Method for manufacturing a personalized applicator for the application of a cosmetic composition

Abstract

Method for manufacturing a personalized applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the lips, in which the applicator includes an application surface made from a material that can become loaded with composition. The method includes the following steps: a) performing a 3D scan of the topography of at least part of the surface of the lips, and b) from at least said scan, creating at least part of the applicator or a mold used for the manufacture thereof, by machining a preform or by additive manufacturing.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a personalized applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the lips, this applicator comprising an application surface made from a material that can be loaded with composition, the method comprising the following steps: a) performing a 3D scan of the topography of at least part of the surface of the lips, and b) from at least the 3D scan, creating at least part of the applicator or a mold used for the manufacture thereof, by machining a preform or by additive manufacturing, the method comprising generation of a reworked 3D surface different than a natural surface of the lips, the applicator or the mold used for its manufacture having a shape given at least in part by this reworked surface, the method comprising the detection, automatically using software, of asymmetry of the lips and/or the face; the calculation of the reworked surface being performed automatically at least with consideration to the detected asymmetry.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, the outline of the application surface corresponding to the natural outline of the lips.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, the outline of the application surface diverging from the natural outline of the lips.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, involving creating an outline which differs from the natural outline of the scanned lips.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, the reworked surface diverging from the natural surface of the lips inside the outline thereof, in order to leave a space between the application surface and the scanned lips when the applicator is applied to the lips in the normal way.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, without dependency on claim 2, the reworked surface coinciding with the natural surface of the lips resulting from the scan, apart from its outline which differs from the natural outline of the scanned lips.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising a step involving giving the user an option to choose between at least two make-up results, the reworked surface being generated at least on the basis of this choice.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, involving displaying the natural surface of the scanned lips and/or a make-up result obtained with the applicator and/or the reworked surface.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, involving the step of allowing an operator to model a surface obtained from the 3D scan, and thus generate the reworked surface.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, the modeling being performed remotely using software from a workstation to which the data representative of the 3D scan have been transmitted over a telecommunications network.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, involving an outlining, of the lips from at least one image thereof.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1, involving determining a plurality of points on the natural outline of the lips, and estimating the natural outline of the lips by interpolation between these points.

13. The method as claimed in claim 1, involving determining a plurality of points on the outline of the reworked surface, and generating at least part of the outline of the reworked surface by interpolation between these points.

14. The method as claimed in claim 1, in which a translated numerical copy of a surface obtained from the 3D scan of the lips is created, and then a smoothed volume of the applicator or of the mold between said surface and the translated copy thereof is generated.

15. The method as claimed in claim 1, in which the applicator is produced with a handle on the back.

16. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the applicator is produced by machining.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein a preform chosen from among many according to the shape that is to be obtained after machining, is machined.

18. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein a preform already comprising the handle is machined.

19. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the applicator or the mold intended for its manufacture is produced by an additive method.

20. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the application surface is at least partially covered in flock.

21. The method as claimed in claim 1, involving displaying at least a portion of the face of the individual with a simulation of the lip made-up with the personalized applicator.

22. The method as claimed in claim 1, the 3D scan being preceded by the application of a composition to the lips according to a defined outline.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, said outline corresponding to the natural outline of the lips.

24. The method as claimed in claim 22, said outline corresponding to that of the application surface that is to be created.

25. The method as claimed in claim 1, the application surface of the applicator being configured to apply the composition to all or almost all of the lips.

26. The method as claimed in claim 1, the application surface of the applicator being configured to apply the composition to just a portion of the lips.

27. The method as claimed in claim 26, said portion corresponding to the outline of the lips.

28. The method as claimed in claim 1, the scan of the topography of the lips including the scan of a region of skin extending around the mouth.

29. A method for the cosmetic treatment of the lips involving applying a cosmetic composition to the lips using an applicator obtained by the method as claimed in claim 1.

30. The method as claimed in claim 29, the applicator becoming loaded with composition by being brought into contact with a pad soaked in composition.

31. The method as claimed in claim 5, the composition being self-expanding and filling said space as it expands.

32. The method as claimed in claim 29, the applicator being heated and becoming loaded with composition by being brought into contact with a block of composition.

33. The method as claimed in claim 29, the composition being adhesive, the method further comprising the application to the adhesive composition applied to the lips of a second cosmetic composition.

34. The method as claimed in claim 29, the composition being transparent.

35. The method as claimed in claim 4, involving creating a different shape of Cupid's bow and/or a different height and/or a different width.

36. The method as claimed in claim 9, involving the step of allowing an operator to model the outline of said surface obtained from the 3D scan.

37. The method as claimed in claim 10, the data representative of the 3D scan having been transmitted over a telecommunications network over the Internet or by GSM/GPRS.

38. The method as claimed in claim 12, involving determining a plurality of points on the natural outline of the lips from at least one image thereof.

39. The method as claimed in claim 13, involving determining a plurality of points on the outline of the reworked surface from at least one image allowing an operator visually to position these points.

40. The method as claimed in claim 17, said preform being chosen automatically.

41. The method as claimed in claim 19, the applicator or the mold intended for its manufacture is produced by 3D printing.

42. The method as claimed in claim 29, being for applying make-up to same.

43. The method as claimed in claim 33, said second cosmetic composition being in powder form.

44. The method as claimed in claim 11, said outlining being automatic.

45. A method for manufacturing a personalized applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the lips, this applicator comprising an application surface made from a material that can become loaded with composition, the method comprising the following steps: a) performing a 3D scan of the topography of at least part of the surface of the lips, and b) from at least said scan, creating at least part of the applicator or a mold used for the manufacture thereof, by machining a preform or by additive manufacturing, the method comprising the generation of a reworked 3D surface different from the natural surface of the lips, the applicator or the mold used for its manufacture having a shape given at least in part by this reworked surface, and the method involving creating an outline which differs from the natural outline of the scanned lips, creating a different shape of Cupid's bow and/or a different height and/or a different width.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(1) The invention will be better understood from reading the following detailed description of nonlimiting embodiments thereof and from studying the attached drawing, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an illustration of various steps of an example of a method for manufacturing a personalized applicator according to the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates parameters that can be modified during the definition of a reworked outline of the lips according to the invention,

(4) FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate various examples of the acquisition of the topography of the surface of the lips after application of a composition,

(5) FIG. 7 illustrates the creation of a spline outlining curve,

(6) FIG. 8 depicts one example of the creation of a reworked surface,

(7) FIG. 9 illustrates the creation of a smoothed volume for the applicator using the surface of FIG. 8,

(8) FIG. 10 illustrates the computer simulation of a personalized applicator,

(9) FIG. 11 illustrates an applicator produced according to the invention using machining,

(10) FIG. 12 depicts one example of a preform for using micro-machining to create an applicator according to the invention,

(11) FIG. 13 depicts an alternative form of applicator produced by 3D printing,

(12) FIGS. 14A and 14B depict views in vertical and partial section, on a midplane, of alternative forms of applicator according to the invention,

(13) FIG. 15 depicts an alternative form of applicator comprising a product reservoir,

(14) FIG. 16 depicts a pad impregnated with composition intended to load an applicator according to the invention,

(15) FIG. 17 depicts a box containing a personalized applicator according to the invention,

(16) FIGS. 18 and 19 depict alternative forms of applicator according to the invention, in which the application surface is configured to apply the composition only to their periphery, so as to outline the lips with make-up only,

(17) FIGS. 20A and 20D depict views in vertical and partial section, on a midplane, of alternative forms of applicator according to the invention, for outlining the lips with make-up only,

(18) FIG. 21 shows examples of results of the application of make-up to the outline of the lips using applicators according to the invention which outline the lips with make-up only,

(19) FIG. 22 depicts photographs of lip make-ups achieved with and without an applicator according to the invention,

(20) FIGS. 23 to 27 illustrate lip make-ups achieved with applicators according to the invention and adhesive compositions, and

(21) FIG. 28 illustrates one example of the sequence of steps in a method for manufacturing a personalized applicator according to the invention.

(22) Various steps in an example of a method, according to the invention, for manufacturing a personalized applicator 1 for applying a cosmetic composition to the lips are depicted in FIG. 1 and will be described in detail in what follows.

(23) During a step 11, a 3D scan of the topography of at least part of the surface of the lips of the user is taken using a 3D scanner 31, for example an Artec 3D “Spider” color scanner. Prior to this step 11, a composition may have been applied to at least part of the user's lips, as detailed later on. The 3D scan may include the lips and at least part of the skin around the lips.

(24) During a step 12, a 3D surface is generated from the scan obtained in step 11, for example using 3D software of the Geomagic's Wrap type, and recorded in a file that can be read by a CNC machine, notably a micro-machining machine 35 or by a 3D printer 32. The file is advantageously stored in memory and may be sent to all the user access points, for example sales outlets or institutes, and sent to the user.

(25) The 3D surface generated can be reworked and may be different than the natural surface of the lips.

(26) An outlining, preferably automatic, of the lips on the basis of at least one image thereof may be performed in a step 13.

(27) During a step 14, a translated numerical copy Ct.sub.2 of the surface Im.sub.2 obtained from the 3D scan of the lips is created, and then a smoothed volume V of the applicator or of the mold used for its manufacture between said surface Im.sub.2 and the translated copy Ct.sub.2 thereof is generated, as depicted in FIGS. 9 (a) and (b).

(28) During a step 15, the personalized applicator is produced by 3D printing or by machining from the file of the 3D surface.

(29) In order to create an applicator that makes it possible to achieve make-up perfectly suited to the face shape of the user, an outline which differs from the natural outline of the scanned lips may be generated.

(30) The outline of the application surface 2 of the applicator 1 may thus diverge from the natural outline of the lips. As visible in FIG. 2, numerous parameters may be modified when defining the reworked outline of the lips, for example the shape of the Cupid's bow and/or a different height for one and/or other of the upper and lower lips, and/or a different width. An asymmetry of the lips and/or the face may be detected, the reworked outline advantageously taking this into consideration, for example in order to re-establish the appearance of symmetry in the made up lips.

(31) In order to assist with defining the ideal outline and be able more easily to capture the outline of the relevant region, a composition that modifies their appearance may be applied to at least part of the user's lips.

(32) In the example of FIG. 3, a red lipstick has been applied, in a uniform coat, to at least part of the lips and to the skin around the lips of a user, before the 3D scan. This lipstick has advantageously been applied in such a way as to redefine the outline of the lips in the way chosen by the user. Because this lipstick exhibits a pronounced difference in color compared with the rest of the face, the outline of the region to which the composition is applied is readily recognized by the 3D scanner 31. The composition may be applied differently from a uniform coat, for example along a line defining the outline of the lips. FIG. 3(b) shows the 3D acquisition of the surface thus covered with the lipstick.

(33) In the alternative form in FIG. 4, a silicone paste has been applied over a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm That makes it possible, as seen in FIG. 4(b), for a 3D scanner unable to detect color, for example a Geomagic “Capture” 3D scanner, to make the acquisition of the outline of the region to which the composition has been applied.

(34) In the alternative form of FIG. 5, a red or white lipstick has been used to look for the ideal shape of outline. In order for a 3D scanner unable to detect color to perform the acquisition, an adhesive filament, for example with a diameter equal to 0.5 mm, has been used along the outline defined by the lipstick. The make-up has then been removed from the lips in order to perform the 3D scan.

(35) In the alternative form of FIG. 6, a white lipstick has been applied, in a uniform coat. Because the white lipstick exhibits a pronounced difference in color compared with the rest of the face, the outline of the region to which the composition is applied is readily recognized by the 3D scanner 31, as visible in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b).

(36) An automatic outlining of the lips from an image thereof can be produced, it being possible to generate a “spline”, having numerous control points, for example more than twenty or so, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

(37) It is possible to use image processing to isolate the regions from which to produce the applicator. Thus, FIG. 8 illustrates the captured region after the region outside the outlined outline has been eliminated, this corresponding to an image Im.sub.2 of the application surface 2 of the applicator 1 that is in the process of being produced.

(38) FIG. 10 is a computer simulation of a personalized applicator according to the invention, after the creation of the volume visible in FIG. 9(b). In this example, a distinctive sign S.sub.d corresponding to the user's forename is inscribed on the applicator.

(39) In the example of FIG. 11, the personalized applicator 1 according to the invention, comprising a handle 4, has been manufactured by micro-machining, as described previously, on the basis of the surface defined in step 12. The user obtains her applicator for example between 5 and 15 minutes after the start of the operation and can use it immediately.

(40) An example of a preform 20 used for creating the applicator 1 by micro-machining is depicted in FIG. 12. This preform has an upper cavity 34 corresponding to the upper lip, and a lower cavity 33 corresponding to the lower lip. This preform 20 can be chosen, notably automatically, from among many according to the shape that is to be obtained after machining. In this case, a computer program may indicate the preform best suited to the end result, for example which requires the least removal of material. The preform 20 can be machined by any technique that is compatible with the material used.

(41) In the alternative form of FIG. 13, the personalized applicator 1 has been manufactured by 3D printing on the basis of the surface defined in step 12, using for example a 3D printer 32 of the Ultimaker 3 type, loaded with an ABS filament. The user obtains her applicator approximately between 2 and 4 hours after the start of the operation and can use it, after first cleaning it.

(42) FIG. 14A depicts the applicator of FIG. 13 viewed in vertical and partial section on a plane corresponding to the vertical midplane of the mouth. The application surface 2 which conforms to the shape of the lips is visible.

(43) In the alternative form of FIG. 14B, a space E has been left between the application surface 2 and the scanned lips, indicated in dotted line. The reworked surface departs from the natural surface of the lips on the inside of the outline thereof, when the applicator is pressed onto the lips in the normal way. The applicator 1 can be used with a self-expanding composition which, as it expands, fills the space E left between the application surface 2 and the lips.

(44) In the example of FIG. 13, the applicator 1 comprises a handle 4 on the back. It is intended to be brought into contact with a domed pad impregnated with composition, for example made of foam, as visible in FIG. 16, which readily adapts to the shape of the applicator. In the alternative form of FIG. 17, the personalized applicator 1 according to the invention and a pad 7 impregnated with composition are offered in a box 8, for example including a mirror 9.

(45) In an alternative form which has not been illustrated, the applicator 1 is heated and loaded with composition by being brought into contact with a compact of composition.

(46) In the alternative form of FIG. 15, the applicator 1 has been produced in such a way that it can be mounted on a reservoir 6 containing the make-up product. The reservoir 6 is, for example, a flexible tube. However, the invention is not limited to one particular type of applicator or of reservoir or pad.

(47) In the alternative form illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 20A, a personalized applicator 10 according to the invention, manufactured as described hereinabove, has an application surface 2 configured for applying the composition only to the periphery of the lips so as to make up their outline only. In the example concerned, the application surface 2 is defined by a filamentary part of the applicator 10. In this example, the applicator 10 comprises a central part 10a, extended by the handle 4, and four arms 17 extending from said central part 10a and at their ends and in their middle supporting the upper and lower parts 18, 19 of the applicator 10 that form the outline of the upper and lower lips respectively. The upper and lower parts 18, 19 meet at their ends.

(48) In the alternative form of FIGS. 19 and 20B, the application surface 2 is defined by a hollowed part 5 of the applicator 10.

(49) In the alternative form of FIG. 20C, the application surface 2 is solid, the application surface 2, with the exception of the peripheral part 2a thereof, is coated in flock.

(50) In the alternative form of FIG. 20D, the applicator 10 is made of two materials: the peripheral part 2a of the solid application surface 2, which is intended for making up the outline of the lips, is made from a material capable of becoming loaded with composition, the inside 2b of the application surface 2 being made from a different material less, or even not at all, able to become loaded with composition.

(51) The outlines of these applicators 10 may be produced to follow the exact shape of the mouth or to follow a redefined shape, as explained hereinabove.

(52) FIG. 21(a) shows a result of the use of a filamentary personalized applicator 10 for making up the outline of the lips. FIG. 21(b) shows a result of the use of a hollowed personalized applicator 10. In these two examples, the user has outlined the outline of her lips using the applicator 10 by loading the application surface 2 using a pad impregnated with composition and pressing it against her lips. The outlines are very clean and very attractive. In an alternative form which is not illustrated, the space inside the outline is filled with a cosmetic composition of the same color as or of a different color than the one used for the outline. The applicator used for doing this is advantageously a personalized applicator 1 according to the invention, or a stick of lipstick according to the prior art.

(53) A comparison between the lip make-up results obtained with a lipstick applicator of the prior art, for example of the stick of lipstick type, and with a personalized applicator 1 according to the invention, is depicted in FIG. 22. The make-up obtained with the personalized applicator 1, visible on the right, is of high quality, the outlines are very clean and very attractive. The lips appear to have been remodeled and appear more plump. Subtle changes in lip outline, at millimeter scale, are enough to make a very pronounced change to the look of the lips and improve the overall harmony of the face.

(54) In the example of FIG. 23, a first composition, a glucose syrup, for example made by Scrap Cooking, has been applied to the application surface 2 of an applicator 1 according to the invention, the applicator 1 then being used to apply to the lips of a user. A second composition, nonpareil sugar balls, Silikomart Mini Wonder Pearls made by Wonder Cakes in this example, are applied with a brush to the lips thus coated with the first composition.

(55) In the example of FIG. 24, a glucose syrup is once again applied to the user's lips using an applicator 1 according to the invention. A second composition, an edible irridescent blue powder made by Scrap Cooking in this example, is applied with a brush to the lips thus coated with the first composition.

(56) In the example of FIG. 25, a first composition, a matte liquid lipstick in a first color, is applied exclusively to the outline of the lips using an applicator 10 according to the invention, then a second composition, a matte liquid lipstick of a second color, different than the first, lighter in the example considered, is applied to the entirety of the lips using an applicator 1 according to the invention loaded with composition by a pad 7 impregnated with said second composition.

(57) In the example of FIG. 26, a first composition, a solid greasy red lipstick, has been applied by brush to the application surface 2 of an applicator 1 according to the invention, the applicator 1 then being used to apply to the lips of a user. Edible gold glitter, made by Scrap Cooking in this example, is applied with a brush to the lips thus coated with the first composition.

(58) In the example of FIG. 27, an adhesive composition, such as Pros-Aid Adhesive by ADM Tronic, is applied to an applicator 10 according to the invention and is then applied exclusively to the outline of the lips. Edible gold leaf is then applied with a brush to the outline thus coated with the adhesive composition, as visible in FIG. 27(b). A second composition, a matte liquid lipstick in the example considered, is applied to the entirety of the lips using an applicator 1 according to the invention loaded with composition by a pad 7 impregnated with said second composition.

(59) Personalized applicators according to the invention allow uniform results to be obtained very quickly after just a few attempts.

(60) Various examples of implementations methods for manufacturing a personalized applicator according to the invention will now be described.

Example 1

(61) In a first example illustrated in FIG. 28, a user desirous of a personalized applicator goes to a sales outlet or to an institute where there is a make-up artist who guides her through the creation of her applicator. The make-up artist applies a red lipstick to the user's lips, looking for the ideal shape of the lip outline, and defines the lip outline that best suits the individual, for example in terms of the overall harmony of the face, making successive small adjustments until she is satisfied. A 3D scan of the topography of the surface of the lips thus covered in composition is then made using a color 3D scanner 31. A 3D surface and the volume of the applicator are generated from the result of the scan, with the outline defined by the make-up artist, as described hereinabove, and a micro-machining tool 35 is used to manufacture the applicator 1, an example of which is depicted in FIG. 11.

Example 2

(62) This example is identical to the preceding example except that the make-up artist operates at a different location than the location at which the 3D scan will be performed, the make-up artist having, for example visited the user at home, or the user having visited the make-up artist's salon. The user then goes to a sales outlet where the 3D acquisition and the manufacture of the applicator are performed by an operator.

Example 3

(63) In this example, after the make-up artist has found the ideal shape for the outline of the lips by applying a composition and taking a 3D scan of the topography, the user leaves the location where that has been performed, with her lips thus made-up, and takes advantage of this to gather opinions from those around her. She then sends the make-up artist the order either to make the applicator, or not do so. In the affirmative, the make-up artist sends the corresponding 3D file to the chosen location and an operator creates the applicator. Alternatively, the user may rely upon the opinion of those around her to get the make-up artist to make changes.

Example 4

(64) In this example, the step of determining the ideal shape is performed by establishing a remote connection with a third party guiding the individual, for example on her computer. No composition is applied to the lips beforehand, and the search for the ideal outline is performed using software on the 3D scan of the lips. The user may be given the option to choose between several make-up results. The reworked surface is generated from this choice, and the applicator is then created using 3D printing. The user may choose the location at which the applicator is created and go there to collect it. It may also be sent to her at home.

Example 5

(65) In this example, an electronic assistant guides the user on her smart phone, to create the ideal outline. The individual applies a composition to her lips before the 3D scan. The applicator 10 is produced by micro-machining with a filamentary structure and has an application surface 2 configured for applying the composition to the periphery of the lips only, so as to make-up their outline only, as visible in FIG. 18.

(66) Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments that have just been described.

(67) The personalized applicators manufactured according to the invention may be configured to apply a cosmetic composition to an area of keratinous materialsother than the lips, for example the eyelids.