A holding device

Abstract

A makeup holding device comprising a flexible makeup receiving body 10 with a wall or lip forming an enclosing periphery 11 and a first strap 51 and second strap 52 attached to the extremities of the makeup receiving body 10 for fastening around a hand of a user. The periphery 11 of the makeup receiving portion 10 is shaped to define one or more zones 14. Each zone 14 can be for a different type of makeup or for separate mixing zone of makeup. The second strap 52 has a Y-shaped configuration with the two upper ends of the Y-shaped configuration attaching to the periphery of the receiving body and forming a thumb receiving opening. The holding device can be fastened such that the receiving body is positioned around the back of the hand of the user between fingers and a wrist of the user and the thumb being received in the thumb receiving opening substantially prevents sliding up or down the hand.

Description

A HOLDING DEVICE

[0001] Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for use in the health and beauty industry to assist in holding and applying flowable material. In particular the present invention relates to a topically applied product holding device that is wearable by the user.

[0003] The invention has been developed primarily for use in applying makeup and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. It will, however, be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Makeup artists use a variety of tools to apply makeup to the face of a subject. However, they also typically use their fingers and palms of their hands to apply makeup. This is because makeup products are warmed up and become more pliable as they are applied resulting in a smooth finish on the face of the subject.

[0006] A disadvantage of using fingers is that there is a risk of transferring makeup to clothing, furniture or any other item that the makeup artist touches. This can result in mess and ruining of clothing / furniture.

[0007] Makeup comes in a variety of forms such as cream, powder, liquid or gel. Typically to match foundation to a subject’s natural skin tone, several colours or tones of liquid or cream foundation are mixed until the right shade is found. The matched shade can then be applied to the subject’s face.

[0008] To mix several products together the makeup artist typically uses a makeup mixing palette or the back of their hand.

[0009] A makeup mixing palette comprises a sheet of a metallic or plastic or acrylic material. The makeup mixing palette is typically rectangular. The sheet usually has a makeup receiving surface for receiving several types of makeup. After use, the makeup mixing palette can typically be cleaned by washing the mixing palette with soap and water.

[0010] Alternatively, the products can be mixed on the back of the makeup artist’s hand. The products are placed on the back of the hand and then mixed using a spatula or brush or other applicator. The products can then be transferred from the back of the hand to the face of the subject. An advantage of this method of mixing and application is that the hand warms the products by bringing them close to body temperature, making the product more pliable. In this way the makeup absorbs better into the subject’s skin and less product is required. Using the back of the hand for mixing makeup can also be more ergonomic and natural.

[0011] However, there are limitations to using this method. The makeup being warm and / or liquid can easily run off the back of the hand and cause a mess. The area at the back of the hand can be too small or inconveniently shaped for makeup. There is a risk that the user will accidentally touch something else with the back of their hand such as their own face. Furthermore, the makeup contacts the makeup artist’s skin and then the subject’s skin posing a hygiene risk.

[0012] There are also limitations to the makeup mixing palette. The makeup receiving surface of the makeup mixing palette can be cool and this can affect the pliability of the makeup i.e. make it less conducive to absorbing into the skin. The makeup may not mix quickly or fully, and the makeup applied on the face may merely sit on the surface but not sink into the skin or move across the skin when applied. Hence, more product may be deposited onto the skin than required during makeup application.

[0013] The present invention seeks to provide a solution, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0014] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0015] Summary of the Invention

[0016] The invention provides a holding device comprising a flexible receiving body for holding a product to be applied topically and a strap attached to the receiving body for fastening the receiving body around a hand of a user. In this way the flexible receiving body can be mounted on the back of one hand of the user and allows the other hand to be used to apply the product topically.

[0017] Preferably the receiving body is substantially planar and is substantially flat.

[0018] However, in a particularly preferred form the holding device has a receiving body which is substantially planar and flexible so able to conform to the back of the hand of the user.

[0019] The holding device can be used for a range of product to be applied topically including one or more of: a) Makeup b) skin lotion c) skin cream d) powder e) sunscreen f) medicaments g) first aid products

[0020] The holding device can have the topical product receiving surface to be textured so as to hold but allow dispensing.

[0021] The receiving surface can have a roughness between 0.4 Ra to 1.6 Ra. Preferably the receiving surface has a roughness of 0.8 Ra.

[0022] The holding device can be fastened such that the receiving body is positioned on the back of the hand.

[0023] In particular the receiving body can be fastened such that the receiving body is positioned between fingers and a wrist of the user.

[0024] The holding device can have a shape tom aid positioning comprising:a) first and second straps extend from opposite sides of the periphery of the receiving body in a substantially linearly aligned configuration b) at least one of the first and second straps has a Y-shaped configuration with the two upper ends of the Y-shaped configuration attaching to the periphery of the receiving body and forming a thumb receiving opening c) the holding device can be fastened such that the receiving body is positioned around the back of the hand of the user between fingers and a wrist of the user and the thumb being received in the thumb receiving opening substantially prevents sliding up or down the hand.

[0025] To hold the topical product on the receiving body there can be a lip at the periphery of the receiving body. Preferably the lip extends continuously around the entire periphery of the receiving body.

[0026] In one form the periphery of the receiving body is shaped to define at least one zone. However, more preferably the receiving body is shaped to define a plurality of lobes.

[0027] In one configuration the receiving body has a first side and opposing second side, and the strap has a first part extending from the first side for the receiving body and a second part extending from the opposite side of the receiving body. The first side of the strap has a plurality of apertures arranged along a length of the first part. The second side of the strap has a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion adapted to engage and be retained within an aperture. Each protrusion is partially frustoconical in shape.

[0028] The receiving body has a thickness along the receiving surface that allows for transmission of body heat from the user when mounted on the back of the user’s hand to assist the application characteristics of the product on the receiving surface.

[0029] The receiving body of the holding device has a thickness to affect one or more characteristics of: a) Fluidity b) Dryness c) Temperatured) Tackiness

[0030] Preferably the receiving body has a minimum thickness of between 0.6mm to 1.0mm. It can have a minimum thickness of 0.8mm.

[0031] The receiving body has a substantially uniform thickness.

[0032] The receiving body can be made of one or more of: a) an elasticised polymer. b) A styrenic thermoplastic elastomer c) Other similar plastics.

[0033] The holding device can be of unitary construction.

[0034] The strap includes a cut-out adapted to allow a thumb of a user to extend through the cut-out.

[0035] The strap is attached to each of the lobes.

[0036] According to a particular aspect of the present invention relating to makeup, a makeup holding device is provided comprising: a flexible makeup receiving body and a strap attached to the makeup receiving body for fastening the makeup receiving body around a hand of a user, in use.

[0037] The makeup receiving body may be substantially planar.

[0038] The makeup receiving body may have a makeup receiving surface that is substantially flat.

[0039] The makeup receiving surface may be textured.

[0040] The makeup receiving body may have a lip at the periphery of the makeup receiving body.

[0041] The lip may extend continuously around the entire periphery of the makeup receiving body.

[0042] In use, the makeup receiving body may be fastened such that the makeup receiving body is positioned on the back of the hand.

[0043] The periphery of the makeup receiving body may be shaped to define at least one zone.

[0044] The makeup receiving body may be shaped to define a plurality of lobes.

[0045] in use, the makeup receiving body may be fastened such that the makeup receiving body is positioned between fingers and a wrist of the user.

[0046] The makeup receiving body may have a first side and opposing second side, and the strap has a first part extending from the first side for the makeup receiving body and a second part extending from the opposite side of the makeup receiving body.

[0047] The first side of the strap may have a plurality of apertures arranged along the length of the first part.

[0048] The second side of the strap may have a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion adapted to engage and be retained within an aperture.

[0049] Each protrusion may be partially frustoconical in shape.

[0050] The makeup receiving body may have a minimum thickness of between 0.6mm to 1.0mm.

[0051] The makeup receiving body may have a minimum thickness of 0.8mm.

[0052] The makeup receiving body may have a substantially uniform thickness.

[0053] The makeup receiving body may be made of an elasticised polymer.

[0054] The makeup receiving body may be made of styrenic thermoplastic elastomer.

[0055] The makeup holding device may be of unitary construction.

[0056] The makeup receiving surface may have a roughness between 0.4 Ra to 1.6 Ra.

[0057] The makeup receiving surface may have a roughness of 0.8 Ra.

[0058] The strap may include a cutout adapted to allow a thumb of a user to extend through the cutout.

[0059] The strap may be attached to each of the lobes.

[0060] This invention may also be said broadly to comprise in the parts, elements, and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements, or features, and where specific integers arementioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0061] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[0062] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

[0063] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0064] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 shows a perspective top view of a first embodiment of a makeup holding device;Figure 2 shows a top plan view of the makeup holding device of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 shows a bottom plan view of the makeup holding device of Fig 1 ;Figure 3 shows a front view of the makeup holding device of Figure 1 ;Figure 4 shows a side view of the makeup holding device of Figure 1 ;Figure 5 shows a side view of a detail of the protrusion on the strap of the makeup holding device of Figure 4;Figure 6 shows a perspective top view of a second embodiment of a makeup holding device;Figure 7 is an illustrative flow diagram of a method of holding a product to be applied topically in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0065] Description of Embodiments

[0066] Figs 1 to 5 illustrate an embodiment of the makeup holding device 100 comprising a flexible makeup receiving body 10 with a wall or lip forming anenclosing periphery 11 and a first strap 51 and second strap 52 attached to the extremities of the makeup receiving body 10 for fastening around a hand of a user.

[0067] The makeup receiving body 10 comprises a makeup receiving surface 12 bordered by the periphery 11. The makeup receiving body 10 is configured to receive various types of makeup on the makeup receiving surface 12 of the body 10.

[0068] The make-up receiving body 10 is substantially planar and flat. The makeup receiving body 10 is adapted to be located on the back of a hand of the user when used. However the makeup receiving body 10 is flexible. It is adapted to flex and bend over the back of the hand when the hand is balled into a fist or when a finger and thumb are brought together changing the shape of the back of the hand.

[0069] In use, the makeup receiving body 10 is positioned away from the fingers to the wrist of a user.

[0070] The receiving body is fastened by one or more straps that can extend between the thumb and forefinger of the user with the receiving body extending away from the fingers such that the receiving body is positioned on the back of the hand.

[0071] However in the embodiment shown the holding device has the receiving body fastened by one or more straps 51 , 52 that includes a thumb receiving opening 59 which can receive the thumb and allow wrapping around the hand such that the receiving body is positioned on the back of the hand.

[0072] The first and second straps 51 , 52 extend from opposite sides of the periphery of the receiving body in a substantially linearly aligned configuration so as to allow direct contact of the back of the hand of the user to the back of the receiving body.

[0073] The second strap 52 has a Y-shaped configuration with the two upper ends of the Y-shaped configuration attaching to the periphery of the receiving body and forming a thumb receiving opening. In this way the holding device can be fastened such that the receiving body is positioned around the back of the hand of the user between fingers and a wrist of the user and the thumb being received in the thumb receiving opening substantially prevents sliding up or down the hand.

[0074] The makeup receiving body 10 is made of a biocompatible and physically stable material. The makeup receiving body 10 can be made out of silicone, for example. In other embodiments, it can be made out of a rubber or rubber-like material. For example, it can be made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer material. In another embodiment it can be made of an elasticised polymer. For example, the elasticised polymer can be styrenic thermos plastic elastomer. Advantageously, the makeup receiving body is adapted to mould to or follow the back of the hand, in use.

[0075] The makeup receiving body 10 can be shaped as a circle or a rectangle or oval or any other shape.

[0076] The periphery 11 of the makeup receiving portion 10 can be shaped to define one or more zones 14. Each zone 14 can be for a different type of makeup or for separate mixing zone of makeup. For example, one zone can contain one or more shades of liquid foundation and another zone can contain one or more types of cream blush. In another example, each zone 14 can contain different concealer shades and the user can apply each of the different shades to different areas of the face and mix one or more of the shades in the centre of the makeup receiving portion 10 or in a zone 14.

[0077] The present embodiment resembles a cloud shape with scalloped edges. The makeup receiving body 10 comprise 5 scalloped edges. In other embodiments the makeup receiving body 10 can comprise more or less than 5 scalloped edges.

[0078] The illustrated makeup receiving body 10 has a cloud shape which has zones 14 defined as a plurality of lobes 15 forming the zones 14. Each lobe 15 can be used to hold a different kind or shade of makeup. In this embodiment, the makeup receiving body 10 comprises 4 lobes. In other embodiments, the makeup receiving body 10 can comprise more than or less than 4 lobes.

[0079] In this embodiment, the makeup receiving body 10 covers a substantial part of the back of the hand to maximise the working space available to a user. In an embodiment the makeup receiving body 10 covers substantially all of the back of the hand. In another embodiment, the makeup receiving body 10 covers more than half or less than half of the back of the hand.

[0080] The makeup receiving body 10 has a thickness. The makeup receiving body 10 can have a minimum thickness between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm. In anexample, the thickness of the makeup receiving body 10 can be 0.7 mm or 0.8 mm or 0.9 mm. In an example, the thickness of the makeup receiving body 10 can be 0.65 mm or 0.75 mm or 0.85 mm or 0.95 mm.

[0081] The makeup receiving body 10 is sufficiently thin to allow heat transfer from the hand to the makeup in use, warming up the makeup. Warming up the makeup will make it more pliable and easier to apply to a face of a subject.

[0082] The makeup receiving body 10 has a substantially uniform thickness to allow all makeup on the makeup receiving surface 12 to receive heat equally from the hand of the user.

[0083] Heat from the hand will transfer by conduction as the makeup receiving bodylO will be in close and flush contact with the back of the hand, in use.

[0084] The makeup receiving body 10 comprises a lip 14 that extends along its entire periphery. The lip 14 retains liquid makeup within the makeup receiving body 10. For example, when liquid foundation is poured on the makeup receiving surface 12 and the hand is tilted, the lip 14 will prevent liquid from pouring off the makeup receiving body 10 or at least slow down the movement of the fluid so a spill / mess does not occur.

[0085] The makeup receiving surface 12 can be textured.

[0086] The range of thermosetting and thermoplastics material used for injection moulding and the roughness Ra achievable is shown as follows:

[0087] In this embodiment, the makeup receiving surface 12 has a roughness of 0.8 Ra. The roughness of the makeup receiving surface 12 can be between 0.4 Ra and 1.6 Ra. The roughness of the makeup receiving surface 12 can be less than 0.4 Ra or greater than 1 .6 Ra in other embodiments.

[0088] The roughness of the makeup receiving surface 12 can be configured to mimic that of skin on the back of the hand.

[0089] The first and second straps 51 , 52 are adapted to secure the makeup receiving body 10 around the hand of the user so that it does not substantially translate out of position during use.

[0090] The strap 50 has a first part 51 and a second part 52. The first part 51 extends from a side of the makeup receiving body 10 and the second part 55 extends from the opposite side of the makeup receiving body 10. In other words, the first and second parts 51 , 52 extend in opposite directions to each other and travel from the back of the hand, around the sides of the hand and connect to each other at the palm of the hand.

[0091] In this embodiment, the strap 50 is adapted to attach the makeup receiving body 10 around the hand and stably position each lobe of the makeup receiving body 10 on the back of the hand.

[0092] The first side of the strap 51 has a plurality of apertures 55 arranged along a length of the first part. The second side 52 of the strap has a plurality of protrusions 56, each protrusion 56 adapted to engage and be retained within an aperture 55.

[0093] In other embodiments the first side of the strap can have a plurality of protrusions and the second side of the strap can have a plurality of apertures.

[0094] In an embodiment each aperture 55 can be sized to fit around a respective protrusion 56 such that the protrusion 56 is retained within the aperture 52.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in figures 4 and 5, each protrusion 56 has a frustoconically shaped head 57 and has a relatively narrow neck 58 extending from the frustoconically shaped head 57.

[0096] In other embodiments the head of the protrusion 57 can be cylindrical or oval shaped. For example, each protrusion 56 can be shaped as a mushroom. In other embodiments, the head of each protrusion 57 can be a cube or a rectangular prism in other embodiments. It is envisaged that in other embodiments, the head of each protrusion 57 can be a variety of different shapes.

[0097] In this embodiment, the aperture 55 is substantially oval shaped. In particular, the aperture 52 is shaped as two overlapping circles. This can be seen clearly in figure 3. One circle 53 has a diameter that is smaller than the other 54. The circle with the larger diameter 54 is the same size or slightly smaller than the greatest diameter of the protrusion 56. The circle with the smaller diameter 53 has a diameter that is smaller than that of the greatest diameter of the protrusion 56.

[0098] To fasten the strap 50, one of the protrusions 56 of the second part of the strap is put through the larger circular part of the aperture and then moved laterally such that the neck 58 enters the smaller circular part of the aperture 53. The head of the protrusion 57 is then prevented from exiting the aperture 55 as the diameter of the aperture 55 in which the protrusion 56 is in is smaller than that of the protrusion 56.

[0099] As the strap 50 has a plurality of positions for protrusions, the strap is adjustable.

[0100] It is envisaged that in other embodiments, there can be different ways to fasten the strap around the hand i.e. the strap can have a variety of different fastening arrangements. For example, the first part could comprise a belt buckle and the second part small apertures for the pin of the belt buckle. In another embodiment, the first part and second part could each have corresponding mating components of a clip. In another embodiment, the strap could comprise an elastic portion and be configured so the device slips onto the hand and is retained on the hand due to an elastic bias contracting the strap. It is envisaged that there could be a number of different adjustable or non-adjustable fastening arrangements.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment the strap includes a cut-out 59 shaped and sized to allow a thumb of a user to extend through the cut-out 59. The cut-out 59 defines two arms of a which extend around the thumb and join together to form the second Y-shape configuration strap.

[0102] The cut-out 59 is configured such that each arm is attached to a separate lobe to support the makeup receiving body 10 in position on the back of the hand during use.

[0103] The makeup receiving body 10 and strap 50 can be made of different materials or they can be made of the same material. In the illustrated embodiment, the makeup receiving body 10 and strap 50 are made of the same material. In other words, the makeup holding device 100 is of unitary construction. The device 100 can be made using 3D printing methods or via a mould.

[0104] The user of the device 100 can be a make-up artist who is applying makeup to their client or a consumer who is applying makeup to themselves.

[0105] To use the device 100, the user fastens the device 100 around their nondominant hand and applies makeup with their dominant hand. The user can place cream or liquid makeup on the makeup receiving surface 12. The roughness of the makeup receiving surface 12 will help retain the makeup in position on the part of the makeup receiving surface 12 to which the makeup was initially deposited. Using a brush in their dominant hand, the user then picks up makeup on the brush from the makeup receiving surface 12 and applies it to the client’s face.

[0106] Advantageously, the back of the hand will not receive any makeup and any biological risks associated with mixing makeup on a person’s skin before application will be mitigated. The back of the user’s hand will be clean of the makeup.

[0107] Furthermore, due to the lip of the makeup receiving body 10, the makeup will not run off the makeup receiving surface 12. Due to the roughness, the makeup will not run across the makeup receiving surface 12 and get mixed up with other deposited makeup unintentionally.

[0108] The separate zones of the makeup receiving body 10 will provide options for the user to deposit different types of makeup making the makeup application process more organized.

[0109] As shown in Fig 6, there is another form of the holding device wherein it is formed substantially of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer material and the holding device is formed at least in part by injection moulding.

[0110] The holding device includes a tab at an inside of the periphery of the receiving body to form a substantially central injection gating for even plastic flow in manufacture and to maintain the most even post injection shrinkage.

[0111] The receiving body can be made of an elasticised polymer or styrenic thermoplastic elastomer or other suitable plastics with similar known characteristics.

[0112] The holding device is of unitary construction.

[0113] In one preferred example there is:Tooling Steel Part Material Tooling Cavities R nner System Additional InformationTip) 2 & Image 3: LW8104 Finish below)• Colour^ Black Semi-Transparent

[0114] The tooling open / close direction will have a parting line around periphery but can be polished off. You will see this line at that location running around the inside products profile - this is the sharp point I line where the open & closed (fixed and moving) steel sides of the injection mould tool meet.

[0115] A ‘witness line’ as a parting line between the fixed tool side of mould and the moving tool side of mould. Also, similar lines on the stud sliders. Hiding of the parting line where the open / close section of the product is not formed by the side sliders meets by adding a curved dividing wall feature 64 around the lower part of the thumb receiving opening 59 of the Y-configurated strap 52. This also aids flexing strength.

[0116] A central ‘tab’ 65 is added to give a location to inject plastic into (i.e. gating) The needle valve hot tip injector will leave a slight mark / pip here after insertion of material into mould.

[0117] In one example of material there is used a 50A Shore hardness TPE compound based on Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBC). It is translucent, soft touch, tear resistant, and has some RoHS, REACH, and FDA compliances. However, a 35 Shore A TPE component could be used.

[0118] Material needs to be non-porous and a material that doesn't hold bacteria or absorb products, and is easy to clean with an alcohol spray and tissue. A food grade material would be good. It must not stain easily. It needs to be flexible, preferably soft to touch.

[0119] Other variations which involve the same concepts and are not explicitly discussed but would be understood by a person skilled in the art are to be covered within the scope of the invention and within the disclosure of this document.

[0120] Embodiments:

[0121] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0122] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Description of Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Description of Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0123] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0124] Comprising and Including

[0125] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the presence of thestated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0126] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements / features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

[0127] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

[0128] Industrial Applicability

[0129] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the health and beauty industries.

Claims

ClaimsThe claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A holding device comprising: i. a flexible receiving body for holding a product to be applied topically and ii. a strap attached to the receiving body for fastening the receiving body around a hand of a user; wherein the flexible receiving body can be mounted on the back of one hand of the user and allows the other hand to be used to apply topically the product from the flexible receiving body.

2. The holding device of claim 1 wherein the receiving body is substantially planar.

3. The holding device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the receiving surface of the receiving body is substantially flat.

4. The holding device of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the receiving body is formed of hygienic material to not affect the product to be topically applied.

5. The holding device of claim 4 wherein the receiving body is formed of food grade material to not affect the product to be topically applied.

6. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the product to be applied topically can be one or more of: a. Makeup b. skin lotion c. skin cream d. powder e. sunscreen f. medicaments g. first aid products h. face painti. sparkles7. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the topical product receiving surface is textured.

8. The holding device of claim 7 wherein the receiving surface has a roughness between 0.4 Ra to 1.6 Ra.

9. The holding device of claim 7 wherein the receiving surface has a roughness of 0.8 Ra.

10. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims, the receiving body can be fastened such that the receiving body is positioned on the back of the hand.11 . The holding device of claim 10, wherein the receiving body is fastened by one or more straps that can extend between the thumb and forefinger of the user with the receiving body extending away from the fingers such that the receiving body is positioned on the back of the hand.

12. The holding device of claim 10, wherein the receiving body is fastened by one or more straps that includes a thumb receiving opening which can receive the thumb and allow wrapping around the hand such that the receiving body is positioned on the back of the hand.

13. The holding device of claim 11 or 12 wherein the receiving body is substantially planar and flexible so able to conform to the back of the hand of the user.

14. The holding device of claim 11 , 12 or 13 wherein in use, the receiving body can be fastened such that the receiving body is positioned on the back of the hand between fingers and a wrist of the user.

15. The holding device of claim 12 wherein a. first and second straps extend from opposite sides of the periphery of the receiving body in a substantially linearly aligned configuration b. at least one of the first and second straps has a Y-shaped configuration with the two upper ends of the Y-shaped configuration attaching to the periphery of the receiving body and forming a thumbreceiving opening. c. the holding device can be fastened such that the receiving body is positioned around the back of the hand of the user between fingers and a wrist of the user and the thumb being received in the thumb receiving opening substantially prevents sliding up or down the hand.

16. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving body has a lip at the periphery of the receiving body.

17. The holding device of claim 16 wherein the lip extends continuously around the entire periphery of the receiving body.

18. The holding device of claim 17 wherein the periphery of the receiving body is shaped to define at least one zone.

19. The holding device of claim 17 wherein the periphery of the receiving body is shaped to define a plurality of lobes.

20. The holding device of any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the walls forming the periphery of the receiving body are 0.8 to 1.2mm thick.

21. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving body has a first side and opposing second side, and the strap has a first part extending from the first side for the receiving body and a second part extending from the opposite side of the receiving body.

22. The holding device of claim 21 wherein the first side of the strap has a plurality of apertures arranged along a length of the first part.

23. The holding device of claim 21 or 22 wherein the second side of the strap has a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion adapted to engage and be retained within an aperture.

24. The holding device of claim 23 wherein each protrusion is partially frustoconical in shape.

25. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving body has a thickness along the receiving surface that allows for transmission of body heat from the user when mounted on the back of the user’s hand to assist the application characteristics of the producton the receiving surface.

26. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving body has a thickness to affect one or more characteristics of: a. Fluidity b. Dryness c. Temperature d. Tackiness27. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving body has a minimum thickness of between 0.6mm to 1.0mm.

28. The holding device of claim 27 wherein the receiving body has a minimum thickness of 0.8mm.

29. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiving body has a substantially uniform thickness.

30. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims wherein it is formed substantially of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer material.31 . The holding device of any one of the preceding claims formed at least in part by injection moulding.

32. The holding device of claim 31 including a tab at an inside of the periphery of the receiving body to form a substantially central injection gating for even plastic flow in manufacture and to maintain the most even post injection shrinkage.

33. The holding device of claim 1 wherein the receiving body is made of an elasticised polymer.

34. The holding device of claim 1 wherein the receiving body is made of styrenic thermoplastic elastomer.

35. The holding device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding device is of unitary construction.

36. The holding device of claim 1 wherein the strap includes a cut-out adapted to allow a thumb of a user to extend through the cut-out.

137. The holding device of claim 36 wherein the strap is attached to each of the lobes.

38. A method of holding a product to be applied topically including the steps of: a. Providing a receiving surface able on one side to hold a topically appliable product and on the other side to be held in contact with the hand of a user to allow body heat to penetrate from the user; and b. Providing fastening means extending from the periphery of the receiving surface for holding the receiving surface in position while not impeding heat transfer from the user.

39. A method of holding a product to be applied topically of claim 38 including the step of: c. locating by using a strap that encircles the hand and includes a thumb receiving hole for receiving the thumb and thereby location on the back of the user’s hand between the fingers and the wrist.

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