Cosmetic Sampling System

Abstract

A system for sample products, trial products, and / or full-size products includes a container defining at least one cavity, a product disc, a cosmetic product, and an applicator. The product disc includes a first side, a second side, a body extending therebetween, and a disc release mechanism. At least a portion of the first side of the product disc is selectively positionable adjacent the at least one cavity of the container. The cosmetic product is at least partially disposed on the first side of the product disc. The applicator has a first end including an applicator holding area and an applicator release area. The product disc is insertably coupled to the applicator holding area.

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 approaches for sample, trial, and / or full-size products. [Background technology]

[0002] Cosmetic and / or skin care products and applicators may have several different visual characteristics. For example, a product such as lipstick may be offered in various colors or shades, sheen levels (e.g., matte, satin, or sheer), and / or may have various degrees of transfer resistance. Often, consumers may want to try several different products before purchasing a full-size version of the product. Existing sampling systems often include excessive amounts of disposable packaging, which may be expensive to produce and / or may present environmental issues. Current sampling and trial experiences may not mimic full-size products and, therefore, may not provide consumers with an experience similar to that of using a full-size product. More specifically, current sampling and trial experiences are offered in small sizes that may be difficult to hold and may present other ergonomic challenges. If a consumer has a variety of different samples, each with separate packaging, the user must wear and carry the individual packages, which may be confusing and present a barrier to trial.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved accessories with improved functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure are directed to a system for sample products, trial products, and / or full-size products. Such a system may include a container defining at least one cavity, a product disc, a cosmetic product, and an applicator. The product disc includes a first side, a second side, a body extending therebetween, and a disc release mechanism. At least a portion of the first side of the product disc is selectively positionable adjacent to the at least one cavity of the container. The cosmetic product is at least partially disposed on the first side of the product disc. The applicator has a first end including an applicator holding area and an applicator release area. The product disc is insertably coupled to the applicator holding area.

[0005] In some examples, the applicator holding area may include a sidewall defining a cavity sized to engage the body of the product disc. In some approaches, the disc release mechanism includes at least one protrusion extending outward from the body. Further, the applicator release area may include a channel that receives the at least one protrusion. In some of these approaches, the product disc may be released from the applicator holding area by biasing the at least one protrusion of the disc release mechanism away from the first end of the applicator.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first side of the product disc is adapted to be disposed within at least one cavity of the container. In these and other examples, the container may further define an applicator cavity adapted to hold at least a portion of an applicator. Additionally, the at least one cavity may include a retaining member for holding the product disc. The retaining member may be in the form of at least one of a magnetic member, a sidewall, or a protrusion.

[0007] In some examples, the cosmetic and / or skin care product may be in the form of at least one of a lipstick, a foundation, a concealer, an eyeshadow, a bronzer, a brow, a solid serum, a solid SPF product, a skin care item, a solid face balm, a lip balm, an applicator head, a brush, a solid blush, a solid contouring stick, an impregnated sponge or carrier, or a semi-solid skin care or cosmetic product.

[0008] In some approaches, the body of the product disc may define a visual indicator that allows identification of the cosmetic product when the product disc is placed adjacent to the at least one cavity.

[0009] In some examples, the container may define a second cavity. The system may further include a second cosmetic product at least partially disposed on the second product disc. The second cosmetic product may have visual characteristics different from the visual characteristics of the cosmetic product.

[0010] According to a second aspect, a reusable product system includes an applicator, a product disc, and a cosmetic product. The applicator includes a first end having an applicator holding area and an applicator release area. The product disc has a first side, a second side, a body extending therebetween, and a disc release mechanism. The cosmetic product is at least partially disposed on the first side of the product disc. The product disc is insertably coupled to the applicator holding area. [Brief explanation 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 a cosmetic and / or skin care sampling system described in the detailed description below, particularly when considered in conjunction with the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary sampling and / or trial system, according to various embodiments. [Figure 2]2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary tray adapted to hold products for use with the exemplary sampling system of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. [Figure 3] 3 illustrates a right-side elevation cross-sectional view of the exemplary tray of FIG. 2, according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] 4 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an exemplary applicator positioned near an exemplary product disk positioned adjacent the exemplary tray of FIGS. 2 and 3, according to various embodiments. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary applicator base for use with the exemplary sampling system of FIGS. 1-4, according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary product disc coupled with an exemplary applicator tube for use with the system of FIGS. 1-5, according to various embodiments. [Figure 7] 1-6, in accordance with various embodiments, illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary product disk disposed within an exemplary applicator for use with the system of FIGS. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary product disc for use with the system of FIGS. 1-7, according to various embodiments. [Figure 9] 1-8 illustrate top views of the exemplary product disks of FIGS. 1-8 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary product disc coupled with an exemplary applicator tube used in the system of FIGS. 1-9, according to various embodiments. [Figure 11] 11 illustrates the exemplary product disc and applicator tube of FIG. 10 in a coupled configuration, according to various embodiments. [Figure 12] 10A-10C illustrate perspective views of alternative exemplary applicator tubes and product discs in a coupled configuration, according to various embodiments. [Figure 13] 13 illustrates a perspective view of the alternative exemplary applicator tube and product disc of FIG. 12 in a decoupled configuration, according to various embodiments.

[0012] Those skilled in the art will understand that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been 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 understood that, while certain acts and / or steps may be described or illustrated in a particular order of occurrence, those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to order is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and phrases used herein have the ordinary technical meanings as ascribed to such terms and phrases by those skilled in the art, as set forth above, unless a different specific meaning is otherwise set forth herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Generally speaking, in accordance with these various approaches, a sampling and / or trial system for a product is provided that has modular characteristics. The sampling system described herein allows a user to quickly and seamlessly swap or substitute different cosmetic and / or skin care products and applicators as desired for application to the face and / or skin. The system may use reusable components and reduce overall product packaging requirements. In some examples, when a user determines which of the sample products they would like to purchase in a larger (i.e., full-size) quantity, the system may accommodate such a larger quantity within it as well.

[0014] Referring to the drawings, a cosmetic and / or skin care sampling system 100 includes a cosmetic and / or skin care product 101, a container 102, an applicator 120, and any number of product discs 140. While the illustrated example shows a lipstick product, in other examples, the product 101 may be any number or combination of different cosmetic and / or skin care products. For example, the product 101 may be in the form of a foundation, concealer, eye shadow, bronzer, brow cream, solid serum, solid SPF product, skin care item, solid face balm, lip balm, applicator head such as a sponge, brush, solid blush, solid contouring stick, an impregnated sponge or carrier capable of holding liquid skin care or cosmetics, or semi-solid skin care or cosmetics.

[0015] The container 102 includes a base 104 having an interior cavity 104a, a lid 106, and a hinge 105 that rotatably couples the lid 106 to the base 104. In other examples (not shown), the lid 106 may be operably coupled to the base 104 via any number of suitable approaches, such as, for example, a friction fit connection, a threaded connection, a magnetic connection, a vacuum or suction mechanism, etc. Other examples are possible. The container 102 may be constructed from any number of suitable materials and / or combinations of materials, such as, for example, metals, polymers, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the container 102 has a generally rectangular prismatic shape, although other suitable examples, such as a cylindrical shape, are also possible.

[0016] The container 102 further includes a divider or top plate 108 having a number of openings 108a (e.g., six) sized to receive a corresponding number of trays 110. The divider 108 may also include an applicator opening 108b sized to receive an applicator 120. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, each tray 110 includes a support ledge 111 having a lower surface 111a and an upper surface 111b, sidewalls 112 extending downwardly from the support ledge 111, and a lower surface 113. The lower surface 111a of the support ledge 111 is adapted to rest on (i.e., be positionable adjacent to) the divider 108 such that the remaining sidewalls 112 and lower surface 113 are at least partially disposed within the openings 108a (and thus within the interior cavity 104a of the base 104). In some examples, the underside 111a of the support ledge 111 (and thus the tray 110) and the divider 108 may be coupled to one another using magnets, adhesive, friction fit coupling, etc. Other examples are possible.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the sidewalls 112 and the lower surface 113 combine to define a cavity 114 sized to receive and / or retain at least a portion of the product disc 140 and / or a quantity of cosmetic product 101 disposed thereon. As shown in FIG. 3 , in some examples, the sidewalls 112 may have a curved, sloped, and / or tapered surface relative to the lower surface 113. In these configurations, the sidewalls 112 may act as a stop mechanism to retain the product disc 140 and / or prevent the product disc from advancing further downward into the cavity 114 due to frictional engagement therebetween. In other examples, such a stop mechanism may be in the form of a frictional engagement, a notch, a tab, a protrusion, or the like. Other examples are possible. In still other examples, the sidewalls 112 may include a ledge region (not shown) to retain and / or prevent the product disc 140 from advancing further into the cavity 114.

[0018] 1 and 4-7, applicator 120 includes cap 121, applicator base 122, and applicator tube 124 having applicator holding area 130 and applicator release area 132. Applicator base 122 may be used as a handle for a user to grasp when applying the desired cosmetic product 101 and includes an opening 123 for receiving a portion of applicator tube 124. Applicator tube 124 includes first end 124a, second end 124b, applicator holding area 130, and applicator release area 132. Applicator tube 124 extends along longitudinal axis "A." In the illustrated example, applicator tube 124 is generally cylindrical in shape, although other configurations are possible.

[0019] The second end 124b of the applicator tube 124 is insertable into the opening 123 of the applicator base 122 and may be secured thereto via several approaches, such as, for example, a threaded connection, a friction fit connection, or the use of a protrusion and corresponding notch. In some examples, the applicator base 122 and the applicator tube 124 may be movably coupled to one another such that relative axial movement therebetween may be possible. Other examples are possible.

[0020] The applicator holding area 130 is disposed at the first end 124a of the applicator tube 124 and is in the form of a countersunk area defining a sidewall 130a and a ledge 131 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first end 124a of the applicator tube 124. The sidewall 130a and the ledge 131 define a cavity and are dimensioned to receive and engage a portion of the product disc 140. In the illustrated example, the applicator holding area 130 is integrally formed with the applicator tube 124. However, in other examples (not shown), the applicator holding area 130 may be operably coupled to the first end 124a of the applicator tube using any number of suitable approaches, such as, for example, a friction fit engagement. However, other configurations are possible. The applicator holding area 130 is generally hollow and defines an internal cavity 130b.

[0021] In the illustrated example, first end 124a of applicator tube 124 (and thus applicator holding area 130) is angled obliquely relative to longitudinal axis A, although other relative configurations are possible. Thus, in this configuration, first end 124a of applicator tube 124 has a generally flattened oval shape.

[0022] 6 and 7, applicator relief area 132 is also disposed at first end 124a of applicator tube 124. In these examples, applicator relief area 132 is in the form of at least one notch, channel, or opening 133 formed along sidewall 130a and extending downwardly toward ledge 131.

[0023] 4 and 7-11, the product disc 140 is in the form of a body having a first or lower side 140a, a second or upper side 140b, and an outer sidewall 140c. In some examples, each of the first side 140a and the second side 140b is generally flat. However, other configurations are possible. The first side 140a of the product disc 140 includes a product receiving surface 144. The product receiving surface 144 is sized to receive a sample amount of product 101 thereon. For example, the product receiving surface 144 may contain enough lipstick for about two to about ten applications. Other examples of suitable amounts are possible. In the illustrated example, the product 101 protrudes outward from the product receiving surface 144 to form an oval shape, although other configurations are possible depending on the desired application style and / or configuration.

[0024] The product disc 140 also includes at least one through-hole 142 extending between the first side 140a and the second side 140b. As shown in FIG. 4 , the through-hole(s) 142 may allow any portion of the product 101 to be placed therethrough and / or alternatively function as a window or visual indicator that allows a user to determine the appearance (e.g., hue, color, and / or other visual characteristics) of the product 101 placed on the product receiving surface 144 of the product disc 140 when placed within the cavity 114 of the tray 110. In some examples, the at least one through-hole 142 allows a layer of the product 101 to be placed on the second side 140b of the product disc 140.

[0025] The product disc 140 further includes a disc release mechanism 146 in the form of at least one protrusion 148. In the illustrated example, the at least one protrusion is located on the outer sidewall 140c of the product disc 140. However, in other examples (not shown), the at least one protrusion may be located on or near the first side 140a and / or second side 140b of the product disc, as desired. More specifically, the protrusion 148 is in the form of a wing or lever that extends radially outward from the main body 140c of the product disc 140. Generally speaking, a user may engage the protrusion 148 to decouple the product disc 140 from the applicator tube 124.

[0026] At least a portion of the outer sidewall 140c of the product disc 140 (i.e., the portion near the second side 140b) is sized and configured to be received and / or nested within the ledge or countersink area 131 of the applicator holding area 130. In this configuration, the second side 140b of the product disc 140 may be at least partially disposed within the interior cavity 130b of the applicator holding area 130. Similarly, the product disc 140 is sized to be positioned adjacent to and / or at least partially within the cavity 114 of the tray 110. More specifically, in some configurations, the outer sidewall 140c of the product disc 140 may have dimensions that are smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the perimeter of the tray cavity 114 defined by the sidewall 112. Thus, at least a portion of the body of the product disc 140 (i.e., the first side 140a) may be positionable and / or nestable within the cavity 114 of the tray 110.

[0027] In some examples, and as previously described, the tapered configuration of the sidewall 112 may act as a physical restraint that prevents the product disc 140 from being positioned further into the cavity 114 of the tray 110. As a result, when the product disc 140 is positioned adjacent to and / or at least partially within the cavity 114, a space or gap may be formed between the product receiving surface 144 of the product disc 140 and the lower surface 113 of the tray 110 that is large enough to hold the product 101. Thus, the product 101 may be safely positioned within the cavity 114 without being damaged by the sidewall 112 and / or lower surface 113 of the tray 110. When so positioned, the second side 140b of the product disc 140 may extend upward from the upper surface 111b of the support ledge 111, in addition to a portion of the outer sidewall 140c.

[0028] In operation, any number of product discs 140 may be removably held within individual cavities 114 of the tray 110, which in turn are placed within respective openings 108a of dividers 108, which are placed within the interior cavity 104a of the base 104. Each of these discs 140 may contain samples of product 101 having different visual characteristics (e.g., various colors or shades, gloss levels (e.g., matte, satin, or sheer), and / or may have various degrees of transfer resistance). A user may determine which product 101 sample they wish to apply by viewing the product 101 through the perforations 142 of the product discs 140 (alternatively, by simply viewing the portion of the product 101 located on the second side 140b of the product discs 140).

[0029] Upon selecting the desired product 101, the user may position the first end 124a of the applicator tube 124, and more specifically, the applicator holding area 130, near the second side 140b of the product disk 140 and move the applicator 120 axially (along axis A) toward the product disk 140 so that the second side 140b of the product disk enters the internal cavity 130b of the applicator holding area 130. In this position, the outer sidewall 140c of the product disk 140 nests within the ledge 131 of the applicator holding area 130, retaining the product disk 140 within a portion of its internal cavity 130b. Such engagement between the product disk 140 and the applicator holding area 130 may be a friction-fit connection. In this configuration, at least one protrusion 148 of the disk release mechanism 146 is at least partially disposed within the notch 133 of the applicator release area 132. The user may then lift the applicator 120 from the tray 110, thereby removing the product disc 140 therefrom. The user may then apply a sample of the product 101 located on the outward-facing first side 140a of the product disc 140, as desired.

[0030] When configured in this manner, sidewall 130a and ledge 131 cooperate to securely hold product disc 140. In some examples, engagement between applicator 120 and product disc 140 may generate tactile feedback alerting a user that applicator 120 and product disc 140 are fully coupled. Additionally, in some examples, at least a portion of product disc 140 and / or applicator holding area 130 may be formed from a magnetic material that magnetically secures product disc 140 to applicator 120.

[0031] In some examples, a user may place the cap 121 onto the applicator base 122 while the product disc 140 is coupled to the applicator 120 for storage purposes.

[0032] The product disc 140 may be decoupled from the applicator 120 by manually sliding or pushing the protrusion 148 out of the notch 133 in the applicator release area 132. A user positions the first side 140a near and / or within the cavity 114 of the tray 110 and axially biases the protrusion 148 away from the first end 124a of the applicator tube 124. Such biasing slides the product disc 140 off the ledge 131, thus decoupling the product disc 140 from the applicator holding area 130 and allowing the product disc 140 to drop into or near the desired cavity 114. In some examples, the side wall 112 may include a magnet to help retain the product disc 140 within the cavity 114.

[0033] Upon selectively decoupling the product disc 140 from the applicator 120, the user may couple a different product disc 140 thereto to apply the desired product 101, or may return the applicator to the applicator cavity 116 as desired. So configured, the user may quickly and selectively sample any number of different cosmetic and / or skin care products 101 to determine a desired product for subsequent purchase. In some examples, the applicator tube 124 may be sized to accommodate a full-size quantity of the product 101 to enable use of the same applicator 120 used to sample various products 101. In such examples, the applicator tube 124 may include an advance / retract mechanism. In other examples, the applicator tube 124 may be removed from the base 122 when the user determines which full-size product they wish to purchase, and a replacement applicator (not shown) may be inserted into the base 122 containing the full-size quantity of the product 101. In some examples, product discs 140 may be reused and / or recycled when they are returned to the manufacturer, thereby potentially reducing overall component and manufacturing costs.

[0034] It will be understood that any number of modifications may be made to the system 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , in some approaches, the protrusion 148 may not be disposed within the notch 133 when the product disc 140 is coupled with the applicator tube 124. Rather, the protrusion 148 may abut the first end 124a of the applicator tube 124 (i.e., the end of the sidewall 130a of the applicator holding area 130). In such a configuration, the protrusion 148 extends a radial distance that exceeds the outer diameter of the applicator tube 124, and thus, a user may urge the product disc 140 from the applicator tube 124 in a manner similar to that described above.

[0035] 12 and 13 show an alternative applicator tube 224 having an applicator release area 232 in the form of a push-release mechanism 233. The push-release mechanism 233 is disposed on the applicator tube 224 and may be depressed by a user to cause a biasing member disposed on a first end 224a of the applicator tube 224 to engage a second side 240b of the product disc 240, biasing the product disc 240 away from the applicator holding area 230.

[0036] In some examples (not shown), the applicator holding area 130, applicator release area 132, and disk coupling mechanism 146 may have an opposite configuration in which the applicator is inserted into a portion of the product disk. Other configurations are possible.

[0037] Further, in some alternative configurations, the sampling system may include a single applicator base adapted to receive multiple applicator tubes, each configured to contain a product (e.g., a sample amount of lipstick or other cosmetic and / or skin care product) having unique visual or other characteristics. More specifically, in these examples, a container sized to receive and hold several applicator tubes may be provided. In some examples, each separate applicator tube may include a visual indicator of the color of the product disposed thereon. Once the user selects a desired product, the user may couple the base to the applicator tube and apply the product. This coupling between the base and the applicator tube may be a friction fit engagement, a threaded coupling, or the like. The user may then choose to return the applicator tube to its designated storage location within the container by uncoupling it from the base, or alternatively, may place the complete applicator (i.e., base, applicator tube, and / or cap) within the applicator cavity of the container.

[0038] In the foregoing specification, specific examples have been described. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings. Additionally, the described examples / implementations should not be construed as mutually exclusive, but instead should be understood as potentially combinable where such combination is somehow permissible. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the foregoing examples / implementations may be included in any of the other foregoing examples / implementations.

[0039] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause or make more pronounced any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as a critical, necessary, or essential feature or element of any or all claims. The claimed invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0040] Additionally, as used herein, relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower, etc. may be used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another and do not necessarily require or imply an actual relationship or ordering between such entities or operations. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element followed by "comprises...a," "has...a," "includes...a," or "contains...a" does not, without further constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined herein as one or more, unless expressly stated otherwise. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "approximately," "about," or any other variation thereof, are defined as close as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined to be within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, and within 0.5%. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "composed of" a certain way is at least composed of that way, but may be composed of unrecited ways.

[0041] The final claims of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless conventional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as when the phrase "means for" or "step for" is expressly recited in the claim.

Claims

1. 1. A system for sample products, trial products, and / or full-size products, comprising: a container defining at least one cavity; a product disc having a first side, a second side, a body extending therebetween, and a disc release mechanism, the product disc being positionable adjacent the at least one cavity; a cosmetic and / or skin care product at least partially disposed on the first side of the product disc; an applicator having a first end, the first end including an applicator holding area and an applicator release area; at least one through-hole extending between the first side and the second side of the product disc, the at least one through-hole configured to provide a visual indicator of the cosmetic and / or skin care product when the product disc is positioned adjacent to the at least one cavity; The system wherein the product disc is adapted to insertably mate with the applicator holding area.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the applicator holding area includes a sidewall defining a cavity dimensioned to engage the body of the product disc.

3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the disc release mechanism includes at least one protrusion extending outward from the body, and the applicator release area includes a channel adapted to receive the at least one protrusion.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the product disc is released from the applicator holding area by biasing the at least one protrusion of the disc release mechanism away from the first end of the applicator.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first side of the product disc is adapted to be disposed within the at least one cavity of the container.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the container further defines an applicator cavity adapted to hold at least a portion of the applicator.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cavity of the container includes a retaining member adapted to retain the product disc.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the retaining member comprises at least one of a magnetic member, a sidewall, or a protrusion.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic and / or skin care product comprises at least one of a lipstick, a foundation, a concealer, an eyeshadow, a bronzer, a brow, a solid serum, a solid spf product, a skin care item, a solid face balm, a lip balm, an applicator head, a brush, a solid blush, a solid contouring stick, an impregnated sponge or carrier, or a semi-solid skin care or cosmetic product.

10. the container defines a second cavity, and the system further includes a second cosmetic product at least partially disposed on a second product disc; The system of claim 1 , wherein the second cosmetic product has visual characteristics that are different from the visual characteristics of the cosmetic product.

11. 1. A reusable product system comprising: an applicator having a first end, the first end including an applicator holding area and an applicator release area; a product disc having a first side, a second side, a body extending therebetween, and a disc release mechanism; a cosmetic product at least partially disposed on the first side of the product disc; at least one through-hole extending between the first side and the second side of the product disc, the at least one through-hole adapted to provide a visual indicator of the cosmetic product; A reusable product system, wherein the product disc is adapted to insertably mate with the applicator holding area.

12. 12. The reusable cosmetic system of claim 11, wherein the applicator holding area includes a sidewall defining a cavity dimensioned to engage the body of the product disc.

13. 12. The reusable cosmetic system of claim 11, wherein the disc release mechanism includes at least one protrusion extending outward from the body, and the applicator release area includes a channel adapted to receive the at least one protrusion.

14. 14. The reusable cosmetic system of claim 13, wherein the product disc is released from the applicator holding area by biasing the at least one protrusion of the disc release mechanism away from the first end of the applicator.

15. 12. The reusable product system of claim 11, wherein the applicator further comprises an internal cavity adapted to receive additional cosmetic product disposed on the second side of the product disc.

16. 12. The reusable product system of claim 11, wherein the cosmetic and / or skin care product comprises at least one of a lipstick, foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, bronzer, brow, solid serum, solid spf product, skin care item, solid face balm, lip balm, applicator head, brush, solid blush, solid contouring stick, impregnated sponge or carrier, or semi-solid skin care or cosmetic product.

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