Mascara applicator

Abstract

An applicator 100 for applying a cosmetic product, such as mascara, to the eyelashes includes a head 110 having a proximal end 105, a distal end 106, and a concave surface 120 that is concave in a pro

Description

Field of the invention The invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes. In particular, the invention relates to a mascara applicator. Background Mascara is a cosmetic product applied to the eyelashes to improve their appearance, for example by making the eyelashes thicker, longer, darker and more curled. Mascara is typically applied using a mascara wand, which may be in the form of a brush or a comb, for example. Some brushes are formed of twisted wire having a core and closely-spaced bristles extending radially from the core. Other brushes are formed of moulded plastic with a relatively uniform array of bristles extending from a surface of the plastic. In either case, brushes can vary in their size, shape and arrangement of bristles. Some types of brush are more suited to certain users than others, based on the user’s eye shape and size, and eyelash length, shape and density. For example, a brush with a dense array of long bristles may provide good coating of mascara but may risk clumping of the eyelashes. In contrast, a brush with shorter and more spaced-out bristles may provide a more even application of mascara, but it may take more time to coat all of the eyelashes. It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved mascara applicator which addresses at least some of the above problems. Summary of the invention An aspect of the disclosure provides an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes, the applicator comprising any or all of the following features: a head having a proximal end, a distal end, and a concave surface, the concave surface being concave in a proximal-distal direction, the proximal-distal direction being defined as a curved direction between the proximal end and the distal end; and a plurality of bristles extending from the concave surface; wherein at least a portion of the concave surface has a radius of curvature being no more than 19 mm. Compared to prior art arrangements, the inventors have found that providing the bristles on a concave surface having a greater degree of curvature can result in surprising improvements in the performance of the applicator. In particular, the inventors have found that when used to apply mascara to eyelashes, the applicator can provide better curling, lifting and separation of the lashes while reducing clumping. The inventors have found that including at least a portion having a radius of curvature being less than around 19 mm can result in an applicator that can realise the above improvements for a diverse range of eye and eyelash types, thereby making the applicator suitable for a higher proportion of the population. The portion may extend along at least a quarter of the concave surface in the proximal-distal direction, preferably at least a third, preferably at least two fifths, preferably at least half of the concave surface in the proximal-distal direction. The portion may extend along at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 60% of the concave surface in the proximal-distal direction. This may provide a particularly advantageous shape for improved mascara application for a range of eyelash shapes. The portion may be located along the proximal-distal direction closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. The portion may be a first portion and the radius of curvature may be a first radius of curvature. The concave surface may comprise a second portion. The second portion may have a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature. The second portion may be located closer to the proximal end than to the distal end. The second radius of curvature may be greater than 20 mm. The second radius of curvature may be greater than 22 mm, or greater than 24 mm, or greater than 26 mm, or greater than 28 mm. The second radius of curvature may be less than 50 mm, preferably less than 46 mm, preferably less than 42 mm, preferably less than 38 mm, preferably less than 34 mm. The second radius of curvature may be in the range from 28 mm to 34 mm. The second radius of curvature may be similar or equal to the length or the curved length. The combination of the first portion and the second portion may provide the advantage of a high-curvature portion for lash lifting and curling while increasing the overall length of the concave surface so that mascara can be applied to all lashes on the upper or lower lid in a single stroke. Aspects of the disclosure may provide an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes, the applicator comprising any or all of the following features: a head having a proximal end, a distal end, and a concave surface, the concave surface being concave in a proximal-distal direction, the proximal-distal direction being defined as a curved direction between the proximal end and the distal end; and a plurality of bristles extending from the concave surface. The applicator also has any or all of the above features and / or any or all of the following features. The applicator may be of the type formed from moulded plastic, such as thermoplastic. This may be in contrast to applicators formed of a twisted wire core. The applicator may have a curved length of at least 26 mm, preferably at least 27 mm, preferably at least 28 mm. The curved length may be less than 34 mm, preferably less than 33 mm, preferably less than 32 mm. The curved length may preferably be in the range from 28 mm to 32 mm. The curved length may represent the length of the applicator in the proximal-distal direction. The curved length may be measured along the concave surface. The curved length may be greater than the first radius of curvature. The curved length may be approximately twice the first radius of curvature. The curved length may be approximately 50% greater than the first radius of curvature. The curved length may be between 50% and 100% greater than the first radius of curvature. This provides a relatively long applicator which may be particularly advantageous at applying mascara to eyelashes across a wider portion of the eyelid. The applicator may comprise a neck or stem which may be for connection to a handle portion. The neck or stem may have a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be a straight axis along which the neck and / or stem can be provided. The longitudinal axis may be colinear with the stem and / or the neck. The applicator may have a length along the longitudinal axis. The length may be a straight length measured parallel to the longitudinal axis. The length can be measured from the proximal end to the distal end of the applicator. The length may be at least 25 mm, preferably at least 26 mm, preferably at least 27 mm. The length may be less than 33 mm, preferably less than 32 mm, preferably less than 31 mm. The length may preferably be in the range from 27 mm to 31 mm. The shape of the applicator may define a chord as a straight line from the proximal end to the distal end of the concave surface. The length of the chord may be in the range from 18 mm to 27 mm, preferably in the range from 20 mm to 25 mm. The chord may define an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The angle may be greater than 10°, preferably greater than 11°, preferably greater than 12°, preferably greater than 13°. The angle may be less than 20°, preferably less than 19°, preferably less than 18°, preferably less than 17°. The angle may be in the range from 13° to 17°. The angle may be approximately 15°. The shape of the concave surface may define a curve depth. The curve depth can be defined as a maximum perpendicular distance from the chord to the concave surface. The curve depth may be at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4 mm. The curve depth may be in the range from 4 mm to 7 mm. The curve depth may be approximately 5 mm. The applicator may define a displacement from the longitudinal axis to the distal end of the head. The displacement may be at least 6 mm, preferably at least 7 mm, preferably at least 8 mm, preferably at least 9 mm. The applicator may define a tangent from the concave surface at the distal end. The tangent may define an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The angle may be at least 40°, preferably at least 42°, preferably at least 44°, preferably at least 46°, preferably at least 48°. The angle may be in the range from 45° to 55°. The concave surface may have a first normal at the proximal end and a second normal at the distal end. An angle between the first normal and the second normal may be at least 35°, preferably at least 40°, preferably at least 45°, preferably at least 50°, preferably at least 55°, preferably at least 60°. The angle may be less than 80°, preferably less than 75°. The angle may be in the range from 50° to 70°. The angle may preferably be in the range from 55° to 65°. The above dimensions of the applicator have been found to improve the lifting, curling and separating effect of the applicator on eyelashes for a range of eye and eyelash types. The bristles may be formed as a regular array of bristles which may be uniformly distributed along the concave surface. The bristles may be provided in a plurality of rows. The plurality of rows may comprise a first row and a second row adjacent the first row. The first row may comprise more bristles than the second row. The first row may comprise at least one more bristle than the second row. The first row may comprise at least twice as many bristles as the second row. The plurality of rows may further comprise a third row adjacent the second row. The third row may have the same number of bristles as the first row. The plurality of rows may further comprise a fourth row adjacent the third row. The fourth row may have the same number of bristles as the second row. The applicator may have more than 40 bristles, preferably more than 50 bristles. The applicator may have fewer than 90 bristles, preferably fewer than 80 bristles, preferably fewer than 70 bristles. The applicator may have a number of bristles in the range from 50 to 70 bristles. The applicator may have approximately 60 bristles, such as 63 bristles. The bristles at the proximal end may be configured to carry more mascara than the bristles at the distal end. The bristles at the proximal end may be longer than the bristles at the distal end. The bristles may become gradually shorter along the proximal-distal direction. The bristles may have a maximum length of 3 mm and a minimum length of 1 mm. The bristles with the maximum length may be provided at the proximal end and the bristles with the minimum length may be provided at the distal end. The bristles halfway between the proximal end and the distal end may have a length of approximately 2 mm. The separation between bristles in adjacent rows may be at least 0.2 mm. The bristles may extend substantially perpendicularly to the concave surface, meaning that the bristles may extend at 90° to the concave surface, or at least within 5°, 10° or 20° of the normal to the concave surface. Some or all of the bristles may be conical. Along the proximal-distal direction, the bristles in successive rows may alternative between one or more shorter bristles and one or more longer bristles. The bristles may be formed in a plurality of columns. The plurality of columns may comprise three columns. The plurality of columns may comprise a first column, a second column and a third column, wherein the second column is provided between the first column and the third column. The bristles in the second column may be offset from the bristles in the first column in the proximal-distal direction. The bristles in the second column may be provided along a centreline of the concave surface. The bristles in the first column and the third column may be symmetrical about the centreline. The second column may comprise at least 12 bristles, preferably at least 16 bristles, preferably at least 20 bristles. The number of bristles in the second column may be in the range from 15 bristles to 25 bristles. The first column and / or third column may have the same number of bristles as the second column. At least one bristle in the second column may be longer than at least one bristle in the first column and / or third column. The longer bristle may be at least 10% longer than the shorter bristle, preferably at least 15% longer. The arrangement of bristles described above may provide improved control of the application of mascara onto the eyelashes to reduce clumping. Brief description of the drawings Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1A is a side view of an application device including an applicator according to embodiments of the disclosure; Fig. 1B is a perspective viewof the applicator of Fig. 1A; Fig. 2A is a side viewof the applicator of Fig. 1A illustrating a first radius of curvature; Fig. 2B is a side viewof the applicator of Fig. 1A illustrating a second radius of curvature; Fig. 3 is a side view showing dimensions of the applicator of Fig. 1 A; Fig. 4 is front view showing bristles of the applicator of Fig. 1A; Fig. 5 is a photograph comparing the applicator of Fig. 1A with an alternative wand not part of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 shows images of eyes based on test results of the applicator and wand of Fig. 5. Detailed description of the drawings Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a mascara wand for applying mascara to eyelashes. The wand or applicator is of the type formed of a plastic head with bristles extending from one surface of the head. The head has an elongate shape from a proximal end at which it can be mounted to a stem, to a distal end. The head is curved from the proximal end to the distal end. The head has four side surfaces extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The side surfaces need not all be flat surfaces connected by sharp edges, but may be connected smoothly such that a section along the head has the shape of a rounded rectangle. The curvature of the head provides a concave surface on which the bristles are provided. The concave surface has a relatively small radius of curvature compared to known mascara applicators having an otherwise similar form. In this respect, the radius of curvature may be less than 19 mm. The applicator may be arranged such that it does not have a single radius of curvature that describes the entire concave surface from the proximal end to the distal end. Rather, the radius of curvature may be that of a portion of the concave surface, which may be toward the distal end. As such, a portion of the concave surface toward the distal end may have a greater degree of curvature than a portion of the concave surface toward the proximal end. Figure 1A shows an application device 1 for applying mascara to the eyelashes. The application device 1 comprises an applicator 100 configured to transfer mascara from a reservoir (not shown) to the eyelashes. The application device 1 also comprises a handle 3 for a user to grip the application device 1, and a stem 3 extending from the handle 2. The stem 3 is connected to the applicator 100 to connect the applicator 100 to the handle 2. The applicator 100 has a proximal end 105 and a distal end 106. The applicator 100 is connected to the stem 3 at the proximal end 105. The applicator 100 comprises a head 110 and bristles 150. The head 110 provides the main body of the applicator 100 and the bristles 150 extend from the head 110. The head 110 extends from the proximal end 105 to the distal end 106 of the applicator 100. As shown in Figure 1A, the head 110 does not extend in a straight line from the proximal end 105, but instead has a curved profile. In this respect, the head 110 extends in a proximal-distal direction 101 which is curved. Figure 1B shows a perspective view of the applicator 100. In the arrangement shown, the applicator 100 comprises a neck 4 configured for attachment to the stem 3. In this respect, the neck 4 may be configured as a pin for insertion into a cavity (not shown) in the stem 3, for example by a push-fit attachment. In alternative arrangements, the applicator 100 is formed integrally as a single component with the stem 3. The head 110 comprises a concave surface 120. The concave surface 120 extends from the proximal end 105 to the distal end 106. The concave surface 120 is concave in the proximal-distal direction 101. In other words, the concave surface 120 is parallel to the proximal-distal direction 101, as shown in Figure 1A, such that the distal end 106 of the head 110 curves away from the proximal end 105. As such, the curvature of the concave surface 120 is provided by the concave surface 120 curving along the proximal-distal direction 101, as opposed to curving laterally to the proximal-distal direction 101. At any given point on the concave surface 120 along the proximal-distal direction 101, a line section of the concave surface 120 may be flat. In this way, the concave surface 120 may be curved only in a single direction, the direction being the proximal-distal direction 101. In the illustrated arrangement, the head 110 further comprises a convex surface 130. The convex surface 130 may be free of bristles. The convex surface 130 is provided on an opposite side of the head 110 to the concave surface 120. In other words, the concave surface 120 represents an inner surface or a front surface, while the convex surface 130 represents an outer surface of a rear surface. The head 110 may comprise two side surfaces along the proximal-distal direction 101 in addition to the concave surface 120 and the convex surface 130. In other words, the head 110 comprises four surfaces extending from the proximal end 105 to the distal end 106. As such, the head 110 may comprise a substantially rectangular cross section, which may have rounded corners. The head 110 may be tapered along the proximal-distal direction 101. For example, the depth of the head 110, measured in the plane of the page of Figure 1A perpendicular to the proximal-distal direction 101, may taper from the proximal end 105 to the distal end 106. The width of the head 110, defined as the width transverse to the proximal-distal direction 101, may taper from the proximal end 105 to the distal end 106. The concave surface 120 may be arcuate along the proximal-distal direction 101 in some arrangements, such that an arc of a notional circle can be mapped directly along the entire concave surface 120 from the proximal end 105 to the distal end 106. It will be appreciated that the radius of the notional circle is equivalent to the radius of curvature of the concave surface 120 in such an arrangement. In the illustrated arrangement, the concave surface 120 is configured to have a greater curvature towards the distal end 106 compared to the proximal end 105. In this respect, the head 110 may have a first portion 111 and a second portion 112. The first portion 111 is located closer to the distal end 106 than to the proximal end 105, while the second portion 112 is located closer to the proximal end 105 than to the distal end 106. The first portion 111 has a greater degree of curvature than the second portion 112. As such, the concave surface 120 in the region of the first portion 111 has greater curvature than the concave surface in the region of the second portion 112. In other words, the radius of curvature of the concave surface 120 in the first portion 111 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the concave surface 120 in the second portion 112. Figures 2A and 2B each show a side view of the applicator 100 including an illustration of the radii of curvature of the concave surface 120. In Figure 2A, the radius of curvature of the first portion 111 is illustrated with a first arc 121. The radius of the first arc 121 is equivalent to the radius of curvature of the first portion 111. The radius of curvature of the first portion 111 may be less than 19 mm. In the arrangement shown, the radius of curvature is approximately 18 mm. In Figure 2B, the radius of curvature of the second portion 112 is illustrated with a second arc 122. The radius of the second arc 122 is equivalent to the radius of curvature of the second portion 112. The radius of curvature of the second portion 112 may be in the range from 28 mm to 34 mm. In the arrangement shown, the radius of curvature of the second portion 112 is approximately 29 mm. Figure 3 shows the applicator 100 labelled with several dimensions. The dimensions discussed below can contribute to determining the curvature of the concave surface 120. The applicator 100 has a longitudinal axis 10. The longitudinal axis 10 is a straight axis along which the neck 4 and / or stem 3 (see Figure 1 A) can be provided. In order words, the longitudinal axis 10 is colinear with the stem 3 and / or the neck 4. In the illustrated arrangement, the longitudinal axis 10 passes through a centre of the neck 4. The longitudinal axis 10 may also represent a rotation axis of the application device 1, which is the axis about which the applicator 100 can be rotated when a user rotates the handle 2 (see Figure 1A). The applicator 100 has a length L1 along the longitudinal axis 10. The length L1 is a straight length measured parallel to the longitudinal axis 10. The length L1 can be measured from the proximal end 105 to the distal end 106 of the applicator 100. The length L1 may be in the range from 27 mm to 31 mm. In the arrangement shown, the length is approximately 29 mm. The applicator 100 has a curved length CL1. The curved length CL1 represents the length of the applicator 100 in the proximal-distal direction 101. In other words, the curved length CL1 measures the length of the applicator 100 between the proximal end 105 and the distal end 106, taking into account the curved shape of the applicator 100. In the arrangement shown, the curved length CL1 is measured along the concave surface 120, such that it may be considered an inner curved length of the applicator 100. The curved length CL1 may be in the range from 28 mm to 32 mm. A curved length may also be measured along the convex surface 130 of the applicator 100, which may be an outer curved length. The outer curved length may be in the range from 30 mm to 36 mm. The curved length CL1 may be at least 5% or at least 10% greater than the length L1. It will be appreciated that a greater ratio of the curved length CL1 to the length L1 results in an overall more curved concave surface 120. The shape of the applicator 100 may define a chord C1. The chord C1 is a straight line extending from the proximal end 105 of the concave surface 120 to the distal end 106 of the concave surface 120. The length of the chord C1 may be in the range from 20 mm to 25 mm. In the illustrated arrangement, the length of the chord C1 is approximately 24 mm. The chord C1 may define an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 in the range from 13° to 17°, for example 15°. Given that the head 110 of the applicator 100 curves along the proximal-distal direction 101, it will be appreciated from Figure 3 that there is a position along the concave surface 120 which is maximally displaced from the chord C1 in the perpendicular direction. The displacement is represented in Figure 3 by the line S1, which may be considered a curve depth, that is, the maximum depth of the curve from the chord C1 joining the proximal end 105 and the distal end 106. In the case of a perfectly arcuate concave surface, this position would be located halfway along the proximal-distal direction 101 and the line S1 or the curve depth would represent the sagitta. In the arrangement shown, the line S1 is closer to the distal end 106 than it is to the proximal end 105, in view of the first portion 111 having a greater degree of curvature than the second portion 112 (see Figures 2A and 2B). The line S1 may have a length in the range from 4 mm to 7 mm, for example 5 mm. The chord C1 may be between three and six times longer than the line S1, preferably between four and five times longer. It will be appreciated from Figure 3 that a longer line S1 for a given chord C1 length may result in a greater curvature for the concave surface 120. The applicator 100 may define a displacement D1 as the displacement of the distal end 106 of the head 110 from the longitudinal axis 10. As shown in Figure 3, the displacement D1 represents the perpendicular distance from the distal end 106 of the concave surface 120 to the longitudinal axis 10. The displacement D1 may be at least 6 mm, for example approximately 9 mm. The displacement D1 therefore provides another factor affecting the curvature of the concave surface because a greater displacement D1 may provide a greater curvature of the concave surface 120. The applicator 100 may also define a tangent T1. The tangent T1 is tangential to the concave surface 120 at the distal end 106 thereof. In this respect, the tangent T1 may be considered a straight line extending in the proximal-distal direction 101 at the distal end 106. The tangent T1 may define an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 in the range from 40° to 55°, for example approximately 50°. A greater angle of the tangent T1 with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 may result in a greater curvature of the concave surface 120. The concave surface 120 of the applicator may define a first normal N1 at the proximal end 105 and a second normal N2 at the distal end 106. In the arrangement shown, the first normal N1 extends from a bristle closest to the proximal end 105 and the second normal N2 extends from a bristle closest to the distal end 106. An angle A between the first normal N1 and the second normal N2 may be in the range from 55° to 65°, for example approximately 60°. A greater angle A may result in a greater curvature of the concave surface 120. As shown in Figure 3, a notional plane P1 may be defined as being parallel to the longitudinal axis 10 and containing the proximal end 105, in particular the edge of the concave surface 120 at the proximal end 105. As such, the plane P1 extends into the page of Figure 3. The applicator 100 may be arranged such that the plane P1 intersects the concave surface 120 in the first portion 111 (see Figures 1B and 2A), as opposed to the second portion 112. In other words, the plane P1 may intersect the concave surface 120 at a portion of greater curvature along the concave surface 120. Figure 4 shows a front view of the applicator 100 to illustrate an example of an arrangement of bristles 150 on the concave surface 120. The bristles 150 may also be described as tines or teeth, for example. At least some of the bristles, preferably all of the bristles, have a conical shape. Having a conical shape does not necessarily mean that each bristle is a perfect cone. Instead, a conical shape may include shapes having a base and a gradually narrowing or tapering body, which may terminate at an apex. Some or all of the bristles 150 may extend from the concave surface 120 in a perpendicular direction to the concave surface 120. A centreline 125 may be defined along the centre of the concave surface 120 from the proximal end 105 to the distal end 106. It will be appreciated that the centreline 125 is parallel or colinear with the proximal-distal direction 101 (see Figure 1A). As shown in Figure 4, the bristles 150 are distributed along at least a majority of the proximal-distal direction 101. The bristles 150 are provided in a regular pattern in which each bristle may have a predetermined location with respect to the head 110. The bristles 150 may be arranged in a plurality of rows. In the arrangement shown, a first row 161 is provided closest to the proximal end. The first row 161 comprises two bristles, one on each side of the centreline 125. The bristles 150 also comprise a second row 162 adjacent the first row and having a single bristle on the centreline 125. The bristles 150 may also comprise a third row 163 adjacent the second row 162 and having a similar arrangement of bristles to the first row 161, which in this example a pair of bristles on opposite sides of the centreline 125. The bristles 150 may further comprise a fourth row 164 adjacent the third row 163 and having a similar arrangement of bristles to the second row 162, which in this example is a single bristle on the centreline 125. As shown in Figure 4, this pattern of rows may continue up to the distal end 106, with rows of single bristles alternating with rows of two bristles. The plurality of rows in the example shown comprises 42 rows. The bristles 150 may be arranged in a plurality of columns. In the arrangement shown, the bristles 150 are arranged in a first column 151, a second column 152 and a third column 153. The second column 152 is provided between the first column 151 and the third column 153. The bristles in the second column 152 may lie along the centreline 125 as shown in Figure 4, while the bristles in the first column 151 may lie on a first side of the centreline 125 and the bristles in the third column 153 may lie on a second side of the centreline 125. In the arrangement shown, the bristles in the second column 152 are offset from the bristles in the first column 151 and the third column 153 in the proximal-distal direction 101, while the bristles in the first column 151 are symmetrical with the bristles in the third column 153 about the centreline 125. In the illustrated example, each row has 21 bristles, giving a total of 63 bristles along the concave surface 120. With reference to Figure 4 and also Figure 1A, the bristles 150 at the proximal end 105 may be configured to carry more mascara than the bristles at the distal end 106. In the illustrated arrangement, this can be provided by the bristles being longer at the proximal end 105 than at the distal end 106. The bristles 150 may be gradually shorter along the proximal-distal direction 101. In the example shown, the bristles 150 in each of the three columns 151, 152, 153 get shorter along the proximal-distal direction 101, with the longest bristle being at the proximal end 105 and the shortest bristle in a given column being at the distal end 106. The bristles in the second column 152 may be longer than adjacent bristles in the first column 151 or the third column 153. In other words, the bristles may have a set of longer bristles along the centre and a set of shorter bristles on either side of the centre. For example, the bristle in the second row 162 may be 5%, or 10% or 15% or 20% longer than one or both of the bristles in the first row 161. While a particular arrangement of bristles 150 has been described, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to such an arrangement. For example, the first row and / or second row could have a different number of bristles. The ratio of the number of bristles in the first row to the number of bristles in the second row may be 1:1, or 3:1, or 3:2, or any other suitable ratio. Figure 5 illustrates a comparison between the applicator 100 according to the present disclosure and an alternative wand 200 which does not form part of the present disclosure. With reference also to the dimensions discussed in relation to Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that the applicator 100 has a significantly different arrangement to the wand 200. For example, the applicator 100 has a greater degree of curvature than the wand 200. In this respect, the applicator 100 has a smaller radius of curvature than the wand 200. Furthermore, the applicator 100 is longerthan the wand 200. This is true of the length (i.e., length L1) measured in the longitudinal axis parallel to the stem and of the curved length (i.e., curved length CL1) measured along the concave surface on which the bristles are supported. The displacement measured perpendicularly from the distal end to the longitudinal axis (i.e., displacement D1) is greater in the applicator 100 than the wand 200. The angle defined between the normal to the proximal end and the normal to the distal end (i.e., angle A) is greater in the applicator 100 than the wand 200. The curve depth (i.e., length of the line S1) is greater for the applicator 100 than the wand 200. The angle of the chord relative to the longitudinal axis is greater in the applicator 100 than in the wand 200. Also, the maximum bristle length, in particular the bristles at the proximal end, is greater in the applicator 100 than in the wand 200. The differences noted above contribute to an improved applicator for mascara. Such improvements may relate to the suitability of the applicator 100 to different eye sizes, eye shapes, lash lengths and lash shapes. Furthermore, the applicator 100 is configured to provide enhanced curling and lifting of the lashes, as well as separating lashes from one another to reduce clumping. Figure 6 illustrates an array of photographs to illustrate the improvements offered by the applicator 100 based on product testing. Each row represents a different subject on which the applicator 100 was tested. The images in the first column show an eye without any without any mascara applied to the lashes. The images in the second column show the eye with mascara applied using the applicator 100. The images in the third column show the eye with mascara applied using the alternative wand 200. The first row shows a small, almond-shaped, hooded eye with short, straight lashes in image 311. By comparing image 312 and image 313, it can be seen that better separation and curling in particular is provided by the applicator 100 compared to the wand 200. The second row shows a medium, downturned eye with long, curled, dense lashes in image 321. By comparing image 322 and image 323, it can be seen that better coverage, lifting and separation in particular is provided by the applicator 100 compared to the wand 200. The third row shows a medium, upturned eye with medium length, sparse lashes in image 331. By comparing image 332 and image 333, it can be seen that better curling and lifting in particular is provided by the applicator 100 compared to the wand 200. The fourth row shows a large, almond-shaped eye with long, curled, dense lashes in image 341. By comparing image 342 and image 343, it can be seen that better coverage and separation in particular is provided by the applicator 100 compared to the wand 200. It will be appreciated from the above description that many features of the different examples are interchangeable and combinable. The disclosure extends to further examples comprising features from different examples combined together in ways not specifically mentioned. Indeed, there are many features presented in the above examples and it will be apparent to the skilled person that these may be advantageously combined with one another. Embodiments are described in the following numbered clauses: 1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes, the applicator comprising: a head having a proximal end, a distal end, and a concave surface, the concave surface being concave in a proximal-distal direction, the proximal-distal direction being defined as a curved direction between the proximal end and the distal end; and a plurality of bristles extending from the concave surface; wherein at least a portion of the concave surface has a radius of curvature being no more than 19 mm. 2. The applicator of clause 1, wherein the portion extends along at least half of the concave surface in the proximal-distal direction. 3. The applicator of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the portion is located along the proximal-distal direction closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. 4. The applicator of any preceding clause, wherein the applicator has a curved length that is at least 50% greater than the radius of curvature. 5. The applicator of any preceding clause, wherein the applicator is configured for connection to a stem along a longitudinal axis. 6. The applicator of clause 5, wherein the applicator has a length along the longitudinal axis of at least 30 mm. 7. The applicator of clause 5 or clause 6, wherein the applicator defines a chord from the proximal end to the distal end of the concave surface, and wherein the angle of the chord relative to the longitudinal axis is greater than 12°. 8. The applicator of clause 7, wherein a curve depth, defined as a maximum perpendicular distance from the chord to the concave surface, is at least 4 mm. 9. The applicator of any of clauses 5 to 8, wherein the applicator has a tangent from the concave surface at the distal end, the tangent defining an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of at least 45°. 10. The applicator of any preceding clause, wherein the portion is a first portion and the radius of curvature is a first radius of curvature, and the concave surface comprises a second portion, the second portion having a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature. 11. The applicator of clause 10, wherein the second portion is located along the proximal-distal direction closer to the proximal end than to the distal end. 12. The applicator of any preceding clause, the plurality of bristles may be formed in a regular array. 13. The applicator of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of bristles are formed in a plurality of rows along the proximal-distal direction, the plurality of rows comprising at least a first row and a second row adjacent the first row, and wherein the first row comprises more bristles than the second row. 14. The applicator of any preceding clause, wherein the bristles at the proximal end of the concave surface are configured to carry more mascara than the bristles at the distal end. 15. The applicator of any preceding clause, wherein the bristles at the proximal end are longer than the bristles at the distal end. 16. The applicator of any preceding clause, wherein the bristles extend substantially perpendicularly to the concave surface. 17. The applicator of any preceding clause, wherein the bristles are formed in a plurality of columns, the plurality of columns comprising a first column, a second column and a third column, the second column being between the first column and the third column. 18. The applicator of clause 17, wherein the bristles in the second column are offset along the proximal-distal direction with respect to the bristles in the first column and the third column. 19. The applicator of clause 17 or clause 18, wherein at least one bristle in the second column is longer than at least one bristle in the first column and / or third column. 20. An applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes, the applicator comprising: a head having a proximal end, a distal end, and a concave surface, the concave surface being concave in a proximal-distal direction, the proximal-distal direction being defined as a curved direction between the proximal end and the distal end; and a plurality of bristles extending from the concave surface; wherein the concave surface has a first normal at the proximal end and a second normal at the distal end, and wherein an angle between the first normal and the second normal is at least 40°. 21. The applicator of clause 20, wherein the angle is at least 60°. 18 02 26

Claims

1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes, the applicator comprising:a head having a proximal end, a distal end, and a concave surface, the concave surface being concave in a proximal-distal direction, the proximal-distal direction being defined as a curved direction between the proximal end and the distal end; anda plurality of bristles extending from the concave surface;wherein the concave surface comprises a first portion having a first radius of curvature, and a second portion having a second radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature is greater than the first radius of curvature.

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the second portion is located along the proximal-distal direction closer to the proximal end than to the distal end.

3. The applicator of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion is located along the proximal-distal direction closer to the distal end than to the proximal end.

4. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the applicator has a curved length that is at least 50% greater than the first radius of curvature.

5. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the applicator is configured for connection to a stem along a longitudinal axis.

6. The applicator of claim 5, wherein the applicator has a length along the longitudinal axis of at least 30 mm.

7. The applicator of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the applicator defines a chord from the proximal end to the distal end of the concave surface, and wherein the angle of the chord relative to the longitudinal axis is greater than 12°.

8. The applicator of claim 7, wherein a curve depth, defined as a maximum perpendicular distance from the chord to the concave surface, is at least 4 mm.18 02 269. The applicator of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the applicator has a tangent from the concave surface at the distal end, the tangent defining an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of at least 45°.

10. The applicator of any preceding claim, the plurality of bristles may be formed in a regular array.

11. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of bristles are formed in a plurality of rows along the proximal-distal direction, the plurality of rows comprising at least a first row and a second row adjacent the first row, and wherein the first row comprises more bristles than the second row.

12. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the bristles at the proximal end are longer than the bristles at the distal end.

13. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the bristles extend substantially perpendicularly to the concave surface.

14. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the bristles are formed in a plurality of columns, the plurality of columns comprising a first column, a second column and a third column, the second column being between the first column and the third column.

15. The applicator of claim 14, wherein the bristles in the second column are offset along the proximal-distal direction with respect to the bristles in the first column and the third column.

16. The applicator of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein at least one bristle in the second column is longer than at least one bristle in the first column and / or third column.T +44(0)30 0300 2000A

Images