Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

An apparatus for applying a cosmetic, such as mascara to eyelashes, comprises a handle, a stem defining a longitudinal stem axis and having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end, an applicator head coupled to the stem second end and supported for movement relative to the handle, an actuator operatively coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head, and a container comprising a cosmetic composition. The container may be keyed to the applicator such that the actuator powers the applicator only when that particular container is used. The applicator head and/or stem may be removable from the handle and wherein at least one of the applicator head, stem, and handle may comprise a locking mechanism. The applicator may comprise a rigid sleeve extending around at least a portion of the stem.

1 . A cosmetic applicator comprising:
 a handle;   a stem defining a longitudinal stem axis and having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end;   an applicator head coupled to the stem second end and supported for movement relative to the handle;   an actuator operatively coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head; and   a container comprising a cosmetic composition;   
     wherein the container is keyed to the applicator such that the actuator powers the applicator only when that particular container is used. 
   
   
       2 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising a thermal source to apply heat to the applicator head, thereby to promote curl and lift of the lashes. 
   
   
       3 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising a sound circuit to generate a noise during operation to provide an auditory indication to the user that the applicator is operating. 
   
   
       4 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising a vibration source to provide a tactile indication to the user that the applicator is operating. 
   
   
       5 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator head comprises a surface and a plurality of protrusions extending from the surface, wherein the surface is a first color and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions is a second color. 
   
   
       6 . A cosmetic applicator comprising:
 a handle;   a stem defining a longitudinal stem axis and having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end;   an applicator head coupled to the stem second end and supported for movement relative to the handle;   an actuator operatively coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head; and   a container comprising a cosmetic composition;   
     wherein the applicator head and/or stem is removable from the handle and wherein at least one of the applicator head, stem, and handle comprise a locking mechanism. 
   
   
       7 . The applicator of  claim 6 , further comprising a thermal source to apply heat to the applicator head, thereby to promote curl and lift of the lashes. 
   
   
       8 . The applicator of  claim 6 , further comprising a sound circuit to generate a noise during operation to provide an auditory indication to the user that the applicator is operating. 
   
   
       9 . The applicator of  claim 6 , further comprising a vibration source to provide a tactile indication to the user that the applicator is operating. 
   
   
       10 . The applicator of  claim 6 , wherein the applicator head comprises a surface and a plurality of protrusions extending from the surface, wherein the surface is a first color and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions is a second color. 
   
   
       11 . A cosmetic applicator comprising:
 a handle;   a stem defining a longitudinal stem axis and having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end;   a rigid sleeve extending around at least a portion of the stem;   an applicator head coupled to the stem second end and supported for movement relative to the handle;   an actuator operatively coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head; and   a container comprising a cosmetic composition.   
   
   
       12 . The applicator of  claim 11 , further comprising a thermal source to apply heat to the applicator head, thereby to promote curl and lift of the lashes. 
   
   
       13 . The applicator of  claim 11 , further comprising a sound circuit to generate a noise during operation to provide an auditory indication to the user that the applicator is operating. 
   
   
       14 . The applicator of  claim 11 , further comprising a vibration source to provide a tactile indication to the user that the applicator is operating. 
   
   
       15 . The applicator of  claim 11 , wherein the applicator head comprises a surface and a plurality of protrusions extending from the surface, wherein the surface is a first color and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions is a second color.