Patent Publication Number: US-2018027950-A1

Title: Customized cosmetic system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/368,856, filed Jul. 29, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device and method for producing a cosmetic product in a customized manner at a low cost. In some embodiments, the cosmetic product can be created using a variety of different components including with the aid of a software application on a mobile device for example. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Today a wide range of cosmetic products are available in the consumer market. However, it is not easy to find a product that perfectly fits with one&#39;s taste and interest. First, the tone (e.g., color, lightness, etc.) and texture (e.g., dry, smooth, etc.) of each person&#39;s skin vary significantly. The appearance of skin also varies seasonally. Second, each individual has their own taste. Because makeup products, foundation or eye shadow for example, are applied directly to the human body, users, most of whom are women, tend to notice subtle differences in color and texture, which makes it hard to find a completely suitable color. Based on the foregoing, cosmetics come in a vast number of different colors and styles. 
     Further, even if one finds what appears to be a perfect shade, it may not be perfect in use. Unlike clothing which you can try on before purchase, you often have to buy retail sized makeup products, unless a small portion, or a sample, is available for trial. However, cosmetic samples or free-application services over the counter are usually available only for expensive products that are sold in prestige outlets. As a result, it is not uncommon for users to throw away the cosmetic product after a single use. In addition, inexpensive cosmetic products sold in mass outlets do not provide exclusive looks and/or provide a wide variety of colors. 
     Additionally, after having discovered a desired cosmetic, then searching for the item in-store/online, having to travel to and from a store to purchase the item, and proceeding with the trial or returns process is cumbersome. Online shopping for color cosmetics is particularly cumbersome as one needs to try on the color to see if it is flattering and therefore returns are usually consequential. Also, most stores carry a limited amount of colors/shades due to shelf space, which increases the barriers to consumption. Remote store locations, busy schedules, and shipping times (for online orders) can increase the amount of time a consumer has to wait until they can consume the desired cosmetic product. 
     Additionally, many users desire to alter or add color to products in their current collection of cosmetic and skincare products. Adding pigments without prior formulating experience can be challenging and many users do not know how to mix colors (pigments/dyes) to get the exact desired effect. Furthermore, with trend-based cosmetics, many users desire only a small amount of product but are forced to buy full size products because smaller product volumes are not available. This creates waste because there is no control over how much (quantity) of a particular item a consumer can purchase. If a consumer wanted one swipe of particular lipstick color for a night out, the consumer would have to buy the smallest available retail unit size, typically a tube of lipstick, which leads to waste. 
     Based on the foregoing, a need exists for an easy, convenient, low cost way to instantly consume/recreate the physical products that we see online, in-app, and on social media; one that is easy to understand and allows for improvisation as well as full automation so that a user can customize his or her experience as well as the product. It will be appreciated that the user can also get input data from other sources other than online, app, or social media, which includes, for example, print magazines, word of mouth, television, etc. It will be appreciated that the teachings described herein are not limited to a personal consumer setting but instead can be implemented in, for example, a commercial, retail, or manufacturing setting. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments are directed to a customized cosmetic system having a dock and at least one cartridge containing cosmetics disposed on the dock, each having a mechanism for dispensing a metered dose of cosmetic. The customized cosmetic system can include means disposed in the dock for dispensing the metered dose of cosmetics and a base cartridge for collecting and mixing the metered dose of cosmetics to create a customized cosmetic. 
     Some embodiments are directed to a customized cosmetic system having a dock and at least one cartridge containing cosmetics disposed on the dock. The customized cosmetic system can include means disposed in the dock or the cartridge for dispensing a metered or measured dose of cosmetics. 
     In some embodiments, a customized cosmetic system includes a dock, at least one cartridge containing a cosmetic disposed on the dock, and means disposed in the dock or in the at least one cartridge for dispensing a metered or measured dose of the cosmetic. 
     In some embodiments, the means to dispense a metered or measured dose of the cosmetic utilizes rotational motion. In some embodiments, the means to dispense a metered or measured dose of the cosmetic includes a circular or ring shaped metered scale. In some embodiments, the dock includes an area configured to couple securely to a cosmetic jar or a cosmetic compact. In some embodiments, the dock includes at least one opening through which the cosmetic is applied to a collection container. For example, the collection container includes a base, an intermediate surface, a mixing surface, or a collection compartment. In some embodiments, the at least one opening is configured to be a connection point to the at least one cartridge. 
     In some embodiments, the collection container is an intermediate surface. For example, the intermediate surface can include a container, a sponge, a finger, a swab, a brush, a sheet, or a pad. In some embodiments, the collection container is a base cosmetic. For example, the base cosmetic is selected from the group consisting of a solid, powder, cream, lotion, liquid, gel, emulsion, wax, oil, ester, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the base cosmetic is a finished cosmetic retail item. In some embodiments, the base cosmetic is disposed in the at least one cartridge configured to collect and mix the cosmetic. 
     In some embodiments, the cosmetic includes at least one coloring agent. In some embodiments, the at least one coloring agent is a material selected from the group consisting of a natural dye, synthetic colorant, coal tar, chromium oxide, aluminum powder, manganese, iron oxide, mica flakes, cosmetic color additive, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the cosmetic includes at least one additive. In some embodiments, the at least one additive is a material selected from the group consisting of a bulking agent, fragrance, preservative, pearlescent material, sparkle material, shimmer material, and combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one cartridge includes a gripping surface configured to be manually operated. In some embodiments, a metered dispensing mechanism is operatively coupled for automation. In some embodiments, the at least one cartridge includes a mechanism to controllably dispense or advance the cosmetic. In some embodiments, the mechanism to controllably dispense or advance the cosmetic includes a grinding insert, a rotating dial, a grinding cap, a hole, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the mechanism to controllably dispense or advance the cosmetic includes a spring, rotating dial, plunger, slider, extruder, pump, valve, jet, grate, piston, reducer, mesh, grill, aperture, or any combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, a customized cosmetic system includes a computing device in communication with or disposed in the system. In some embodiments, the computing device is a mobile device configured to execute a software application. In some embodiments, the computing device is a virtual or augmented reality device configured to execute a software application. 
     In some embodiments, the dock is a cap. In some embodiments, the cap comprises a grinding insert, a rotating dial, a grinding cap, a hole, or any combinations thereof and is configured to controllably dispense or advance the cosmetic. In some embodiments, the cap comprises a grinder, a spring, a rotating dial, a plunger, a slider, an extruder, a pump, a valve, a jet, a grate, a piston, a reducer, a mesh, a grill, an aperture, or any combinations thereof and is configured to controllably dispense or advance the cosmetic. 
     In some embodiments, the automated metered dispensing mechanism is a motor, actuator, gear system, or combination thereof and configured to be hands-free. 
     In some embodiments, the collection container is a mixing surface or a collection compartment and includes a collection mechanism configured to mix or homogenize the cosmetic. In some embodiments, the collection mechanism to mix or homogenize the cosmetic is electrical, mechanical, magnetic, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the collection mechanism to mix or homogenize the cosmetic is electrical, mechanical, magnetic, thermal, vibrational, rotational, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the dock, the at least one cartridge, the means to dispense a metered or measured dose of the cosmetic, the collection container, a liquid stick, or any combination thereof comprise a kit, wherein the kit is single-use or disposable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a customized cosmetic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a removable cartridge of the customized cosmetic system. 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows the customized cosmetic system in use. 
         FIG. 5  shows a liquid cosmetic stick, which can be used in the customized cosmetic system. 
         FIG. 6  shows a customized cosmetic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     The customized cosmetic system  1  of the present invention relates to an apparatus and collection container for producing a cosmetic composition in a customized manner at low cost. More specifically, the customized cosmetic system  1  relates to dispensing controllable metered amounts of a cosmetic substance through the utilization of a metered rotating dial  46  affixed to a cosmetic containing cartridge  40  which dispenses a cosmetic  21  or dispenses a cosmetic  21  through a metered dispensing mechanism  19  operatively coupled for automation. In some embodiments, for example, metered dispensing mechanism  19  can be coupled to rotating dial  46  and outer sidewall  50  of removable cartridge  40 . For example, metered dispensing mechanism  19  can be a motor, an actuator, or gear system  20 . In some embodiments, metered dispensing mechanism  19  is configured to be hands-free. More specifically, the customized cosmetic system  1  of the present invention uses a plurality of removable cartridges  40  coupled to a pigment collecting dock  10  that has an inner compartment  22  to collect and dispense pigments from cartridges  40 . One means disposed in dock  10  for dispensing a metered or measured dose of cosmetics can be the inner compartment  22 . In some embodiments, inner compartment  22  can include a rotating dial  46  or a grinding cap  80 . Dock  10  features an exit hole  26  to allow the user to easily dispense the collected pigments onto a targeted area such as a base container  110 . Alternatively, exit hole  26  can include a pull out tray for dispensing the cosmetics. Dock  10  can contain an opening that allows a cosmetic to be applied to a base, intermediate surface, mixing surface or collection compartment, the opening being a connection point to cartridge  40 . 
     Dock  10  features a plurality of base dock openings  24  to securely receive removable cartridges  40 . In some embodiments, cartridges  40  can each contain a cosmetic  21 , for example, primary pigments, secondary pigments, and base materials, as well as a coloring agent including a material selected from the group consisting of a natural dye, synthetic colorant, coal tar, chromium oxide, aluminum powder, manganese, iron oxide, mica flakes, a cosmetic color additive, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, cartridges  40  can each contain a cosmetic  21  that further contains a bulking agent or an additive. An additive is a material that adds additional values to the cosmetic composition and can be, for example, fragrance, preservative, pearlescent, sparkle, glitter, shimmer, or combinations thereof. A bulking agent is used to provide even coverage on skin and usually has a smooth, slippery texture that makes the cosmetic composition easier to apply. The bulking agent can be, for example, mica, talc, silk powder, silk fiber, nylon, wax, cream, ester and oil, or mixtures thereof. 
     In one embodiment, a number of cartridges  40  can be used that contain pigments that are suitable for cosmetic applications. For example, cartridges  40  can contain the following pigments: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, each cartridge  40  holds one color. Alternatively, in some embodiments, one cartridge  40  contains more than one color with each pigment separated from the other. It will be appreciated that some applications can require more cartridges  40  and can include other color cartridges  40 , for example, light magenta and light cyan. In some embodiments, dock  10  can contain more than three dock openings  24  to receive additional cartridges  40  including, for example, a base cartridge  70  containing a base cosmetic  102  as described herein. Further, as discussed herein, dock  10  can receive not only pigment cartridges for applying pigments onto a base cosmetic  102 , but can also receive non-pigment cartridges  40 . 
     Accurate doses of pigment are dispensed by turning rotating dial  46  on removable cartridge  40  until the prescribed number reaches metered marker  30  on dock  10 . A gripping surface can be disposed on an outer sidewall  50  of cartridge  40  to enable easy gripping by the user for operating the system manually. Besides rotating dial  46 , other means can be used to dispense a metered or measured dose through the utilization of rotation. Rotating dial  46  is initially set to starting point (“zero”) as indicted by metered marker  30  on dock  10 . A ratchet, teeth rack, or other similar mechanism applies friction in one direction and enables active dispensing of pigment by turning rotating dial  46 . The opposite, frictionless direction of the mechanism allows the user to set metered marker  30  to zero without activating dispensing of pigment. Alternatively, a latch, catch, or detent can be used to apply friction to cartridge  40  in dock opening  24  to maintain cartridge  40  in dock opening  24 . Cartridge  40  can be selectively removed from dock opening  24  to allow for a user to set metered marker  30  to zero without activating dispensing of pigment. Alternatively, dock opening  24  can be sized to provide enough friction to secure and dispense pigment. Alternatively, there can be a friction surface between dock opening  24  and cartridge  40  to prevent relative movement between the two. A user can manually remove cartridge  40  from dock  10  and replace it when aligned properly to zero on metered marker  30  before each use. Prescribed numbers (“color codes”) can be obtained by the user through a software application or other means, for example, print, word of mouth, internet, or social media. An example of a software application for obtaining the prescribed numbers is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0314141 to Choi, which is incorporated here in its entirety by reference thereto. The software application can be executed with a computing device that is a virtual or augmented reality device. Cartridges  40  of the present invention can be the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,387,627 to Yeom, which is incorporated here in its entirety by reference thereto. 
     In some embodiments, for example, automatic rotation of rotating dial  46  can include a motor, actuator, gear system, or combination thereof to generate linear, rotational, or oscillatory motion of rotating dial  46  for hands-free operation. In some embodiments, metered marker  30  can be located on rotating dial  46  and metered scale  48  can be located on removable cartridge  40 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, metered marker  30  can be located on removable cartridge  40  and metered scale  48  can be located on rotating dial  46 . In some embodiments, metered marker  30  can include a restickable, reusable, or repositionable mechanism including, for example, a sticker, magnet, insert, adhesive, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, metered scale  48  can be a ring, sleeve, band, annulus, etc., which rotates around removable cartridge  40 . 
     After dispensing the desired amount and combination of pigment from one or more removable cartridges  40 , the dispensed pigments can exit through exit hole  26  or other exit means on dock  10 . The dispensed pigment can be collected in a collection container shown generally at  140  in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, for example, the collection container  140  can be a base cartridge shown generally at  70 . In some embodiments, the collection container  140  can be a base, an intermediate surface, a mixing surface, or a collection compartment. Base cartridge  70  includes base container shown generally at  110 , cosmetic container  100 , grinding insert  90 , and grinding cap  80 . Cosmetic container  100  includes a base cosmetic  102 , which can be a colorable base material that can be, for example, a powder (mica, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, talc, etc.), oil, wax, ester, water, cream, lotion, liquid, gel, emulsion, a solid, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, removable cartridge  40  can be a base cartridge  70 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , removable cartridge  40  can include grinding cap  80 , grinding insert  90 , mixing surface  92  with holes  96 , cosmetic container  100 , base cosmetic  102 , base container  110 , or any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, grinding cap  80  can be an individual dock  11 , which is coupled to, for example, a cosmetic jar or a cosmetic compact and dispenses a metered or measured dose of cosmetic by dispensing means. For example, dispensing means can include manual rotation of grinding cap  80  or automatic rotation of grinding cap  80  to dispense a metered or measured dose of cosmetic when rotated. In some embodiments, individual dock  11  can include grinding cap  80  and grinding insert  90 . In some embodiments, individual dock  11  can include grinding cap  80 , grinding insert  90 , and cosmetic container  100  with base cosmetic  102 . For example, individual dock  11  can couple to base container  110  such that either grinding cap  80  or base container  110  can be rotated, clockwise or counter-clockwise, to grate or scrape base cosmetic  102  into collection container  140 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, collection container  140  can be a base, an intermediate surface, a mixing surface, or a collection compartment. In some embodiments, for example, automatic rotation of grinding cap  80  can include a motor, actuator, gear system, or combination thereof to generate linear, rotational, or oscillatory motion of grinding cap  80  for hands-free operation. In some embodiments, metered marker  30  can be located on grinding cap  80  and metered scale  48  can be located on base container  110 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, metered marker  30  can be located on base container  110  and metered scale  48  can be located on grinding cap  80 . In some embodiments, metered marker  30  can include a restickable, reusable, or repositionable mechanism including, for example, a sticker, magnet, insert, adhesive, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, metered scale  48  can be a ring, sleeve, band, annulus, etc., which rotates around base cartridge  70 . 
     Grinding cap  80  has a gripping surface  82  around its outer periphery to enable easy gripping by the user for operating the system manually. Grinding insert  90  has a grinding insert mixing surface  92  with holes  96 , which when rotated, grate or scrape the packed pigment  102  in cosmetic container  100  releasing particles for creating customized cosmetics. As shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, base container  110  can be rotated to engage grinding insert  90  to grate or scrap the packed pigment  102  in cosmetic container  100  to release particles. In some embodiments, base container  110  is coupled to grinding cap  80 , grinding insert  90 , and cosmetic container  100  with base cosmetic  102 , such that a user can rotate base container  110  or grinding cap  80  to grate or scrape base cosmetic  102  into base container  110 . For example, base container  110  can contain a spring or constant force mechanism to push or maintain constant pressure on cosmetic container  100  toward grinding insert  90  when either base container  110  or grinding cap  80  is rotated. Rotation of grinding insert mixing surface  92  or base container  110  can be done manually or can be automated such as with a motor or other similar device. Grinding insert mixing surface  92  can act as a mixing palette. Base container  110  can also act as a cosmetic storage case with the aid of a cap. This allows base container  110  to have multiple uses, which gives the user additional convenience. Grinding insert inner sidewall  94  of grinding insert  90  of cartridge  40  can be high, low, or flat depending on the base material contained therein. A higher wall or deeper well can be used for mixing powder. However, a shallower grinding insert inner sidewall  94 , making grinding insert  90  almost flat, can be used for sticky bases like lip gloss, for easier cleaning purposes. For powder bases, it is helpful when grinding insert mixing surface  92  of cartridge  40  is uneven or texturized, such as a grill or a silicone finish. 
     In some embodiments, individual dock  11  can include a mechanism to controllably dispense or advance a cosmetic, for example, grinding insert  90 . For example, the mechanism to controllably dispense or advance the cosmetic can include a spring, rotating dial, plunger, slider, extruder, pump, valve, jet, grate, piston, reducer, mesh, grill, aperture, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, grinding cap  80  includes a spring, rotating dial, plunger, slider, extruder, pump, valve, jet, grate, piston, reducer, mesh, grill, aperture, or any combinations thereof. 
     In use, a user first determines a color to create with customized cosmetic system  1 . Prescribed numbers are then obtained, using the method previously described, in order to determine how much to turn rotating dial  46  so a metered scale  48  of cartridge  40  is appropriately aligned with metered marker  30  on dock  10 . Alternatively, metered scale  48  can be located on dock  10  and metered marker  30  on cartridge  40 . Metered scale  48  provides means to dispense a metered or measured dose through the use of a circular or ring shaped metered scale. Once the turning of rotating dials  46  is completed, the pigments from cartridges  40  will be in the inner compartment  22  of dock  10 . The pigments from each cartridge  40  can be collected by pouring the pigments out of exit hole  26  of dock  10 .  FIG. 3  shows bottom  44  of removable cartridge  40  where the pigment will exit when rotating dial  46  is turned to grind the pigment.  FIG. 3  also shows exit hole  26  where the collected pigment will leave dock  10 .  FIG. 4  shows the collection process of the pigment from cartridges  40  into a collection container  140 . In some embodiments, collection container  140  can be another cartridge  40 , base cartridge  70 , or base container  110 , or can be another device such as the liquid stick  200  in  FIG. 5  or can be an intermediary surface such as a finger, a sponge, a swab, a sheet, a tissue, a brush, a plate, or a container. If a user decides to have collection container  140  be another cartridge  40 , base cosmetic  102  in cosmetic container  100  can be either released before or after the collected pigment from dock  10  is added to collection container  140 . A funnel  28  can be attached to dock  10  in order to ensure collected pigments can be collected in an efficient manner, minimizing spills and pigment loss. A valve or other mechanism can be added to funnel  28  or exit hole  26  to prevent backflow and contamination through exit hole  26  into dock  10 . In some embodiments, collection container  140  can include a collection mechanism  141  configured to mix or homogenize the cosmetic  21  from exit hole  26  or funnel  28 . In some embodiments, collection mechanism  141  is electrical, mechanical, magnetic, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, collection mechanism  141  can be an electrical wire  142  configured to resistively heat cosmetic  21  to a set temperature. In some embodiments, for example, collection mechanism  141  can be a mechanical motor  143  configured to translate, vibrate, agitate, or rotate cosmetic  21  to a designed homogeneity. In some embodiments, for example, collection mechanism  141  can be a magnetic stirrer  144  and magnetic rotational plate  145  configured to stir cosmetic  21  at a desired rate and time. 
     According to another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , dock  300  features one dock opening through-hole  324  to securely receive removable cartridge  340  and has no collection compartment so that the dispensed pigment will be applied directly to the base cosmetic, mixing surface or intermediary surface. Metered scale  348  is located on dock  300 , and metered marker  330  is located on cartridge  340 . Alternatively, metered scale  348  can be located on cartridge  340  and metered marker  330  on dock  300 . When a user wants to set metered marker  330  back to zero, a user can manually uncouple cartridge  340  from dock  300  and then recouple cartridge  340 , aligning it to metered marker  330 . A user can use one or a plurality of cartridges  340  with dock  300  to create a customized cosmetic. Dock  300  features a flat surface area on its underside that accommodates and enables it to sit securely atop most color cosmetic jars and compacts so that the user can easily grind pigment directly onto a desired target when using the device. It will be appreciated that this feature is not limited to a flat surface shape but any means to rest or securely fit onto most color cosmetic jars and compacts. The description of dock  300  and cartridge  340 , as described herein, is non-limiting. The features and description of dock  10  and cartridge  40 , as described herein, can apply to dock  300  and cartridge  340  as well. 
     In some embodiments, a user can omit dock  10  or dock  300 , and create a customized cosmetic with only cartridges  40 . Cartridges  40  from  FIG. 1  can be used individually without dock  10  or dock  300 . In that case, rotating dial  46  and metered scale  48  will be facing downwardly in order to collect the pigment in cartridge  40 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, rotating dial  46  and metered scale  48  can be located on bottom  44  or outer sidewall  50  of cartridge  40  or on gripping surface  82  of base cartridge  70  so that a user can more easily read rotating dial  46 . After each rotating dial  46  is turned to produce pigment, the collected pigments from each cartridge  40  can be transferred to base cartridge  70  with base cosmetic  102  in cosmetic container  100  as a base material. By turning gripping cap  80 , base cosmetic  102  will be scraped through holes  96  and rest on grinding insert mixing surface  92 . The pigments poured onto grinding insert mixing surface  92  can then be mixed with cosmetic  102  to create a customized cosmetic. Other mechanisms can be used to dispense base cosmetic  102  into dock  10 , for example, a spring, plunger, slider, extruder, valve, jet, grate, reducer, mesh, grinder, screw piston, airless or dip tube pump, or any combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, base cosmetic  102  can be an ester, for example, isopropyl lanolate, myristyl lactate, or octyl hydroxystearate. Base cosmetic  102  can be broadly thought of as a cosmetic base or foundation that is suitable for application to human skin for a cosmetic purpose. It will therefore be appreciated that customized cosmetic system  1  is configured to allow base cosmetic  102  to be colored according to a color selected by the user and/or be otherwise customized by the user (e.g., application of fragrance, etc.). Customized cosmetic system  1  thus serves to augment, color or otherwise apply a preselected color to the surface of base cosmetic  102  and since base cosmetic  102  is colorable or otherwise can assume the color of the applied colorant (pigments, inks, etc.), customized cosmetic system  1  causes base cosmetic  102  to change color from the base/starting color (white, light brown, cream, etc.) to the color selected by the user. 
     Base cosmetic  102  can also be a finished cosmetic retail item that a user possesses and wishes to augment. Base cosmetic  102  need not be inside base cartridge  70  but instead can be used in the original packaging of the finished cosmetic retail item. A user can dispense pigments directly onto base cosmetic  102 , which can be a finished cosmetic retail item, then mix with a brush until the desired color is developed. 
     It will be appreciated that base cosmetic  102  has a thickness, and there is a relationship between the thickness of base cosmetic  102  and the amount of pigment or other material that is deposited onto base cosmetic  102  in order to ensure that the desired amount of material is colored and assumes the color selected by the user. In other words, the pigments are applied to base cosmetic  102  at an amount that allows for the pigment to be uniformly dispersed throughout the desired amount of base cosmetic  102 . Thus, the total amount of pigment deposited from all of the cartridges  40  is preferably sufficient to color the desired amount of the base cosmetic  102 . Base cosmetic  102  can contain a coloring agent including a material selected from the group consisting of a natural dye, synthetic colorant, coal tar, chromium oxide, aluminum powder, manganese, iron oxide, mica flakes, a cosmetic color additive, and mixtures thereof. 
     The thickness of base cosmetic  102  can also vary depending upon the cosmetic product being formed and more particularly, whether the final cosmetic product is a powder type makeup (e.g., eye shadow, blush, finishing powder, etc.) or a cream/fat/lotion/oil/wax/varnish based makeup (e.g., lipstick, foundation, lip gloss, cream eye shadow, nail polish, etc.). 
       FIG. 5  shows liquid stick  200  as another embodiment of collection container  140  or cartridge  40 . Liquid stick  200  of the present invention can use an advancement mechanism as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,341 to Iaia, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. Liquid stick  200  can contain a cosmetic, for example, a cream, wax, or liquid, which is produced from liquid stick  200  by turning liquid stick housing  202  relative to liquid stick container  204 . The cosmetic is produced through apertures  212  to rest on a liquid stick mixing surface  206 . Apertures  212  allow mixing without heat by instantly separating the cosmetic into small enough pieces that it is easily mixable with pigments from dock  10 . 
     Well wall  210  creates a well  208  in liquid stick  200 . The height of well wall  210  can be varied. Similar to grinding insert inner sidewall  94 , well wall  210  can be high, low, or flat depending on the cosmetic contained therein. A high well wall  210  can help ensure the pigment is collected when poured into liquid stick  200 . Apertures  212  provide an uneven or texturized liquid stick mixing surface  206 , which can provide mixing benefits. 
     Liquid stick  200  can also be used as a cartridge  40  or  340  with liquid stick container  204  being disposed in dock opening  24  or through-hole  324 . When liquid stick housing  202  is rotated on dock  10  or  300 , the cosmetic is produced through apertures  212  and falls through dock opening  24  or through-hole  324  into the collection compartment, intermediate surface, base material or mixing surface. 
     In addition, a bristle brush can mix the cosmetic with the added pigment. A course, thick hair, synthetic brush is preferred over a thin hair, brush to mix the cosmetic and pigments. Product migration onto the brush greatly increases with thinner hair brushes, which can hinder mixing. 
     All of the foregoing embodiments can be used together in a kit. Dock  10 , dock  300 , removable cartridge  40 , base cartridge  70 , and liquid stick  200  can comprise a kit. There can be any number of combinations for the items in each kit. An individual kit can comprise none or several of each item. The exact combination and number of each item in the kit can be determined by user preferences. The kit enables users to create a customized cosmetic system. The kit can be single-use or disposable. Furthermore, the kit can be manually operated or automated. Users can create specific cosmetics by using the kit with a software application or a variety of other sources including online, social media, print magazines, word of mouth, or television. 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.