FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a new combination of a nail polish composition and a brush, a combination of a top coat composition and a brush, a kit and a method for coating the nails and/or false nails.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nail polishes are typically made available to consumers in a variety of pre-made colors, shades and styles.

The nail polishes can be employed as a varnish base or base coat, as a product for making up the nails, or as a finishing composition, also known as a top coat, to be applied to the product for making up the nails, or else as product for the cosmetic care of the nails. These compositions can be applied to both natural nails and false nails.

Conventional nail polishes are in liquid or fluid form and are generally packaged in bottles. They generally comprise solid particles such as pigments, nacres, fillers, which are dispersed in the continuous aqueous medium or organic solvent medium of the composition and usually have a nail duration of 7 days.

Therefore, considering the women's routine with less and less time to take care of themselves, it is increasingly desired nail polishes that lasts longer on the nails, have resistant film exhibiting good hold, coverage, high shine, with gel-like appearance and good spreadability and, also, easy to apply.

In view of the above, the objective of the present invention is an improved combination of nail polish composition and brush, and top coat composition and brush to achieve easy and precise application, long lasting, perfect nail coverage in two layers, quick drying, high adherence and intense color and shininess with gel effect. Such improved results may be observed as long as 10 days after the application.

In addition to the technical features mentioned above, the desired product has particular features of viscosity and hardness of the nail polish and top coat compositions are essentials, as well as the brushes used to apply the final products.

Thus, the inventors succeeded to overcome the problems of the state of the art and surprisingly revealed a combination of a nail polish composition and a brush, and a combination of a top coat composition and a brush. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a new combination of a nail polish composition and a brush, a combination of a top coat composition and a brush, a kit and a method for coating the nails and/or false nails.

The associated use of the combination of nail polish composition and a brush and the combination of a top coat composition and a brush will provide an easy and precise application, long lasting, perfect nail coverage in two layers, quick drying, high adherence and intense color, resistant film exhibiting good hold, high shine with gel-like appearance and good spreadability and, also, easy to apply. Such improved results may be observed as long as 10 days after the application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a particular combination which comprises:

(i) a nail polish composition;

(ii) a brush;

wherein the nail polish composition has a viscosity ranging from about 600 to about 800 cPs and a hardness ranging from about 40 to about 50s, preferably from about 45 to about 48s, and wherein the brush comprises a bristle count of from about 200 to about 400, preferably from about 250 to about 350, and an apparent bristle length of from about 10 to about 20 mm, preferably from about 8 to about 15 mm.

According to the present invention, the nail polish composition comprises a mixture of nitrocelluloses and a plasticizer. Preferably, a mixture of nitrocelluloses comprises at least two nitrocelluloses.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the mixture of nitrocelluloses are present in the nail polish composition in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 50% by weight, preferably from about 40% to about 45% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges therebetween.

In a preferred embodiment, the first nitrocellulose of the mixture is present in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 45% by weight, preferably from about 35% to about 40% by weight, including all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, relative to the total weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the second nitrocellulose of the mixture is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 % to about 10% by weight, preferably from about 2.5% to about 5% by weight, including all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to the present invention, a nail polish composition comprising at least a plasticizer is provided. Plasticizers are used to optimize the mechanical properties of the films. They tend to reduce the Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) and increase the softness and flexibility of the films. Preferably, the plasticizer has a distribution coefficient D of less than or equal to 0.1 . The distribution coefficient can be determined in accordance with the teaching of “A method to predict the distribution coefficient of coalescing agents between latex particles and the water phase," Progress in Organic Coatings, vol. 30, 1997, pp. 173-177, the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein.

Preferably, the plasticizer has a boiling point measured at ambient pressure of less than or equal to 285°C, preferably less than or equal to 270°C, and preferably less than or equal to 250°C. In the present specification, the boiling point values are to be considered accurate to ±2°C owing to the uncertainties of boiling point measurement.

Any plasticizing agent typically found in nail polish compositions can be used. Suitable examples of plasticizer include, but are not limited to, glycols and their ester derivatives, esters of acids, in particular carboxylic acids, such as citrates, adipates, carbonates, tartrates, phosphates or sebacates, oxyethylenated derivatives, such as oxyethylenated oils, and their mixtures. For example, suitable plasticizing agents include, but are not limited to, diisobutyl adipate, the ester of teributyl acid and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane-1 ,3-diol, diethyl adipate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, butyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, dimethyl sebacate, dibutyl sebacate, ethyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, tributyl phosphate, tributoxyethyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, glycerol triacetate, butyl stearate, butyl glycolate, benzyl benzoate, butyl acetyltricinoleate, glyceryl acetyltricinoleate, dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl, or mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the at least a plasticizer of the nail polish composition of the present invention is tributyl citrate. In a preferred embodiment, the plasticizer of the nail polish composition is present in an amount ranging from about 1 % to about 10% by weight, preferably from about 2% to about 5% by weight, including all ranges and subranges therebetween, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The nail polish composition of the present invention further comprises a mixture of resins, wherein said mixture comprises at least two resins chosen from the group of alkyd resins and ketone/aldehyde resins, resins derived from aldehyde condensation products, such as arylsulfonamide-formaldehyde resins, for instance toluenesulfonamide-formaldehyde resin, arylsulfonamide-epoxy resins, preferably chosen from tosylamide epoxy and ethyl tosylamide.

In a preferred embodiment, the mixture of resins is present in an amount of about 0.1 % to about 8% by weight, preferably from about 1 % to about 5% by weight, including all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the first resin of the mixture is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 % to about 5% by weight, preferably from about 2% to about 4% by weight, including all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the second resin of the mixture is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 % to about 3% by weight, preferably from about 1 % to about 2% by weight, including all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In another preferred embodiment, the brush used in combination with the nail polish composition comprises a bristle insertion length of from about 1 to about 10 mm, preferably from about 2 to about 5 mm.

Another object of the present invention relates to a particular combination which comprises:

(i) a top coat composition;

(ii) a brush,

wherein the top coat composition has a viscosity ranging from about 600 to about 800 cPs and a hardness ranging from about 50 to about 90s, preferably from about 65 to about 85s, and wherein the brush comprises a bristle count of from about 200 to about 400, preferably from about 250 to about 350, and an apparent bristle length of from about 10 to about 20 mm, preferably from about 8 to about 14 mm. According to the present invention, the top coat composition comprises a mixture of nitrocelluloses and a plasticizer.

According to the present invention, a top coat composition comprising a mixture of nitrocelluloses is provided. Preferably, said mixture comprises at least two nitrocelluloses.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the mixture of nitrocelluloses are present in the top coat composition in an amount ranging from about 40% to about 60% by weight, preferably from about 45% to about 55% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, including all ranges and subranges therebetween.

In a preferred embodiment, each nitrocellulose of the mixture of nitrocelluloses of the top coat composition is present in an amount ranging from about 20% to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 20% to about 25% by weight, including all ranges and subranges therebetween, relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to the present invention, a top coat composition comprising at least a plasticizer is provided. Suitable examples of plasticizer include those already listed for the nail polish composition above. Preferably, said plasticizer is acetyl tributyl citrate.

In a preferred embodiment, the plasticizer of the top coat composition is present in an amount ranging from about 1 % to about 8% by weight, preferably from about 2% to about 5% by weight, including all ranges and subranges therebetween, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In another preferred embodiment, the brush used in the combination with the top coat composition comprises a bristle insertion length of from about 1 to about 10 mm, preferably from about 2.4 to about 4 mm.

Another object of the present invention refers to a kit comprising the particular combination of a nail polish composition and a brush and the particular combination of a top coat composition and a brush, as disclosed herein.

For the purposes of the present invention, a kit means, for example, that the nail polish composition and top coat composition are sold in the same packaging, or in two separate packagings in the same wrapper, or in two separate packagings in their respective wrapper with an indication for combined use of the nail polish composition and of the top coat composition. It should be understood that each composition may be applied in one or more layers. Thus, the nail polish composition can comprise one or more layers; and the top coat composition (if present) can comprise one or more top coat layers. Preferably, each nail polish composition and top coat composition contains three or fewer layers, more preferably two or fewer layers, and most preferably a single layer or composition.

A further object of the present invention is a method for coating the nails and/or false nails, in particular for making up and/or caring for the nails and/or false nails using the particular combination of a nail polish composition and a brush and the particular combination of a top coat composition and a brush as disclosed herein.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, a method for making up or caring for the nails and/or false comprising applying in an amount sufficient to make up or care for the nails and/or false nails at least one layer of the nail polish composition of the present invention, and subsequently at least one layer of the top coat composition, is provided.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the preceding method, at least one nail composition and at least one top coat composition are applied topically to the nails and/or false nails of a person in need of (desirous) the desired making up or caring for in an amount sufficient to achieve the desired result. The compositions may be applied to the desired area as needed.

In a preferred embodiment, the method for coating the nails and/or false nails, in particular for making up and/or caring for the nails and/or false nails, according to the present invention, comprises at least the following steps:

A) application, to a nail or a false nail, of at least one layer of the nail polish composition using a brush;

B) subsequently application, to said nail or false nail of step (A), of a layer of the top coat composition using a brush;

C) allowing dry said nail or false nail of step (B) at room temperature.

It was surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the particular combination of the nail polish composition and brush of the present invention, in association with the particular combination of the top coat composition and brush of the present invention, provides an easy and precise application, long lasting, perfect nail coverage in two layers, dries quickly, high adherence and intense color after 10 days, resistant film exhibiting good hold, coverage, high shine, with gel-like appearance and good spreadability and, also, easy to apply and shininess with gel effect.

Terms

As used herein, the expression“at least” means one or more and thus includes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditions are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about,” meaning within +/- 5% of the indicated number.

As used herein, all ranges provided are meant to include every specific range within, and combination of subranges between the given ranges. Thus, a range from 1 -5, includes specifically 1 , 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as sub ranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1 -4, etc. All ranges and values disclosed herein are inclusive and combinable. For examples, any value or point described herein that falls within a range described herein can serve as a minimum or maximum value to derive a subrange, etc.

"Nail" as used herein includes fingernails as well as toenails.

"Making up" as used herein means to provide decoration (for example, color) to the nail. "Caring for" as used herein means to inhibit damage to the nail (for example, chipping) by providing a protective layer on the nail.

The compositions and methods of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful.

Auxiliaries/ Additives

The nail polish and/or top coat compositions of the present invention may additionally comprise an additive or auxiliary commonly used in cosmetic compositions and known to a person skilled in the art as being capable of being incorporated into a nail polish and/or top coat compositions. Such additives or auxiliaries may be chosen from inorganic colorants, water-soluble film forming agents which do not comprise styrene, thickeners, coalescents, preservatives, fragrances, oils, waxes, surfactants, antioxidants, agents for combating free radicals, spreading agents, wetting agents, dispersing agents, antifoaming agents, neutralizing agents, stabilizing agents, active principles chosen from essential oils, UV screening agents, sunscreens, moisturizing agents, vitamins, proteins, ceramides, plant extracts, fibers, and the like, and their mixtures.

Suitable inorganic pigments can be white or colored, coated or uncoated. Mention may be made, for example, of organic pigments, such as anthraquinones, and inorganic pigments such as titanium dioxide, optionally surface treated, zirconium or cerium oxides and iron or chromium oxides, manganese violet, ultramarine blue, chromium hydrate and ferric blue. Suitable pearlescent pigments can be chosen from, for example, white pearlescent pigments, such as mica covered with titanium oxide or with bismuth oxychloride, colored pearlescent pigments, such as titanium oxide-coated mica with iron oxides, titanium oxide-coated mica with in particular ferric blue or chromium oxide, and pearlescent pigments based on bismuth oxychloride.

Specific examples of suitable water-soluble film forming agents not comprising styrene include, but are not limited to, proteins, such as proteins of plant origin, such as, for example, wheat or soya proteins; or proteins of animal origin, such as keratins, for example keratin hydrolysates and sulfonic keratins; cellulose polymers, such as, for example, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose or ethylhydroxyethylcellulose; vinyl polymers, such as, for example polyvinylpyrrolidones, copolymers of methyl vinyl ether and of maleic anhydride, the copolymer of vinyl acetate and of crotonic acid, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinyl acetate, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of caprolactam, or polyvinyl alcohol; gums arabic, guar gum, xanthan derivatives or karaya gum; alginates and carrageenans; glycoaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives; shellac resin, gum sandarac, dammars, elemis or copals; muccopolysaccharides, such as chondroitin sulfates; and their mixtures.

A person skilled in the art will take care to select the optional additional additives and/or the amount thereof such that the advantageous properties of the compositions according to the invention are not, or are not substantially, adversely affected by the envisaged addition.

These substances may be selected variously by the person skilled in the art in order to prepare a composition which has the desired properties, for example, consistency or texture.

These additives may be present in the composition in a proportion from 0% to 99% (such as from 0.01 % to 90%) relative to the total weight of the composition and further such as from 0.1 % to 50% (if present) including all ranges and subranges therebetween.

Needless to say, the compositions of the invention should be cosmetically or dermatologically acceptable, /.a, it should contain a non-toxic physiologically acceptable. The composition may be in any galenic form normally employed in the cosmetic and dermatological fields which is suitable for topical administration onto nails and/or false nails.

EXAMPLES

Examples 1 and 2

A nail polish composition of the invention is as Example 1 and Example

2 is considered the closest prior art, as follows:

TABLE 1

The ingredients of the composition are introduced into an opaque flask and stirred away from the light with a laboratory mixer of the Rayneri brand until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. A sheet of aluminium will have been placed over the container beforehand in order to prevent evaporation of the solvents.

A brush to be used in combination with the nail polish composition of the invention is as Example 3 and Example 4 is considered the closest prior art, as follows:

TABLE 2

Examples 5 and 6

A top coat composition of the invention is as Example 5 and Example 6 is considered the closest prior art, as follows:

TABLE 3

The ingredients of the composition are introduced into an opaque flask and stirred away from the light with a laboratory mixer of the Rayneri brand until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. A sheet of aluminium will have been placed over the container beforehand in order to prevent evaporation of the solvents.

A brush to be used in combination with the nail polish composition of the invention is as Example 7 and Example 8 is considered the closest prior art, as follows:

TABLE 4

Example 9

A test was performed in order to determine the hardness of a film produced by the compositions of Examples 1 , 2, 5 and 6 above through measurement of the damping time of a standardized pendulum.

The equipment used had the following specifications:

- Persoz pendulum [e.g., from Touzart et Matignon - Ref.: 039.160.00 and from Braive Instruments - Ref.: Pendulum Hardness Tester (with automatic counter - Ref.: 039.160.50)];

- Glass plates of about 12 x 10 cm (thickness 3 mm);

- Multiple applicator with 300 pm opening and width of about 90 mm {e.g., from Touzart et Matignon);

- Air-conditioned chamber for the pendulum (temperature and humidity)

- Thermostat-controlled bench {e.g., from GSE).

The necessary operation conditions of the temperature and humidity of the chamber for the Persoz pendulum are:

- for solvent-based enamel:

- temperature: 30 ± 2°C

- relative humidity: 70 ± 2%

- water-based enamel:

- temperature: 30 ± 2°C

- relative humidity: 50 ± 2%

The sample was prepared in accordance with method CID-028-00 (92048/FO). The plates were dried for 23 hours on a thermostat-controlled bench at 30°C and then for 1 hour in the pendulum chamber under the air-conditioning conditions described above.

The measurement was performed by the following steps: (1 ) placing the pendulum balls in the center of the film away from any bubbles or dust;

(2) placing the pendulum at an angle of 12° and release the pendulum;

(3) counting the number of cycles performed by the pendulum passing in front of the 4° line until the movement starts to run down, or if the pendulum no longer goes past the 4° point, the measurement may also be performed by noting the time taken for the movement to run down to this point (4°) using a stopwatch.

The result is to be expressed as an integral number of seconds (s). The pendulum oscillation period is 1 second, hence the number of cycles is equal to the damping time in seconds.

Example 10

A test was performed in order to determine the viscosity of the compositions of Examples 1 , 2, 5 and 6 above.

The equipment used in the test was the Brookfield LV DVII + Pro viscometer fitted with an SSA system (low volume adaptor) and run by Rheocalc software (under windows).

The low volume adaptor consists of a measuring chamber and spindle designed to measure the viscosity of low volume samples (~10 ml) at 25°C. It includes a water circulation system.

The method is used to measure the viscosity at various speeds without changing the spindle:

60 RPM at t=5 min (corresponding to the stirred viscosity), then

6 RPM at t=10 min (corresponding to the resting viscosity). The total duration of the test was 15 min and the results are expressed in cPs.

Example 10

In order to evaluate the durability of the nail polish composition and the top coat composition described herein, 82 women aging from 18 to 55 years old applied the inventive combinations using the method for coating the nails and/or false nails according to the present invention.

As a result, the women reported that the nail polish composition and the top coat composition of the present invention deliver improved results, in particular in terms of durability and shininess. Such improved results were observed even after 10 days after the application.