Interchangeable makeup brush head

Abstract

A makeup brush head 100 comprises a deformable substrate 120 having a bristle surface 122 and a plunger surface 124, a plurality of elongate bristles 130 attached to the bristle surface of the deforma

Description

Background Makeup brushes often harbour pathogens, presenting a significant health risk to users. This problem affects domestic users and professionals where it is especially acute in environments where brushes may be shared, such as fashion shows, theatres, or department store counters. To circumvent the problem professionals such as makeup artists carry a large number of brushes so that they can use a clean set on each model they work with. However, as a consequence they need to carry a large and heavy load when travelling to the venues, which in turn may cause back pain and similar problems. Furthermore, having a large number of brushes increases the risk of accidentally reusing a used brush. Moreover, even if new brushes are used for each model, the subsequent cleaning of these brushes is difficult with traditional brush designs. Common cleaning methods use either UVC light, soap and water, or chemicals to target pathogens residing on the bristles. Even when the brush head is cleaned with soap and water, UVC light, or chemicals, the pathogens on the bristles inside the ferrule typically remain. Moreover, the bristles also remain damp. Additionally, traditional brushes a significant part of the bristles is encased within the brush ferrule. Single-use brushes and applicators may address the problem of pathogens but create an environmental problem because they typically cannot be recycled. Summary of Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a makeup brush head comprising: a deformable substrate comprising a bristle surface and a plunger surface; a plurality of elongate bristles attached to the bristle surface of the deformable substrate; and, a collar for supporting the deformable substrate, wherein the deformable substrate is encompassed within the collar such that the deformable substrate is deformable to splay the elongate bristles open in response to the introduction of a plunger through the collar from the side of the plunger surface. Advantageously, the makeup brush head allows thorough cleaning of the bristles along their entire length and decreased drying times. Preferably, the makeup brush head further comprises an annular insert for supporting the deformable substrate within the collar, wherein the annular insert has a higher shore hardness than the deformable substrate. Optionally, the annular insert is set within the deformable substrate. The annular insert stabilises the deformable substrate. Preferably, the base of the elongate bristles is directly embedded within the deformable substrate. Directly embedding the end of the elongate bristles within the deformable substrate maximises the part of the elongate bristles available for irradiation with UVC light. Preferably, the deformable substrate comprises a material selected from a silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, or thermoplastic polyurethane or similar. A deformable substrate comprising such a material provides a durable substrate that allows the bristles to be attached as well as splayed. The material is preferably UV resistant. Preferably, the makeup brush head further comprises a fixture for removable attachment of the brush head to a brush handle. Removable attachment of the brush head allows the brush head to be detached for cleaning. Preferably, the makeup brush head further comprising a fixture for removable attachment of the plunger. Removable attachment of the plunger allows the makeup brush head to remain attached to the plunger during cleaning and thus for the bristles to remain splayed during cleaning. Preferably, the collar is adapted to connect to a brush handle with a quarter-turn selflocking fixture and / or the collar is adapted to connect to the plunger with a thread fixture. Preferably, the makeup brush head has a substantially flat base so that the makeup brush head stands upright on a surface when detached from the brush handle. Preferably, a makeup brush is provided comprising the makeup brush head, and a brush handle. Optionally, the handle has a substantially conical profile along a longitudinal axis. Optionally, the handle is hollow. Preferably, the handle comprises a material selected from a metal, a plastic, and a biodegradable material. The material may be UV resistant. Preferably, a kit of parts comprises at least one makeup brush head and at least one plunger. Optionally, the kit of parts further comprises at least one brush handle. Preferably, the kit of parts further comprises a base unit carrying one or more plungers for receiving a respective brush head, and optionally fittings for receiving one or more brush handles, for cleaning with UVC light. Optionally, the kit of parts further comprises a UVC light source. Preferably, the base unit further comprises a reflective base surface. Optionally, the kit of parts comprises a fan system. According to a second aspect of the invention, a method ofcleaning the makeup brush head is provided, the method comprising: introducing the plunger surface of the deformable substrate to a plunger through the collar such that the elongate bristles splay open; and, irradiating the makeup brush head with UVC light to clean the elongate bristles. Optionally, the method further comprises the step of using a fan and / or using heating to increase drying rate. Brief Description of the Drawings Examples of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la shows a perspective view of an example makeup brush head described herein; Figure lb shows a vertical cross-section of the example makeup brush head of Figure la; Figure 1c shows a schematic drawing of bristles set within a deformable substrate in the makeup brush head of Figure la; Figure 2a shows an isometric view of an example collar of the makeup brush head; Figure 2b shows a vertical cross-section of the example collar of Figure 2a; Figure 2c shows a side view of the example collar of Figure 2a with internal lines displayed; Figure 2d shows a bottom perspective view of the example collar of Figure 2a; Figure 3a shows the makeup brush head and a plunger; Figure 3b shows a vertical cross-section of the makeup brush head with the plunger attached; Figure 4 shows an example makeup brush head described herein; Figure 5a shows a view of an example handle with a connecting mechanism; Figure 5b shows a view of the example handle of Figure 5a; Figure 6 shows examples of different configurations of the handle; Figure 7a shows a side view of a cleaning tray for the makeup brush head described herein; Figure 7b shows an isometric view of the cleaning tray of Figure 7a; Figure 8 shows a side view of the cleaning tray of Figure 7a with two makeup brush heads; Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the cleaning tray of Figure 7a with makeup brush heads in position for cleaning; and Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a method of cleaning the makeup brush head described herein. Detailed Description Traditional brushes comprise a handle and a brush head fixedly attached to the handle with a ferrule and with an adhesive. In manufacture of a traditional brush bristles are wrapped in a strip of metal or inserted into a metal tube which forms the ferrule. The ferrule is crimped on one end to attach it to the handle and an adhesive is poured into the ferrule to fix the bristles in place. In use, pathogenic organisms are transferred onto the brush, for instance from the face of the model. Because the bristles in a traditional brush are held together, they provide a harbour for the pathogenic organisms. Furthermore, a significant length of the brush bristles is covered in the adhesive and encased inside the ferrule. This again provides a harbour for pathogenic organisms. Moreover, traditional brushes are very difficult to clean effectively, because the bristles cannot be splayed. Thus, traditional brushes present a health risk to users. The health risk can be substantial: a case has been reported where a patient was paralysed as a consequence of an MRSA infection contracted from a makeup brush through an open cut on her skin. Other patients have had damaged eyesight and skin infections from unclean tools. UVC light provides ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and has been used to clean makeup brushes. However, cleaning with UVC light requires a direct line of sight which means that the bristles of traditional brushes cannot be cleaned in this way, at the core of the brush head and inside the ferrule. The traditional arrangement of bristles allows UV light to hit only the outer surface of the bristles, but not penetrate into the head. Similarly, chemical cleaners may not be able to effectively clean inside the ferrule. Furthermore, chemical cleaners are harmful to the environment and can cause skin irritation, and damage the adhesives of traditional brushes causing damage, so limiting their use is desirable. Single-use brushes and applicators are known; however, they are not easily recyclable and so contribute to landfill. Interchangeable makeup brush head Figures la and lb show an example makeup brush head 100 of the present invention. The brush head 100 comprises a collar 110, a deformable substrate 120, and a plurality of elongate bristles 130. The deformable substrate 120 comprises a bristle surface 122 and a plunger surface 124, the plunger surface 124 opposite the bristle surface 122. In this example the deformable surface 120 is in the shape of a disc. The bristles 130 are attached at one end to the bristle surface 122 (Figure 1c). Proximal ends of the bristles 130 are set within the deformable substrate 120 and the bristles 130 protrude from the bristle surface 122. This arrangement allows the bristles to splay for cleaning, as described below. Preferably the bristles 130 do not protrude through the plunger surface 124. The bristles 130 may be set within the deformable substrate 120 by casting during manufacture of the deformable substrate 120. The deformable substrate 120 is encased in the collar 110 which supports it such that the bristles 130 stay substantially together when the brush head 100 is in use. The collar 110 also aids in holding the bristles 130 together. Preferably, the brush head 100 also comprises an internal washer 126. The internal washer 126 has an annular shape and is set within the deformable substrate 120. The internal washer 126 has a higher shore hardness than the deformable substrate 120. In this example the shore hardness of the internal washer 126 is between about 25 / A and 65 / A, for instance about 40 / A, and the shore hardness of the deformable substrate 120 is between about 10 / 00 and 25 / A, for instance about 10 / A. The internal washer 126 provides rigidity to the deformable substrate 120, preventing the deformable substrate 120 from being pushed out of the collar 130. The internal washer 126 may be set within the deformable substrate 120 by casting during manufacture of the deformable substrate 120. Figures 2a - 2d show the collar 110. The collar comprises the inner surface 112 and a lip 114. The lip 114 has an annular shape. The lip 114 spans the inner surface 112. When the brush head 100 is assembled the lip 114 holds the deformable surface 120 in position. The collar 110 may have a substantially flat base 116 so that the brush head 100 stands upright on a surface when detached from the brush handle. The collar 110 further comprises a fastening mechanism 140 for removably attaching the brush head 100 to a brush handle. The fastening mechanism 140 is preferably a quarter-turn self-locking mechanism. The quarter-turn self-locking mechanism allows a quick change of the brush heads. The fastening mechanism 140 is preferably placed on an inner surface 112 of the collar 110. The fastening mechanism 140 comprises a plurality of slots 142. In the example shown there are three slots, however, a different number of slots may be used. Each slot 142 comprises a channel base 144, a channel head 146, and a channel 148. The channel 148 connects the channel base 144 and the channel head 146. The slots 142 are configured to engage pegs 442 located on a brush handle 400, as will be described below with reference to Figures 5a and 5b. The collar 110 further comprises an attachment mechanism 150 for removably attaching the makeup brush head 100 to a plunger 300 for cleaning. The attachment mechanism 150 is preferably a screw thread mechanism comprising a plurality of threads 152. In the example shown, the attachment mechanism 150 is located on the inner surface 112 of the collar 110. The attachment mechanism comprises a screw thread 152, configured to engage with a complementary thread 350 of the plunger 300, as will be described below with reference to figures 3a and 3b. The combination of a quarter-turn self-locking mechanism as the fastening mechanism 140 and a screw thread mechanism as the attachment mechanism 150 within the same surface forms a dual thread 160. The dual thread 160 allows both mechanisms 140, 150 to be located on the inner surface 112 of the collar 110, thus minimising the size of the collar. Figure 3a shows the brush head 100 and a plunger 300 used during the cleaning process. As shown in Figure 3b, for cleaning the brush head 100 the plunger 300 is introduced to the plunger surface 124 through the collar 110. The plunger 300 comprises a base 310, a push end 320, and an attachment mechanism 350. The base 310 is substantially flat so that it allows the plunger 300 to stand on a surface even when the brush head 100 is attached. The push end 320 is configured to push out and deform the deformable substrate 120 towards the free end of the bristles 130. The attachment mechanism 350 allows the plunger 300 to be removably attached to the makeup brush head 100. The attachment mechanism 350 is preferably a screw thread mechanism. Using a screw thread mechanism ensures an even application of pressure when the push end 320 engages with the deformable substrate plunger surface 124. This allows the user to apply increasing force by twisting the plunger 300 to engage the thread 350 of the plunger with the screw thread 152 of the attachment mechanism 150. As shown in Figure 3b, the plunger 300 has deformed the deformable substrate 120 such that the bristles 130 splay open while still being attached to the deformable substrate 120 at the proximal ends. Once the bristles 130 are spread apart they can be exposed to UVC light and cleaned. The bristles 130 may also be exposed to airflow through fans. Because no part of the bristles 130 is hidden in a ferrule or encased in an adhesive, the bristles are cleaned along their entire length, unlike in traditional brushes. The push end 320 of the plunger 300 is formed of a substantially rigid material. The plunger 300 may be injection moulded, for instance in a UVC resistant, hard wearing plastic. The plunger 300 may be 3D printed. Traditional brushes require a length of bristles to be encased in the ferrule to hold the brush head in shape. In contrast, the length of the bristles 130 of the brush head 100 is determined only by the length needed for the actual brush head, because the brush head 100 does not require a ferrule. The small size of the brush head 100 compared to an entire brush with a handle also means that a commercially available UVC cleaning box may be used as long as the plunger 300 can be placed inside. The deformable surface 120 may comprise one or more of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Silicone provides flexibility and durability. Its non-porous nature reduces the build up of bacteria. Silicone also has high tensile strength and can be injection moulded. TPE has good resistance to weathering and to most chemicals and cleaners. TPE is also resistant to environmental effects for temperatures below about 135 °C. TPE provides consistency in manufacturing and does not require reinforcement agents, stabilisers or cure systems, resulting in minimal variation in batches. TPE is made from non-toxic recyclable plastics, and is therefore eco-friendly. TPE also requires less processing, which results in shortened fabrication times. TPU provides high elasticity, high sheer strength, high abrasion resistance, and good low-temperature performance. TPU is resistant to oil and grease. TPU exhibits excellent mechanical properties combined with a rubber like flexibility. TPU can be injection moulded and 3D printed. Handles and attachment mechanisms The makeup brush head 100 can be attached to a handle 400 to form a makeup brush 1. Preferably, the makeup brush head 100 is removably attachable to the handle 400. Figure 4 shows an example brush 1 with the handle 400 and the makeup brush head 100. Figures 5a and 5b show two views of the handle 400. The handle 400 comprises a head end 410, proximal to the brush head 100 when attached, and a distal end 420. The head end 410 comprises an attachment mechanism 440. The attachment mechanism 440 is adapted to fit with the attachment mechanism 140 in the collar 110. In the example shown, the attachment mechanism 440 is a quarter-turn self-locking mechanism comprising a plurality of pegs 442. The dual thread 160 in the example shown in Figures 1, 2a, and 2b is located on the inner surface 112 of the collar 110. The dual thread 160 combines within the same surface a traditional screw thread as the attachment mechanism 150 for removably attaching the makeup brush head 100 to the plunger 300 with a quarter turn twist lock as the fastening mechanism 140 for removably attaching the makeup brush head 100 to the handle 400. In the screw thread the depth and the height of the threads' incline prevent the pegs 442 from sliding into the thread. The thickness and design of the handle head pegs 442 is designed to be large enough to prevent the pegs 442 from slipping into the screw thread of the attachment mechanism 150 whilst still being small enough to allow their function, i.e., to allow their engagement with the slots of the quarter turn twist lock of the fastening mechanism 140. The design of the quarter turn twist lock allows the user to use minimal force to turn the handle head 410 and the pegs 442 through the mechanism. The channel base 144 has an opening wider than the channel 148, creating a sloping entry. The sloping entry allows easy alignment and guiding of the handle head pegs 442 to the quarter turn twist lock. The cross-section of the channel base 144 narrows towards the channel 148, such that once the peg 442 is located in the channel 148 the relatively narrower cross-section of the channel 148 guides the peg 442 to a locked position at the channel head 146. The channel 148 of the slot 142 rises up the collar's inner surface 112 to bring the collar 110 and the handle 410 together for a smooth fit with substantially no gaps. The rise of the channel 148 drops down once at the channel head 146. The channel head 146 forms a substantially circular space set below the line of the rising channel 148. This is to prevent back turning and to secure the pegs 442 in position, as well as to minimise movement or wobble once the collar 110 is locked to the handle 400. In the example described herein the slope of the slots 142 is different from the slope of the screw thread 152. This lowers the risk of the plunger thread 152 getting caught in the slots 142 or the pegs 442 engaging with the screw thread 152. Using the dual thread 160 formed of a screw thread and a quarter turn twist lock instead of the same mechanism for attaching both the plunger 300 and the handle 400 allows even force distribution across the surface of the push head 320 of the plunger 300 as well as a quick attachment of the handle 400. In use the collar 110 must attach to the handle 400 with speed because of the high pace environment and the need to cater to all hand and grip strengths. The quarter turn twist lock mechanism enables this functionality. However, the slots 142 of the quarter turn twist lock mechanism would be too short and require too much force when used with the plunger 300 to depress the deformable substrate plunger surface 124. Providing the screw thread mechanism together with the quarter turn twist lock mechanism solves this problem. Figure 6 shows different example handles 610 - 690. The lateral cross-section at the head end 410 of the handle is shaped to complement the shape of fastening mechanism 140. For instance, when the fastening mechanism 140 is the a quarter-turn selflocking mechanism, the lateral cross-section of the handle at the head end 410 is circular. The lateral cross-section of the handle below the head end 410 may be customised to any shape. The handle may have a substantially conical cross-section along its longitudinal axis, such as handles 400, 610, 620, 660, and 690. The substantially conical cross-section improves the ergonomic of the makeup brush 1 and accommodates users with different hand sizes. The handle may have a substantially round distal end, such as handles 620, 640, 650, 660, and 680. The handle may have a flattened cross-section at a distal end, such as handle 690, for use as a spatula and / or makeup application tool. The handle may be formed of two or more pieces, such as handles 630, 640, 650, 670, or 680. The width of the handle may vary along the longitudinal axis, such as in handles 660 - 690. Varying the width improves the ergonomics of the makeup brush 1. The handle 400, 610 - 690 may be solid or hollow. A hollow handle minimises the number of parts required to manufacture the makeup brush and minimises the weight of the brush. A solid handle improves durability. The handle 400, 610 - 690 may comprise a counterweight at an end distal from the makeup brush head 100. The counterweight improves the balance of the makeup brush 1 and thus the ease of use. The counterweight is preferably formed from a metal, such as steel. The handle 400, 610 - 690 may include a protrusion located proximate the brush head end of the handle 400, 610 - 690. The protrusion keeps the makeup brush head 100 raised off a surface when the makeup brush 1 is not in use. The handle 400, 610 - 690 may be adapted to accommodate makeup brush heads 100 of varying sizes. The handle 400, 610 - 690 can serve as a multi-functional tool. For instance, the distal end 420 may be used for application of creams, lashes, or special effects (SFX) makeup, or to draw fine lines. The handle 400 may be made in different sizes to suit different users. The attachment mechanism may also be a push fit mechanism. The push fit mechanism is easy to manufacture and has a small part count. The push fit mechanism is simple and allows a quick change between brush heads. The attachment mechanism may also be a quarter turn mechanism, using a quarterturn screw to attach the makeup brush head 100 to the handle 400. The screw thread of the quarter turn mechanism provides a strong connection between the makeup brush head 100 and the handle 400, 610 - 690. The quarter-turn mechanism allows to fit the handle 400, 610 - 690 almost entirely inside the collar 110. The attachment mechanism may also be a squeeze fit mechanism. The squeeze fit mechanism allows a quick release of the makeup brush head 100 from the handle 400, 610 - 690 by squeezing either side of the handle to allow the makeup brush head 100 to release. The ease of separating the makeup brush head 100 from the handle 400, 610 - 690 with the squeeze fit mechanism makes the materials used to manufacture the makeup brush head 100 and the handle 400, 610 - 690 simple to separate and thus makes the makeup brush 1 more sustainable. Cleaning Tray A cleaning tray 700 provides a convenient way to clean one or more brush heads. As shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the cleaning tray 700 comprises a base surface 710 and at least one protrusion 720 which serves as the plunger 300. The makeup brush head 100 is placed on the protrusion 720 (Figures 8 and 9) and exposed to UVC light. The at least one protrusion 720 may be removable or it may form an integral part of the cleaning tray 700. The base surface 710 may be a reflective surface. A reflective surface reflects the UVC light towards the makeup brush head 100 to reflect the UVC light to the underside of the bristles. The entire tray may be placed in a UVC box. The UVC box may be a commercially available box or a custom made box. The tray may be removable or it may form an integral part of the UVC box. The UVC box comprises a UVC light source that irradiates and cleans the makeup brush head 100 when placed on a plunger in the box. The UVC light source may be an array of LEDs in the lid of the box and / or along at least one side of the box. The UVC box may comprise an internal reflective surface, which reflects the UVC light so that the makeup brush head 100 is irradiated from multiple directions to enhance cleaning. The UVC box may comprise a fan to improve drying time. The UVC box may also comprise a heater to improve drying time. The heater may be used in conjunction with the fan or separately. Method of cleaning the makeup brush head 100 Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a method 1000 of cleaning the makeup brush head 100. In step 1010 the plunger surface 124 of the deformable substrate 120 is introduced to the plunger 300, 720 through the collar 110. As the deformable substrate 120 is deformed the bristles 130 splay open. In step 1020 the makeup brush head is irradiated with UVC light to sanitise the bristles 130. The step 1020 of irradiating the makeup brush head may be about 100 - 260 seconds long, preferably about 180 seconds long. Optionally, the brush head may be washed in soap and water before being placed on the plunger 300, 720 and irradiated with UVC light. Optionally, air flow and / or heat may be used to dehydrate the interior of the box and to speed up drying of the brush head. A typical drying time may be between about 15 minutes and 25 minutes, more typically about 20 minutes. The design of the makeup brush head 100 ensures that substantially the entire length of the brush bristles is exposed to UVC light, which prevents accumulation of pathogens which can occur inside the core, base, and ferrule of a traditional brush. The design of the makeup brush head 100 thus allows improved, effective cleaning and drying with UVC light. The makeup brush head 100 also allows the user to carry fewer items because the brush handle can be easily cleaned in-between uses and it is only the brush heads which need to be changed. This reduces the amount and weight of equipment a makeup artist or a makeup user travelling needs to transport with them when travelling to a location, reducing the amount of waste, and improved recyclability of the brushes. Furthermore reducing the weight reduces risk of musculoskeletal injuries from carrying heavy loads. Reusing the brush handles, as opposed to discarding them after each use, reduces the amount of waste by approximately 80% compared to single-use applicators. Furthermore, it reduces the amount and weight of equipment a makeup artist needs to carry with them on site, which in turn reduces risk of musculoskeletal injuries from carrying heavy loads.

Claims

1. A makeup brush head comprising:a deformable substrate comprising a bristle surface and a plunger surface;a plurality of elongate bristles attached to the bristle surface of the deformable substrate; and,a collar for supporting the deformable substrate,wherein the deformable substrate is encompassed within the collar such that the deformable substrate is deformable to splay the elongate bristles open in response to the introduction of a plunger through the collar from the side of the plunger surface.

2. The makeup brush head of claim 1, further comprising an annular insert for supporting the deformable substrate within the collar, wherein the annular insert has a higher shore hardness than the deformable substrate.

3. The makeup brush head of claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular insert is set within the deformable substrate.

4. The makeup brush head of any preceding claim, wherein an end of the elongate bristles are directly embedded within the deformable substrate.

5. The makeup brush head of any preceding claim, wherein the deformable substrate comprises a material selected from a silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, or a thermoplastic polyurethane.

6. The makeup brush head of any of claims 2-5 wherein the shore hardness of the annular insert is between about 25 / A and 65 / A and the shore hardness of the deformable substrate is between about 10 / 00 and 25 / A.

7. The makeup brush head of any preceding claim, further comprising a fixture for removable attachment of the brush head to a brush handle.

8. The makeup brush head of any preceding claim, further comprising a fixture for removable attachment of the plunger.

9. The makeup brush head of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the collar is adapted to connect to a brush handle with a quarter-turn self-locking fixture and / or the collar is adapted to connect to the plunger with a thread fixture, and wherein threads of thethread fixture and slots of the quarter-turn self-locking fixture are located within an inner surface of the collar.

10. The makeup brush head of claim 8 wherein the threads and slots are co-located on the inner surface of the collar with the threads inclined relative to the slots to prevent mis-engagement.

11. The makeup brush head of any preceding claim, wherein the makeup brush head has a substantially flat base so that the makeup brush head stands upright on a surface when detached from the brush handle.

12. A makeup brush comprising a makeup brush head according to any preceding claim, and a brush handle.

13. The makeup brush of claim 12, wherein the handle has a substantially conical profile along a longitudinal axis.

14. The makeup brush of claim 12 or 13, wherein the handle is hollow.

15. The makeup brush of any of claims 12 to 4 wherein the handle comprises amaterial selected from a metal, a plastic, and a biodegradable material.

16. A kit of parts comprising at least one makeup brush head of any of claims 1 to 11, and at least one plunger.

17. A kit of parts according to claim 16, further comprising at least one brush handle.

18. The kit of parts of claim 16 or 17, comprising a base unit carrying one or more plungers for receiving a respective brush head, and optionally fittings for receiving one or more brush handles, for cleaning with UVC light.

19. The kit of parts of any of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a UVC light source.

20. The kit of parts of claims 18 or 19, wherein the base unit comprises a reflectivebase surface.

21. A method of cleaning the makeup brush head of any of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising:introducing the plunger surface of the deformable substrate to a plunger through the collar such that the elongate bristles splay open; and,5 irradiating the makeup brush head with UVC light to clean the elongate bristles.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of using a fan and / or using heating to increase drying rate.

Images