Patent ID: 7121429

Claim:
A custom cosmetic dispensing method, comprising: a) providing at a retail purchase site an automated cosmetic dispenser including at least one automated metering device and being adapted for dispensing a plurality of ingredients to a receptacle having a storage portion and an applicator associated therewith, in preselected proportions from a selection of ingredients contained in a plurality of individually packaged ingredients containers to create a custom selection, wherein among the selection of ingredients are at least one effect selected from glitter, sparkles, luminescence, phosphorescence, ingredients for pearlizing or providing a matte finish, fragrance, a medicinal additive, a functional additive such as moisturizer, sunscreen, vitamins (including anti-oxidants), antibiotics, fungicides, anti-aging ingredients, or an exfoliator; and b) operating a computer for dispensing the ingredients in an appropriate predetermined proportion on the basis of a selection by a user into the receptacle having a storage portion and an applicator associated therewith, the computer being programmed for displaying menus of color schemes or effects.