Patent ID: 7565714

Claim:
A packaging and applicator device for applying a substance to a keratinous surface, the device comprising: a receptacle containing the substance; and an applicator for applying the substance to a keratinous surface, the applicator comprising a stem; and an applicator member associated with a distal end of the stem, the applicator member comprising a bundle of bristles, wherein the stem comprises a portion extending around at least part of the applicator member, wherein the portion has a proximal end and extends from the proximal end toward the distal end of the stem, wherein the proximal end of the portion is either distal to a proximal end of the applicator member, being separated from the proximal end of the applicator member in the distal direction with respect to the proximal end of the applicator member, or located at substantially the same position as the proximal end of the applicator member, wherein the portion is configured to be deformed at least in part in response to deformation of the applicator member during application of the substance to the keratinous surface, wherein the portion is configured to contact the applicator member in absence of deformation of the applicator member, wherein the substance comprises a nail varnish, wherein the portion defines an inside cross-section defining a non-circular shape, and wherein the bundle of bristles diverges toward the free end of the applicator member.