A method of camouflaging a tonal imperfection comprising the steps of: identifying a skin tone of a user comprising a tonal imperfection; instructing the user to select a pigmented cosmetic composition adapted to camouflage the tonal imperfection based on the user's skin tone; selecting the pigmented cosmetic composition; and selectively targeting and depositing the pigmented cosmetic composition substantially only onto the tonal imperfection; wherein the pigmented cosmetic composition comprises an average composition L* value of about 10 to about 40 units greater than an average skin L* value of the user. The pigmented cosmetic composition can comprise a particular set of L*C*h* values such that when deposited onto tonal imperfections, it can result in natural, flawless looking skin, while still remaining substantially undetectable to the naked eye.

An array of cosmetic compositions intended to camouflage imperfections on human skin in a targeted manner is provided. The array includes two or more different cosmetic compositions, each cosmetic composition having a metal oxide. The different cosmetic compositions each have an L* value within the range of from about 60 to about 90. In addition, one or more of the cosmetic compositions from the array will effectively camouflage imperfections on a consumer's skin if they have an average skin L* value between 35 and 75.

An array of cosmetic compositions intended to camouflage imperfections on human skin in a targeted manner is provided. The array includes two or more different cosmetic compositions, each cosmetic composition having a metal oxide. The different cosmetic compositions each have an L* value within the range of from about 60 to about 90. In addition, one or more of the cosmetic compositions from the array will effectively camouflage imperfections on a consumer's skin if they have an average skin L* value between 35 and 75.

The invention provides an inorganic particle dispersion comprising a novel block copolymer capable of improving dispersibility of inorganic particles, particularly an inorganic particle dispersion for a cosmetic.

The inorganic particle dispersion, particularly the inorganic particle dispersion for a cosmetic of the present invention comprises a dispersion medium, an inorganic particle dispersed in the dispersion medium, and a block copolymer comprising a hydrophobic segment and a hydrophilic segment, wherein the hydrophobic segment comprises a monomer unit composed of at least one monomer selected from the following Formula 1 and Formula 2, wherein at least a portion of the hydrophilic segment is adsorbed on the inorganic particle, and the hydrophobic segment is oriented outwardly relative to the inorganic particle:

##STR00001## where R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a methyl group, R.sup.2 is hydrogen or fluorine, m is an integer of 0 to 6, and n is an integer of 1 to 15,

##STR00002## where R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a methyl group, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, m is an integer of 1 to 6, and p is an integer of 5 to 70.

A method for producing a coated inorganic powder by stirring and mixing an inorganic powder and an organic compound, thereby coating the particle surface of the inorganic powder with the organic compound, the method including making the coating amount of the organic compound relative to the inorganic powder uniform while reducing the inorganic powder and the organic compound which stick to the inner wall of a vessel is provided.

When stirring the inorganic powder and the organic compound in a vessel that is equipped with a stirring blade and has an opening portion, at least a first stirring step and a second stirring step after the first stirring are provided. When the speed of the stirring blade of the first stirring step is defined as V.sub.1 (m/s) and the speed of the stirring blade of the second stirring step is defined as V.sub.2 (m/s), the relationship of “V.sub.1>V.sub.2” is established.

A method for producing a coated inorganic powder by stirring and mixing an inorganic powder and an organic compound, thereby coating the particle surface of the inorganic powder with the organic compound, the method including making the coating amount of the organic compound relative to the inorganic powder uniform while reducing the inorganic powder and the organic compound which stick to the inner wall of a vessel is provided.

When stirring the inorganic powder and the organic compound in a vessel that is equipped with a stirring blade and has an opening portion, at least a first stirring step and a second stirring step after the first stirring are provided. When the speed of the stirring blade of the first stirring step is defined as V.sub.1 (m/s) and the speed of the stirring blade of the second stirring step is defined as V.sub.2 (m/s), the relationship of “V.sub.1>V.sub.2” is established.

The oil-in-water type solid cosmetic material contains a powder component, a gelling agent, a water-soluble thickener, water, and an oiling agent, wherein a plate-like powder, which has an average particle size of 10 to 200 μm and has an aspect ratio of 40 to 200, is contained, as the powder component, in an amount of 3% to 30% by mass based on a total amount of the cosmetic material; and agar and/or gellan gum is contained as the gelling agent.

The oil-in-water type solid cosmetic material contains a powder component, a gelling agent, a water-soluble thickener, water, and an oiling agent, wherein a plate-like powder, which has an average particle size of 10 to 200 μm and has an aspect ratio of 40 to 200, is contained, as the powder component, in an amount of 3% to 30% by mass based on a total amount of the cosmetic material; and agar and/or gellan gum is contained as the gelling agent.

The present invention relates to a solid makeup and/or care cosmetic composition in the form of a compact powder, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least: a pulverulent phase, an emulsifying system, a hydrophilic gelling agent, an organic lake, and a hydrophilic active agent with hygroscopic properties, which is present in a content of between 1% and 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, the said composition having a solids content of greater than or equal to 90%. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing this cosmetic composition from an intermediate composition comprising an aqueous phase, and to a process for coating the skin with the said cosmetic composition.

The present invention relates to a solid makeup and/or care cosmetic composition in the form of a compact powder, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least: a pulverulent phase, an emulsifying system, a hydrophilic gelling agent, an organic lake, and a hydrophilic active agent with hygroscopic properties, which is present in a content of between 1% and 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, the said composition having a solids content of greater than or equal to 90%. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing this cosmetic composition from an intermediate composition comprising an aqueous phase, and to a process for coating the skin with the said cosmetic composition.