Applicator system for applying a cosmetic product

Abstract

An applicator system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic product may include a body including a first end, a second end and defining an internal cavity, a container disposed at least partially within the cavity of the body and defining a cavity for containing a cosmetic substance, a sifter positioned adjacent to the container to hold the cosmetic substance within the cavity, a handle having first and second ends and defining the internal cavity, an inner handle positioned at the first end of the handle, and an applicator. The first end of the handle is operably coupled to the first end of the body. The inner handle includes an applicator coupling mechanism to which the applicator is operably coupled. Upon operably coupling the first end of the body and the first end of the handle, the applicator is positioned adjacent to the sifter, thereby collecting a quantity of the cosmetic substance.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cosmetic, hair care, body care, and / or skin care products, and more particularly to systems and techniques for applying such products. [Background technology]

[0002] Cosmetic, hair, body, and / or skin care products may be provided in a number of different containers and may be applied using a number of different techniques. As an example, concealer products may be applied using a user's finger, applicator brush, and / or sponge products, among other options. When applying such products, it may be difficult for a user to accurately dispense the appropriate amount of product to cover a desired area. If too much product is dispensed from a container, the excess product may be difficult and / or impossible to return to the container and may ultimately need to be discarded, thereby resulting in product waste. Conversely, if too little product is dispensed from a container, the need to repeatedly dispense additional product may adversely affect the user experience. In addition, existing techniques may lack customization capabilities and may be difficult to use when attempting specific application techniques. Furthermore, existing products may be disposable in nature, which may lead to environmental waste. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved accessories with improved functionality.

[0004] An example within the scope of the present disclosure is directed to an applicator system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance. Such a system may include a body including a first end, a second end and defining an internal cavity, a container disposed at least partially within the cavity of the body and defining a cavity for containing the cosmetic substance, a sifter positioned adjacent to the container to hold the cosmetic substance within the cavity, a handle having first and second ends and defining the internal cavity, an inner handle positioned at the first end of the handle, and an applicator. The first end of the handle is operably coupled to the first end of the body. The inner handle includes an applicator coupling mechanism to which the applicator is operably coupled. Upon operably coupling the first end of the body and the first end of the handle, the applicator is positioned adjacent to the sifter, thereby collecting a quantity of the cosmetic substance.

[0005] In one approach, the container is movably disposed within the body between the second end and the first end of the body. Further, in these and other approaches, the applicator system may include a piston assembly positioned at the second end of the body. The piston assembly may bias the container toward the first end of the body. Further, the piston assembly may include a resilient member operably coupled to the second end of the body. In some examples, the piston assembly may create a surface tension between the shifter and the cosmetic substance. Upon operably coupling the first end of the body with the first end of the handle, the applicator may break the created surface tension to cause a quantity of the cosmetic substance to collect on the applicator.

[0006] In some examples, the applicator may be removably coupled to the applicator coupling mechanism of the inner handle. In some forms, the shifter may include an abutment to prevent the applicator from advancing into the container.

[0007] In some instances, the first end of the body is threadably coupled to the first end of the handle. Additionally, in some approaches, the second end of the body may be removable to allow the container to be removed from the body. In some approaches, the handle and the inner handle may be integrally formed.

[0008] In some forms, the shifter may be constructed at least in part from a mesh material having a plurality of openings. In some of these examples, the shifter may be in the form of a movable member that translates within the interior cavity of the body.

[0009] According to a second aspect, a method is provided for automatically dispensing a cosmetic substance, comprising providing a body including a first end, a second end, and defining an internal cavity, the body including a container disposed at least partially within the body and defining the cavity for receiving the cosmetic substance. A sifter is positioned adjacent to the container to retain the cosmetic substance within the cavity. The first end of the handle is operably coupled to the first end of the body. The handle includes an internal cavity and an inner handle positioned at the first end of the handle. The inner handle is operably coupled to an applicator. The operably coupling of the first end of the handle to the first end of the body causes the applicator to contact the sifter and collect a quantity of the cosmetic substance. The method further comprises separating the handle from the body to expose the applicator.

[0010] According to a third aspect, an applicator system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance includes a body including a first end, a second end and defining an internal cavity, a container disposed at least partially within the body, the container defining the cavity for containing the cosmetic substance and axially movable between the second end of the body and the first end of the body, a shifter positioned adjacent the container to retain the cosmetic substance within the cavity, and a piston assembly positioned at the second end of the body, the piston assembly adapted to bias the container towards the first end of the body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] The above needs are met, at least in part, by providing one, two or more, or any combination of, the approaches for an applicator system for applying a cosmetic product described in the following detailed description, particularly when considered in conjunction with the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary applicator system, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevational view of the exemplary applicator system of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-3, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation cross-sectional view of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-4, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-5, according to various embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-6, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary body of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-7, according to various embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a front elevation cross-sectional view of the exemplary body of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-8, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary body plug of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-9, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary reservoir of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-10, according to various embodiments. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a front elevation cross-sectional view of the exemplary container of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-11, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary container plug of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-12, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the exemplary receptacle plug of FIG. 13, according to various embodiments. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary shifter member of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-13, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary handle of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-15, according to various embodiments. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 illustrates a front elevation cross-sectional view of the exemplary handle of FIG. 16, according to various embodiments. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary inner handle of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-17, according to various embodiments. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary inner handle of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-18, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 illustrates a front elevation cross-sectional view of the exemplary inner handle of FIGS. 18 and 19, according to various embodiments. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary applicator holder of the exemplary applicator system of FIGS. 1-20, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 illustrates a front elevation cross-sectional view of the exemplary applicator holder of FIG. 21, according to various embodiments.

[0012] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative placement of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the various examples. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible examples are often not depicted to facilitate less obtrusive drawings of these various examples. It will be further appreciated that certain acts and / or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that such specificity with respect to the order is not actually required. It will also be appreciated that the terms and expressions used in this specification have the ordinary technical meanings as given to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the art as described above, unless a different specific meaning is otherwise set forth herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Generally speaking, in accordance with these various approaches, an applicator system is provided that allows a user to precisely dispense and apply controlled, predetermined amounts (e.g., microdoses) of a cosmetic, hair, body, and / or skin care product, such as, for example, a concealer formula, and allows the product to be applied and blended in an ergonomic and uniform manner. In some examples, the system may reduce air bubbles and / or other inconsistencies during dispensing and application, thereby providing a smooth application that reduces and / or eliminates texture marks.

[0014] Referring to the figure, an applicator system 100 is provided for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance 101. The applicator system 100 includes a body or cap 102, a container 110, a handle 120, an inner handle 130, and an applicator 134. The cosmetic substance 101 may be any type of cosmetic, hair care, body care, and / or skin care product that may be applied to a user. For example, the cosmetic substance 101 may be in the form of a concealer formula. Other examples are possible. In some examples where the cosmetic substance 101 is a cosmetic formula, it may include strong or otherwise harsh chemicals and / or solvents, such as, for example, volatile materials.

[0015] 8 and 9, the body 102 includes a first end 102a, a second end 102b, and defines an internal cavity 102c. In the illustrated example, the first end 102a of the body 102 is generally open, and the second end 102b of the body 102 is closed. In some examples, a separate body plug 104 is provided that removably couples with the second end 102b of the body 102 to create a closure member. In the illustrated example, the coupling between the body plug 104 and the body 102 can be a threaded coupling. However, other configurations (e.g., a friction fit coupling) are possible. The first end 102a of the body 102 includes a coupling region 105, which in the illustrated example is in the form of a threaded coupling located on an exterior surface of the body 102. However, other configurations are possible.

[0016] A piston assembly 106 is disposed within the body 102. The piston assembly 106 includes a resilient member 107. As illustrated in Figures 5, 7, and 10, the resilient member 107 is positioned and / or otherwise disposed within a corresponding groove or channel formed in the body plug 104 (or simply the second end of the body in instances where a separate body plug is not provided). As described in more detail below, the piston assembly 106 provides a biasing force against at least a portion of the container 110 to bias the container 110 toward the first end 102a of the body 102.

[0017] 11 and 12, the container 110 includes a first end 110a, a second end 110b, and defines a cavity 110c sized to hold the cosmetic substance 101. The container 110 may be constructed of any number of suitable materials, such as, for example, a polymeric material, a metallic material, and / or a glass material, and may receive between approximately 3 ml and approximately 15 ml of the cosmetic substance 101. More specifically, in some examples, the cavity 105 may be sized to receive approximately 6 ml of the cosmetic substance 101. In some configurations (not illustrated), the container 104 may be configured to receive an internal pouch that may be removable from the container 104. Other examples are possible. In some examples, the first end 110a of the container 110 may be open and the second end 110b of the container 110 may be closed. In some examples, a separate vessel plug 114 is provided that removably couples with the second end 110b of the vessel 110 to create a closure, as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14. In the illustrated examples, the connection between the vessel plug 114 and the vessel 110 can be a press-fit connection or a friction fit connection, although other configurations (e.g., a threaded connection) are possible.

[0018] The container plug 114 includes a wall 115 that divides the container plug 114 into an upper portion 114a and a lower portion 114b. Additionally, the container plug 114 includes any number of flanges or fastening members 116 that may assist in creating a sealed connection with the container 110. Although not illustrated, the fastening members 116 may be configured to receive an O-ring or other seal that engages the container 110. The wall 115 cooperates with the container 110 to define a lower limit of a cavity 110c that receives the cosmetic substance 101. Additionally, an upper end of the resilient member 107 may abut or otherwise rest on the wall 115 of the container plug 114. In this configuration, the resilient member 107 biases the container plug 114, and thus the container 110, toward the first end 102a of the body 102. In other words, the container 110 is movably disposed within the internal cavity 102c of the body 102.

[0019] 15, a sifter member 118 is provided that may be positioned within the body 102. The sifter member 118 is in the form of a generally cylindrical body including an abutment 118a at its periphery and a screen 119 extending therealong. In some configurations, the sifter member 118 is fixedly coupled to the body 102. In other examples, the sifter member 118 may be in the form of a floating piston member that is slidably disposed within the container 110.

[0020] In some examples, the screen 119 is constructed from a metal mesh-like material, while in other examples, the screen 119 may be constructed from a polymeric material. More specifically, materials such as nylon polyurethane, polyamide, polyethylene, etc. may be used depending on the desired formula of the cosmetic substance 101 and its properties (e.g., affinity of the cosmetic substance 101 to the screen 119). Furthermore, the material of the screen 119 may be determined based on the desired hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties. As a non-limiting example, a cosmetic substance 101 having a more cake-like consistency may benefit from a screen 119 having a hydrophobic property, while a cosmetic substance 101 having a more runny consistency may benefit from a screen 119 that has been treated to be hydrophilic. Other examples are possible. In these examples, the screen 119 has a desired porosity or opening size that will create a surface tension for the cosmetic substance 101. The screen 119 provides a resistance to the flow of the cosmetic substance 101 that is greater than or equal to the pressure of the elastic member 107. As a non-limiting example, the screen 119 may have a hole size of approximately 100 μm to approximately 950 μm, which may vary and be selected depending on the consistency of the cosmetic substance 101 to be dispensed. Additionally, the screen 119 may have a particular configuration of holes to facilitate proper movement of the cosmetic substance 101 onto the applicator 134. The sifter member 118, and more specifically the screen 119, cooperates with the container 110 and the container plug to define a cavity into which the cosmetic substance 101 is disposed.

[0021] The resilient member 107 has a spring force suitable for the desired cosmetic substance 101 to urge the container 110 towards the first end 102a of the body 102 and further towards the shifter member 118. More specifically, the spring force of the resilient member 107 is sufficient to urge the container 110 to the point where the cosmetic substance 101 contacts or otherwise abuts the screen 119, but is insufficient to urge the cosmetic substance 101 through holes or openings in the screen 119.

[0022] The handle 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. The handle 120 may include a first end 120a, a second end 120b, and defines an internal cavity 120c. In the illustrated example, the handle 120 has a generally tapered or teardrop shape to aid in gripping by a user, although other structures or configurations are possible. The first end 120a of the handle may include a body coupling region 122. In the illustrated example, the body coupling region 122 is in the form of a threaded configuration that threadably engages the coupling region 105 of the body 102. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the threads forming the body coupling region 122 are disposed on an inner surface of the handle 120, although in other examples, the threads forming the body coupling region may be disposed on an outer surface of the handle. In other examples, other coupling mechanisms (e.g., friction fit coupling) are also possible.

[0023] The handle 120 further includes an inner handle attachment region 124. In this example, the inner handle attachment region 124 is in the form of any number of protrusions or tabs. Other examples are possible.

[0024] 18-20, an inner handle 130 is provided. The inner handle 130 is in the form of a body having a first end 130a, a second end 130b, a handle coupling mechanism 132, and an applicator coupling mechanism 134. As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the handle coupling mechanism 132 may be in the form of one or more bumps positioned on the outer periphery of the inner handle 130. The inner handle 130 is at least partially disposed within an interior cavity 120c of the handle 120. More specifically, the second end 130b of the inner handle 130 is insertable into the handle interior cavity 120c until the handle coupling mechanism 132 is biased into engagement with an inner handle coupling region 124 formed on the handle 120. One or more bumps 132 of the inner handle 130 and / or the protrusions 124 of the handle 120 may deform slightly to allow one or more bumps 132 to move axially past the protrusions 124 such that the inner handle 130 may be removably retained within the internal cavity 120c of the handle 120. Other suitable coupling configurations are possible, such as, for example, a threaded coupling, a friction fit coupling, etc. Additionally, in some examples, the inner handle 130 and the handle 120 may be integrally formed.

[0025] The applicator coupling mechanism 134 is in the form of a threaded formation surrounding the support finger 136. In the illustrated example, the threaded formation is provided on an inner surface of the applicator coupling mechanism 134, although other formations are possible in other examples.

[0026] The applicator 140 has a first end 140a, a second end 140b, a body 142 extending between the first end 140a and the second end 140b, an inner handle coupling mechanism 144, and a compressible member 148. The first end 140a of the applicator 140 may define a cavity 141 that receives a portion of the compressible member 148. In some examples, the compressible member 148 includes a base 149 constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid material that may be inserted and retained within the cavity 141.

[0027] In some examples, the compressible member 148 is constructed of a flocked soft foam with channels that allow the cosmetic substance 101 to be evenly distributed around its outer surface 148a. By using a flocked foam, the outer surface 148a allows for a smooth application of the cosmetic substance 101. In some examples, the channels can be laser cut. In other words, the compressible member 148 can be micro-perforated to allow the cosmetic substance 101 to diffuse through the outer surface 148a of the compressible member 148 and spread evenly there. In some examples, the compressible member 148 can have a dome-shaped sloped surface with a petal shape that mimics a user's finger, approximately 5 mm thick and approximately 17 mm wide. In these and other examples, the tip of the compressible member 148 can be sharpened to allow for targeted application of the cosmetic substance 101. Other examples are possible.

[0028] The second end 140b of the applicator 140 may define a cavity that includes an inner handle coupling mechanism 144, which in the illustrated example is in the form of a threaded coupling region that allows the applicator 140 to be threadably coupled to the first end 130b of the inner handle 130. Upon coupling the applicator 140 to the inner handle 130 via the respective coupling mechanisms 134, 144, the fingers 136 are at least partially disposed within the cavity formed in the second end 140b of the applicator 140. So configured, the fingers 136 may align and support the applicator 140 as the user applies the cosmetic substance 101.

[0029] As previously mentioned, the applicator 140 is coupled to the inner handle 130, which is coupled to the handle 120. When so configured, the first end 140a of the applicator 140, including the compressible member 148, extends a length beyond the first end 120a of the handle 120, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. In particular, the first end 120a of the handle 120 and the first end 130a of the inner handle 130 cooperate to define a gap dimensioned to receive the first end 102a of the body 102. Thus, the threaded coupling region 105 of the body 102 can be threadably and removably coupled to the threaded body coupling region 102 to form the complete applicator 100. In this configuration, the applicator can be transported and stored while ensuring that the cosmetic substance 101 does not leak from the container 110, and further ensuring that the compressible member 148 does not dry out.

[0030] 5-7, by coupling the handle 120 with the body 102, the compressible member 148 is positioned and / or disposed within the body 102 adjacent to and / or within a portion (e.g., first end 110a) of the container 110. More specifically, in this closed configuration, the compressible member 148 abuts and / or contacts the screen 119 of the sifter 118. In some examples, a portion of the applicator 140 may contact the abutment portion 118a of the sifter 118, limiting inward movement of the applicator 140.

[0031] As previously mentioned, the elastic member 107 of the piston assembly 106 biases the container 110, and thus the cosmetic substance 101, against the sifter 118 such that the screen 119 is "filled" or "loaded" with the cosmetic substance 101. When the handle 120 is coupled to the body 102, the compressible member 148 is biased against the screen 119, which causes the cosmetic substance 101 to flow through the screen 119 and into the compressible member 148 via capillary action. In some examples, the desired amount that the compressible member 148 compresses can be controlled based on the number of threads provided by the coupling region 105 of the body 102 and the body coupling region 122 of the handle 120. This dimension can be specified to ensure that the compressible member 148 compresses to a point where the desired amount of cosmetic substance 101 is collected by the compressible member 148.

[0032] Once the handle 120 is removed from the body 102, the compressible member 148 is loaded with the cosmetic substance 101. The user may then apply the cosmetic substance 101 by pressing the exterior surface 148a of the compressible member 148 against the user's skin. Once the cosmetic substance 101 has been applied, the user may secure the handle 120 to the body 102.

[0033] As the cosmetic substance 101 is drawn from the container 110, the amount of cosmetic substance 101 held therein decreases. Thus, the piston assembly 106 again moves the container 110 towards the first end 102a of the body 102 until the cosmetic substance 101 abuts the screen 119 of the shifter 118. So configured, the piston assembly 106 again automatically fills or loads the screen 119 with cosmetic substance upon securing the handle 120 to the body 102, such that the compressible member 148 is again loaded with cosmetic product 101. So configured, the user does not need to perform any additional steps other than moving the handle 120 away from the body 102 to apply the cosmetic substance 101.

[0034] In some examples, the shifter 118 may be "floating" and not fixedly attached to the body 102 or the container 110, but instead may move freely within the container 110 as the volume of the cosmetic substance 101 disposed within the container decreases.

[0035] Because the applicator system 100 includes threadable or otherwise removable components, the applicator 140 may be separated from the remainder of the applicator system 100 as desired and replaced with a different applicator having a desired geometry and / or other properties, such as, for example, a softer or more rigid foam material. Additionally, the applicator 140 may be used alone (i.e., without the inner handle 130 and / or handle 120) as desired. Thus, the system 100 may be customizable to meet changing consumer demands. Such a removable configuration further allows the applicator 140 to be properly cleaned and replaced as needed, which may be advantageous in retail environments to promote hygienic practices.

[0036] Additionally, the applicator system 100 may be reusable. More specifically, in some examples, once all of the cosmetic substance 101 has been used, the user may remove the container 110 from the main body 102 and return the container 110 to the manufacturer. The user may then purchase a stand-alone container, which may have a closure or cap arrangement (not illustrated) on its first end 110a, and then place the container 110 into the main body 102. Such a system may result in a significant reduction in packaging waste.

[0037] So configured, the applicator 100 allows the consumer to collect, apply, and blend the product in one swipe or motion. The geometry of the applicator head allows the product to spread over the surface for a more even application, while the pointed top area of ​​the applicator head provides better application. The applicator 100 does not require a wiper, and therefore any number of suitable applicator head shapes with soft or rigid structural characteristics may be used. The package itself is self-dispensing as there are no actuators, push button mechanisms, or click-turn mechanisms; instead, the product is ready for use once the body is removed from the container. Furthermore, because each of the components are removably coupled to one another, the system 100 can be easily customized by the user as desired.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, changes, and combinations can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and combinations should be considered to be within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

[0039] The final claims of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited in the claim, such as by the language "means for" or "step for."

Claims

1. 1. An applicator system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance, said applicator system comprising: a body including a first end, a second end and defining an internal cavity; a container disposed at least partially within the interior cavity of the body, the container defining a cavity for receiving a cosmetic substance; a sifter positioned adjacent to the container to retain the cosmetic substance within the cavity; a handle including a first end, a second end and defining an internal cavity, the first end of the handle adapted to operably couple with the first end of the body; an inner handle positioned at the first end of the handle, the inner handle including an applicator coupling mechanism; an applicator operably coupled to the applicator coupling mechanism of the inner handle; an applicator system, wherein upon operably coupling the first end of the body with the first end of the handle, the applicator is positioned adjacent to the shifter, thereby collecting a quantity of cosmetic substance.

2. 2. The applicator system according to claim 1, wherein the container is movably disposed within the body between the second end and the first end of the body.

3. 3. The applicator system of claim 2, further comprising a piston assembly positioned at the second end of the body, the piston assembly adapted to urge the container towards the first end of the body.

4. The applicator system of claim 3 , wherein the piston assembly includes a resilient member operably coupled to the second end of the body.

5. 4. The applicator system of claim 3, wherein the piston assembly creates a surface tension between the shifter and the cosmetic substance, and upon operably coupling the first end of the body with the first end of the handle, the applicator breaks the created surface tension causing the quantity of cosmetic substance to collect on the applicator.

6. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the applicator is removably coupled to the applicator coupling mechanism of the inner handle.

7. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the shifter further comprises an abutment for preventing the applicator from advancing forward into the container.

8. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the body is threadably coupled to the first end of the handle.

9. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the body is removable to allow the container to be removed from the body.

10. The applicator system of claim 1 , wherein the handle and the inner handle are integrally formed.

11. 10. The applicator system of claim 1, wherein the shifter is constructed at least in part from a mesh material having a plurality of openings.

12. The applicator system of claim 11 , wherein the shifter comprises a moveable member adapted for translation within the internal cavity of the body.

13. 1. A method for automatically dispensing a cosmetic substance, comprising: providing a body including a first end, a second end and defining an internal cavity, the body including a container disposed at least partially within the body and defining a cavity for receiving a cosmetic substance; positioning a sifter adjacent to the container to retain the cosmetic substance within the cavity; operably coupling a first end of a handle with the first end of the body, the handle including an internal cavity and an inner handle positioned at the first end of the handle, the inner handle operably coupled to an applicator, and operably coupling the first end of the handle with the first end of the body causes the applicator to contact the shifter and collect a quantity of cosmetic substance; and separating the handle from the body to expose the applicator.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising automatically advancing the container toward the first end of the body upon separation of the handle from the body.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising a piston assembly positioned at the second end of the body adapted to bias the container toward the first end of the body.

16. 1. An applicator system for containing and dispensing a cosmetic substance, said system comprising: a body including a first end, a second end and defining an internal cavity; a container at least partially disposed within the body, the container defining a cavity for receiving a cosmetic substance and axially movable between the second end of the body and the first end of the body; a sifter positioned adjacent to the container to retain the cosmetic substance within the cavity; a piston assembly positioned at the second end of the body and adapted to urge the container towards the first end of the body.

17. 17. The applicator system of claim 16, wherein the piston assembly includes a resilient member operably coupled to the second end of the body.

18. 17. The applicator system of claim 16, wherein the piston assembly creates a surface tension between the sifter and the cosmetic substance.

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