Eyelash lengthening procedure

Abstract

Eyelash Lengthening Method. The invention relates to an eyelash lengthening method, as well as a kit for carrying out the method. The method comprises (i) applying an adhesive to an eyelash, (ii) drying the adhesive for a certain time, and then (iii) attaching a separate individual fiber to a distal portion of the eyelash using a micro-bristled applicator brush having a bristle density greater than 4 bristles / mm², where each fiber has a diameter greater than 30 microns and a length of 4 mm or less, and each fiber is held electrostatically by the micro-bristled applicator brush. Mascara can then be applied to all or part of the eyelashes and the attached fiber. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: Method for lengthening eyelashes Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to cosmetic treatment methods for adding fibers to natural eyelashes and to corresponding assemblies. Background to the invention

[0002] Eyelash extensions and false eyelashes are used to enhance the length, thickness and volume of natural eyelashes.

[0003] There are several methods that can be used to apply eyelash extensions. The main method is to individually glue the fibers forming the extensions to the lash line, one by one, which prevents the fibers from sticking to each other. Eyelash extensions can stay in place for approximately three to four weeks.

[0004] Applying eyelash extensions generally requires professional help, is quite expensive, and usually takes one to two hours. When not done by a professional, applying eyelash extensions usually requires the use of complicated tools to handle the eyelash extensions.

[0005] For non-professional applications, some products contain a tube of mascara and a tube of loose fibers. For most of these products, the application takes place in three application steps: (i) applying a layer of mascara to the eyelashes, (ii) quickly applying a loose fiber to the tip of the eyelashes before the mascara dries completely, and then (iii) reapplying the mascara to achieve the final look. Such products have two disadvantages. First, they tend to have fine, fluffy, white fibers (in particular, very fine fibers with a diameter of less than 30 μm, which easily fly around and fall near the consumers' eye area during application). And second, the fluffy fibers tend to be easily removed when the mascara is subsequently applied.

[0006] It is therefore useful and desirable to have a technique which avoids these drawbacks. Brief summary of the invention

[0007] In the disclosed method, these drawbacks have been addressed, inter alia, by applying new, thicker fibers electrostatically with a micro-bristle brush having specific characteristics, and by using glue as the first step to fix the fiber before brushing it with mascara in the final step. No current or previously available product uses glue and individual fibers applied using a micro-bristle brush for eye makeup.

[0008] The invention relates to a simple and inexpensive method for lengthening eyelashes via the application of eyelash extensions. The method generally comprises three steps: (i) applying a water- or oil-based glue to a distal portion of an eyelash using a first applicator; (ii) allowing the water- or oil-based glue to dry for a certain period of time (e.g., less than 10 seconds); and (iii) depositing one or more separate individual fibers onto the distal portion of the eyelash using a second applicator. Importantly, the second applicator is a micro-bristle applicator brush having a bristle density greater than 4 bristles / mm2, each separate individual fiber being held solely electrostatically by the micro-bristle applicator brush, and the separate individual fiber having a diameter greater than 30 microns and a length equal to or less than 4 mm.

[0009] Once the elementary fibers have been deposited on the eyelashes, the mascara can optionally then be applied to the eyelashes and the individual fibers, using another applicator configured for the application of the mascara.

[0010] The water-based or oil-based adhesive may have certain advantageous compositions. In some embodiments, the water-based or oil-based adhesive comprises a plurality of solvents present in a total amount of between 40 and 60% by weight. The water-based or oil-based adhesive may optionally comprise, or additionally comprise, a plurality of copolymers, the plurality of copolymers being present in a total amount of between 40 and 50% by weight of the composition, each of the copolymers comprising: (i) a monomer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or one of their simple esters, (ii) a hydrogenated styrene monomer or (iii) a combination thereof. The water-based or oil-based adhesive may optionally comprise, or additionally comprise, less than 3% by weight of a thickening agent.

[0011] In particular, the water-based or oil-based glue further comprises less than 1% by weight of a thickening agent.

[0012] Advantageously, each separate individual fiber comprises a synthetic fiber, such as rayon or a nylon (e.g., Nylon 6).

[0013] The invention also relates to a kit for carrying out the described method. The kit comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of: (i) a first composition comprising a water-based or oil-based adhesive; (ii) a first applicator configured to apply the first composition to an eyelash; (iii) a plurality of separate individual fibers, each having a diameter greater than 30 microns and a length less than or equal to 4 mm; (iv) a second applicator (a micro-bristle applicator brush) configured to deposit the separate individual fiber onto the eyelash electrostatically, the micro-bristle applicator brush having a bristle density greater than 4 bristles / mm2; (v) optionally, a second container configured to contain the plurality of separate individual fibers, preferably the second container having walls defining a single opening, the second applicator being configured to cover the single opening and (vi) optional instructions for use. Optionally, the first applicator is part of a cap on a first container, the first container (which may be, for example, a glass or plastic bottle) defines an internal volume with a single opening covered by the cap, the internal volume containing the first composition. Preferably, the first container is leak-proof.

[0014] In some embodiments, the kit may optionally contain a second composition comprising a mascara, and a third applicator configured to apply the second composition to at least a portion of the combined eyelash and separate individual fiber after depositing the separate individual fiber onto an eyelash. Optionally, the third applicator is part of a cap on a third container, the third container (which may be, for example, a glass or plastic bottle) defining an internal volume with a single opening covered by the cap, the internal volume containing the second composition. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof and on examining the figures, in which:

[0016] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a functional diagram illustrating the successive steps of the method according to the invention,

[0017] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a micro-bristle applicator brush,

[0018] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the use of a brush ap micro-bristle plicator to deposit a fiber on an eyelash and

[0019] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] schematically represents an example of a cosmetic assembly (“kit”) according to the invention.

[0020] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] schematically represents an example of a container used to contain individual fibers, where a micro-bristle brush is used to close or cover the opening of the container. Detailed description

[0021] As used herein, the term "free from [an ingredient]" means that the identified ingredient is present only in an amount below its detectable limit and, preferably, that the composition contains 0% of the identified ingredient.

[0022] As used herein, the term "substantially free of [an ingredient]" means that the composition contains less than 1% of the identified ingredient.

[0023] Embodiments of the disclosed method can be better described with reference to [Fig.l].

[0024] As seen in [Fig.l], embodiments of the disclosed method 10 will generally include a sequence of steps.

[0025] The first step 20 involves applying a water- or oil-based glue (sometimes referred to herein as an adhesive) to a distal portion of one or more eyelashes. Referring briefly to [Fig. 3], an eyelash 80 extends outwardly from the eyelid 82, away from the eye, to a distal portion 81.

[0026] A "water-based glue" as used herein refers to a glue that contains at least 1% water. Generally, such compositions will contain multiple ingredients that are water-soluble. An "oil-based glue" as used herein refers to a glue that contains less than 1% water. Preferably, oil-based glues are free of water and silicones.

[0027] The adhesives used in the disclosed method are not mascaras. The adhesives used in certain embodiments of the disclosed method are preferably essentially free, or completely free, of waxes. The adhesives used in certain embodiments of the disclosed method are preferably essentially free, or completely free, of pigments and / or dyes. The adhesives used in certain embodiments of the disclosed method are preferably essentially free, or completely free, of waxes, pigments and / or dyes.

[0028] The adhesives used in the disclosed method will have high tack. The term "tack," as used herein, refers to the quality exhibited by compositions that adhere to an object after application to a substrate. Tack can be evaluated by any method known in the art to evaluate it, such as the use of a texture analyzer. For example, a sample can be applied to a substrate (e.g., a 1 mil drawdown), allowed to dry (e.g., for 1 minute), and contacted with an object such as a rubber conical probe (18.3 mm at the tip, 29 mm high, and 25.4 mm at the base), after which the force associated with removing the probe from the object can be measured and reported as tack (g). Such measurements can be made less than 5 minutes after the drying period, e.g., between 3 and 3.5 minutes.Preferably, the adhesives of the present invention have adhesion properties, when determined by this method, greater than 45 g, preferably greater than 50 g, more preferably greater than 70 g, more preferably greater than 90 g, and most preferably greater than 100 g. Thus, the adhesives of the present invention preferably have adhesion properties ranging from about 30 g to about 200 g, preferably from about 50 g to about 150 g, and most preferably from about 70 g to about 130 g, including all ranges and sub-ranges therebetween such as, for example, about 45 g to about 110 g, about 50 g to about 110 g, about 70 g to about 120 g, about 90 g to about 115 g, etc.

[0029] In some embodiments, the water-based or oil-based glue may, for example, for example, be chosen from the eyelash adhesive composition called DUO® eyelash glue, marketed by American International Industries, or that called Daitosol 5500GM, an acrylate / ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer marketed by the company DAITO KASEI KOGYO.

[0030] Other water-based or oil-based adhesives may be used. For example, in various embodiments, the water-based or oil-based adhesive may comprise:

[0031] (A) a plurality of solvents with a total amount of between 40 and 60% by weight weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the water-based or oil-based glue may comprise ethanol in a total amount of between 3 and 8% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the water-based or oil-based glue may comprise water, ethanol, or both, in a total amount of between 40 and 60% by weight of the composition.

[0032] (B) a plurality of copolymers, the plurality of copolymers being present in a amount of between 40 and 50% by weight of the composition, wherein each of the plurality of copolymers comprises: (i) a monomer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or one of their simple esters, (ii) a hydrogenated styrene monomer or (iii) a combination thereof.

[0033] (C) less than 3% by weight of a thickening agent.

[0034] In some embodiments, the water-based or oil-based glue may comprise (A) and (B). In some embodiments, the water-based or oil-based glue may comprise (A) and (C). In some embodiments, the water-based or oil-based glue may comprise (A), (B), and (C).

[0035] The second step of the method 10 is to wait 30 for at least a short period of time to allow the water-based or oil-based glue to begin to dry. The time is generally based on the solvent system used, and the time t should be less than the time required for the glue to completely dry on the eyelash. This time t may be t < 30 seconds, t < 25 seconds, t < 20 seconds, t < 15 seconds, t < 10 seconds, or 15 < seconds. In some embodiments, t is at least 3 seconds. For example, 3 seconds < t < 30 seconds, 3 seconds <t< 20 secondes ou 3 secondes < t < 10 secondes.

[0036] The third step of the method 10 comprises electrostatically bonding at least one fiber (optionally a single fiber) to a second applicator 40. This can generally be accomplished by contacting the applicator with the fiber(s). The micro-bristle applicator brush and the fibers will be discussed separately below. In some embodiments, one fiber is electrostatically bonded before proceeding to the next step of the method. In some embodiments, multiple fibers are electrostatically bonded before proceeding to the next step of the method.

[0037] Preferably, the fibers are in a plastic container having a single opening. By pulling the micro-bristle brush out of the container, one or more fibers are electrostatically attracted to the bristles of the micro-bristle brush. In some embodiments, the micro-bristle brush may be twisted while pulling the brush out of the container to attract more fibers. Micro-bristle applicator brush

[0038] The second applicator is a micro-bristle applicator brush having a bristle density greater than 4 bristles / mm2. Micro-bristle applicator brushes are generally known in the art. For example, US Patents 8,201,566 and 10,681,973 describe examples of micro-bristle applicator brushes.

[0039] An example of such an applicator can be seen in [Fig. 2]. In [Fig. 2] a micro-bristle applicator brush 70 can be seen which includes a handle portion 75 at a proximal end 73 of the applicator and a bristle portion 76 at a distal end 74 of the applicator. The bristle portion 76 generally extends a distance L longitudinally from the handle portion 75 to the distal end 74.

[0040] The bristle portion 76 includes one or more high-density zones 77. Each high-density zone 77 includes a plurality of bristles 78 that project radially outward from the core 72. The length L of the core may vary between embodiments, but is generally from about 10 mm to about 50 mm. The core may be formed from a variety of materials, including plastics, and in some embodiments, the core may be non-metallic. The core may have any cross-sectional shape, such as circular, octagonal, free-form, etc.

[0041] Each high-density zone extends longitudinally. The bristles conform to certain bristle density criteria that allow for efficient transfer of individual fibers to the eyelashes. The brush may include a single high-density zone or a plurality of high-density zones. In some embodiments, one or more high-density zones may constitute substantially the entire brush. For example, the brush 70 of [Fig. 2] includes a single high-density zone 77 that has a length equal to the length L of the bristle portion 76.

[0042] Each bristle may generally be formed from any optionally relatively rigid thermoplastic material, for example: styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); silicone rubber; latex rubber; a material having good sliding properties; butyl rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); nitrile rubber; thermoplastic elastomer; polyester, polyethylene polyamide or vinyl elastomer; polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA); polystyrene (PS); SEBS; styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyoxy- methylene (POM): polyurethane (PU); styrene acrylonitrile (SAN); polyamide (PA) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It is also possible to use a ceramic, for example an alumina-based ceramic, a resin, for example a urea formaldehyde resin, possibly a graphite-filled material. In particular, it is possible to use materials known under the trade names Teflon, Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixin®, Santoprene®, Pebax®, Pollobas®, this list not being exhaustive. Preferably, each bristle is formed from at least one thermoplastic elastomer.

[0043] The dimensions of the individual bristles may vary between embodiments. In particular, the length and diameter of the bristles can greatly influence the performance of the brush. As used herein, bristle length is measured as the exposed length of a bristle that projects radially outward beyond the outer surface of the core - not the length taking into account any additional bristle length below the outer surface of the core. It has been found that in high-density areas, bristle lengths of about 1 to about 3 mm are preferred for applying formulations to fine hair, e.g., bristle lengths of about 1 mm, about 1.25 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.5 mm, and / or about 3 mm.

[0044] The diameter of the tang is evaluated along the distance between an outer end of the tang and the end of the tang near the base and near the core surface. The diameter of the tang should be determined at the position closest to the base, after any rounding or chamfering at the base of the tang at or near the core surface. The diameter of the tangs is the largest cross-sectional distance (width, diameter, etc. as appropriate for the cross-sectional geometry of the tang) in the portion of the tang just above the base and any rounding, chamfering, etc. near the base. The diameter of the tangs may be from about 0.15 mm to about 0.35 mm, for example, about 0.15 mm, about 0.175 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.25 mm, about 0.3 mm, and about 0.35 mm.

[0045] Setae density is a key variable in high-density zones configured to electrostatically transfer fibers to a cilium. A key measure of setae density is the number of setae relative to the core area. It has been found that to efficiently transfer fibers electrostatically to a cilium, a high-density zone must have a setae density of at least 4 whole setae per square millimeter of core area (i.e., the nominal core area, without considering the area occupied by the setae themselves). In some embodiments, the setae density dB is dB > 4 setae / mm2, dB > 5 setae / mm2, dB > 6 setae / mm2 Fibers

[0046] Each separate individual fiber to be used in the described method must have a nominal outside diameter D which is at least 30 microns, although D is preferably greater than 30 microns. In some embodiments, D > 30 pm, D > 30 pm, D > 35 pm and D > 40 pm.

[0047] Each separate individual fiber to be used in the described method must have a total length L F of 4 mm or less. In some embodiments, LF < 4 mm, LF < 3.5 mm or LF < 3 mm and LF > 1 mm, LF > 1.5 mm, LF > 2 mm, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, 2 mm < LF < 3.5 mm or 1 mm < LF < 4 mm.

[0048] Each separate individual fiber preferably comprises a synthetic fiber, such as rayon or a nylon (e.g., Nylon 6).

[0049] Referring again to [Fig.l], once the applicator has electrostatically bonded a fiber, the fourth step of the method 10 consists of depositing the fiber 50 on a distal portion of the eyelashes.

[0050] A simplified diagram of this can be seen in [Fig. 3]. In this figure, a fiber 90 is electrostatically bonded to a micro-bristle applicator brush 70 (and specifically to the bristles 78 that extend from the core 72 of the applicator). Preferably, a first end 91 of the fiber 90 is closer to the core 72 of the micro-bristle applicator brush 70 than a second end 92. Preferably, a first end 91 of the fiber 90 is within and among the bristles of the microfiber; that is, a first end 91 is within a volume of space defined by the outermost edges of each bristle 78 of the application 70 of the micro-bristle brush. Preferably, no more than 40% of the total fiber length is within this volume of space (i.e., 60% of the total fiber length is further from the core than an outermost end of a bristle in which the fiber it is in contact with is located.The second end 92 of the fiber preferably extends outwardly in a direction that is substantially away from the core 72, to place the second end 72 in a position to more readily contact a distal portion of the cilia.

[0051] The applicator 70 is raised so that the fiber 90 is brought into contact with the distal portion 81 of the eyelash 80, which carries the adhesive composition which dries.

[0052] At this point, the applicator 70 can then be moved away from the face and used to apply additional fibers if desired.

[0053] Preferably, an end portion (e.g., a portion of the fiber distant 25% of the maximum fiber length from either of the two ends) of each fiber is bonded to the distal portion (e.g., a portion of the eyelash no more than 25% of the eyelash length from the most distal end) of the eyelash, such that the majority, and preferably all, of each fiber extends beyond the distal portion of the eyelash to which the fiber is attached.

[0054] Referring again to [Fig. 1], it is seen that the method 10 may involve multiple iterations of bonding fiber(s) to the brush and depositing them onto the eyelash. However, once the desired fibers are deposited, the method 10 may optionally include applying mascara 60 to the deposited fibers.

[0055] Mascara compositions are well known in the art; such compositions may be water-based or anhydrous, and will generally include pigments or other colorants, as well as film-forming agents, thickeners, solvents and / or other additives. Any suitable mascara may be used herein.

[0056] A method described can be implemented using an assembly 100 (also called a “kit”) according to the invention, shown in [Fig.4].

[0057] The assembly 100 will generally comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of several components.

[0058] First, the assembly will contain a first composition, a water- or oil-based glue 110 as previously described, which is preferably contained in an internal cavity of a first container 125. The container is preferably made of glass or a polymer.

[0059] The assembly 100 also includes a first applicator 120 that is configured to allow a user to apply the water-based or oil-based glue to the distal portion of the eyelashes. Such applicators are known to those skilled in the art. In [Fig. 4], the first applicator 120 is shown in the form of a small bristle (e.g., similar to a mascara brush).

[0060] The first container 125 may include a threaded neck 126 and a cap 121 for closing the container by cooperating with the threaded neck 126. Optionally, the first applicator is part of a cap on a first container 125. In some embodiments, the cap 121 is attached to the first applicator 120. The first applicator 120 may include a stem portion 122 (which may be attached directly or indirectly to the cap 121) and an application member 123 at a free end. A scraper member, in this example, may be on the inside of the neck 126. The application member 123 is preferably loaded with the adhesive composition 110 in the container 125 before passing through the scraper member for use in the first step of the method.

[0061] The assembly 100 also includes a second applicator 140. The second applicator is a micro-bristle applicator brush as previously described, with a handle portion 141 and a bristle portion 142.

[0062] The assembly 100 also includes a plurality of fibers 130, which may be contained in a second, separate container 135 (such as a bag, small box, etc. configured to contain the fibers and make them readily accessible to a user).

[0063] Each fiber 131 of the plurality of fibers 130 must have a nominal outer diameter D that is at least 30 microns, although D is preferably greater than 30 microns. In some embodiments, D > 30 pm, D > 30 pm, D > 35 pm, and D > 40 pm.

[0064] Each fiber 131 of the plurality of fibers 130 must have a total length LF of 4 mm or less. In some embodiments, LF < 4 mm, LF < 3.5 mm, or LF < 3 mm and LF > 1 mm, LF > 1.5 mm, LF > 2 mm, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, 2 mm < LF < 3.5 mm, or 1 mm < LF < 4 mm.

[0065] Each fiber 131 of the plurality of fibers 130 may preferably comprise a synthetic fiber, such as rayon or a nylon (e.g., Nylon 6).

[0066] The plurality of fibers 130 will include fibers having one or more colors. In some embodiments, each fiber 131 may be the same color, or may be a different color than one or more other fibers. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the fibers are one color and a portion of the fibers are a second color.

[0067] As seen in [Fig. 5], in some preferred embodiments, the second container 135 is a container with an outer surface 136 and an inner surface 138, the inner surface defining an internal volume of space within the container having a single opening 137 at one end of the container. The container is generally composed of a polymer, although other materials may be used. The container may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. The individual fibers 130 may be within the internal volume of the container and are generally loose and randomly deposited within the internal volume. The micro-bristle brush 140 may be inserted at least partially within the internal volume of the container 135. Preferably, only some or all of the bristle portion 142 is inserted within the internal volume of the container. The micro-bristle brush 140 preferably has a handle portion 141 that includes a cap portion 143.The cap portion 143 is configured to interact with the end of the container 135 that has the only opening so as to close the container. This may be done by screwing the cap onto a threaded portion (not shown) of the container 135, by having the cap portion press-fit onto or into the open end of the container, or another known technique for connecting the two subcomponents.

[0068] The assembly 100 may optionally comprise a second composition 150, a mascara composition, which is preferably contained in an internal cavity of a third container 165. The container is preferably composed of glass or a polymer.

[0069] The assembly 100 also includes a third applicator 160 configured to allow a user to apply mascara 150. Such applicators are known to those skilled in the art. In [Fig.4], the third applicator 160 is shown as a third type of applicator brush.

[0070] The third container 165 may include a threaded neck 166 and a cap 161 for closing the container by cooperating with the threaded neck 166. Optionally, the third applicator is formed within a cap on a third container 165. In some embodiments, the cap 161 is attached to the third applicator 160. Like the first applicator, the third applicator 160 may include a stem portion and an application member at a free end. A scraper member, in this example, may exist on the inside of the neck 166. The application member is preferably loaded with the mascara composition 150 in the container 165 before passing through the scraper member for use in the final step of the method. Examples

[0071] Below are examples of water-based and oil-based adhesives that can be used in the described process.

[0072] For the oil-based glue, the Al components are heated and mixed until homogeneous, then cooled to room temperature, and the A2 components are added and mixed.

[0073] [Tables 1] Phase INCI Name % w / w Al ACRYLATES / DTSOBORNYL ACRYLATE COPOLYMER IN ISODODECANE (-50% SOLIDS) 75-85% Al HYDROGENATED STYRENE / DTSOPRENE COPOLYMER 1-5% Al HYDROGENATED STYRENE / BUTADIENE COPOLYMER 1-5% Al ISODODECANE 10-20% A2 ALCOHOL DENAT. 4-5% A2 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL 0-2%

[0074] Example of oil-based glue (Gl)

[0075] For the water-based glue, the Al components are added sequentially and mixed until homogeneous at room temperature. Then, the B2 components are added and mixed until homogeneous, then the B3 components are added. Finally, the B4 components are added and mixed until homogeneous.

[0076] [Tables2] Phase INCI Name % w / w Al ACRYLATES COPOLYMER IN WATER (-50% SOLIDS) 40-50% Al ACRYLATES / ISOBORNYL ACRYLATE COPOLYMER IN WATER (-55% SOLIDS) 40-50% B2 PENTYLENE GLYCOL 1-5% B2 PHENOXYETHANOL 0-1% B2 HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE 0-1% B2 CARRAGEENAN 0-1% B2 DIISOPROPYL ADIPATE 0-1% B3 WATER 4-5% B4 ALCOHOL DENAT. 0-1% B4 FRAGRANCE 0-1%

[0077] Example of water-based glue (G2)

[0078] Using gl and g2, different fibers were applied to the eyelashes, generally using the technique described, but allowing for variation in the fiber configurations. The results were then evaluated after mascara application for subjective eyelash lengthening. The table below summarizes the results.

[0079] [Tables3] Fiber composition (INCI names) Fiber diameter (pm) Fiber length (mm) Results with gl Results with g2 1 - Nylon-6 (and) Silica (and) Black 2 30 4 Eyelash lengthening Less eyelash lengthening 2 - Rayon 20 1.3 Fibers removed by brushing Fibers removed by brushing 3 - Nylon-6 (and) Silica (and) Black 2 43 3 Eyelash lengthening Eyelash lengthening 4 - Rayon (and) Water (and) Black 2 17 3.2 Less eyelash lengthening Fibers removed by brushing 5 - Rayon (and) Water 27 3.2 Fibers removed by brushing Fibers removed by brushing 6 - Rayon (and) Water 27 5.1 Less eyelash lengthening Fibers removed by brushing

[0080] Summary of results using different fiber characteristics

[0081] As seen, using gl and g2, only fibers with diameters greater than about 30 pm and fiber lengths less than 4 mm showed eyelash elongation (fiber compositions 1 and 3). Six of the ten combinations tested resulted in fiber removal by brushing, indicating that the fibers were not properly attaching to the eyelashes.

[0082] Using Rayon No. 3 from Table 3, the process was repeated using different combinations of second applicators - i.e., 4 different bristle configurations (high density refers to > 4 bristles / mm2, low density refers to < 4 bristles / mm2) to electrostatically apply the fibers to the eyelashes. The subject's eyelash lengthening results, after mascara application, are summarized below.

[0083] [Tables4] Applicators Results Brush 1 - High Density Bristles Eyelash Lengthening Brush 2 - Low Density Elastomeric Bristles No Lengthening Brush 3 - Low Density Stiff Bristles No Lengthening Brush 4 - High Density Bristles - Other Configuration Eyelash Lengthening

[0084] Summary of results using different second applicators

[0085] If various fibers were applied to the eyelashes, generally using the technique described, but allowing the configurations of the fibers to vary. The results were then evaluated after application of the mascara for subjective lengthening of the eyelashes. The table below summarizes the results.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A method for lengthening eyelashes, comprising: applying a water-based or oil-based glue to a distal portion of an eyelash using a first applicator; allowing the water-based or oil-based glue to dry for a period of time; and depositing a separate individual fiber onto the distal portion of the eyelash using a second applicator, the second applicator being a micro-bristle applicator brush having a bristle density greater than 4 bristles / mm2, the separate individual fiber being held electrostatically by the micro-bristle applicator brush, and the separate individual fiber having a diameter greater than 30 microns

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the separated individual fiber has a length of 4 mm or less.

3. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising applying a mascara to the deposited separate individual fiber.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the water-based or oil-based glue comprises a plurality of solvents in a total amount of between 40 and 60% by weight of the composition.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the water-based or oil-based adhesive further comprises a plurality of copolymers, the plurality of copolymers being present in a total amount of between 40% and 50% by weight of the composition, each of the plurality of copolymers comprising: (i) a monomer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or one of their simple esters, (ii) a hydrogenated styrene monomer, or (iii) a combination thereof.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the water-based or oil-based glue further comprises less than 1% by weight of a thickening agent.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the separated individual fiber comprises a synthetic fiber.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the synthetic fiber comprises rayon or nylon.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a bristle diameter of each bristle of the micro-bristle brush is between 0.15 mm and 0.35 mm.

10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a length of each bristle of the micro-bristle brush is between 1 mm and 3 mm.

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