Makeup case

Abstract

A makeup case or bag 10 comprises at least one cosmetics makeup brush compartment 14 having a moveable side wall 16 which includes a securing means 20 for securing a makeup brush to the moveable side wall 16. There is at least one germicidal lamp 26 at or adjacent to the makeup brush compartment 14 for decontaminating, disinfecting, and sterilising a head of a makeup brush when secured to the moveable side wall 16 and the moveable side wall 16 is closed. The germicidal lamp 26 may be an ultra-violet (UV) lamp. The case may include two compartments 14 each having a germicidal lamp 26 and a movable side wall 16 hinged to a body of the case. The case may include a sensor to detect when the side wall / s 16 and / or lid 40 are closed; the germicidal lamps being configured to only operate if the sensors determine that the side wall / s or lid are in a closed condition.

Description

The present invention relates to a makeup case, and particularly to a makeup case for disinfecting makeup brushes. Makeup cases are used to store and transport makeup products, such as cosmetics and / or applicators for those cosmetics. Makeup applicators may also be referred to as makeup tools. Makeup cases may either have a hard or soft shell. Makeup may also be termed make-up or make up. Applicators for cosmetics may include makeup brushes of varying types for use on the face. There may be different makeup brushes for different purposes, for example, amongst others, there may be different brushes for applying foundation, stippling, applying powder, applying blusher or blush, contouring, applying bronzer, highlighting, and applying concealer. Applicators may also include, and not be limited to, makeup sponges, also termed blending sponges, for blending makeup products on the face. There may similarly be different types of makeup sponges for different uses. Additionally, small face massagers, such as gua sha stones, may be stored in a similar way to makeup sponges. As such, a makeup case may be required to transport various different types of makeup brush and makeup sponge. It can be difficult to quickly locate the appropriate makeup applicator, if they are not stored correctly. Additionally, when a makeup applicator is used on the face, it may become contaminated with germs from the face. For example, bacteria or viruses may move onto the applicator. It would be desirable to prevent or limit the transference or reintroduction of these germs onto the face, other parts of the face, or to the faces of other people, in order to prevent or limit the risk of spreading skin conditions and respiratory diseases. This issue is compounded when storing makeup applicators in a makeup case, since the generally dark environment and absence of sunlight may result in the rapid growth of germs. The above issues may particularly apply to makeup artists, who may need to access makeup applicators quickly and may use the same set of makeup applicators for different clients. It would therefore be desirable to allow easily accessible makeup applicators to be sanitised between uses in a quick and effective manner, particularly when travelling and away from the home or studio. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a makeup case comprising: at least one makeup brush compartment for receiving at least one makeup brush, the makeup brush compartment having a moveable side wall which includes a securing means for securing the makeup brush to the moveable side wall, the moveable side wall being moveable between a closed condition and an open condition; and at least one germicidal lamp at or adjacent to the makeup brush compartment for being at or adjacent to a head of a makeup brush and decontaminating or substantially decontaminating the head when secured to the moveable side wall and the moveable side wall is in the closed condition. The makeup brushes can thus be secured to the side wall and deployed from the rest of the case by opening the side wall. This allows the makeup brushes to be easily accessible and therefore allows for a user to quickly choose the correct brush for an appropriate task. Having been used, the makeup brushes can be re-secured to the side wall and the side wall closed. The germicidal lamp is positioned so that the heads of the secured makeup brushes can then be efficiently decontaminating, such as being disinfected, sterilised, or sanitised. Preferably, the makeup case may be portable. This is advantageous to allow a user to use the makeup case when travelling. For example, it may be useful for a makeup artist to use the case when travelling between clients. The makeup case may even be used when travelling on a plane if needed. The makeup case may be used as a portable dressing table. Advantageously, the makeup case may further comprise a rechargeable battery for powering the germicidal lamp. A rechargeable battery may be a convenient way of effecting the portability of the makeup case. Beneficially, the side wall may be hinged relative to a body of the makeup brush compartment. In a preferable embodiment, the side wall may comprise a reflective interior surface for reflecting light emitted from the or another germicidal lamp onto the makeup brush. Other portions of the compartment may additionally or alternatively be similarly reflective. This improves the efficiency of the device, since more of the light can be utilised to decontaminate the makeup brush, instead of being absorbed by the walls of the case. Additionally, it may allow for light to reach the handle of the makeup brush and thereby also decontaminate the handle of the makeup brush. Optionally, the securing means may comprise at least one flexible strap. Preferably, the makeup case may further comprise a sensor for determining whether the side wall is in the closed condition, the germicidal lamp configured to only be operated if the sensor determines that the side wall is in the closed condition. This provides a safety feature to prevent or limit the risk that the lamp is used when the side wall is open, thereby potentially exposing the user to possibly harmful germicidal light. Advantageously, the side wall may comprise a magnet, and the sensor may comprise a magnetic sensor on a body of the makeup brush compartment, the magnetic sensor configured to sense the magnet when the side wall is in the closed condition and not sense the magnet when the side wall is on the open condition, to thereby determine whether the side wall is in the closed condition. The magnet may also provide a magnetic latch to hold the side wall in place. As such, the device is more efficient since the or each magnet may have multiple functions. Additionally, the said makeup brush compartment may be a first makeup brush compartment and the said germicidal lamp may be a first germicidal lamp, the makeup case may further comprise a second said makeup brush compartment and a second said germicidal lamp for decontaminating or substantially decontaminating a head of a makeup brush when secured to the moveable side wall of the second said makeup brush compartment. Two makeup brush compartments may allow for more makeup brushes to be conveniently stored and decontaminated, whilst being easily accessible. Beneficially, the first and second makeup brush compartments may be at opposite sides of the case to each other. In a preferable embodiment, the makeup case may further comprise a storage compartment for storing makeup products, the storage compartment having a lid, and the makeup brush compartment being at or adjacent to the storage compartment. As such, the makeup case can be used to store cosmetics and other applicators. Advantageously, the makeup case may further comprise an aperture between the makeup brush compartment and the storage compartment for permitting light emitted by the or another germicidal lamp to transmit between the makeup brush compartment and the storage compartment. Therefore, the efficiency of the device is improved since the germicidal lamp used in the makeup brush compartment can also be used to at least partially sanitise the products in the storage compartment, or vice versa. Preferably, the makeup case may further comprise a further germicidal lamp at or adjacent to the storage compartment. This further germicidal lamp may be used to decontaminate makeup sponges, for example. Optionally, the makeup case may further comprise a sensor for determining whether the lid is closed, the further germicidal lamp configured to only be operated if the sensor determines that the lid is closed. This provides a safety feature to prevent or limit the risk that the lamp is used when the lid is open, thereby potentially exposing the user to possibly harmful germicidal light. Beneficially, the sensor may further comprise a push-button on a body of the storage compartment, the lid configured to engage the push-button when the lid is closed, the further germicidal lamp and / or the germicidal lamp configured to operate only if the pushbutton is engaged. Advantageously, the lid may be securable to the side wall when the lid is closed so that the side wall is prevented or limited from being moved from the closed condition to the open condition when the lid is closed. This may prevent or limit the side wall from being pulled open when the further germicidal lamp is operating, for example. As such, this provides a safety feature to prevent or limit the risk of the user being exposed to possibly harmful germicidal light. Additionally, the storage compartment may comprise a sponge holder or massager holder for receiving at least one makeup sponge or face massager, the further germicidal lamp at or adjacent to the sponge holder or massager holder for decontaminating or substantially decontaminating the or each makeup sponge or face massager when received in the tray. This allows for makeup sponges or face massagers, such as gua sha stones, to be conveniently decontaminated. Optionally, the lid may comprise a mirror. As such, the makeup case may be used to help apply makeup, as well as reflecting germicidal light if the lid is closed and the mirror is at an interior surface. Preferably, the lid may comprise a non-germicidal lamp. This may be a halo light, extending around the mirror. As such, the makeup case may be used to help apply makeup. In a preferable embodiment, the or each germicidal lamp is an ultra-violet light emitting device. Preferably, the make up case may comprise: a storage compartment for storing makeup products, the storage compartment having a lid, and the makeup brush compartment being at or adjacent to the storage compartment; an aperture between the makeup brush compartment and the storage compartment for permitting light emitted by the or another germicidal lamp to transmit between the makeup brush compartment and the storage compartment; a further germicidal lamp at or adjacent to the storage compartment; a sensor for determining whether the lid is closed, the further germicidal lamp configured to only be operated if the sensor determines that the lid is closed, and wherein the lid is securable to the side wall when the lid is closed so that the side wall cannot be moved from the closed condition to the open condition when the lid is closed. Since there is a germicidal lamp in the storage compartment, and an aperture between the makeup brush compartment and the storage compartment, light can transmit from the makeup brush compartment to the storage compartment. As such, it may be important to prevent the makeup brush compartment from being pulled open, particularly if this would not trigger a sensor to deactivate the further germicidal lamp. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a makeup case in accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the makeup case in an open condition; Figure 2 shows a side view of the makeup case of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a top view of the makeup case of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a front view of the makeup case of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a closure means of the makeup case of Figure 1 with an outer wall removed and a rim of a lid shown as translucent; and Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the makeup case of Figure 1 in a closed condition. Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a makeup case 10 having a main storage compartment 12 for storing makeup products, and two makeup brush compartments 14, each for receiving at least one makeup brush. Although two makeup brush compartments are described, it will be appreciated that there may in fact only be one makeup brush compartment. Additionally or alternatively, it will be appreciated that the main storage compartment 12 may be omitted, or may or may not be larger than the makeup brush compartments. The or each makeup brush compartment 14 includes a moveable side wall 16 being moveable between a closed condition and an open condition. In other words, the or each makeup brush compartment 14 can be opened and closed by moving the side wall 16. Here the or each makeup brush compartment 14 is defined by a recess in a main body of the makeup case 10, and the side wall 16 closes or occludes the recess. A volume defined by the or each makeup brush compartment 14 is sized to receive at least one makeup brush, and is preferably sized to receive a plurality of makeup brushes. The or each makeup brush compartment 14 is elongate or substantially elongate, here also being cuboidal or substantially cuboidal. The side wall 16 is pivotable or hingeable relative to the body. As such, the side wall 16 is mounted via one or more hinges 18. Preferably the hinges 18 are at or adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the makeup brush compartment 14, for example at the lower edge of the makeup brush compartment 14. The side wall 16 has a securing means 20 for securing the makeup brush to an interior surface of the moveable side wall 16. The securing means 20 includes at least one flexible strap, and here comprises two spaced apart flexible straps. The or each strap is preferably elastic. There is a first strap 22, which may be sized to extend across a plurality of makeup brushes at or adjacent to a head of the makeup brushes. A second strap 24 is divided into separate portions for receiving an end portion of a handle of the makeup brushes. As such, at least one makeup brush can be held to each side wall 16, which when hinged outwards allows for the makeup brush to be easily visible and accessible. The makeup case 10 includes at least one germicidal lamp 26 at or adjacent to the or each makeup brush compartment 14. Here the germicidal lamp 26 is mounted so that it can emit light from an end of the makeup brush compartment 14 in a longitudinal direction of the makeup brush compartment 14. The germicidal lamp 26 is mounted so as to be at or adjacent to the head of the or each makeup brush when the makeup brush is secured to the moveable side wall 16 and the moveable side wall 16 is in the closed condition. As such, the germicidal lamp 26 may emit light directly onto the head of the or each makeup brush. The germicidal lamp 26 preferably comprises an ultra-violet UV light emitting device. The germicidal lamp 26 may comprise separate spaced apart light emitting devices in a single housing. There is a power source for powering the germicidal lamp 26. Preferably, the makeup case 10 includes a battery, which may be rechargeable, for powering the germicidal lamp 26. Additionally, the makeup case 10 includes a power socket or plug for connecting with a mains power supply for charging the rechargeable battery. However, it will be appreciated that in some instances the battery may be omitted and the device may rely on an external power supply. The makeup case 10 may also include a controller for controlling activation of the germicidal lamp 26. Preferably, there is sensor 28 for determining whether the or each side wall 16 is in the closed condition. The sensor 28 is preferably a magnetic sensor 28, and there are one or more magnets 30 or magnetic elements on the side wall 16. When the side wall 16 is closed, the magnetic sensor 28 can detect the presence of the magnet 30 on the side wall 16. The magnetic sensor 28 may be communicated with the controller, and the controller may be communicated with the germicidal lamp 26. Other types of sensors may be considered. The body of the makeup case 10 also includes one or more magnets 30 or magnetic elements for attraction with the magnets 30 on the side wall 16. As such, when the side wall 16 is in the closed condition, the magnets 30 on the side wall 16 attract to those with the magnets 30 on the body to keep the side wall 16 closed. The side wall 16 may include a handle 32 or grip, such as a fabric tab, for being held by a user to allow a user to pull on the side wall 16 to overcome the force of the magnets 30 and open the side wall 16. The interior of the or each makeup brush compartment 14 may have a reflective or mirrored surface for reflecting germicidal light around the makeup brush compartment 14. Since there are two makeup brush compartments 14, one makeup brush compartment 14 may be referred to as a first makeup brush compartment 14, and the other makeup brush compartment 14 may be referred to as a second makeup brush compartment 14. Here the makeup brush compartments 14 are identical or substantially identical to each other, except that they are symmetrically arranged on opposing sides of the makeup case 10 to each other. The main storage compartment 12 may be between the two makeup brush compartments 14. The makeup case 10 has a generally ovular cross section, with each of the makeup brush compartments 14 being on opposing elongate sides thereof. The main storage compartment 12 has a base, and side walls. Each longitudinal side wall defines a partition between the main storage compartment 12 and the makeup brush compartment 14. The main storage compartment 12 is generally elongate. The main storage compartment 12 defines a volume for receiving cosmetics and includes a sponge holder or receiver 34 for receiving at least one makeup sponge. The sponge receiver 34 is preferably a tray, not shown. The sponge receiver 34 is at or adjacent to one end of the main storage compartment 12. The tray may have a reflective surface for reflecting germicidal light. The sponge holder 34 or receiver may also be used to hold one or more face massagers, such as gua sha stones, and so the sponge holder 34 or receiver may be referred to as a massage holder. There is preferably a further germicidal lamp 36, which is mounted at or adjacent to the main storage compartment 12 for emitting light to decontaminate or substantially decontaminate the or each makeup sponge. As such the further germicidal lamp 36 is preferably at or adjacent to the sponge receiver 34, for example being mounted at the end of the main storage compartment 12 at which the sponge receiver 34 is located. The further germicidal lamp 36 is here a UV light emitting device, and may comprise multiple light emitting devices, as before. The further germicidal lamp 36 may be electrically connected to the aforementioned power supply and / or controller. Each of the side walls preferably includes an aperture 38 therethrough for allowing germicidal light to pass therethrough. The apertures 38 are preferably at or adjacent to the sponge receiver 34, for example at or towards the end of the main storage compartment 12 at which sponge receiver 34 is located. As such, the apertures 38 are at or adjacent to the further germicidal lamp 36. Similarly, each aperture 38 is preferably at or adjacent to the germicidal lamp 26 of the corresponding makeup brush compartment 14. Although here the or each aperture 38 is unfilled, it will be appreciated that the or each aperture 38 may be occluded or closed by an at least partially germicidal-light-transmissible material. For example, depending on the wavelength of the germicidal light, certain glasses and / or plastics may be considered. Interior walls of the main storage compartment 12 may comprise a reflective surface for reflecting germicidal light around the compartment. The main storage compartment 12 has a lid 40 which opposes the base and closes the volume defined by the main storage component between the side walls. The lid 40 is elongate and is openable and closeable via pivoting or hinging from a body of the makeup case 10. The lid 40 closes the volume of the main storage compartment 12 between the side walls. The lid 40 pivots via a hinge 42, which is preferably a torque hinge so that the lid 40 can adopt different angular positions relative to the side walls. The lid 40 preferably hinges from an end of the main storage compartment 12. The lid 40 may include a mirror 44 at an underside or inward surface thereof. In other words, the mirror 44 is at a surface of the lid 40 which closes down on the volume. The mirror 44 is preferably elongate. The lid 40 preferably further includes a lamp 46 or light emitting element which is not germicidal at an underside or inward surface thereof. For example, the lamp 46 or light emitting element may not or may not substantially emit light in the UV range. The lamp 46 is preferably a halo light, extending around the perimeter of the mirror 44. The lamp 46 has a control 48, for turning the lamp on and off, and / or to various dimmed settings. The lamp 46 may be electrically connected to the power supply. The lid 40 includes a handle 50, such as a strap, for carrying the makeup case 10. The handle 50 is at an upward and / or exterior surface of the lid 40. Referring in addition to Figure 6, the lid 40 is securable to the body of the main storage compartment 12 and / or makeup case 10 via a latch or lock. The latch is partly made up of a projecting tab 52 with a hole 54 therein. The projecting tab 52 is at a free end of the lid 40. Preferably the hole 54 is elongate, and therefore is a slot. The body includes an upwardly projecting member 56 which is mounted to an inwardly moveable mount 58. The upwardly projecting member 56 includes a sloped or tapering end 60 with a stop 62 below the sloped end 60. The upwardly projecting member 56 may therefore be considered to have a barb or half-arrowhead arrangement. The upwardly projecting member 56 is also elongate. The mount 58 preferably extends through an outer wall 64 of the main storage compartment 12 and / or makeup case 10 so that a user engagement portion 66 of the mount 58 is accessible from the exterior, and a portion of the mount 58, having the upwardly projecting member 56, is located inside the exterior wall 64. The mount 58 is moveable inwardly and outwardly, and is preferably biased outwardly, for example via a spring. When the lid 40 is closed, the sloped end 60 of the upwardly projecting member 56 is configured to be received by the hole 54 of the projecting tab 52, and inward of the exterior wall 64. Whilst the lid 40 is described as having a hole and the body is described as having a projecting member, it will be appreciated that this may be reversed. The mount 58 preferably includes a push-button 68 below the stop 62 which is configured to be depressed by the projecting tab 52 when the lid 40 is in the closed condition. Depression of the push-button 68 may be a trigger for operating the germicidal lamps 26, 36, and the germicidal lamps 26, 36 may be configured to only operate if the pushbutton 68 has been depressed. This may be effected by the push-button 68 being connected to the controller. Since the push-button 68 is received between the upwardly projecting member 56 and the external wall, it is difficult to operate manually, which prevents inadvertent operation of the germicidal lamps 26, 36. The lid 40 is preferably securable and / or engageable with the moveable side walls 16 of the makeup brush compartment 14 so that, when the lid 40 is closed, the moveable side walls 16 cannot be opened. Here the lid 40 includes at least one protrusion 70 or projection which is at or adjacent to each makeup brush compartment 14 when the lid 40 is in a closed condition. Correspondingly, the moveable side walls 16 of the makeup brush compartments 14 include at least one receiver 72 which is at or adjacent to the main storage compartment 12 when the side wall 16 is in the closed condition. Each protrusion 70 of the lid 40 is thus receivable in one corresponding receiver 72 of the moveable side walls 16 when the lid 40 and the side walls 16 are closed. Whilst the lid 40 is described as having a protrusion and the moveable side wall is described as having a receiver, it will be appreciated that this may be reversed. More specifically, each makeup brush compartment 14 includes at least two spaced apart receivers 72, which are preferably holes, and in particular are slots. There are therefore at least four corresponding protrusions 70 on the lid 40, which are preferably elongate tabs. In use, the user, such as a makeup artist, may transport the makeup case 10 in the configuration as shown in Figure 8, which is to say that the makeup case 10 is transported in a fully closed condition. The makeup case 10 may contain makeup products. For example, makeup brushes may be secured to the side walls 16 of the makeup brush compartments 14 via the securing means 20. Makeup sponges may be in the sponge tray of the main storage compartment 12. Consumable cosmetics may be received in the main storage compartment 12. The makeup case 10 may be held via the handle 50. The user may then open the makeup case 10. This first requires opening the lid 40. To open the lid 40, the mount 58 is pressed inwardly via the user engagement portion 66 against the spring bias. This removes the sloped end 60 of the upwardly projecting member 56 from the hole 54 of the projecting tab 52. The lid 40 is therefore free to be moved upwards so as to open the main storage compartment 12. Since the lid 40 has been opened, the side walls 16 of the make brush compartments are free to be moved. These side walls 16 can be pulled so as to overcome the magnetic force of attraction of the magnetic latches. This moves the side walls 16 from the closed condition to the open condition. The makeup brushes are thus accessible. The user can therefore use the makeup brushes, makeup sponges, and cosmetics from the makeup case 10 to apply makeup. The lid 40 can be angled to allow suitable use of the mirror 44, and the non-germicidal lamp 26 can be activated if lighting is so required. Having used the makeup products, these are each replaced in their designated locations. As such, the makeup brushes are secured to the interior of the moveable side walls 16, and the makeup sponges are received in the sponge tray. The makeup brush compartments 14 can then be moved to the closed condition by pushing the side walls 16 up against the body of the case. The magnetic latches hold the side walls 16 in place, and the magnetic sensors 28 detect that the side walls 16 are closed. Before closing the lid 40, if the user decides that the makeup applicators are required to be decontaminated, then the user may operate a control 74 to pre-set operation of the germicidal lamps 26, 36. There may be a control 74 which selectively pre-sets operation of the germicidal lamps 26, 36. For example, the control may be configured to allow presetting of the germicidal lamp 26 in one or both of the makeup brush compartments 14. This may be either with or without also pre-setting the further germicidal lamp 36 which is located in the main storage compartment 12. Alternatively, the further germicidal lamp 36 may be pre-set individually, without necessarily requiring pre-setting of the germicidal lamps 26 of the makeup brush compartments 14 as well. Having pre-set operation of one or more of the germicidal lamps 26, 36, the lid 40 can then be closed. As the lid 40 is closed, the projecting tab 52 of the lid 40 moves across the sloped end 60 of the upwardly projecting member 56 and pushes the upwardly projecting member 56 and mount 58 inwards. Once a lower or leading portion of the projecting tab 52 has cleared the sloped end 60, the spring bias of the mount 58 pushes the sloped end 60 into the hole 54. The leading portion of the projecting tab 52 depresses the push-button 68, and the stop 62 of the sloped end 60 prevents the lid 40 from moving back upwards without first pressing the mount 58 inwards. At the same time, the protrusions 70 of the lid 40 are received in the corresponding receivers 72 of the makeup brush compartments 14. This prevents the makeup brush compartments 14 from being pulled open. Since the operation of the germicidal lamps 26, 36 has been pre-set, depression of the push-button 68 is a trigger for the germicidal lamps 26, 36 to operate. The germicidal lamp 26 in each makeup brush compartment 14 may shine germicidal light directly on the head of the makeup brush. As such, the head of the makeup brush is decontaminated or substantially decontaminated. Germicidal light which is not incident on the head of the makeup brush may be reflected by the reflective surface around the makeup brush, for example decontaminating the handle of the makeup brush, and / or through the apertures 38 into the main storage compartment 12. Similarly, germicidal light from the further germicidal lamp 36 may shine light directly onto the or each makeup sponge. As such, the makeup sponge is decontaminated or substantially decontaminated. Germicidal light may similarly shine on other makeup products in the main storage compartment 12 and / or may transmit through the apertures 38 and into the makeup brush compartment 14. The germicidal lamps 26, 36 may deactivate after a pre-determined period. As such, the controller may include a timing circuit and a memory device for setting such a period. The germicidal lamps 26, 36 may operate for a set period of 20 minutes, for example. A display may be present, to indicate the remaining time of the period. Once the germicidal lamps 26, 36 have deactivated, the user may then open makeup case 10 and use the decontaminated applicators. The display may also indicate when the charge of the battery is low, and a user may then recharge the battery via the electrical plug or socket. The display may indicate when the battery is in the process of being charged, and when it is fully charged. It is therefore possible to provide a makeup case having easily accessible makeup applicators which can then be decontaminated in a straightforward manner. As such, the same makeup applicators can be used multiple times in relatively rapid succession, whilst preventing or limiting the spreading of germs. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in 5 any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A makeup case comprising:at least one makeup brush compartment for receiving at least one makeup brush, the makeup brush compartment having a moveable side wall which includes a securing means for securing the makeup brush to the moveable side wall, the moveable side wall being moveable between a closed condition and an open condition; andat least one germicidal lamp at or adjacent to the makeup brush compartment for being at or adjacent to a head of a makeup brush and decontaminating or substantially decontaminating the head when secured to the moveable side wall and the moveable side wall is in the closed condition.

2. A makeup case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the makeup case is portable.

3. A makeup case as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a rechargeable battery for powering the germicidal lamp.

4. A makeup case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall is hinged relative to a body of the makeup brush compartment.

5. A makeup case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall comprises a reflective interior surface for reflecting light emitted from the or another germicidal lamp onto the makeup brush.

6. A makeup case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing means comprises at least one flexible strap.

7. A makeup case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor for determining whether the side wall is in the closed condition, the germicidal lamp configured to only be operated if the sensor determines that the side wall is in the closed condition.

8. A makeup case as claimed claim 7, wherein the side wall comprises a magnet, and the sensor comprises a magnetic sensor on a body of the makeup brush compartment, the magnetic sensor configured to sense the magnet when the side wall is in the closed condition and not sense the magnet when the side wallis on the open condition, to thereby determine whether the side wall is in the closed condition.

9. A makeup case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the said makeup brush compartment is a first makeup brush compartment and the said germicidal lamp is a first germicidal lamp, the makeup case further comprising a second said makeup brush compartment and a second said germicidal lamp for decontaminating or substantially decontaminating a head of a makeup brush when secured to the moveable side wall of the second said makeup brush compartment.

10. A makeup case as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first and second makeup brush compartments are at opposite sides of the case to each other.

11. A makeup case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a storage compartment for storing makeup products, the storage compartment having a lid, and the makeup brush compartment being at or adjacent to the storage compartment.

12. A makeup case as claimed in claim 11, further comprising an aperture between the makeup brush compartment and the storage compartment for permitting light emitted by the or another germicidal lamp to transmit between the makeup brush compartment and the storage compartment.

13. A makeup case as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a further germicidal lamp at or adjacent to the storage compartment.

14. A makeup case as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a sensor for determining whether the lid is closed, the further germicidal lamp configured to only be operated if the sensor determines that the lid is closed.

15. A makeup case as claimed in claim 14, wherein the sensor comprises a pushbutton on a body of the storage compartment, the lid configured to engage the push-button when the lid is closed, the further germicidal lamp configured to operate only if the push-button is engaged.

16. A makeup case as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the lid is securable to the side wall when the lid is closed so that the side wall is prevented or limited from being moved from the closed condition to the open condition when the lid is closed.

17. A makeup case as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the storage compartment comprises a sponge holder or massager holder for receiving at least one makeup sponge or face massager, the further germicidal lamp at or adjacent to the sponge holder or massager holder for decontaminating or substantially decontaminating the or each makeup sponge or face massager when received in the tray.

18. A makeup case as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the lid comprises a mirror.

19. A makeup case as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the lid comprises a non-germicidal lamp.

20. A makeup case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each germicidal lamp is an ultra-violet light emitting device.

21. A makeup case as claimed in claims 1, 11 to 14 and 16.

Images