Nail coating composition, assembly and process for the same

The present invention relates to a composition, in particular a cosmetic composition, for coating the nails, in particular for making up the nails. The invention also relates to a packaging and application assembly comprising a felt-tip applicator, especially a pen, containing the said composition. The invention relates to a process for coating keratin materials, in particular for making up the nails. In particular, the composition is a nail varnish, preferably with an aqueous continuous phase.

Conventionally, nails or false nails are made up and/or cared for using a nail varnish composition applied by means of a brush.

At the present time, the majority of the compositions in nail varnish form are based on a mixture of organic solvents containing nitrocellulose, an arylsulfonamide- formaldehyde resin or an alkyd resin and a plasticizer. Due to the presence of organic solvents, such varnishes have a certain number of drawbacks associated mainly with the use of solvent and which, especially, very often generate an unpleasant odour during their application.

In recent years, research has thus been oriented towards the development of nail varnishes that are free of organic solvents and in particular water-based varnishes.

Such water-based varnishes have been used in application devices other than brushes. For example, document FR 2 537 871 describes a water-based low- viscosity nail varnish, which is totally free of pigments, containing dyes such as acidic organic dyes, which may be adapted to application using a device equipped with an application wick. However, this type of varnish has the drawback of impregnating the nails, making removal of the makeup difficult, which is undesirable. Furthermore, such a makeup may be excessively transparent and may lack coverage.

Thus, one solution for overcoming these problems is to use high-viscosity compositions that are capable of limiting the sedimentation of dyestuffs, in particular of pigments. However, certain packaging and application systems, such as applicators of the felt-tip type, are then unsuitable for such excessively viscous cosmetic compositions. Specifically, such compositions intended to change from the reservoir to the applicator felt tip by capillary action cannot cross this felt, or do so with difficulty, then leading to a nonuniform and irregular flow of the applied composition.

To circumvent this problem, conventional nail felts generally use a valve system inside the pen to deliver the product on demand by pressing on a button or by pushing the felt tip into the body of the pen. Document US 4 712 571 in particular discloses this type of device.

However, such a device is generally expensive. Furthermore, the application of the cosmetic composition may give rise to a non-uniform deposit and to a risk of running of the varnish onto the edge of the nail due to the application of an excessively large amount of varnish onto the nail.

Document EP 2 109 481 itself discloses a felt-tip applicator and a nail varnish composition with an aqueous continuous phase comprising a particulate phase containing at least two film-forming polymers and a dispersant. However, the compositions used may give rise to substantial wetting especially when the compositions are intended to be applied to a keratin material, such as a nail, using a felt applicator.

The present invention is most particularly directed towards reducing or even avoiding these problems of wetting, especially when a composition is dispensed through a felt applicator.

An aim of the present invention is also to prepare a composition for obtaining a smooth and uniform deposit on the nail.

In particular, an aim of the present invention is to prepare a composition that has good opacity.

An aim of the present invention is also to prepare a composition that has good coverage.

An aim of the present invention is also to prepare a composition that is stable over time, especially at 45°C for 30 days.

An aim of the present invention is also to prepare a composition that has good persistence on the nails over time.

An aim of the present invention is also to prepare a composition that has good persistence of the gloss on the nails.

An aim of the present invention is also to prepare a composition whose drying time is improved.

An aim of the present invention is to prepare a composition that can be dispensed through a felt applicator, especially reducing, or even avoiding, the problems of sedimentation, especially the problems of sedimentation of dyestuffs, and in particular of pigments.

An aim of the present invention is to prepare a composition that can be dispensed through a felt applicator making it possible to redisperse the dyestuffs, especially pigments, by simple stirring of the said composition. According to a first aspect, the present invention thus relates to a composition for coating a nail, in particular a makeup or care composition, comprising:

an aqueous phase, which is preferably the continuous phase, a particulate phase comprising at least one film-forming polymer in the form of particles in aqueous dispersion,

at least one simethicone, preferably introduced in emulsion form.

In addition, the present invention allows coating of the nails, in particular making up and/or care of the nails, which is quick, precise and easy, while at the same time obtaining a glossy film of varnish. Furthermore, the film obtained has good homogeneity, in particular the colour generated, where appropriate, is uniform with good coverage, and the film obtained is uniform, smooth and regular.

In addition, such a device makes it possible to make retouches that are invisible to the naked eye, thus making it possible to maintain the quality of the makeup over time.

This composition, which is preferably of low viscosity, is advantageously introduced into a valveless felt-tip applicator, in particular a felt-tip pen, which is capable of dispensing the varnish by capillary action onto the nails smoothly and uniformly.

According to particular, preferred embodiments, in response to at least one of the abovementioned problems, a composition according to the invention preferentially has the following characteristics:

the simethicone(s) comprise a dimethicone, which is preferably nonvolatile, containing silica;

the simethicone(s) have a molecular weight ranging from 5000 to 50 000 g/mol and preferably from 10 000 to 30 000 g/mol;

the simethicone(s) comprise a dimethicone corresponding to the general formula (III) below:

-Si -O- -S ' ¹ i-o- -Si -o- Si- I i

(III)

in which formula (III):

Ri, which may be identical or different, represent: i) a linear or branched (C ₁ -C ₂ 0) alkyl and particularly a Ci-C ₆ alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl; or

ii) a hydroxyl group;

o R ₂ representing:

i) a linear or branched (CrC ₂ o)alkyl group optionally interrupted and/or terminated with a heteroatom such as O, S or N; in particular, i) is a linear or branched Ci-C ₆ alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl; ii) a group (CrC ₉ )(poly)haloalkyl, especially perfluoroalkyl, comprising from 1 to 9 halogen atoms, particularly fluorine, such as trifluoromethyl; and iii) the polysiloxane group -0-[Si(Ri)2-0] _n '-Si(Ri) ₃ with as defined previously;

o R ^' i representing a radical Ri or R ₂ as defined previously;

o m being an integer inclusively between 0 and 150 and preferably between 20 and 100;

o n and n', which may be identical or different, being an integer inclusively between 1 and 300 and preferably between 1 and 100;

- the simethicone(s) comprise a dimethicone corresponding to formula (IV) below:

in which formula (IV) x is an integer ranging from 50 to 1000, better still from 100 to 500 and more specifically from 150 to 300;

- the simethicone(s) are present in the composition according to the invention in a total content ranging from 0.001 % to 1 % by weight, particularly from 0.002% to 0.1 % by weight, for example from 0.005% to 0.05% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition;

- the simethicone(s) introduced in emulsion form are stabilized in the water with at least one emulsifying system comprising at least one surfactant advantageously comprising at least one nonionic surfactant, chosen especially from oxyalkylenated esters, preferably oxyalkylenated sorbitan esters, such as polyethylene glycol sorbitan tristearate; - the composition comprises at least one silicone gum;

the silicone gum(s) are chosen from polydiorganosiloxanes; the chosen silicone gum(s) have a mass-average molecular mass of between 30 000 and 1 000 000 and preferably between 50 000 and 1 000 000;

- the silicone gum(s) are chosen from:

- polydimethylsiloxane gums,

- polydimethylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane gums,

- polydimethylsiloxane/diphenylsiloxane gums,

- polydimethylsiloxane/phenylmethylsiloxane gums,

- polydimethylsiloxane/diphenylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane gums,

- dimethicone/divinyldimethicone gums,

and a mixture thereof, preferably from divinyldimethicone/dimethicone gums;

the silicone gum(s) are introduced into the composition in the form of a dispersion or emulsion in water;

the silicone gum(s) are present in a total silicone gum content preferably less than or equal to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, and preferably greater than or equal to 0.01 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, such as ranging from 0.05% to 1 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, more preferably ranging from 0.1 % to 0.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition;

- the composition comprises at least one polymeric dispersant that is capable of dispersing the particulate phase in the aqueous phase;

the dispersant(s) comprise at least one polymeric dispersant of nonionic polymer type;

the dispersant(s) comprise at least one polymeric dispersant of ionic polymer type;

the dispersant(s) comprise at least one polymeric dispersant of ionic polymer type chosen from the compounds of formula (I) below:

Formula (I)

in which formula (I):

R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group or a group ^* - C(0)07 X ⁺ or a group ^* -C(0)0- R6, with R6 representing a linear or branched C1 -C50, preferably C1 -C8, preferably C1 -C4 alkyl group,

R2, R3 and R4, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

R5 representing a phenyl group or a linear or branched C1 -C50, preferably C1 -C20 alkyl group, or a group ^* -C(0)0-R7, with R7 representing a linear or branched C1 -C50, preferably C1 -C8, preferably C1 -C4 alkyl group,

x represents an integer ranging from 1 to 100, y represents an integer ranging from 0 to 100, n representing an integer between 1 and 1000, x, y and n being chosen such that the equation "n (x+y)" is greater than or equal to 20 and preferably greater than or equal to 50,

X ⁺ representing a cation chosen in particular from a sodium atom, potassium atom and an ammonium group, and is preferably an ammonium group;

the dispersant(s) comprise at least one polymeric dispersant of ionic polymer type chosen from the compounds of formula (Γ) below:

in which formula (Γ):

R1 , R2, R3 and R4 represent a hydrogen atom or a CrC ₆ alkyl group, in particular a methyl,

R5 representing a linear or branched C1-C50, preferably Ci-C ₈ , preferably C1-C4 alkyl group, in particular a methyl,

x represents an integer ranging from 1 to 100, y represents an integer ranging from 0 to 100, n representing an integer between 1 and 1000, x, y and n being chosen such that the equation "n (x+y)" is greater than or equal to 20 and preferably greater than or equal to 50,

X ⁺ representing a cation chosen in particular from a sodium atom, potassium atom and an ammonium group, and is preferably an ammonium group;

the dispersant(s) comprise at least one polymeric dispersant of ionic polymer type chosen from the compounds of formula (I") below:

Formula (I") in which formula (Γ):

R1 represents a group ^* -C(0)07 X ⁺ or a group ^* -C(0)0- R5, with R5 representing a linear or branched C1 -C50, preferably C1 -C8, preferably C1 -C4 alkyl group, in particular a methyl,

R2, R3 and R4 representing a hydrogen atom or a CrC ₆ alkyl group, in particular a methyl,

x represents an integer ranging from 1 to 100, y represents an integer ranging from 0 to 100,

- n representing an integer between 1 and 1000,

x, y and n being chosen such that the equation "n (x+y)" is greater than or equal to 20 and preferably greater than or equal to 50,

X ⁺ representing a cation chosen in particular from a sodium atom, potassium atom and an ammonium group, and is preferably an ammonium group;

- the dispersant(s) comprise at least one polymeric dispersant of nonionic polymer type chosen from hydrophobic modified polysaccharides;

- the dispersant(s) are present in the composition in a total content of greater than or equal to 0.05% by weight, and less than or equal to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, in particular ranging from 0.1 % to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition;

- the composition comprises at least one hollow filler, the hollow filler(s) preferably comprising a continuous envelope, preferably made of at least one polymer material, preferentially made of a styrene/acrylate copolymer, internally defining at least one cavity, preferably of constant volume, advantageously filled with a fluid, such as a gas, especially air, or a liquid, such as water, the hollow filler(s) preferably being present in a total content ranging from 0.5% to 20% by weight and in particular from 1 % to 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition;

- the composition comprises at least one dyestuff, advantageously at least one pigment, preferably an organic pigment, the respective total content of hollow filler(s) and of dyestuff(s), and in particular of pigment(s), being such that the weight ratio of the hollow filler(s) to the dyestuff(s), in particular the pigment(s), is greater than or equal to 0.5, preferably between 1 and 5; - the dyestuff(s), in particular the pigment(s), are chosen such that more than 90%, preferably more than 95% and more preferentially all of the dyestuffs, in particular of the pigments, has a density of less than 3 and preferably less than 2;

- the composition comprises at least one auxiliary film-forming agent, advantageously chosen from plasticizers and coalescers, and a mixture thereof, the auxiliary film-forming agent(s) preferably corresponding to formula (II) below:

Formula (II)

in which formula (II):

- R and R', which may be identical or different, represent a linear or branched C1 -C8 and preferably C1 -C4 alkyl group, or an aromatic group,

R" representing a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C1 -C8 and preferably C1 -C4 alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen atom, m and n, which may be identical or different, representing an integer between 0 and 1 inclusive, preferably equal to 0;

p represents an integer between 1 and 3 inclusive;

- the composition comprises at least one simethicone, preferably introduced in emulsion form;

- the composition comprises at least one silicone gum;

- the composition has a viscosity ranging from 2 to 20 cps and particularly from 5 to 15 cps.

According to a second aspect, a subject of the present invention is a packaging and application assembly comprising:

- a composition as described previously, and

a felt-tip applicator, preferably made with compressed fibres.

According to a third aspect, a subject of the present invention is a process for coating and in particular for making up the nails, comprising at least one step of applying the said composition as described previously to the nails, preferably by means of an assembly as described previously.

COMPOSITIONS

A composition in accordance with the invention is preferably a nail varnish, preferentially of low viscosity, advantageously comprising an aqueous continuous phase, and a particulate phase, dispersed in the said aqueous phase.

Solids content

A composition in accordance with the present invention advantageously has a solids content of greater than or equal to 25%, in particular ranging from 28% to 42%, preferably from 30% to 40% and even more preferentially from 32% to 38%.

For the purposes of the present invention, the "solids content" denotes the content of non-volatile matter.

The solids content (abbreviated as SC) of a composition according to the invention is measured using a Halogen Moisture Analyzer HR 73 commercial halogen desiccator from Mettler Toledo. The measurement is performed on the basis of the weight loss of a sample dried by halogen heating, and thus represents the percentage of residual matter once the volatile matter has evaporated off.

The measurement protocol is as follows:

About 2 g of the composition, hereinafter the sample, are deposited on a metal crucible. The metal crucible is then placed in the halogen moisture analyser mentioned above. The sample is then subjected to a temperature of 105°C until a constant weight is obtained. The wet mass of the sample, corresponding to its initial mass before crosslinking, and the dry mass of the sample, corresponding to its mass after crosslinking and halogen heating, are measured using a precision balance.

The experimental error associated with the measurement is of the order of plus or minus 2%.

The solids content is calculated in the following manner:

I Solids content (expressed as weight percentage) = 100 ^χ (dry mass/wet mass).

Viscosity

According to a particular embodiment, the compositions in accordance with the present invention have a low viscosity. In particular, the viscosity is advantageously less than or equal to 20 cps. Typically, the viscosity of the composition may range from 2 to 20 cps and preferentially from 5 to 15 cps.

The viscosity is measured, for example, using a Brookfield viscometer. The viscosity measuring protocol is as follows. The spindle used is a No. 18 spindle. The spin speed of the spindle is 70 rpm. The measurement is taken after rotation for 10 minutes. The measurement is taken at a water bath temperature of 25°C.

Such a viscosity makes it possible especially to obtain easy application of a nail varnish using a felt-tip pen. Aqueous phase

The composition comprises an aqueous phase.

The aqueous phase comprises water. It may also comprise at least one water-soluble solvent.

In the present invention, the term "water-soluble solvent" denotes a compound that is liquid at room temperature and water-miscible. The water-soluble solvents that may be used in the compositions according to the invention may also be volatile. Among the water-soluble solvents that may be used in the compositions in accordance with the invention, mention may be made in particular of lower monoalcohols containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms such as ethanol and isopropanol, and glycols containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3- butylene glycol and dipropylene glycol.

The aqueous phase (water and optionally the water-miscible solvent) is generally present in the composition according to the present patent application in a content ranging from 30% to 80% by weight and preferably ranging from 40% to 70% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. This aqueous phase content includes not only the water originating from the aqueous dispersions of film-forming polymers, but also, where appropriate, the water deliberately added to the composition.

A composition may more particularly comprise a continuous aqueous phase.

The term "composition with an aqueous continuous phase" means that the composition has a conductivity, measured at 25°C, of greater than or equal to 23 μ8/θΓη (microSiemens/cm), the conductivity being measured, for example, using an MPC227 conductimeter from Mettler Toledo and an Inlab730 conductivity measuring cell. The measuring cell is immersed in the composition so as to remove the air bubbles that might be formed between the two electrodes of the cell. The conductivity reading is taken once the conductometer value has stabilized. A mean is determined on at least three successive measurements.

Particulate phase

The composition comprises a particulate phase.

This particulate phase comprises a plurality of separate particles dispersed in the aqueous phase.

The particulate phase preferably comprises:

- at least one film-forming polymer in the form of particles dispersed in water, - and preferably at least one dyestuff.

Particle size

The compositions according to the present invention comprise a particulate phase that is optionally characterizable by a mean particle size.

Such a particle size may be measured via various techniques. Mention may in particular be made of the (dynamic and static) light scattering techniques, Coulter capture methods, measures of sedimentation rates (related to the size via Stokes' law) and microscopy.

These techniques make it possible to measure a particle diameter and some make it possible to measure a particle size distribution.

Preferably, the particle sizes and size distributions of the compositions according to the invention are measured by static light scattering using a commercial particle size analyser such as the MasterSizer 2000 from Malvern. The data are processed on the basis of the Mie scattering theory. This theory, which is exact for isotropic particles, makes it possible to determine, in the case of non-spherical particles, an "effective" particle diameter. This theory is especially described in the publication by Van de Hulst, H.C., Light Scattering by Small Particles, Chapters 9 and 10, Wiley, New York, 1957.

In the context of the present invention, the "mean particle size" is expressed as volume mean "effective" diameter D[4,3], defined in the following way:

Σν, - d, where V, represents the volume of the particles of effective diameter d,. This parameter is in particular described in the technical documentation of the particle size analyser.

The measurements are carried out at 25°C, on a diluted dispersion of particles. The "effective" diameter is obtained by taking a refractive index of 1.33 for water and an average refractive index of 1.5 for the particles. The blue shading is removed.

Dispersants

A composition according to the invention advantageously comprises at least one dispersant, which is in particular capable of dispersing the particulate phase in the aqueous phase, which is preferably the continuous phase, of the composition.

A composition according to the invention advantageously comprises at least one polymeric dispersant, even more advantageously a plurality of polymeric dispersants.

A composition according to the invention preferably comprises at least one polymeric dispersant of ionic polymer type.

A composition according to the invention preferably comprises at least one polymeric dispersant of nonionic polymer type.

A composition according to the invention preferably comprises at least one polymeric dispersant of ionic polymer type.

A composition according to the invention even more preferably comprises at least one polymeric dispersant of ionic polymer type and at least one polymeric dispersant of nonionic polymer type.

The dispersant(s) in accordance with the invention are advantageously capable of dispersing at least the film-forming polymer particles preferably present in a composition in accordance with the present invention.

The dispersant(s) in accordance with the invention are advantageously capable of dispersing at least the dyestuff(s) preferably present in a composition in accordance with the present invention.

The dispersant(s) in accordance with the invention are advantageously capable of dispersing at least the filler(s) preferably present in a composition in accordance with the present invention.

The dispersant(s) in accordance with the invention are advantageously capable of dispersing at least the film-forming polymer particles, the dyestuff(s) and the filler(s) preferably present in a composition in accordance with the present invention. In particular, a composition in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one polymeric dispersant chosen from:

1/ polymeric dispersants of ionic polymer type chosen in particular from carboxylic acids and salts thereof, more particularly chosen from:

- polyacrylic acids and salts thereof,

- acrylic acid copolymers and salts thereof,

- styrene/acrylic acid copolymers and salts thereof,

- vinylnaphthalene/acrylic acid copolymers and salts thereof,

- styrene/maleic acid copolymers and salts thereof,

- vinylnaphthalene/maleic acid copolymers and salts thereof,

- copolymers of maleic anhydride and of diisobutylene and salts thereof, and more particularly the product sold under the name Orotan 731 DP ^® by the company Rhodia,

even more particularly from:

- acrylic acid copolymers and salts thereof,

- maleic anhydride copolymers and salts thereof, in particular the copolymers obtained by copolymerization of one or more maleic anhydride comonomers and of one or more comonomers chosen from vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinylpyrrolidone, olefins comprising from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, for instance octadecene, ethylene, isobutylene, diisobutylene, isooctylene, and styrene, and mixtures thereof, the maleic anhydride comonomers being optionally partially or totally hydrolysed,

preferably from ammonium acrylate copolymers, styrene/maleic anhydride copolymers, in ammonium salt form, and a mixture thereof,

even more preferably from ammonium acrylate copolymers.

The term "salts" means the salts of an alkali metal such as Na, Li or K of the said acids, the salts of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine or of basic amino acids such as lysine or arginine, of the said acids, and mixtures thereof. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the dispersants(s) thus correspond to formula (I) below:

Formula (I)

in which formula (I):

- R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group or a group ^* -C(0)07 X ⁺ or a group ^* -C(0)0- R6, with R6 representing a linear or branched C1 -C50, preferably

C1 -C8, preferably C1 -C4 alkyl group,

- R2, R3 and R4, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

- R5 representing a phenyl group or a linear or branched C1 -C50, preferably C1 -C20 alkyl group, or a group ^* -C(0)0-R7, with R7 representing a linear or branched

C1 -C50, preferably C1 -C8, preferably C1 -C4 alkyl group,

- x represents an integer ranging from 1 to 100,

- y represents an integer ranging from 0 to 100,

- n representing an integer between 1 and 1000,

- x, y and n being chosen such that the equation "n (x+y)" is greater than or equal to 20 and preferably greater than or equal to 50,

- X ⁺ representing a cation chosen in particular from a sodium atom, potassium atom and an ammonium group, and is preferably an ammonium group.

According to a more particular embodiment, the dispersants(s) thus correspond to formula (Γ) below:

Formula (Γ) in which formula (Γ):

- R1 , R2, R3 and R4 represent a hydrogen atom or a CrC ₆ alkyl group, in particular a methyl,

- R5 representing a linear or branched C1-C50, preferably Ci-C ₈ , preferably C1-C4 alkyl group, in particular a methyl,

- x represents an integer ranging from 1 to 100,

- y represents an integer ranging from 0 to 100,

- n representing an integer between 1 and 1000,

- x, y and n being chosen such that the equation "n (x+y)" is greater than or equal to 20 and preferably greater than or equal to 50,

- X ⁺ representing a cation chosen in particular from a sodium atom, potassium atom and an ammonium group, and is preferably an ammonium group.

According to a more particular embodiment, the dispersants(s) thus correspond to formula (I") below:

Formula (I") in which formula (Γ):

R1 represents a group ^* -C(0)07 X ⁺ or a group ^* -C(0)0- R5, with R5 representing a linear or branched C1 -C50, preferably C1 -C8, preferably C1 -C4 alkyl group, in particular a methyl,

R2, R3 and R4 representing a hydrogen atom or a CrC ₆ alkyl group, in particular a methyl,

x represents an integer ranging from 1 to 100, y represents an integer ranging from 0 to 100,

- n representing an integer between 1 and 1000,

x, y and n being chosen such that the equation "n (x+y)" is greater than or equal to 20 and preferably greater than or equal to 50,

X ⁺ representing a cation chosen in particular from a sodium atom, potassium atom and an ammonium group, and is preferably an ammonium group.

Preferably, a composition in accordance with the invention comprises at least one polymeric dispersant of ionic polymer type chosen from carboxylic acid salts, in particular chosen from at least one ammonium acrylate copolymer, at least one styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer in ammonium salt form, and a mixture thereof.

Examples that may be mentioned include the following polymeric dispersants of ionic polymer type:

- the ammonium acrylate copolymer sold, for example, under the name Syntran KLG219-CG by the company Interpolymer or Dispex AA 4040 from the company BASF, - the styrene/maleic anhydride (50/50) copolymer, in the form of the ammonium salt at

30% in water, sold under the reference SMA1000H ^® by the company Arkema, or the styrene/maleic anhydride (50/50) copolymer, in the form of the sodium salt at 40% in water, sold under the reference SMA1000HNa ^® by the company Arkema,

- the sodium polymethacrylate at 25% in water sold under the reference Darvan ^® 7-N by the company R.T. Vanderbilt Company, Inc.,

- and mixtures thereof. A composition according to the invention preferably comprises a total content of polymeric dispersant(s) of ionic polymer type of greater than or equal to 0.05% by weight and less than or equal to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, in particular ranging from 0.1 % to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, more particularly ranging from 0.1 % to 1 .5% by weight and even more particularly ranging from 0.1 % to 1 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

21 Polymeric dispersants of nonionic polymer type chosen in particular from hydrophobic modified polysaccharides.

The hydrophobic modified polysaccharides(s) are advantageously chosen from fructans and fructosans.

Fructans are oligosaccharides or polysaccharides comprising a sequence of anhydrofructose units optionally combined with several saccharide residues other than fructose. Fructans may be linear or branched. Fructans may be products obtained directly from a plant or microbial source or alternatively products whose chain length has been modified (increased or decreased) by fractionation, synthesis or hydrolysis, in particular enzymatic.

Fructans generally have a degree of polymerization from 2 to about 1000 and preferably from 2 to about 60.

Three groups of fructans are distinguished:

- the first group corresponds to products whose fructose units are for the most part linked via β-2-1 bonds. Such products are essentially linear fructans such as inulins,

- the second group also corresponds to linear fructoses, but the fructose units are essentially linked via β-2-6 bonds. Such products are levans,

- the third group corresponds to mixed fructans, i.e. containing β-2-6 and β-2- 1 sequences. Such products are essentially branched fructans, such as graminans.

The fructans used in the compositions according to the invention are preferentially inulins.

Inulin may be obtained, for example, from chicory, dahlia or Jerusalem artichoke.

Preferably, the inulin used in the composition according to the invention is obtained, for example, from chicory. According to a preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic modified polysaccharides, in particular inulins, are obtained by grafting hydrophobic chains onto the hydrophilic backbone of the fructan.

The hydrophobic chains that may be grafted onto the main chain of the fructan may especially be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon- based chains containing from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, such as alkyl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl or alkylene groups; divalent cycloaliphatic groups or organopolysiloxane chains. These hydrocarbon-based or organopolysiloxane chains may especially comprise one or more ester, amide, urethane, carbamate, thiocarbamate, urea, thiourea and/or sulfonamide functions especially such as methylenedicyclohexyl and isophorone; or divalent aromatic groups such as phenylene.

In particular, the polysaccharide, especially the inulin, has a degree of polymerization from 2 to about 1000 and preferably from 2 to about 60, and a degree of substitution of less than 2 on the basis of one fructose unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic chains contain at least one alkyl carbamate group of formula R-NH-CO- in which R is an alkyl group containing from 1 to 22 carbon atoms. According to a more preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic chains are lauryl carbamate groups.

In particular, as non-limiting illustrations of hydrophobic modified inulins that may be used in the compositions according to the invention, mention may be made of stearoyl inulin, such as those sold under the names Lifidrem INST by the company Engelhard and Rheopearl INS by the company Ciba; palmitoyl inulin; undecylenoyl inulin, such as those sold under the names Lifidrem INUK and Lifidrem INUM by the company Engelhard; and inulin lauryl carbamate, such as the product sold under the name Inutec SP1 by the company Orafti.

In particular, the hydrophobic modified polysaccharide is an inulin grafted with lauryl carbamate, which is obtained especially from the reaction of lauryl isocyanate with an inulin, in particular obtained from chicory, for instance the product sold under the name Inutec SP1 by the company Orafti.

A composition according to the invention preferably comprises a total content of polymeric dispersant(s) of nonionic polymer type of greater than or equal to 0.05% by weight and less than or equal to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, in particular ranging from 0.05% to 1 .5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, more particularly ranging from 0.05% to 1 % by weight and even more particularly ranging from 0.1 % to 0.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

A composition according to the invention preferably comprises a total content of polymeric dispersant(s) of greater than or equal to 0.05% by weight and less than or equal to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, in particular ranging from 0.1 % to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, more particularly ranging from 0.1 % to 1 .5% by weight and even more particularly ranging from 0.1 % to 1 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. According to an advantageous embodiment, a composition in accordance with the invention thus comprises:

- at least one polymeric dispersant of ionic polymer type chosen from carboxylic acids and salts thereof, more particularly chosen from at least one ammonium acrylate copolymer or at least one styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer in sodium or ammonium salt form, advantageously present in a total content of greater than or equal to 0.05% by weight and less than or equal to 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, in particular ranging from 0.1 % to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, more particularly ranging from 0.1 % to 1 .5% by weight and even more particularly ranging from 0.1 % to 1 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, and

- at least one polymeric dispersant of nonionic polymer type chosen from hydrophobic modified polysaccharides, in particular from hydrophobic modified inulins, more particularly inulin lauryl carbamate, advantageously present in a total content of greater than or equal to 0.05% by weight and less than or equal to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, in particular ranging from 0.05% to 1.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, more particularly ranging from 0.05% to 1 % by weight and even more particularly ranging from 0.1 % to 0.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. Dvestuffs

A composition in accordance with the invention preferably comprises at least one dyestuff.

This (these) dyestuff(s) comprise at least one pigment, intended in particular to give the compositions a coloured appearance, which are especially useful for making up the nails. The term "pigments" should be understood as meaning white or coloured, mineral or organic particles of any form, such as globular or spherical, which are insoluble in the physiological medium and are intended to give the composition a hue.

The pigments may be white or coloured, preferably coloured, and mineral or organic, preferably organic.

According to a particular embodiment, the dyestuff(s), and in particular the pigment(s), are spherical and have a particle size, expressed as the weight mean "effective" diameter D[0.5], ranging from 0.1 μηη to 20 μηη, especially from 0.5 μηη to 15 μηη and in particular from 1 μηη to 10 μηη.

Among the mineral pigments that may be mentioned are titanium dioxide, optionally surface-treated, zirconium oxide or cerium oxide, and also zinc oxide, iron (black, yellow or red) oxide or chromium oxide, manganese violet, ultramarine blue, chromium hydrate and ferric blue, and metal powders, for instance aluminium powder and copper powder.

Among the organic pigments that may be mentioned are carbon black, the

Red 7 pigments, pigments of D&C type and lakes based on cochineal carmine or on barium, strontium, calcium or aluminium.

Preferably, a composition in accordance with the invention comprises at least one pigment having the trade name Unipure LC sold by the company Sensient, for example an organic pigment of this trade name, and especially Red 7/CI 15850.

A composition in accordance with the invention advantageously comprises at least one pigment having the following formula:

The pigment(s) may be present in the composition in a content ranging from 0.01 % to 10% by weight, especially from 0.1 % to 6% by weight, in particular from 0.5% to 4% by weight and more preferably from 1 % to 3% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. Hollow fillers

A composition in accordance with the invention preferably comprises at least one hollow filler.

The term "fillers" should be understood as meaning colourless or white, mineral or synthetic particles of any shape, which are insoluble in the medium of the composition.

The term "hollow fillers" should be understood more particularly as meaning particles comprising a continuous wall, shell or envelope, internally defining at least one cavity, preferably of constant volume, advantageously filled with a fluid, such as a gas, especially air, or a liquid, such as water. In particular, such hollow fillers are incapable of increasing in volume in response to a stimulus, such as supplying water or heat.

Such hollow particles are preferably of globular or spherical form.

According to a particular embodiment, the hollow filler(s) have a particle size, expressed as the weight mean "effective" diameter D[0.5], ranging from 0.1 μηη to 1 μηη and more particularly from 0.3 μηη to 0.5 μηη.

Such hollow particles advantageously comprise a polymer envelope, preferentially made of a styrene/acrylate copolymer.

Such hollow particles comprising a styrene/acrylate copolymer are sold, for example, under the trade name Sunsphere PGL Polymer by Dow Chemical.

Advantageously, such hollow fillers have a density in the dry state ranging from 0.5 to 0.7.

The filler(s) are advantageously present in the compositions in accordance with the invention in a content ranging from 0.5% to 20% by weight, especially from 2% to 15% by weight and in particular from 5% to 12% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Film-forming polymers

A composition according to the invention comprises at least one film-forming polymer.

In the present patent application, the term "film-forming polymer" means a polymer that is capable of forming, by itself or, preferably, in the presence of an auxiliary film-forming agent, a continuous film on a support, at a temperature ranging from 20°C to 150°C. The film-forming polymer(s) are present in a total content greater than or equal to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, in particular greater than or equal to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition and especially in a content ranging from 15% to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

A composition in accordance with the invention comprises at least one film- forming polymer in the form of particles in aqueous dispersion, and optionally at least one water-soluble film-forming polymer. Film-forming polymers in aqueous dispersion

A composition in accordance with the invention comprises at least one film- forming polymer in the form of particles in aqueous dispersion.

The film-forming polymer(s) present in the said preparation of the composition in the form of particles in aqueous dispersion are generally known as (pseudo)latices, i.e. a latex or pseudolatex. The techniques for preparing these dispersions are well known to those skilled in the art.

A composition according to the invention preferably comprises a total solids content of film-forming polymer particles greater than or equal to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, in particular greater than or equal to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition and especially a content ranging from 15% to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

A dispersion that is suitable for use in the invention may comprise one or more types of particle, these particles possibly varying as regards their size, their structure and/or their chemical nature. In general, these polymer particles have a mean size expressed as the volume mean "effective" diameter D[4,3] of less than or equal to 1 μηι.

The size of the polymer particles in aqueous dispersion may range from 1 nm to 1 μηη, preferably from 5 to 500 nm and is in particular from 10 to 250 nm. The size of the polymer particles may be measured via the same method(s) described above for the particulate phase.

These solid particles may be of anionic, cationic or neutral nature and may constitute a mixture of solid particles of different nature.

The term "aqueous dispersion" means a liquid medium based on water and/or on hydrophilic solvents. This aqueous liquid medium may consist essentially of water. It may also comprise a mixture of water and of water-miscible organic solvent(s) (miscibility with water of greater than 50% by weight at 25°C), for instance lower monoalcohols containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms such as ethanol or isopropanol, glycols containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms such as propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol and dipropylene glycol, C ₃ -C ₄ ketones and C ₂ -C ₄ aldehydes.

In general, a composition in accordance with the invention comprises from 5% to 45% by total solids weight of film-forming polymer(s), in particular from 10% to 40% by weight, more particularly from 20% to 35% by weight and better still from 25% to 30% by total solids weight of film-forming polymer(s), relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the film-forming polymer(s) in the form of particles in aqueous dispersion are preferably chosen from acrylic dispersions.

In other words, the aqueous dispersion of polymer particles is advantageously an aqueous dispersion of acrylic polymer.

In particular, this copolymer is chosen from copolymers derived from the polymerization of at least one styrene monomer and at least one (meth)acrylate monomer, and is more preferentially chosen from copolymers derived from the polymerization of at least one styrene monomer, an acrylate monomer and at least one methacrylate monomer.

The acrylic polymer is preferably a styrene/acrylate/ammonium methacrylate copolymer.

As acrylic polymer in aqueous dispersion, use may be made, for example, of the styrene/acrylate/ammonium acrylate copolymer sold under the name Syntran PC 5620 by the company Interpolymer.

Auxiliary film-forming agents

A composition in accordance with the invention may comprise at least one auxiliary film-forming agent that promotes the formation of a film with the film-forming polymer particles.

The auxiliary film-forming agent may be chosen from plasticizers and coalescers, and a mixture thereof, preferably a mixture thereof.

Unlike plasticizers, coalescers have a tendency to evaporate from the coating of composition applied to the nail so as to harden the coating and make it scratch- resistant. Plasticizers reduce the glass transition temperature of the film-forming polymer(s) present in the cosmetic composition, but will then remain in the coating of composition applied to the nail.

Thus, the coalescer(s) are chosen so as to have a saturating vapour pressure at 20°C of greater than 1 Pa and a molecular mass of less than 250 g/mol and preferably less than 200 g/mol.

According to a preferred embodiment, a composition in accordance with the invention thus comprises at least one coalescer and at least one plasticizer, which are different from each other.

In particular, mention may be made, alone or as mixtures, of plasticizers or coalescers chosen from:

- glycols and their derivatives, such as diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether or diethylene glycol hexyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether or ethylene glycol hexyl ether;

- glycol esters;

- propylene glycol derivatives and in particular propylene glycol phenyl ether, propylene glycol diacetate, propylene glycol dibenzoate, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether and propylene glycol butyl ether;

- acid esters, especially carboxylic acid esters, such as citrates, especially triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, triethyl acetyl citrate, tributyl acetyl citrate and tris(2- ethylhexyl) acetyl citrate; phthalates, especially diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dipentyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate and butyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate; phosphates, especially tricresyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate and tributoxyethyl phosphate; tartrates, especially dibutyl tartrate; adipates such as diisobutyl adipate or diethyl adipate; carbonates; sebacates such as dimethyl sebacate or dibutyl sebacate; ethyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, the tert-butyl and the tri(2,2,4)methylpentane-1 ,3-diol acid ester, benzyl benzoate, butyl acetyl ricinoleate, glyceryl acetyl ricinoleate, butyl glycolate, camphor, glyceryl triacetate, N-ethyl-o,p- toluenesulfonamide,

- oxyethylenated derivatives such as oxyethylenated oils, especially plant oils such as castor oil; silicone oils, and

- mixtures thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, a composition in accordance with the invention comprises at least one auxiliary film-forming agent, and in particular at least one coalescer, corresponding to formula (II) below:

Formula (II)

in which formula (II):

- R and R', which may be identical or different, represent a linear or branched C1 -C8 and preferably C1 -C4 alkyl group, or an aromatic group, - R" representing a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C1 -C8 and preferably C1 -C4 alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen atom,

- m and n, which may be identical or different, representing an integer between 0 and 1 inclusive, preferably equal to 0,

- p represents an integer between 1 and 3 inclusive.

Preferably, a composition in accordance with the invention comprises at least one coalescer chosen from glycols and derivatives, glycol esters, propylene glycol derivatives, and a mixture thereof, and preferably at least one coalescer chosen from propylene glycol derivatives, and especially propylene glycol butyl ether.

The coalescer(s) may be present in a total content ranging from 0.5% to 10% by weight, especially from 1 % to 8% and in particular from 2% to 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Preferably, a composition in accordance with the invention comprises at least one plasticizer chosen from glycols and derivatives, glycol esters, propylene glycol derivatives, and a mixture thereof, and preferably at least one plasticizer chosen from propylene glycol derivatives, and especially propylene glycol dibenzoate.

The plasticizer(s) may be present in a total content ranging from 0.5% to 10% by weight, especially from 0.8% to 5% and in particular from 1 % to 3% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. The plasticizer(s) and the coalescer(s) may be present in a total content ranging from 1 % to 15% by weight, especially from 2% to 10% and in particular from 3% to 6% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to a preferred embodiment, the coalescer(s) and the plasticizer(s) are present in a respective total content such that the weight ratio of the coalescer(s) to the plasticizer(s) is greater than or equal to 1 , and in particular ranges from 1.2 to 2.5 and more particularly from 1 .5 to 2.

Simethicone

The composition in accordance with the invention comprises at least one simethicone, preferably introduced in emulsion form.

Advantageously, this (these) simethicone(s) are introduced dispersed in an aqueous phase, in particular in water, by means of an emulsifying system, in particular at least one suitable surfactant.

This (these) simethicone(s) are capable of reducing, or even of eliminating, the wetting of the nail following the application of a composition in accordance with the invention, especially using an applicator of felt-tip type.

The term "simethicone" means a silicone compound, in particular a silicone oil, containing silica.

The term "silicone compound" means a (poly)organopolysiloxane compound, or oil, preferably a polyorganopolysiloxane, which is preferably non-volatile, and preferably non-cyclic.

The term "non-volatile compound or oil" means a compound or oil that remains on the keratin fibre at room temperature and atmospheric pressure for at least several hours and that especially has a vapour pressure of less than 10 ^"3 mmHg (0.13 Pa). A simethicone may also be defined as a non-volatile compound or oil having an evaporation rate such that, under the conditions defined previously, the amount evaporated after 30 minutes is less than 0.07 mg/cm ² .

The term "non-cyclic" denotes a linear or branched compound, or oil, not comprising any rings. In other words, this oil, or this compound, is free of (hetero)aryl radicals and/or of (hetero)cycloalkyl radicals.

Preferably, a simethicone according to the invention comprises a non-volatile dimethicone containing silica.

Preferably, the molecular weight of a simethicone according to the invention is between 5000 and 50 000 g/mol and preferably between 10 000 and 30 000 g/mol. A simethicone according to the invention has a viscosity advantageously chosen in the range from 50 to 5000 mm ² /s at 25 °C, preferably from 100 to 3000 mm ² /s and better still from 300 to 1000 mm ² /s.

The method for measuring the viscosity used in the invention for characterizing the simethicones according to the invention may be the "kinematic viscosity at 25°C raw product CID-012-01 " or the "Viscosity Ubbelohde DIN 51562-1 PV04001 25°C".

A simethicone according to the invention may have a refractive index of greater than 1 .3 and especially less than 1 .6.

A simethicone according to the invention comprises a dimethicone advantageously represented by the general formula (III) below:

(III)

in which formula (III): o Ri, which may be identical or different, represent:

i) a linear or branched (C ₁ -C ₂ 0) alkyl and particularly a Ci-C ₆ alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl; or

ii) a hydroxyl group;

o R ₂ representing:

i) a linear or branched (CrC ₂ o)alkyl group optionally interrupted and/or terminated with a heteroatom such as O, S or N; in particular, i) is a linear or branched Ci-C ₆ alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl; ii) a group (CrC ₉ )(poly)haloalkyl, especially perfluoroalkyl, comprising from 1 to 9 halogen atoms, particularly fluorine, such as trifluoromethyl; and iii) the polysiloxane group -0-[Si(Ri) ₂ -0]n'-Si(Ri) ₃ with as defined previously;

o R ^' i representing a radical Ri or R ₂ as defined previously;

o m being an integer inclusively between 0 and 150 and preferably between 20 and o n and n\ which may be identical or different, being an integer inclusively between 1 and 300 and preferably between 1 and 100;

According to one preferred embodiment, R'-ι represents the radical R-i, and more particularly a group (CrC ₆ )alkyl such as methyl.

According to one particular embodiment, m is 0.

According to another particular embodiment of the invention, R-i is a methyl, and more particularly m is 0 and Ri is a methyl.

According to a preferred embodiment, a simethicone according to the invention comprises a dimethicone corresponding to formula (IV) below:

in which formula (IV) x is an integer ranging from 50 to 1000, better still from 100 to 500 and more specifically from 150 to 300.

Preferably, the simethicone(s) are present in the composition according to the invention in a total content ranging from 0.001 % to 1 % by weight and particularly from 0.002% to 0.1 % by weight, for example from 0.005% to 0.05% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The simethicone(s) used in emulsion form are stabilized in water with at least one emulsifying system comprising at least one surfactant.

The surfactant(s) advantageously comprise at least one nonionic surfactant.

This (these) nonionic surfactant(s) are advantageously chosen from nonionic surfactants with an HLB value, according to Griffin, at 25°C, of greater than or equal to 8, in particular greater than or equal to 10, such as ranging from 10 to 17. The Griffin HLB (hydrophilic/lipophilic balance) value is defined in J. Soc. Cosm. Chem. 1954 (volume 5), pages 249-256. Reference may be made to the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, volume 22, p. 333-432, 3rd edition, 1979, Wiley, for the definition of the emulsifying properties and functions of surfactants, in particular p. 347-377 of this reference.

Even more particularly, the surfactant(s) are advantageously chosen from oxyalkylenated esters, preferably oxyalkylenated sorbitan esters such as polyethylene glycol sorbitan tristearate. Preferably, the emulsifying system(s) are present in the composition according to the invention in a total content ranging from 0.0001 % to 0.1 % by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to a particular embodiment, the simethicone emulsion comprises a simethicone/polysorbate 65 combination, dispersed in water, referenced Xiameter AFE - 1510, also sold by Dow Corning.

Silicone gum

The composition in accordance with the invention advantageously comprises at least one silicone gum, preferably introduced in the form of an emulsion.

Advantageously, this (these) silicone gum(s) are dispersed in an aqueous phase, in particular in water, by means of an emulsifying system, in particular at least one suitable surfactant.

This (these) silicone gum(s) are capable of increasing the smooth and glidant nature of the composition after application and drying of the nail, for example at room temperature.

The term "gum" means a high molecular weight compound, optionally comprising at least a fraction that is solid at a temperature of 25°C.

The term "silicone gum" preferably means a gum that may be obtained from at least one polyorganopolysiloxane, in particular a polydimethylsiloxane compound, more particularly which may be obtained from the reaction of at least one polydimethylsiloxane compound comprising hydrogenosilane functions with at least one polydimethylsiloxane comprising vinyl functions.

The silicone gums that may be used in accordance with the invention are especially polydiorganosiloxanes, in particular with high mass-average molecular masses of between 30 000 and 1 000 000 and preferably between 50 000 and 1 000 000, used alone or as a mixture, preferably in the form of an emulsion in water.

The silicone gum(s) may be chosen from:

- polydimethylsiloxane gums,

- polydimethylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane gums,

- polydimethylsiloxane/diphenylsiloxane gums,

- polydimethylsiloxane/phenylmethylsiloxane gums,

- polydimethylsiloxane/diphenylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane gums,

- dimethicone/divinyldimethicone gums,

and a mixture thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the silicone gum(s) comprise at least one divinyldimethicone/dimethicone copolymer.

A silicone gum in accordance with the invention is sold, for example, under the reference HMW2220, or MEM-1997 Emulsion, or Xiameter MEM-2664 Emulsion by the company Dow Corning.

A composition in accordance with the invention advantageously comprises a total content of silicone gum(s) preferably less than or equal to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, and preferably greater than or equal to 0.01 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, such as ranging from 0.05% to 1 % by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, more preferably ranging from 0.1 % to 0.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Additives

A composition in accordance with the invention may also contain ingredients commonly used in cosmetics and more especially in the field of nail cosmetics and/or nailcare. They may be chosen especially from vitamins, trace elements, softeners, sequestrants, acidifying or basifying agents, spreading agents, thickeners not having any film-forming properties, preserving agents, UV-screening agents, active agents, moisturizers, fragrances, neutralizers, stabilizers and antioxidants, and mixtures thereof.

When the compositions in accordance with the invention are more particularly intended for caring for natural nails, they may especially incorporate, as active agents, keratin material hardeners, active agents that act on nail growth, for instance methylsulfonylmethane, and/or active agents for treating various nail-based complaints, for instance onychomycosis.

The amounts of these various ingredients may be those conventionally used in this field, for example from 0.01 % to 20% by weight and especially from 0.01 % to 10 % by weight relative to the total weight of the composition in accordance with the invention.

PACKAGING AND APPLICATION ASSEMBLY

A composition in accordance with the invention is advantageously packaged in an applicator forming a packaging system and application device.

According to a preferred embodiment, this applicator is of the felt-tip applicator type, more particularly a felt-tip pen. FELT-TIP APPLICATOR

The term "felt-tip" denotes a tip made of felt or of synthetic fibres.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "felt-tip pen" denotes an instrument suitable for handling consisting of a tube ending with a tip and containing a reserve of a liquid that discharges via the tip as soon as it is applied onto a support. A "felt-tip applicator" or "felt-tip pen" is different from a ballpoint pen or any device based on simple bristles used for the application of standard nail varnish compositions.

Figure 1 shows schematically, in elevation, an example of an applicator pen that is suitable for applying the composition.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross section along 11-11 of Figure 1 , according to a first embodiment.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross section along ll-ll of Figure 1 , according to a second embodiment.

In general, the applicator 1 comprises a body 2 of elongated shape along a longitudinal axis X, equipped at a first end with an application member 3, 3' and optionally at a second end opposite the first end with a closing member, which, in the illustrated example, is in the form of a cap that can be fixed onto the body 2, for example by click- fastening so as to obtain leaktight closure of the applicator when not in use.

The body 2 is closed at the end opposite the application member 3 by a base 5, which is, for example, click-fastened or maintained by friction in the body 2.

The wall of the body 2 may be substantially undeformable, transfer of the composition onto the area to be treated taking place by capillary action by maintaining the pressure equilibrium between the reservoir and the external medium. Otherwise, a venting orifice may be provided in the body 2 of the applicator so as to re-establish the internal pressure of the device after dispensing composition through the application member 3'. In the example under consideration, the application member 3 is fixed axially relative to the body 2 during application.

The application member 3 may be given various forms. In the illustrated example, the tip of the application member 3 is wedge-shaped, when observed from the side in the direction of the arrows II of Figure 1 , but the tip of the application member may be given other forms, for example conical, frustoconical, double-tipped, bevelled, concave-edged or other forms. The application member 3 may also be covered with fibres on its surface, for example by flocking. The wall of the body 2 may be made, where appropriate, of a more flexible material so as to allow the user to create an excess pressure inside the reservoir in order to increase the flow rate of the composition on application, for example. According to a first embodiment example illustrated in Figure 2, the body 2 contains a composition P which impregnates a block 7 made of a porous material, for example wadding, which may optionally be surrounded by a sheath 8 whose outside diameter corresponds substantially to the inside diameter of the body 2. Such a block 7 is thus made of a hydrophilic material that is capable of being impregnated with a composition according to the invention. This block may, if need be, allow air to pass through so as to regulate the pressure differences between the interior and the exterior of the reservoir especially following the dispensing of composition via the application member 3.

In the illustrated example, the block 7 occupies most of the height of the applicator 1 and bears at one end against the base 5 such that the block 7 forms the reservoir of composition P.

Transportation of the composition to the application member 3 then takes place by capillary action. In the illustrated example, a wick 10 is applied at a first end against the block 7 and at a second opposite end against the application member 3.

The wick 10 thus provides fluid communication between the block 7 and the application member 3.

The wick 10 and the application member 3 are advantageously engaged in a shaft 12, which, in the example under consideration, is integral with the body 2 by moulding of thermoplastic material.

In this embodiment, the application member 3 and the wick 10 are made, independently of each other, of any material allowing transportation of the composition by capillary action, especially any material made of compressed fibres, of porous composite, of foam, of cellulose, of sintered mineral or plastic material, for example of sintered elastomer beads. Preferably, the application member 3 and the wick 10 are made of the same material, especially of compressed fibres.

A process for manufacturing such an application member and such a wick consists, for example, in gathering together synthetic fibres of polyester type by adjusting the tension and in moulding them by hot compression in a cylindrical mould. The cylindrical bundle of fibres formed, with the required cross section, which is preferably circular, is introduced through an orifice into a bath of resin in solution and passed through the resin in solution. The cylindrical bundle of fibres impregnated with the resin in solution is passed through a heating oven to remove the solvent and to harden the resin. The cylindrical bundle of fibres is then chopped to the corresponding length. To form a tip, the chopped pieces are ground at one end and tapered into a tip. The resins used to attach the bundle of fibres comprise thermosetting resins such as unsaturated polyesters, urea-formaldehyde, phenol, epoxy, melamine or polyurethane resins, and thermoplastic resins such as polyvinyl acetates, polyolefins and polyesters with a low melting point. Preferably, the synthetic resin used to bind the polyester fibres is a resin of polyurethane type.

In this embodiment, the wick 10 may have, for example, a height, in the elongation axis of the device, ranging from 5 to 20 mm and in particular from 15 to 20 mm, especially for a cross section having a diameter in its widest part of from 2 to 8 mm and especially from 4 to 6 mm. In this embodiment, the application member 3 ends with a felt tip which may have, for example, a height, in the elongation axis of the device, ranging from 10 to 30 mm and in particular from 15 to 20 mm, especially for a cross section having a diameter in its widest part of from 2 to 8 mm and especially from 4 to 6 mm.

According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the wick 10 and the application member 3 are made as one piece forming a dipping application member 3', comprising a first end in contact with a reservoir of composition P, extending between a block 7' that is impermeable to the composition P, and the base 5, and a second end opposite the first end forming the application end. Thus, a space extends between the block 7' and the base 5 to receive the composition P in loose form, intended to pass through the application member 3'. Consequently, the composition P to be dispensed is not trapped in a composition retention block in this embodiment. Specifically, this second embodiment provides for a hydrophobic block 7'. Such a block is thus incapable of being impregnated with composition P that will remain in loose form in the reservoir. However, this block may optionally allow air to pass through so as to regulate the pressure differences between the interior and the exterior of the reservoir especially following the dispensing of composition via the application member 3'.

This second embodiment also preferably comprises in the reservoir of composition P a ball 9 that can be moved by shaking, for example manual shaking, of the packaging and application system, so as to facilitate the (re)dispersion of pigment(s) and/or to prevent the sedimentation of pigment(s). In this embodiment, the application member 3' may have, for example, a height, in the elongation axis of the device, ranging from 40 to 100 mm and in particular from 45 to 65 mm, especially for a cross section having a diameter in its widest part of from 2 to 8 mm and especially from 4 to 6 mm.

In this embodiment, the application member 3' is made of at least one material allowing transportation of the composition by capillary action, especially any material made of compressed fibres, of porous composite, of foam, of cellulose, of sintered mineral or plastic material, for example of sintered elastomer beads. Preferably, the application member 3' is made of compressed fibres, especially of compressed polyester fibres, advantageously according to the same manufacturing method as described previously in reference to the first embodiment.

In yet another variant of this second embodiment, the block 7 is absent.

Preferably, in the context of the present invention, the application member 3, 3' remains in permanent fluid communication with the composition contained in the reservoir.

Preferably also, the applicator in accordance with the present invention does not have a valve, especially between the reservoir and the application member 3, 3'.

Preferably, finally, the applicator in accordance with the present invention does not require any pressure on the body 2 to promote the flow of the composition through the application member 3, 3'.

To use the applicator, the user takes hold of the body 2 as if it were a pen and can bring the tip of the application member into contact with the nail, especially from the inner edge to the outer edge of the nail. A felt-tip applicator in accordance with the invention is advantageously such that the mean speed of capillary ascent of the composition is greater than or equal to 0.50 mm/s, preferably greater than or equal to 0.60 mm/s, and preferably ranges from 0.70 mm/s to 5 mm/s and better still from 0.75 mm/s to 2 mm/s.

The method used for determining the speed of capillary ascent through the application member (in particular the wick) is as follows:

- use an application member 3, 3' preferably with a maximum height of 12.5 mm and preferably a regular geometry, or, in the contrary case, cut the stalk so as to satisfy these requirements,

- place 4 mL of a composition in accordance with the invention in a cylindrical glass reservoir with a diameter of 45 mm, - position the application member 3, 3' at the centre of the cylinder perpendicular to the support and start the chronometer,

- measure the time for the entire height of the application member 3, 3' to become wet, and

- divide the height of the application member 3, 3' by the time of capillary ascent to calculate the speed of capillary ascent through the application member 3, 3'.

An application member 3, 3' in accordance with the invention has a percentage of free volume ranging from 50 to 80 and more particularly from 55 to 75.

The method used for determining the percentage of free volume of the application member (in particular the wick) is as follows:

1 - calculate the volume of the application member based on the dimensions of the application member, given that, preferably, the application member is of cylindrical shape (example: V _wick = π i^ h),

2- weigh the mass of the empty application member 3, 3',

3- place the application member 3, 3' in distilled water until the wick is full,

4- rapidly remove the excess water and weigh the application member 3, 3' filled with water,

5- calculate the mass of water absorbed by the wick corresponding to the mass of the filled application member 3, 3' minus the mass of the empty wick,

6- calculate the volume of water absorbed corresponding to the mass of water absorbed by the application member 3, 3' divided by the density of water, and

7- calculate the percentage of free volume of the application member 3, 3' corresponding to the volume of water absorbed multiplied by 100, divided by the volume of the application member 3, 3'.

According to a preferred embodiment, an application member of the felt-tip type in accordance with the invention has the following characteristics:

a speed of capillary ascent (mm/sec): 0.75 mm/sec to 1 .5 mm/sec,

a percentage of free volume ranging from 55 to 75, and

is made of polyester fibres with a cross section relative to the axis of elongation of the said wick ranging from 40 to 50 μηη. APPLICATION PROCESS

A subject of the invention is also a process for making up the nails comprising at least one step of applying a composition as defined previously, especially using a felt- tip applicator.

EXAMPLES

Nail varnish compositions were prepared and introduced into a felt-tip applicator of the same type as that described as the first embodiment in the present description.

Composition Comparative Comparative

Phase Ingredients 1 according composition composition s with percentage contents to the 1 outside 2 outside

invention the invention the invention

STYRENE/ACRYLATES/

AMMONIUM METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER dispersed

A 75.62 75.62 75.62

in water to a solids

content of 42%

(Syntran PC 5620 from

Interpolymer)

Propylene glycol

dibenzoate

(Lexfeel Shine from 1 .97 1 .97 1 .97

Inolex Chemical

Company)

B PPG-2 BUTYL ETHER

(Dowanol DPnB from 3.62 3.62 3.62

Dow Chemical)

AMMONIUM ACRYLATE COPOLYMER, dispersed 0.99 0.99 0.99

in water to a solids content of 23%

(Syntran KL219-CG from

Interpolymer)

DIVINYLDIMETHICONE /

DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER, dispersed

c in water to a solids 0.5 0.5 0.8

content of 60%

(HMW 2220 from Dow

Corning)

Emulsion of simethicone

based on polyethylene

glycol sorbitan tristearate

D at a solids content of 10% 0.3 - - in water

(Xiameter AFE -1510

from Dow Corning)

Microbiologically clean 1 1 1 1.3 1 1

E

water (qs 100) (qs 100) (qs 100)

F Preserving system q.s. q.s. q.s.

The protocol for preparing the above compositions is as follows:

- Slowly add the premixed Phase B to Phase A with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender.

- Add Phase C and then Phase D and then Phase E to the mixture of A and B with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender.

- Add Phase F to the mixture with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender.

- Mix with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender for 10 minutes.

Composition 1 according to the invention gives rise to a smooth, uniform deposit, even after having been placed in an oven at 45°C for 2 months.

The comparative composition 1 outside the invention gives a less smooth deposit and is thus liable to become worn out more quickly over time, when compared with the composition according to the invention. The composition according to the invention and the comparative composition 1 outside the invention are coated onto contrast cards. After drying, the two contrast cards are rubbed against each other, bringing the coated films into contact with each other. Greater wear of the film obtained with the comparative composition outside the invention is then observed, when compared with the film obtained with the composition according to the invention.

The comparative composition 2 outside the invention gives a deposit that has a white veil, affecting the aesthetic quality of the deposit, when compared with composition 1 according to the invention.

Three other compositions in accordance with the invention are illustrated below and always applied with a felt-tip applicator of the same type as that described as the first embodiment:

Ingredients Composition Composition Composition

Phases with percentage according to according to according to

contents invention 2 invention 3 invention 4

STYRENE/ACRYLATES

/AMMONIUM

COPOLYMER

A dispersed in water to a 67.97 67.97 67.97

solids content of 42%

(Syntran PC 5620 from

Interpolymer)

Propylene glycol

dibenzoate

(Lexfeel Shine from 1 .77 - 1 .77

Inolex Chemical

Company)

B PPG-2 BUTYL ETHER

(Dowanol DPnB from 3.25 - 3.25

Dow Chemical)

Texanol Ester Alcohol /

2,2,4-Trimethyl-1 ,3- - 5.02% - pentanediol Monoisobutyrate

(Eastman)

AMMONIUM ACRYLATE COPOLYMER, at a

solids content of 23% in 0.41 0.41 - water

(Syntran KL219-CG

from Interpolymer)

SMA 1000 HNa Solution

mixture (Cray Valley)

- - 0.41 dispersed in water to a

content of 57.5%

DIVINYLDIMETHICONE

/ DIMETHICONE

COPOLYMER

c dispersed in water to a 0.5 0.5 0.5 solids content of 60%

(HMW 2220 from Dow

Corning)

Emulsion of simethicone

based on polyethylene

glycol sorbitan

D tristearate at a solids 0.1 0.1 0.1 content of 10% in water

(Xiameter AFE -1510

from Dow Corning)

Microbiologically clean

7.26 7.26 7.26 water

INULIN LAURYL CARBAMATE

E 0.26 0.26 0.26 (Inutec SP1 from Beneo

Bio-based Chemicals)

Red 7 / CI 15850

2 2 2 (Unipure Red LC 3079 OR from Sensient)

AMMONIUM ACRYLATE COPOLYMER,

dispersed in water to a 0.48 0.48 - solids content of 23%

(Syntran KL219-CG

from Interpolymer)

SMA 1000 HNa Solution

mixture (Cray Valley)

- - 0.48 dispersed in water to a

content of 57.5%

Microbiologically clean 10 10 10

F

water (qs 100) (qs 100) (qs 100)

qs qs qs

G Preservative system

The protocol for preparing the above compositions is as follows:

- Slowly add the premixed Phase B to Phase A with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender.

- Add Phase C and then Phase D to the mixture of A and B with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender.

- Prepare phase E by predispersing the following four starting materials, in the following order:

- Microbiologically clean water

- Inutec SP1

- Unipure Red LC 3079 OR

- Syntran KL219-CG

Mill the pigmentary paste in a ball mill for 1 hour with cooling to 10°C (speed of 15 m/s with Dispermat TML1 ).

- Add Phase E prepared after milling to the mixture with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender.

- Add Phase F to the mixture with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender. - Mix with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender for 50 minutes.

- Add the premixed Phase G to the mixture with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender.

- Mix with vigorous stirring using a Rayneri blender for 10 minutes.

These compositions 2, 3 and 4 have a uniform distribution even after having been placed in an oven at 45°C for 2 months. In addition, good stability of the pigments is observed.

It is understood that, in the context of the present invention, the weight percentages given for a compound or a family of compounds are always expressed as weight of solids of the compound in question.

Throughout the application, the wording "comprising one" or "including one" "comprising at least one" or "including at least one", unless otherwise specified.