COSMETIC ASSEMBLY AND COSMETIC TREATMENT PROCESS

The present invention relates to a cosmetic assembly and to a cosmetic treatment process for applying a cosmetic product that has a different visual result when it is subjected to daylight and when it is subjected to a source emitting radiation of different wavelength, especially a source of black light.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "cosmetic product" means a product as defined in Directive 93/35/EEC of 14 June 1993 modifying Directive 76/768/EEC.

The term "daylight" means light originating from a natural or artificial light source emitting at a wavelength corresponding to the visible spectrum, i.e. between 405 and 700 nm.

In the field of makeup, compositions exist that have a first result when they are subjected to daylight and a different result when they are subjected to a source emitting another type of radiation, for example a source of black light.

However, when such compositions are used, the user is unaware of the result of her makeup when it will be subjected to such a source of black light. Now, it may be desirable to be aware beforehand of the makeup result that will be obtained under such conditions, in particular if a product is used that is not visible to the human eye when it is subjected to daylight.

For example, document JP 2002/034 640 describes false nails that comprise a coat that may comprise an ink that may be revealed under black light.

It is known practice, especially from documents US 5 025 354, US 3 619 596, US 4 888 667 and

WO 03/090 692, to use sources of white light combined with makeup articles. Document KR 9202038 describes a box equipped with a source of fluorescent light. However, such articles do not make it possible to visualize the effect of a cosmetic product that is capable of generating a different result when it is subjected to a source of radiation emitting at a wavelength outside the visible spectrum from its result when it is subjected to daylight.

Moreover, document US 2002/0 098 216 describes a lipstick applicator that comprises a stem bearing an applicator at one end and a light source at the other end, which diffuses through the stem so as to give it an aesthetic effect. The light source may generate a coloured light so as to obtain a coloured stem. It may also emit in the ultraviolet range when the stem comprises fluorescent or phosphorescent components.

Document US 2006/020 795 describes a perfume bottle illuminated by a light source that may be of different colours, or alternatively an ultraviolet light source to make the bottle containing the perfume or the perfume itself fluoresce.

Accordingly, there is a need to produce a cosmetic assembly that makes it possible to facilitate the application of a cosmetic product that has a visual result in daylight and a different visual result when it is subjected to a source emitting at different wavelengths .

According to one of its aspects, a subject of the invention is thus an assembly comprising: - at least one source of radiation that emits at wavelengths of between 365 and 405 nm; a cosmetic product comprising a compound capable of absorbing radiation originating from the source of radiation and of re-emitting radiation of a different

wavelength and/or an applicator configured to apply a cosmetic product to keratin materials.

By combining a source of radiation with a cosmetic product that absorbs the radiation originating from this source and that re-emits a radiation of wavelength different to the wavelengths at which the source emits, or with an applicator allowing such a product to be applied, the user who applies the product is able to visualize the result of this product under these lighting conditions. She can then, if necessary, improve the application and especially adjust her makeup if the product is a makeup product.

The source of radiation emits at wavelengths of between 365 and 405 nm, i.e. radiation composed mainly of violet and near-ultraviolet, of UVA type, which corresponds to "black light" .

The source of radiation may comprise one or more electroluminescent diode (s) . The use of diodes makes it possible to limit the bulk of the cosmetic assembly. Needless to say, it is possible to use any other type of lamp that emits radiation whose wavelength is within the abovementioned range.

The source of radiation may be relatively directional so as to correctly illuminate the area on which the cosmetic product is applied. The angle of divergence of the radiation may be, for example, less than 40°.

The source of radiation may be arranged so as, during the application of the product, to emit in the direction of the area of the keratin materials onto which the product is applied. The user can then visualize the cosmetic product illuminated by the source of radiation simultaneously with its application/diffusion on the area to be treated. This makes it possible to facilitate the application of the

product, especially when the product is invisible to the naked eye when it is illuminated only by daylight.

The cosmetic product may comprise a compound capable of absorbing radiation originating from the source of radiation and of re-emitting radiation with a wavelength of between 405 and 700 nm. The cosmetic product may comprise, for example, at least one fluorescent compound, and especially at least one optical brightener.

Reference may be made, for example, to document FR- A 2 741 261, which describes cosmetic compositions comprising optical brighteners, for increasing the apparent intensity of the colour of a nail varnish, or patent application EP 1 498 110, which describes hair dye compositions comprising fluorescent dyes and optical brighteners.

The product may have one colour when it is subjected to a source that emits at wavelengths of between 405 and 700 nm, and a different colour when it is subjected to radiation from the source of radiation provided in the cosmetic assembly. The cosmetic product may be invisible to the naked eye when it is subjected only to a source that emits at wavelengths of between 405 and 700 nm.

The assembly may comprise a container containing the product.

According to one embodiment, the container may be pressurized. The assembly may then also comprise a spray device equipped with a product spray orifice. In this case, the source of radiation may be arranged close to the spray orifice. The visual result of the cosmetic product can thus be seen as and when it is diffused onto the area of the body onto which it is applied.

When the assembly comprises an applicator, namely a member intended to come into contact with keratin materials to deposit product thereon, the source of radiation may be arranged so as to emit radiation in the direction of the applicator. The result of the cosmetic product subjected to this radiation may thus be seen as and when it is applied to the area of the body onto which it is applied.

The container may be equipped with an aperture that is reversibly closed by a closing member bearing an applicator .

The assembly may comprise a control member for controlling the actuation of the source (s) of radiation. The control member may be in the form of a thumbwheel, a push-button or pressure- sensitive button. This control member may allow the source of radiation to be switched on, but also to be switched off. As a variant, or in addition, an electrical circuit that allows the source of radiation to be switched off after a predefined period may be provided. The assembly may also comprise a member for regulating the intensity of the radiation. This regulating member may, for example, drive a potentiometer.

The cosmetic product may be a product intended to be applied to the nails or to the skin, especially facial skin, the eyelids, the contour of the eyes or the body, the product especially being a foundation, a makeup rouge or an eyeshadow. The cosmetic product may also be a product intended to be applied to keratin fibres, especially the eyelashes, the eyebrows or the hair, or a product intended to be applied to the lips, such as a lipstick or a lip gloss.

According to one embodiment, the applicator may be arranged to apply the product to the eyelashes, and may

especially comprise a coarse brush or a comb.

According to another embodiment, the applicator may comprise a fine brush intended for application to the nails, the lips or the skin, or a tip, especially a flocked tip.

The applicator may also comprise an elastically compressible member, especially a foam and/or an elastomer, which is optionally flocked, or may comprise a felt or a ball .

As a variant, the product may be in the form of a stick or in the form of a patch, the assembly no longer necessarily comprising an applicator. When the product is in stick form, the source of radiation may be arranged on the container so as to emit radiation in the direction of an application end of the stick.

A subject of the invention is also a cosmetic treatment process in which a cosmetic product comprising a compound capable of absorbing radiation originating from a source of radiation that emits at wavelengths of between 365 and 405 nm and of re-emitting radiation of a different wavelength is applied to keratin materials and, simultaneously or subsequently, the treated area of the keratin materials is subjected to a source that emits at wavelengths of between 365 and 405 nm.

The invention may be understood more clearly on reading the detailed description that follows, of non-limiting implementation examples thereof, and on examining the attached drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the invention comprising a container and an applicator equipped with a source of radiation,

Figures IA and IB are different forms of applicators that may be used in the assembly of Figure 1,

Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of other embodiments of an assembly in accordance with the invention comprising a container and an applicator equipped with a source of radiation, - Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of other embodiments of an assembly in accordance with the invention comprising a cosmetic product and a source of radiation;

Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of other embodiments of an assembly in accordance with the invention comprising a box containing a cosmetic product, the box being equipped with a source of radiation, and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an assembly in accordance with the invention comprising a container under pressure containing a cosmetic product, the container being equipped with a source of radiation.

The assembly according to the invention that will be described in detail comprises one more sources of radiation that emit outside the visible spectrum and a cosmetic product to be applied or to be distributed optionally combined with an applicator configured to apply a cosmetic product to keratin materials.

As a variant, the assembly may comprise one or more sources of radiation that emit outside the visible range and only one applicator configured to apply a cosmetic product to keratin materials.

The source (s) of radiation emit(s) in particular at wavelengths of between 365 and 405 nm, which corresponds to black light. This source is provided to reveal to the human eye a visual aspect of the product that is not visible when it is subjected only to daylight .

The cosmetic product may, for example, be invisible to the naked eye when it is not illuminated with a source

other than daylight, and may appear coloured when it is illuminated with the chosen source of radiation. The cosmetic product may also appear to be a certain colour in daylight and a more vivid colour or another colour when it is illuminated with the chosen source of radiation.

To this end, the cosmetic product comprises at least one compound capable of absorbing the radiation originating from the source of radiation and of re- emitting in the visible range. It is, for example, a makeup product, a hair product or a facial care or bodycare product .

A first family of compounds capable of absorbing radiation originating from a source of UV radiation and of re-emitting in the visible range corresponds to optical brighteners . These are compounds that are well known to those skilled in the art. Such compounds are described in "Fluorescent Whitening Agent, Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology, Kirk-Othmer" , vol 11, p. 227-241, 4th edition, 1994, Wiley.

They may be defined more particularly as compounds that absorb essentially in the UVA region between 300 and 390 nm and re-emit essentially between 400 and 525 nm.

Among the optical brighteners that may be mentioned more particularly are stilbene derivatives, in particular polystyrylstilbenes and triazinylstilbenes, coumarin derivatives, in particular hydroxycoumarins and aminocoumarins, oxazole, benzoxazole, imidazole, triazole or pyrazoline derivatives, pyrene derivatives and porphyrin derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

Examples that may be mentioned include: the naphthotriazole stilbene derivative sold under the trade name Tinopal GS, disodium 4 , 4 ' -distyrylbiphenyl disulfonate (CTFA name: disodium

distyrylbiphenyl disulfonate) sold under the trade name Tinopal CBS-X, the cationic derivative of aminocoumarin sold under the trade name Tinopal SWN Cone . , the sodium 4,4' -bis [ (4, 6-dianilino-l ,3,5-triazin-2- yl) amino] stilbene-2 , 2 ' -disulfonate sold under the trade name Tinopal SOP, the 4 , 4 ' -bis [ (4-anilino-6-bis (2- hydroxyethyl) amino- 1 ,3,5-triazin-2-yl) amino] stilbene- 2, 2' -disulfonic acid sold under the trade name Tinopal UNPA-GX, the 4,4' -bis [4 -anilino-6 -morpholine-1 , 3, 5- triazin-2-yl) amino] stilbene sold under the trade name Tinopal AMS-GX, the disodium 4 , 4 ' -bis [ (4-anilino-6- (2- hydroxyethyl) methylamino-1 ,3,5-triazin-2- yl) amino] stilbene-2 , 2 ' -sulfonate sold under the trade name Tinopal 5BM-GX, all by the company Ciba Specialites Chimiques, the 2, 5-thiophenediylbis (5-tert-butyl-l, 3- benzoxazole) sold under the trade name Uvitex OB by the company Ciba, the anionic derivative of diaminostilbene as a dispersion in water, sold under the trade name Leucophor BSB liquide by the company Clariant, the optical brightener lakes sold under the trade name Covazur by the company Wackherr .

Certain optical brighteners may also be in the form of copolymers, for example acrylates and/or methacrylates, grafted with optical brightener groups as described in patent application FR 99-10942.

A second family of compounds capable of absorbing radiation originating from a source of UV radiation and of re-emitting in the visible range corresponds to fluorescent dyes.

It should be noted that fluorescent dyes are more specifically compounds chosen from those that absorb light in the visible part of the spectrum and possibly in the ultraviolet region, and re-emit fluorescent light in the visible spectrum, of greater wavelength

than that of the absorbed light. Preferably, the wavelength of the light re-emitted by the fluorescent dye is between 500 and 650 nm.

Fluorescent dyes for hair dye products are especially chosen from naphthalimides ; cationic or non-cationic coumarins; xanthenodiquinolizines ; azaxanthenes ; naphtholactams; azlactones; oxazines,- thiazines,- dioxazines,- pyrenes,- nitrobenzoxadiazoles, alone or as mixtures.

The optical brightener that may be present in the hair dye composition is more particularly chosen from compounds that absorb light in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum, essentially in the UVA range, at a wavelength of between 300 and 390 nm. These compounds re-emit a fluorescent light in the visible spectrum, between 400 and 525 nm.

With reference now to the figures, several embodiments of assemblies according to the invention that comprise cosmetic compositions as defined above may be seen.

With reference in particular to Figure 1, a cosmetic assembly 10 may be seen, which comprises a bottle 20 containing a cosmetic product and especially a nail varnish, the bottle being closed by a lid 30 bearing an applicator 40 in the form of a fine brush.

The bottle 20 comprises a body 21 forming a reservoir, the body being closed by a base 22 at the bottom and ending with a neck 23 that is open at the top. The neck 23 is threaded on its outer surface to allow the lid 30 bearing the applicator to be screwed onto and close the bottle.

The lid 30 comprises a inner skirt 31 that is threaded on its inner surface to engage with the neck 23 of the bottle, and an outer cylindrical skirt 32, surrounding

- li the inner skirt, the two skirts being joined at the top to a transverse wall. A stem 41, at one end of which is attached a tuft of bristles 42 forming a fine brush, extends from the transverse wall to the centre of the threaded skirt.

Two electroluminescent diodes 50 are provided between the outer skirt and the inner skirt of the lid, the diodes being oriented parallel to the stem 41 so as to emit radiation in the direction of the tuft of bristles 42 of the fine brush. The two diodes 50 are diametrically opposite so as to correctly distribute the radiation about the stem. Needless to say, more than two diodes may be provided, distributed between the two skirts so to as obtain more uniform lighting. As a variant, it is also possible to provide only one diode .

The diodes may be chosen so as to emit a sparingly divergent beam, which may allow the area to be visualized to be more strongly illuminated. The radiation has, for example, an angle of divergence of about 30°.

The diodes emit, for example, radiation with a wavelength equal to 380 nm.

The lid 30 also houses an electrical power supply to supply an electrical circuit allowing the diodes to be illuminated. The electrical power supply may comprise, for example, at least one stud cell, or several stud cells electrically connected in series or any other arrangement, especially in parallel, the electrical power supply possibly being rechargeable.

To control the switching on of the diodes, a thumbwheel 51 is provided in the top of the lid, the thumbwheel being able to rotate between two positions, a first on position in which an electrical contact is made, and a

second position in which no electrical contact is made, and as such the diodes are off. It may also be envisaged that the rotation of the thumbwheel between these two positions is accompanied by a variation in the intensity of the radiation, the thumbwheel actuating a potentiometer that controls the intensity of the diodes .

As a variant, the diode control member may be a push- button or a pressure-sensitive button.

To apply the product, the user unscrews the lid 30 from the neck of the bottle 20 while holding the outer skirt 32 of the lid, then rotates the thumbwheel to switch on the diodes. The user may also unscrew the lid after having first rotated the thumbwheel. The lid 30 serves as a gripping member during the application of the fine brush.

When she applies the nail varnish to her nails, the user thus sees, as the application proceeds, the colour of the varnish when her nails are illuminated by a black light.

As a variant, she may apply the nail varnish composition without the diode being switched on, and rotate the thumbwheel at the end of application to switch on the diode and illuminate her already made-up nails .

In addition, if the nail varnish is transparent when it is not lit by anything other than light of the visible spectrum, and when it is, for example, white in the presence of black light, the user can more easily know where she has applied the product.

The assembly illustrated in Figure 1 may, as a variant, contain a lip makeup product, for example a gloss, instead of nail varnish.

Instead of comprising a fine brush 40, the applicator of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 may, as a variant, comprise a coarse brush 43 (Figure IA) or a comb 44 (Figure IB) . The cosmetic product contained in the bottle may then be a mascara for making up the eyelashes, or a hair dye product to be applied to locks of hair.

The assembly 110 illustrated in Figure 2 this time comprises conditioning for a standard mascara composition, i.e. an assembly that comprises a small bottle 120 containing the mascara and a lid 130 bearing an applicator 140 formed this time by a stem 141 equipped with a coarse mascara brush 142.

An attached member 150 is mounted gripping the end of the lid opposite the coarse brush, this member bearing an electroluminescent diode 154. The attached member 150 comprises a cylindrical skirt 151 that slides over the lid 130 via an open end 152, the opposite end comprising a push-button 153 serving as a start/stop switch. The free edge of the open end 152 of the cylindrical skirt is extended by a tip 155 that bears an electroluminescent diode 154 at its end. The diode is thus arranged such that the radiation is oriented in the direction of the coarse brush 142.

The attached member 150 also comprises a battery provided inside the cylindrical skirt to power an electrical circuit allowing the diode to be lit up. The button 153 serving as the start/stop switch can be depressed into the cylindrical skirt 151 between two positions, a first on position in which an electrical contact is made, and a second position in which no electrical contact is made, and as such the diode 154 is switched off.

According to this embodiment, the attached member 150

bearing the diode may be removable. Specifically, it may be removed from the lid 130 of the small bottle to be replaced on another assembly when there is no more product in the small bottle or if the user wishes to apply another makeup product containing a compound capable of absorbing the radiation originating from the source of black light.

To apply the product, the user unscrews the lid of the small bottle while holding the outer skirt of the lid, then presses the button 153 to switch on the diode. The user may also unscrew the lid after having first pressed the button.

The user may then apply the mascara composition to her eyelashes while the diode is lit so as to see the result of the composition subjected to the black light as the application proceeds.

As a variant, she may apply the mascara composition to her eyelashes without the diode being lit, and press the button at the end of application to light the diode and illuminate her already made-up eyelashes.

Instead of containing a mascara composition for making up the eyelashes, the small bottle may contain a hair dye product to be applied to locks of hair.

Figure 3 this time shows an assembly 210 comprising an applicator of roll-on type that comprises a spherical ball 240, mounted so as to rotate freely about itself at a first end of a tube 220 forming a product reservoir. Needless to say, the applicator may have a form other than a sphere and/or may be mounted in rotation about only one axis. The product may flow by gravity inside the tube in the direction of the ball. By engaging a surface portion of the ball emerging to the exterior with the surface to be treated, and by an adequate movement of the device relative to the

surface, the ball is driven in rotation about itself such that the portion of the ball that is inside the container emerges to the exterior, thus depositing the product onto the surface to be treated.

The second end of the tube opposite the first end is closed. An attached member 250 similar to that that has just been described in conformity with Figure 2 is slid onto this end, if it is the case that the actuating member is no longer in the form of a push-button to be pushed into the skirt, but is obtained by means of a relative rotational movement of a central portion 253 relative to the skirt 251. Specifically, the attached member 250 comprises as previously a skirt 251 equipped with a tip 255 bearing a diode 254, the skirt 251 being open at its end opposite that bearing the diode. A central portion 253 is partially housed inside the skirt 251 and projects axially beyond the skirt so as to define an area accessible to the user. The central portion 253 is this time axially fixed relative to the skirt 251 but may be rotatably moved relative to the skirt between at least two positions, a first position in which no electrical contact is made, such that the diode is off, and a second on position in which an electrical contact is made, which allows the diode to light up. It may also be envisaged that the rotation of the central portion between these two positions is accompanied by a variation in the intensity of the radiation, the central portion 253 actuating a potentiometer for controlling the intensity of the diode .

Instead of being conditioned in a tube and of being applied by means of a ball as in Figure 3, the product may be in the form of a pencil 340. Such an assembly 310 illustrated in Figure 4 may allow the application of an eyeliner, for example.

Figure 5 this time shows a tube of lipstick 410 in

stick form. The product is in the form of a wand 440, also known as a product grape. The assembly 410 comprises a tubular case 420 in which is mounted a wand-holder cup, capable of sliding axially in the case, the base of the wand of disintegratable solid product being engaged in the cup. The assembly also comprises drive means in the form of a rotating thumbwheel 421, via which the user can make the cup slide in the case to bring out or take in the wand at will. After use, the assembly is closed using a lid 460 fixed to the case.

According to this embodiment, the case 420 comprises a notch 422 in which are provided two electroluminescent diodes 450 that are oriented so as to emit radiation in the direction of the product wand, and especially of its applicator end. Preferably, the two diodes are diametrically opposite on the tube so as to distribute the radiation about the product wand.

An actuating member 430 in the form of a push-button is also provided on the notch 422. When the lid 460 is removed from the case, the push-button 430 is in a position in which an electrical contact is made, such that the diodes are lit. When the lid is fixed onto the case, the free edge 461 of the lid presses down the push-button 430, which prevents any electrical contact. The lighting of the diodes thus takes place automatically, each time the lid is removed.

As a variant, an actuating member in the form of a push-button or a pressure- sensitive button arranged on another part of the case and operated manually may be provided.

Figures 6 and 7 show makeup cases 510 and 610, respectively, which comprise a base part 520 and 620 and a lid 560 and 660, the lid possibly comprising a mirror 570, 670. The base part comprises several

compartments 521 and 621 containing different products.

It may be envisaged, for example, for the case to comprise patches for producing tattoos. The patches may be, for example, invisible when they are subjected only to daylight, and appear when they are subjected to radiation from a source of black light.

The cases may also comprise any other cosmetic product, especially in compacted powder form.

Two electroluminescent diodes 550, 650 may be provided, for example, in the cases, especially in the base part .

The lighting of the diodes may be controlled by an on- off switch 551 that is manually operated as illustrated in Figure 6, or as a variant by a push-button 651 that is operated on opening and closing the lid, as illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 8 illustrates a spray device of aerosol type comprising a reservoir 720 under pressure equipped with a valve. A diffuser 730 comprising an actuating member 731 for actuating the valve is mounted on the reservoir. The diffuser is also equipped with a nozzle 732 delimiting a spray orifice 733 allowing a spray of product to be formed. Two electroluminescent diodes 750 are provided on either side of the nozzle so as to emit radiation in the same direction as the spray.

According to this embodiment, it may be envisaged that the actuation of the valve, when the actuating member 731 is pressed, makes an electrical contact that allows the diodes to be lit up.

As a variant, it may be envisaged that the diffuser comprises a switch that is independent of the valve actuating member, which allows the diodes to be lit up

independently of the exiting of the product.

This conditioning assembly is particularly suitable for diffusing colouring products onto the hair.

The assembly according to the invention is particularly suitable for cosmetic products intended for producing an aesthetic effect on keratin materials, in particular for products for making up the skin, the nails, the lips or keratin fibres, for instance the hair, the eyelashes or the eyebrows .

In the detailed description hereinabove, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variants may be made thereto without departing from the invention as claimed hereinbelow. In particular, all or some of the characteristics of the preceding embodiments may be combined without departing from the context of the present invention.