Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to keratinous materials, particularly to keratinous fibers, notably to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or capillary fibers, and also to a device for packaging a cosmetic product and applying same to keratinous materials comprising such an applicator and to a method for applying make-up using such a device.

Disadvantages of the prior art and objectives of the invention

Numerous mascara applicators comprising a brush having a core formed by two metal arms that are twisted together and grip fibers or bristles, are known. Numerous mascara applicators which are injection molded in plastic and commonly referred to as plastic brushes are also known, these having projecting elements that are molded with the core and for example form teeth to bring a cosmetic product onto the keratinous fibers while at the same time combing or separating same.

Adjustable applicators comprising an application member the configuration of which can be changed by the user, for example according to the make-up application to be performed, are also known.

Within this last category, FR 2 958 129 discloses an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows comprising a stem having a longitudinal axis, an application member borne by the stem, comprising a single-strand core coupled to the stem at a first point and a plurality of application elements borne by the core projecting with respect to the latter toward the outside of the application member, and a drive system which is mobile, notably in rotation, with respect to the stem and coupled to the core at a second point distant from the first point, so that a movement, notably in rotation, of the drive system with respect to the stem causes the core to pass from a first into at least one second configuration, the core preferably having, whatever the movement of the drive system, an overall orientation substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the stem.

That allows the user to be able, by acting on the drive system, to pass from the first configuration to the second and modify the distance between two adjacent application elements and/or the orientation thereof, so as to obtain, in a simple way, different make-up effects.

US 2011/0088712 and US 2012/0301206 likewise disclose adjustable applicators comprising a brush-type application element. The applicators described make it possible, by actuating an adjustment system, to modify the angular orientation of the application element with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

US 3 998 235 and US 5 722 436 relate to adjustable mascara applicators comprising an application head in the form of a helicoidal spring or the like and means for lengthening or shortening the space between the turns of the spring.

EP 2 407 052 describes a mascara brush connected to a stem, allowing control over the length of the brush, it being possible for the brush to be lengthened or shortened simply by turning a handle in order to unscrew to cause part of the brush to retract into the stem or screw to cause part of the brush to deploy out from the stem. That allows the user to choose between a long brush and a short brush.

FR 2 506 581 describes a make-up brush comprising means for varying the diameter of the brush and the bristles thereof, so as to offer at least two stable states, namely a small-diameter state in which the diameter-wise size of the bristles is at a minimum and a large-diameter state in which, rather, this size is at a maximum, for at least part of the length of the brush at the level of the bristles. Intermediate states, likewise stable, are possible.

DE 10 2009 013233 describes a mascara application device comprising a base body, a brush with bristles, and an adjusting system making it possible to adjust the configuration of the bristles by twisting the base body about a torsion axis.

FR 2 895 218 describes a variable-configuration cosmetic-product applicator comprising a knob which, when turned, allows axial elements that form an application means to be tensioned to a greater or lesser extent thereby modifying an interior space delimited by the axial elements.

WO 2014/054814 discloses an applicator for cosmetics provided with an application part for applying cosmetics and a shaft for supporting the application part. The application part has a rectangular member having an end part connected to the distal end of the shaft, an end part connected to the near side of the shaft, and an intermediate part positioned in the middle between both end parts. The intermediate part between both ends of the rectangular member is curved so as to protrude outwards from the centre of a cross- section that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

There is still a need to improve applicators for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes, the eyebrows and/or the capillary fibers, notably so as to enjoy adjustable applicators capable of satisfactorily making-up the eyelashes or the eyebrows and/or of applying a cosmetic product, such as a care or coloration product, to the capillary fibers, allowing at least two different make-up looks, while at the same time bringing a sufficient load of product onto, and correctly combing through, the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or capillary fibers.

Summary of the invention

Applicator

The invention aims to meet this need and, according to one of its aspects, relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the keratinous fibers, comprising:

- a stem having a longitudinal axis,

- an application member for applying the product, which member is borne by the stem and comprises a deformable foam, and

- an adjusting system for adjusting the level of deformation of the foam, which is mobile with respect to the stem, the foam comprising a first portion coupled to the adjustment system and a second portion coupled to the stem, so as to allow the foam to pass from a first state of rest into at least one second state by movement of the adjustment system relative to the stem from a first position into at least one second position.

The invention makes available an adjustable applicator which acts on the application member in order to modify the shape and/or porosity thereof so as to allow different types of make-up applications. The invention exploits the deformable, notably compressible, nature of the foam in order to adjust the firmness of the application member to the touch. Specifically, by altering the deformation of the foam, the firmness thereof is adjusted. Furthermore, by altering the deformation of the foam, the ability to load same with product is also adjusted.

Said at least one second state of the foam is, for example, more axially compressed than the state of rest, therefore being shortened in terms of axial length. Said at least one second state of the foam is alternatively, for example, more axially stretched than the state of rest, therefore being lengthened in terms of axial length.

Said at least one second state of the foam is, in another alternative, for example twisted about the longitudinal axis.

According to one embodiment, the adjustment system is able to move in rotation about the longitudinal axis and a twisting/torsion force about the longitudinal axis is applied to the foam as a result of a rotating of the adjustment system.

In this case, the foam may pass from a state of rest to at least one second, twisted, state, notably in which the foam is more dense, less porous or even firmer to the touch.

The angular travel of the adjustment system with respect to the stem in order to cause the foam to pass from the first state to the second state may be greater than or equal to 120°, notably being comprised between 120° and 360°.

According to another embodiment, which may or may not be combined with the previous one, the adjustment system is able to move translationally along the longitudinal axis, and a compressive or lengthening/stretching axial force is applied to the foam as a result of a translational movement of the adjustment system.

In that case, the foam may pass from a state of rest to at least one second, compressed, state when the adjustment system is moved in such a way as to shorten the distance between two longitudinal ends of the foam. The length of the axially-compressed foam may be less than or equal to 3/4 or 2/3 of the length of the foam in the state of rest.

The foam may alternatively pass from a state of rest to at least one second, lengthened, state when the adjustment system is moved in such a way as to lengthen the distance between two longitudinal ends of the foam. The length of the stretched foam may be greater than or equal to around 11/10 or 3/2, for example close to 6/5 of the length of the foam in the state of rest.

The first and second portions may be formed respectively at the longitudinal ends of the foam, with the first portion preferably being situated at the distal end of the foam and the second portion situated at the proximal end of the foam.

The adjustment system may comprise an actuating part that the user can actuate. The adjustment system may comprise a shaft coupled to the actuating part and extending from the actuating part inside the stem. The actuating part allows the user to move the adjustment system, translationally and/or rotationally, so as to change the state of the foam. The shaft coupled to the actuating part may allow the adjustment system mobility relative to the stem. The shaft may comprise a distal end forming a head, which is enlarged in comparison with the rest of the shaft, and in contact with part of the distal end of the foam.

The applicator may comprise locking means to hold the foam in the first and/or said at least one second state. That makes it possible to stabilize the foam in the state chosen by the user and prevent the elastic spring-back of foam loaded in torsion or in axial tension/compression.

Such locking means may comprise tight fits and/or retaining teeth incorporated into the adjustment system. Each tooth preferably generates a hard point which the user feels when adjusting the adjustment system.

The foam is preferably a polymer foam, with open porosity, preferably selected from cross-linked polymer foams, notably cross-linked thermoplastic polymer foams, particularly cross-linked polyurethane, cross-linked polyether, cross-linked polyester or cross-linked polyethylene.

A polymer foam is generally to be understood as meaning a cellular material, or material with pockets, made from a polymer and made up of a three-dimensional structure formed by a solid skeleton comprising solid walls and/or solid ridges, surrounding pockets or cells with spatially random orientations.

In a polymer foam, the porosity, which is all of the voids created by the pores, or cells or pockets, exceeds 70% of the total volume of the foam.

What is meant by an“open porosity polymer foam” is the fact that the cells of this material are open to the adjacent cells and to the outside. In this case, it is only the ridges surrounding the cells that form the solid skeleton of the foam. There are no solid walls. The shape of the cells may be spherical or polyhedral.

The use of an open-porosity polymer foam makes it possible, using the adjustment system, to change the configuration of the foam, its permeability to the product, and its firmness. For example, when the foam is in a compressed state, the cells are more closed. The foam and therefore the application member is therefore firmer. When the foam is in a stretched state, the cells are more open but the foam is also firmer. When the foam is in the first, state of rest, it is softer and more flexible. The number of cells per unit length, more commonly referred to as the PPI (Pores Per Inch), characterizes the polymer foam. It corresponds to the number of pores, or cells or pockets, intercepted in a length of 1 inch (2.54 cm). The foam preferably has a number of cells per unit length (PPI) comprised between 10 and 80 PPI, better between 20 and 50 PPI, and better still equal to around 30 PPI.

In order to measure the number of cells per unit length as a PPI value, it is possible, as visible in Figure 8, to use a ruler to visually measure the number of cells per unit length. 10 PPI thus corresponds to 10 cells per inch, namely to 10 cells per 2.54 cm. Figure 4 illustrates six foams placed one after another, along the ruler, exhibiting different PPI values of 8, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 PPI respectively, with the PPI value increasing down the figure.

The foam may moreover have a density comprised between 15 kg/m ³ and 60 kg/m ³ , better between 20 kg/m ³ and 40 kg/m ³ , and even better still equal to approximately 30 kg/m ³ .

Such ranges of number of foam cells per unit length (PPI) and/or densities are particularly advantageous in the context of use of the application element according to the invention for applying a cosmetic product such as a mascara composition or a coloring product and/or a care product for capillary fibers.

By way of example, use may be made of a black-colored polyester polyurethane foam with a density (in accordance with standard ISO 1855) of 29kg/m ³ (+ or

- 3kg/m ³ ). By way of example, the PPI value of such a material may be 20 PPI. In this case, the load-bearing capacity (in accordance with standard ISO 3386/1) is 3.7 kPa (+ or

- 1), the elongation at break (in accordance with standard ISO 1798) is greater than 120% and the tensile strength (in accordance with standard ISO 1798) is greater than 80 kPa. The PPI value may be 30 PPI. In this case, the load-bearing capacity (in accordance with standard ISO 3386/1) is 3.7 kPa (+ or - 1), the elongation at break (in accordance with standard ISO 1798) is greater than 150% and the tensile strength (in accordance with standard ISO 1798) is greater than 95 kPa. The PPI value may even be equal to 45 PPI. In this case, the load-bearing capacity (in accordance with standard ISO 3386/1) is 3.8 kPa (+ or - 1), the elongation at break (in accordance with standard ISO 1798) is greater than 180% and the tensile strength (in accordance with standard ISO 1798) is greater than 100 kPa. The PPI value may even be equal to 60 PPI. In this case, the load-bearing capacity (in accordance with standard ISO 3386/1) is 4.2 kPa (+ or - 1), the elongation at break (in accordance with standard ISO 1798) is greater than 200% and the tensile strength (in accordance with standard ISO 1798) is greater than 140 kPa. The PPI value may also be 80 PPI. In this case, the load-bearing capacity (in accordance with standard ISO 3386/1) is 4.2 kPa (+ or - 1), the elongation at break (in accordance with standard ISO 1798) is greater than 230% and the tensile strength (in accordance with standard ISO 1798) is greater than 170 kPa. Of course, intermediate PPI values are possible.

The foam may, on its outer surface have free strands formed by all or part of the edge comers of cells that have been cut through by the machining of the foam.

In that case, the ends formed by the free strands allow the eyebrows, eyelashes and/or capillary fibers to be combed, separated and/or lengthened gently. That makes it possible to avoid damaging and/or pulling out the eyelashes, the eyebrows and/or the capillary fibers, while at the same time obtaining a result that is satisfactory in terms of combing, separation and deployment of the eyelashes in particular. The length of the free strands may be comprised between approximately 0.1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. It should be noted that, for the one same application member, the length of the free strands will generally not be constant, because they are obtained by machining the foam. Some strands will be short, for example with a length equal to approximately 0.1 mm, whereas other strands will be longer, up to a length equal to the length of a cell ridge of the foam, for example 4 mm. Thus, the mean length of the free strands may be comprised between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. The foam is, for example, machined by stamping- out, laser, milling and/or waterjet cutting. Machining by milling is preferred, because such a machining method allows an application member with an envelope surface of complex shape to be produced easily. The machining of the foam makes it possible to create on the exterior surface of the foam the free strands which will comb the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or capillary fibers. The cells of the foam themselves will make it possible to constitute reserves of product in the immediate vicinity of the combing strands.

In this embodiment, by adjusting the level of deformation of the foam, for example by compressing or stretching it axially, or by twisting it about the longitudinal axis, the density of the free strands present on the envelope surface of the application member and, thus, the abilities of this application member to comb/separate are also adjusted. The stem is advantageously completely surrounded by the foam on its entire cross section.

The first portion and the second portion of the foam may respectively be fixed to the adjustment system and to the stem by welding, notably ultrasonic welding, by bonding and/or using at least one retaining relief.

The application member can be made entirely with foam. As an alternative, the application member comprises another material arranged under at least part of the foam.

Packaging and application device

A further subject of the invention, in combination with the foregoing, is a device for packaging a cosmetic product and applying same to the keratinous fibers, comprising:

- an applicator as defined above,

- a container containing the product,

The applicator stem may be secured to a cap by means of which the container is closed. When present, the actuating part of the adjustment system, which the user can actuate, may be formed on the container closure cap, at a free end thereof.

The container may comprise a wiping member for wiping at least the application member as the applicator is withdrawn from the container.

The product is advantageously a mascara for the eyelashes or eyebrows.

A mascara composition conventionally has a viscosity greater than 5 Pa.s, notably comprised between 5 Pa.s and 50 Pa.s, at 25°C, in particular measured with the aid of a Rheomat RM100® machine.

Such a mascara composition conventionally comprises a solids content, generally in an amount greater than or equal to 35% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, a pulverulent colorant, in particular one or more pigments, notably one or more metal oxides, for example one or more iron oxides, and advantageously a film forming polymer. A mascara composition may also conventionally comprise one or more waxes, in a total amount of in particular between 5 and 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Thus, the ranges proposed above for the number of foam cells per unit length (PPI) and/or foam density make it possible to obtain an application element that demonstrates a good compromise between its abilities to retain and to release a cosmetic product having a viscosity comprised between 5 Pa.s and 50 Pa.s, notably comprised between 9 Pa.s and 25 Pa.s.

The product retention capacities of an application member of an applicator according to the invention in particular make it possible to prevent the cosmetic product held within the foam of the application member from flowing under gravity through this application member, thus improving the cleanliness and autonomy of such an application member. The retention of the cosmetic product within the foam of the application member is in particular achieved by surface tension of the product held inside the cells present in the foam.

The product-release capacities of an application member of the applicator according to the invention in particular make it possible for the product recieved within the foam of the application member to be loaded onto the eyelashes/eyebrows and/or the capillary fibers when these are brought into contact with the application member. The release of the cosmetic product held within the foam of the application member is achieved in particular by bringing the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or capillary fibers into contact with the cells of the foam, this contact breaking the surface tension that there is between the product and the cells of the foam, the product then being deposited on the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or capillary fibers.

Make-up method

A further subject of the present invention, in combination with the foregoing, is a method for applying make-up to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows and/or the capillary fibers using a packaging and application device as defined hereinabove, comprising the following steps which consist in opening the device by detaching the applicator from the container, in extracting the application member, in moving the adjustment system relative to the stem so as to bring the foam into the first state of rest or into a second state, notably one which is axially more compressed or more stretched or more twisted about the longitudinal axis, as desired, then in applying make-up using the applicator.

By virtue of the invention it is possible to apply make-up in a way that makes it possible to obtain different types of product application, different make-up sensations and/or different make-up results. Specifically, thanks to the presence of the adjustment system which makes it possible to modify the state of compression of the foam, the user has a choice over the state of application member he/she wishes to use for applying make- up, according to his/her preference or according to the results he/she wishes to achieve, for example.

The make-up method may comprise the step involving actuating an actuating part of the adjustment system, so as to allow this to be moved relative to the stem, where such an actuating part is present.

The movement step may be performed several times during the course of the one same make-up session so as to cause the foam to pass from one state to another.

The make-up method may alternatively involve, where locking means are present, the step consisting in using the locking means to keep the foam in a state into which it has been brought through movement of the adjustment system.

Brief description of the figures

The invention may be understood better from reading the following detailed description of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments thereof and from studying the appended drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a packaging and application device according to the invention,

- Figure 2 is a schematic view in isolation, partially in longitudinal section, and partially in perspective, of the applicator of figure 1, the foam being in a twisted state,

- Figure 3 is a schematic and partial view in longitudinal section of the applicator of figure 1 , the foam being in a state of rest,

- Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of another example of a packaging and application device according to the invention,

- Figure 5 is a schematic view in isolation, partially in longitudinal section, and partially in perspective, of the applicator of figure 4, the foam being in a compressed state,

- Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view in isolation, of the applicator of figure 4, the foam being in a stretched state,

- Figure 7 is a schematic and partial view in longitudinal section of the applicator of figure 4, the foam being in a state of rest,

- Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating several foams exhibiting different PPI values and the method for measuring these values, and

- Figure 9 is an enlarged view of one example of foam that can be used for creating an applicator according to the invention. Detailed description of embodiments

In the rest of the description, identical elements or elements having equivalent functions bear the same reference signs. Their description is not repeated for each of the figures, only the main differences between the embodiments being highlighted.

The packaging and application device 1 shown in figure 1 comprises a container 2 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes or eyebrows and an applicator 3 according to the invention, which may, in the example in question, be fixed removably to the container 2. The product P comprises, for example, one or more pigments, notably an iron oxide. It is preferably a mascara.

The applicator 3 comprises a stem 5 of longitudinal axis X, which stem is provided at a distal end 5a with an application member 10, for applying the product, and is provided at the other end with a grasping member, which also forms a cap 11 for closing the container 2 in a sealed manner. As can be seen notably in Figure 1, said container comprises a body 13 provided at the top with a threaded neck 14 onto which the closure cap 11 can be screwed in order to close the container 2 in a sealed manner. As an alternative, the applicator system may be attached to the container in some other way.

The neck 14 is able to receive a wiping member which, for example, is attached therein. This wiping member advantageously comprises a lip defining a wiping orifice with a diameter suited to that of the stem 5.

The application member 10 is borne by the stem 5 and comprises a compressible foam 12. The foam 12 defines, on its exterior surface 9, which also forms the envelope surface of the application member 10, the application surface for the product P. In the example illustrated, the foam 12 completely forms the application member 10 and has a cylindrical overall shape, in a first state of rest illustrated in figure 1.

The applicator 3 also comprises an adjustment system 15 adjusting the level of compression of the foam 12, and able to move with respect to the stem 5. The foam 12 comprises a first portion l2a coupled to the adjustment system 15 and a second portion l2b coupled to the stem 5 in such a way as to allow the foam 12 to pass from a first state of rest illustrated in figure 1, to at least one second state, for example illustrated in figure 2, through movement of the adjustment system 15 relative to the stem 5 from a first position into at least one second position. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 3, the adjustment system 15 comprises an actuating part 16 that the user can actuate and a shaft 17 coupled to the actuating part 16 and extending from the actuating part 16 inside the stem 5, as visible in figures 2 and 3. The shaft 17 ends in an enlarged shaft head 18 extending beyond the distal end of the application member 10.

The part 16 that can be actuated forms part of the closure cap 11, and is situated on the opposite side to the stem 5 in the example illustrated. The part 16 that can be actuated is capable of rotational movement with respect to the other part 19 of the closure cap 11, this other part 19 itself rotating as one with the stem 5 and forming a fixed part.

As can be seen in figure 3, the foam 12 is fixed by its proximal portion l2a to the stem 5, for example by bonding. The foam 12 is also fixed, by its distal portion l2b to the shaft 17 of the adjustment system 15, in the region of the head 18, for example by bonding.

Thus, according to this embodiment, when the user turns, as illustrated by the arrow in figure 2, the part 16 that can be actuated relative to the fixed part 19 of the closure cap 11, the foam 12 is torsionally loaded, becomes twisted and, therefore, compressed, thereby for example occupying the second state illustrated in figure 2. In this embodiment, the torsion of the foam in the second state is obtained after a travel/angular travel of the adjustment system 15 with respect to the stem 5 of 180°.

Locking means are provided for keeping the foam 12 in the first state or the second state. One or more teeth 26 are present between the part 16 that can be actuated and the fixed part 19 so as to allow the torsion of the foam to be adjusted incrementally. Passage past a tooth may generate a tactile sensation and/or a noise. This is another example of a brake acting between the parts 16 and 19 to immobilize the two parts in the position in which the user leaves them

As can be seen from Figure 9, which is an enlarged view of an example of a foam 12 that can be used for producing the application member 10, the foam 12 is a cross- linked open-pore polymer foam, that is to say one forming cells 20 that constitute reserves of products delimited from one another only by ridges 21. Free strands 22 are formed by ridges 21 that have been cut during the machining. The strands 22 serve to comb the eyelashes or eyebrows, while the cells 20 form the reserves of product. The length of the strands 22 is comprised between 0.1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, it being understood that, particularly because of the random nature of the positioning of the cells within the foam 12, the strands 22 have mutually different lengths.

In the example illustrated in figures 1 to 3, the foam 12 used is a cross-linked polyurethane foam (PUR), the density of the foam 12 is approximately 30 kg/m ³ , and the number of cells 20 per unit length is approximately 30 PPI.

When the applicator 3 is used for applying make-up to the eyelashes or eyebrows, the user appreciates the softness of the foam 12 in contact with the keratinous fibers, and at the same time appreciates the effectiveness of the making-up, with a good load of cosmetic product in reserve in the cells 20 of the foam and satisfactory combing of the eyelashes or eyebrows by the free strands 22.

The user can also choose, because the applicator 3 is adjustable, the level of compression of the foam 12, by choosing a first state of rest, as in figure 1 or 3, or a second, compressed, state, one example of which is illustrated in figure 2.

That may make it possible to vary the make-up application. In the case of the first and second state of the foam 12, the foam is flexible and soft and the cells 20 are open. The effect obtained on the made-up fibers may be more precise and more lengthening.

In the case of a second state of the foam 12 that is more compressed in torsion, this foam is firmer, the cells 20 are more closed and the foam 12 has a more or less diabolo overall shape, hollowed at its middle to curve the fibers that are to be made up and also in order to cause the product to come out of the foam 12. The fibers made up have more volume, being more heavily laden with product, and are curled.

Other second states, with greater or lesser twisting of the foam 12, may also be possible, these corresponding to other second positions of the adjustment system 15.

Further examples of adjustment systems that can be used in the applicator according to the invention are described in FR 2 958 129, US 8 881 745 and US 8 251 074.

In the example illustrated in figures 1 to 3, the foam 12 is loaded in torsion to make it pass from the first state of rest into at least one second state, and the adjustment system 15 is turned relative to the stem 5. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 4 to 7, the adjustment system is able to move translationally along the longitudinal axis X, and a compressive or lengthening force is applied to the foam 12 as a result of a translational movement of the adjustment system 15.

In order to do this, the adjustment system 16 comprises an actuating part 16 in the form of a push-button positioned partially inside the closure cap 11 and able to slide axially relative thereto. This actuating part 16 is connected to the shaft 17 passing through the stem 5 and ending in an enlarged tip 18, beyond the distal end of the foam 12. As can be seen in figure 7, the foam 12 is fixed to the stem 5, at the distal end 5a thereof, by its first portion l2a, for example by bonding, the first portion l2a being at the proximal end of the foam 12. The foam 12 is also fixed, by its second portion l2b, to the shaft 17 of the adjustment system 15, in the region of the tip 18, for example by bonding.

The actuating part 16 may be in a first position of the adjustment system 15, as illustrated in figure 4, the foam 12 then being in its first state of rest. It has an initial length Lo equal to approximately 27 mm.

In this first state, the foam 12 may make it possible to obtain volume in the application of make-up to the fibers.

The actuating part 16 may, in a second position of the adjustment system 15 illustrated in figure 5, be pulled parallel to the longitudinal axis X in the direction of the arrow visible in this figure, away from the application member 10. The tip 18 therefore moves closer to the distal end 5 a of the stem. The length Li of the foam 12 is less than the length Lo. Li is for example equal to approximately 18 mm, such that the ratio Li/L ₀ is equal to 2/3. The foam 12 is compressed. In this compressed second state, the compression allows the cells 22 of the foam 12 to close up, makes it possible to reduce the spacing between the free strands, and therefore makes it possible better to comb the fibers during the application of make-up.

The actuating part 16 may even, in a second position of the adjustment system 15 illustrated in figure 6, be pushed parallel to the longitudinal axis X in the direction of the arrow visible in this figure, closer to the application member 10. In that case, the tip 18 moves away from the distal end 5a of the stem. The length L ₂ of the foam 12 is greater than the length Lo. L ₂ is for example equal to approximately 32 mm, such that the ratio L ₂ /LQ is approximately equal to 6/5. The foam 12 is stretched. In this stretched second state, the stretching allows the foam to be made more slender, and makes the product contained within it more accessible to the eyelashes, encouraging them to become more quickly laden with product.

Further examples of adjustment systems that can be used in the applicator according to the invention are described in FR 2 506 581, US 3 998 235, US 5 722 436 and EP 2 407 052.

The invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described.

The adjustment system can be moved both translationally and rotationally, causing simultaneous twisting and axial compression of the foam, or simultaneous twisting and axial stretching of the foam. For that, the applicator may comprise an internal helical screw thread allowing the adjustment system to be screwed in or unscrewed relative to the stem.