon.  
         [0109]     Where appropriate or desired, as shown in  FIG. 23 , resilient return means  44  may be provided for urging the branches  18  and  19  apart.  
         [0110]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 23 , the resilient return means  44  are constituted by a helical spring elastically interposed between the branches  18  and  19 . The branches  18  and  19  may be formed with portions in relief  45  so as to contribute to holding the resilient return member in place.  
         [0111]     The branches  18  and  19  may preferably be united in such a manner that the only relative movement that is possible therebetween is relative movement in a direction that enables the branches  18  and  19  to be moved toward each other. For example, the branches  18  and  19  may be united so as to exclude movement in a direction that is transverse relative thereto, such that one of the end portions may always be interleaved in the same manner in the other end portion, for example.  
         [0112]     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the two branches  18  and  19  are assembled together in such a manner as to enable the user to adjust a longitudinal offset thereof. For this purpose, one of the branches may include an oblong opening  48  through which passes a screw  49  carried by the other branch, for example. The screw  49  may be engaged in a tapped hole  50  in the branch  19  and may be capable of being loosened by the user so as to allow one of the branches to be shifted longitudinally relative to the other one of the branches and then tightened again once the branches  18  and  19  are in a desired relative position.  
         [0113]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 26 , a similar principle may be used to enable a lateral offset between the branches to be adjusted.  
         [0114]     Naturally, numerous modifications may be applied to the exemplary embodiments described above. For example, modifications may be applied concerning the arrangement of the receptacles  3  and  6  for receiving the applicator  4  and the tool  5 , respectively.  
         [0115]     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 27 , the kit  1  does not include the cap  16  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0116]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 28 , the receptacles  3  and  6  are disposed in line with each other.  
         [0117]     For example, the closure member  8  of the receptacle  3  may also be configured to serve to close the receptacle  6 . For this purpose, the receptacle  6  may be provided with a threaded neck  53  capable of being screwed into the closure member  8 .  
         [0118]     To use the applicator  4 , the user may leave the receptacle  6  secured to the closure member  8  and thus use the receptacle  6  as a handle.  
         [0119]     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 29 , the receptacles  3  and  6  are still in line with each other, but respective closure members thereof are independent.  
         [0120]     The receptacle  6  may be closed by a closure member  55 , for example, comprising a tubular skirt  56  that defines a housing in which a portion of the junction  57  between the branches  18  and  19  is fastened, for example, by snap-fastening.  
         [0121]     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 30 , the receptacles  3  and  6  are still situated in line with each other, with the receptacle  6  being secured to the closure member  8  of the receptacle  3 .  
         [0122]     For example, the receptacle  6  may include a skirt  58  that is snap-fastened in an outer skirt  59  of the closure member  8 . The receptacle  6  may be closed by the closure member  55 .  
         [0123]      FIG. 31  illustrates the possibility of placing an element  70  for cleaning the tool  5  in the receptacle  6  that is to receive the tool.  
         [0124]     In the exemplary embodiment shown, the element  70  comprises a material impregnated with a biocidal agent. For example, the material used may be an elastically deformable porous material, such as an open-celled foam.  
         [0125]     As shown for example in  FIG. 32 , the material may be pierced by one or more slots  71 . Naturally, including a tool-cleaner element in the receptacle  6  is not restricted to any one particular disposition of the receptacle  6  and may be applied specifically to all of the exemplary embodiments described above.  
         [0126]     Similarly, the element  70  may be of a shape other than that shown in  FIG. 31 . For example, the element  70  need not occupy substantially an entire inside volume of the receptacle  6  when the tool  5  is absent, but may occupy only a portion of the height thereof, for example, a portion adjacent to the neck of the receptacle  6  or to the bottom of the receptacle  6 .  
         [0127]     The tool-cleaner element  70  need not necessarily include a biocidal agent. For example, the element  70  may apply a mechanical cleaning action only on the tool  5 .  
         [0128]     For example, the cleaner element  70  need not comprise a foam, but may comprise bristles or flocking.  
         [0129]      FIG. 33  illustrates the possibility of the brush including a core that is eccentric relative to an envelope of the cross-section of the brush, at least along a fraction of the length thereof.  
         [0130]      FIG. 34  applies to a tool comprising a brush, and illustrates the possibility for one of the branches, for example, the branch  18 , to extend over at least a fraction of the length of the brush portion carrying the bristles.  
         [0131]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 34 , the branch  18  includes an extension  73  that extends over an entire length of the brush and includes an end  74  situated beyond the brush, as shown.  
         [0132]     For example, the extension  73  may be curved in cross-section, as shown in  FIG. 35 , and the brush may press against an inside face  76  of the extension  73 . The branch  18  may thus contribute to stiffening the brush over at least a fraction of its length, thus making it possible, for example, to exert a greater pressure force between the two end portions of the tool.  
         [0133]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 34 , the core of the brush includes one end fastened in the branch  18  and an opposite end  77  that is free. In another exemplary embodiment that is not shown, the end  77  may not be free, but may be fixed to an enlarged portion of the end  74  of the extension  73 .  
         [0134]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 35 , the brush includes a twisted metal core. However, it is contemplated that the brush may include a core of plastics material, with the bristles being overmolded thereon or inserted in openings in the core and held by punching, for example.  
         [0135]     Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the tool, and in particular the branches thereof, may be made using a material other than plastics material, such as wood or metal.  
         [0136]     The end portions may extend along a longitudinal axis that is not rectangular, for example, an axis that is curvilinear, being concave or convex toward the other end portion.  
         [0137]     The tool may be disposed in ways other than being inserted in a receptacle of the kit while not in use.  
         [0138]     For example, the kit may comprise a case suitable for receiving the tool and a supply of substance, which may be contained in a bottle that is disposed freely inside the case, for example. Alternatively, the substance may be in the form of a solid cake for moistening at the time of use.  
         [0139]     The kit may advantageously be used for making up the eyelashes. However, the kit may also be used for making up keratinous fibers other than the eyelashes, for example, hair.  
         [0140]     Projecting elements other than those shown in the figures may be used. For example, any type of tooth or bristle, such as bristles of section that is round, square, triangular, polygonal, oval, substantially elliptical, or some other shape may be used.  
         [0141]     The bristles or teeth may be made integrally, i.e., monolithically, by being molded out of the same material as the tool. Alternatively, the bristles or teeth may be made on a support with the support then being fitted to the remainder of the tool, for example, being fastened by adhesive, heat-sealing, snap-fastening, or crimping. This makes it possible, for example, to make bristles or teeth out of a material that is softer than the materials used for making the branches of the tool.  
         [0142]     Although various details of the present invention have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.