Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator element, characterized in that the applicator element is at least substantially shaped like the number eight.

Description

[0001] COSMETIC APPLICATOR

[0002] The invention relates to a cosmetic applicator for applying cosmetics according to the preamble of claim 1 and a cosmetic unit comprising a cosmetic according to the preamble of claim 12.

[0003] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0004] Cosmetic applicators are frequently used when applying medical or cosmetic products such as creams, ointments, or makeup. These typically consist of a handle or shaft and a section used to apply the product to the desired area using stroking, dabbing, or rotating motions. This section of a cosmetic applicator is also called the applicator head. Depending on the type of product being applied, different designs are possible with regard to the geometry and material of a cosmetic applicator or applicator head.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] When applying lip gloss and other cosmetic, hygiene, and medical products that are typically applied to the skin, brush-like cosmetic applicators are often used. These consist of a handle and numerous bristles at the free end of the applicator. The bristles serve as the applicator mechanism.

[0007] To apply the product to the desired area, the bristles must first be moistened with the product. This is usually done by immersing them in a container of the product. However, precise control over the amount of product dispensed is limited. While the applicator can be immersed in the container so that only the tips of the applicator come into contact with the product, depending on the viscosity of the product, this can lead to the entire applicator becoming unintentionally coated with the product.With a high viscosity of the product being applied, the individual bristles and / or the spaces between the individual bristles may, as a result of capillary effects, be exposed to the product along their entire length, even if the bristles are not completely immersed in the product being applied in the container.

[0008] For this reason, the bristles are typically wiped on a cloth or the inside of the container before applying the product, removing the excess product adhering to them. However, the amount of product remaining on the bristles after wiping is also difficult to control. This can result in an unintentionally large amount of product being applied. Furthermore, it can lead to unwanted soiling of the container's exterior. While this soiling can be avoided by wiping the brush on a cloth or similar object, this results in increased product consumption and waste generation.

[0009] Alternatively, the application process may be unnecessarily prolonged because too little of the product remains on the bristles, requiring the process to be repeated.

[0010] THE PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0011] In view of this, the object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic applicator in which the amount of product to be applied, with which the applicator organ is acted upon and which is dispensed by the applicator organ can be more easily dosed.

[0012] THE INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0013] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the main claim directed to the cosmetic applicator.

[0014] Accordingly, the problem is solved with a cosmetic applicator for applying cosmetics with an applicator organ. The cosmetic applicator is characterized by the fact that the applicator organ has at least the essential shape of a figure eight.

[0015] If one assumes, in simplified terms, that a body in the shape of a three-dimensional figure eight essentially consists of two ring-like sub-bodies that have an outer and an inner diameter and intersect or at least tangent to each other, then the body usually has two passages or bores that are completely or partially enclosed by solid material.

[0016] These areas can be used as mass storage in the case of a figure-eight-shaped applicator. These mass storage areas allow the amount of product that the applicator can absorb and dispense to be dosed, depending on the immersion depth of the applicator into the container containing the product. The "product" is hereinafter also referred to as makeup. However, it can equally be any other solid or liquid product, such as cosmetic or medicinal creams.

[0017] If only a very small amount of makeup is to be applied, only the tip of the figure-eight-shaped applicator is dipped into the makeup container. Makeup then adheres only to the edge or outer surface of the applicator, which is then applied to the desired area by pressing down and moving the applicator back and forth.

[0018] If the applicator is to be treated with a larger quantity of makeup, it can be immersed deeper or completely into the product. Depending on the immersion depth, a larger portion of the outer surface will then be coated with the product to be applied. Additionally, makeup will also accumulate in the aforementioned mass reservoirs, where it will remain even after the applicator is removed from the makeup container due to friction and / or surface tension effects.

[0019] When applying the product to the desired area, the amount dispensed can be precisely controlled by adjusting the applicator. If only the edge of the applicator, coated with makeup, is brought into contact with the desired area, only a relatively small amount of makeup is applied. However, if the makeup stored in the reservoir(s) is also released, a significantly larger amount is dispensed by the applicator. The makeup stored in the reservoirs is released either by direct contact with the surface and / or by gently pressing the applicator and its reservoirs against the application site, thus elastically deforming the applicator and its reservoirs. The function of the reservoirs is comparable to that of a pipette.Thus, with a cosmetic applicator according to the invention, the amount of makeup dispensed by the applicator organ can also be precisely dosed.

[0020] Since the applicator has no bristles, capillary effects generally do not occur when only the tip of the applicator is immersed in the fluid to be applied, as can be the case with brush-like applicators. Therefore, the applicator typically does not become exposed to an undesirably large amount of product.

[0021] An “essentially figure-eight-shaped applicator organ” is an applicator organ whose longitudinal section essentially has the shape of a three-dimensional figure eight.

[0022] This is the case, at least, if the applicator organ consists of two overlapping or interlocking loops.

[0023] In this context, "overlapping" does not necessarily mean that the two loops actually intersect, but it is also conceivable that one of the loops has a gap or a through-opening, or at least one of the loops is not completely closed.

[0024] A "loop" is understood to be a body with a ring-shaped base. A ring-shaped base has both an inner and an outer boundary line, i.e., both an inner and an outer diameter. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the diameters do not have a circular shape, but are, for example, formed by a self-intersecting curve, a curve with non-constant curvature, or are oval. It is also conceivable that the loop does not have a constant thickness in the direction perpendicular to the base, but rather exhibits a continuously or abruptly varying thickness.

[0025] A "longitudinal section" refers to a sectional view in which the longitudinal axis of the cut body runs parallel to the cutting plane.

[0026] The "longitudinal axis" of the applicator organ is the main axis that passes through the centers of the two loops, divides the applicator organ into two symmetrical halves, and extends along the longest dimension of the applicator organ.

[0027] The "application site" is the area where the product is to be applied.

[0028] ANOTHER PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0029] Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic unit in which the amount of product to be applied can be more easily dosed.

[0030] THE FURTHER INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0031] The aforementioned problem is solved by a cosmetic unit comprising a reservoir filled or fillable with cosmetic product. The cosmetic product preferably takes the form of lip cosmetics. The reservoir has a dispensing opening that is closed by a cap. The cosmetic unit also includes a cosmetic applicator, which is preferably attached to the cap, usually via a stem. The cosmetic unit is characterized by the fact that the cosmetic applicator is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

[0032] The cosmetic unit comprises an essentially figure-eight-shaped applicator. The amount of product dispensed from the applicator after immersion into the container can be metered based on the immersion depth. Furthermore, the amount of product dispensed by the applicator can be controlled by bringing either a product-wetted area or a mass-storing area of ​​the applicator into contact with the desired location. The cosmetic applicator can be attached to the container's cap by either manufacturing the cap and applicator so that the applicator stem is integrally integrated into the cap. This is advantageous, for example, when the cosmetic applicator and cap are manufactured using injection molding or additive manufacturing processes.It is also conceivable to create the connection only after the separate production of the cap and cosmetic unit. In this case, the connection can be designed, for example, as an adhesive, plug-in, or screw connection.

[0033] PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS I TEN

[0034] There are a number of ways to modify the invention to further improve its effectiveness or usability.

[0035] It is particularly advantageous that the figure eight of the applicator organ is endless.

[0036] The two loops of the applicator therefore merge seamlessly into one another without any break. This is advantageous because there is no gap between the two loops into which the product being applied, as well as dirt or germs, could penetrate. This design is therefore particularly advantageous when the cosmetic applicator is to be used for applying products to the skin or to wounds.

[0037] Furthermore, such an applicator organ exhibits a relatively high rigidity. This can be advantageous depending on the application.

[0038] A "one-piece transition" exists when a body or component has several sections, but these sections merge seamlessly into one another, and both are part of the same component. A one-piece applicator organ can be manufactured, for example, using additive manufacturing or casting or injection molding processes.

[0039] Another preferred embodiment of the cosmetic applicator consists in the figure eight being locally and preferably slotted in the area of ​​its intersection point.

[0040] This can be achieved, for example, by having one or both loops of the applicator organ have a break across their entire width at one point.

[0041] This reduces the longitudinal stiffness of the applicator. When the applicator is pressed against the application site to release the makeup contained in the mass reservoirs, a greater elastic deformation of the applicator occurs longitudinally. This is desirable because it also causes the mass reservoirs of the applicator to deform more. This facilitates the release of the makeup contained in the mass reservoirs.

[0042] At the same time, however, the stiffness perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the applicator organ is only slightly affected. Therefore, a relatively stiff material can be chosen for the applicator organ, which does not allow elastic deformation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, or only to a very limited extent. This is advantageous because deformation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the applicator organ would make precise application of the product more difficult.

[0043] The term "locally slit" describes a break in the solid material of a loop of the applicator organ. The "crossing point" refers to the area of ​​the applicator organ where one loop transitions into the other.

[0044] The term "in the area of ​​its intersection point" also includes the area immediately adjacent to the intersection point.

[0045] The “longitudinal direction” of the applicator organ is understood to mean the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator organ.

[0046] The "width" of a loop is the extent of the loop in the direction tangential to its curvature.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, the figure eight has two hollow centers entwined by it.

[0048] The loops therefore have no interruption across their entire width. The applicator thus has a relatively high rigidity. This can be advantageous, for example, if the makeup stored in the hollow centers, which act as mass storage units, is only to be released to the application site when the applicator is pressed firmly.

[0049] Ideally, the distal hollow center is larger than the proximal hollow center. Preferably, the distal hollow center is at least 10% larger than the proximal hollow center.

[0050] To apply the product stored in the hollow centers to the desired area, the applicator is pressed against the target area. This causes the loops to deform, releasing the product stored in the hollow centers. Because the applicator is pressed against the target area with its end furthest from the stem, the distal hollow center deforms elastically first, before the proximal hollow center deforms. The larger distal hollow center can thus be used as a primary mass storage area. The proximal hollow center, on the other hand, serves as an additional mass storage area if the product in the distal hollow center is insufficient.

[0051] Therefore, it is advantageous to make the distal hollow center larger.

[0052] The “distal” hollow center is the hollow center located furthest from the handle, stem or coupling element of the cosmetic applicator.

[0053] The “proximal” hollow center, on the other hand, is the hollow center located closer to the handle, stem or coupling element of the cosmetic applicator.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment, the applicator organ can be deformed longitudinally by at least 15%, or preferably by at least 25%, of its length during intended application.

[0055] Due to the figure-eight shape of the applicator organ, each loop can be elastically ovalized by pressing the applicator organ onto the desired location. Depending on the degree of ovalization, the loops release the mass they have stored. This allows the applicator organ to precisely control the release of the mass via the pressure applied to it.

[0056] Preferably, the figure eight is formed from two loops, one of which forms a passage opening at the intersection point, which is crossed by the other loop.

[0057] This leads to an increase in the stiffness of the applicator organ in

[0058] The stiffness in the longitudinal direction is reduced, while the stiffness perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the applicator organ is only slightly affected. This achieves essentially the same advantages as the previously mentioned applicator organ with a locally slotted intersection point.

[0059] The opening is ideally large enough that a free space exists between the outer surface of the loop traversing the opening and the inner circumferential surface of the opening's boundary. This free space can be used as additional mass storage. Furthermore, it allows the product to exit the hollow centers formed by the loops in the circumferential direction. This is advantageous, for example, when the loops are pressed laterally, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the applicator, against the area where the product is to be applied.

[0060] In another preferred embodiment, the two loops only partially touch at the intersection point in their undeformed state. Preferably, the two loops do not touch at all in their undeformed state.

[0061] This reduces the flexural rigidity of the applicator. Depending on the application of the cosmetic applicator, this can be advantageous. For example, reduced flexural rigidity allows the applicator to be pressed laterally against an uneven surface, ensuring that its surfaces, running parallel (or substantially parallel) to its longitudinal axis, rest against the uneven surface. Subsequently, the product can be applied and distributed over a large area by moving the applicator along the uneven surface.

[0062] If the two loops do not touch at all in their undeformed state, this results in a gap in at least one of the loops. The product stored in the center of this gap can then more easily escape. The use of such applicator devices is therefore particularly suitable for less viscous products.

[0063] Ideally, one loop widens progressively in the direction away from the distal point of the figure eight until it reaches the intersection point. Conversely, the other loop narrows progressively in the direction away from the distal point of the figure eight until it reaches the intersection point.

[0064] This has the advantage that the user can select different application widths for the applicator. Depending on whether the applicator is rotated 0° or 180° around its longitudinal axis and brought into contact with the area where the product is to be applied, the surface area of ​​the applicator in contact with the corresponding area will be of a different width.

[0065] The “width” of the applicator organ describes the extension of the respective loop in the direction tangential to its curvature.

[0066] The term "broadening" refers to an increase in the extension of the applicator organ in a direction tangential to the curvature of the respective loop.

[0067] An “increasing” widening from the distal point to the intersection point includes not only a continuous widening, but also a jump or step widening, or an initial widening followed by a constant width.

[0068] The "most distal point of the figure eight" is the point of the applicator organ furthest from the handle, stem, or connecting element of the cosmetic applicator, lying both on the longitudinal axis of the applicator organ and on the circumferential surface of the applicator organ. In another preferred embodiment, the lateral circumferential surface of the figure eight extends predominantly in a direction that is substantially or completely perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the figure eight.

[0069] This type of design is particularly suitable if the cosmetic applicator is primarily intended for applying makeup to a flat surface. With this design, the lateral circumferential surface fits optimally against such a surface.

[0070] The “lateral circumferential surface” refers to the visible surface of the applicator organ from a lateral perspective, in which the areas enclosed by the loops of the applicator organ or the hollow centers located there are not visible.

[0071] Preferably, at least 20% of the lateral circumferential surface of the figure eight runs in a direction that is substantially or completely at an angle of at least 25°, or better, at least 35° to the longitudinal direction of the figure eight.

[0072] Preferably, the majority of the circumferential surface of the figure eight runs in this direction.

[0073] This design is particularly suitable when the cosmetic applicator is to be used for applying products to a slanted or curved surface, such as when applying lip gloss to the lips. The slanted area of ​​the circumferential surface then adapts well to the surface. This is especially true if the applicator is made of a material that deforms elastically when lightly pressed against the surface.

[0074] LIST OF FIGURES Figures 1-7 show different views of a first embodiment of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention.

[0075] Figures 8-14 show different views of a second embodiment of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention.

[0076] Figures 15-21 show different views of a third embodiment of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention.

[0077] FROM A LEADERSHIP EXAMPLE

[0078] The functionality of the invention is explained by way of example with reference to Figs. 1-21. Figs. 1-7 show a first embodiment, Figs. 8-14 a second embodiment, and Figs. 15-21 a third embodiment of a cosmetic applicator according to the invention.

[0079] First embodiment

[0080] The cosmetic applicator 1 shown in Figures 1-7 comprises an applicator body 2. The applicator body 2 is connected to a handle or grip (not shown) via the coupling element 12. The connection of the handle to the coupling element 12 of the applicator body 2 is preferably a single piece, but can also be achieved by adhesive bonding, plug-in connection, or screw connection.

[0081] The coupling element 12 in turn is integrally connected to the proximal loop 4 of the applicator organ 2, thus transitioning into the proximal loop 4.

[0082] The proximal loop 4, in turn, merges seamlessly into the distal loop 3 at the intersection point 5.

[0083] The two loops 3 and 4 each encircle a hollow

[0084] Center 8 and 9 together form a figure-eight shape. This is particularly evident in Figures 1 and 3. Here it can be seen that the course of the frontal circumferential surface 11 and the course of the edges formed in this view by the lateral circumferential surface 10 resemble a representation of the number eight.

[0085] In the region of the intersection point 5, where the distal loop 3 and the proximal loop 4 merge into one another, a semicircular opening is present in one leg of the distal loop 3 and in the adjacent leg of the proximal loop 4, or in the leg that merges into this leg, forming a circular opening 6. The two other merging legs of loops 3 and 4 pass through this opening 6.

[0086] The width of loops 3 and 4, or of the applicator organ 2, as defined by the two frontal circumferential surfaces 11, is greater than the extent of loops 3 and 4 in the direction perpendicular to their curvature. Ideally, the width is approximately twice as large as the extent perpendicular to their curvature. Furthermore, the beginning and end of both the distal loop 3 and the proximal loop 4 have different widths. The distal loop 3 has a minimal width, defined by the two frontal circumferential surfaces 11, at its first end, which opens into the region of the intersection point 5. From there, the distal loop 3 widens continuously towards its distal end and from there towards the intersection point 5. A maximum width is finally reached at its other end, which opens into the region of the intersection point 5.The same applies to the proximal loop, although the direction of widening here is in the opposite direction. That is, the proximal loop 4 widens from the intersection point 5 towards the area adjacent to the coupling element 12 and from there further towards the intersection point 5.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the proximal loop 4 and thus the proximal hollow center 9 is smaller than the distal loop 3 or the distal hollow center 8.

[0088] To apply a product such as lip gloss with the cosmetic applicator 1, the applicator organ 2 is first immersed in a container filled with the product.

[0089] Depending on how deeply the applicator organ 2 is immersed in the product to be applied, more or less product is deposited on the applicator organ 2.

[0090] If only a very small amount of the product is to be applied, only the distal end of the applicator 2 is immersed, and only to a depth that prevents the distal hollow center 8 from coming into contact with the product. The product thus only comes into contact with a portion of the lateral and frontal circumferential surfaces 10 and 11, forming a thin film there after the applicator 2 is withdrawn from the container. To apply the product to the desired area, the applicator 2 is pressed against the desired area using a tapping, stroking, or rotating motion, so that the film present on the circumferential surfaces 10 and 11 is transferred to the desired area.

[0091] If a larger quantity of the product is to be applied, the applicator 2 is immersed in the product to such an extent that part or even the entire distal loop 3 comes into contact with it. The product then accumulates in the distal hollow center 8 and remains there due to surface tension and / or friction even after the applicator 2 is withdrawn from the container. To apply the product to the desired area, the procedure is then carried out as described above. To release the product located in the distal hollow center 8, the applicator 2 is pressed against the application site in such a way that the volume of the distal hollow center 8 changes as a result of elastic deformation of the distal loop 3.

[0092] To apply a maximum amount of the product, the applicator organ 2 can be immersed so deeply into the product that the proximal hollow center 9 is also filled with the product. The release of the product located in the proximal hollow center 9 then occurs in the same way as already described for the release of the product from the distal hollow center 8.

[0093] The two hollow centers 8 and 9 thus serve as mass storage for the product to be applied.

[0094] As a result of the opening 6, the stiffness of the applicator element 2 is reduced in the direction of its longitudinal axis. This allows for the selection of a material suitable for the applicator element 2. This facilitates the deformation of the two loops 3 and 4. Therefore, due to the opening 6, a relatively rigid material can be chosen for the applicator element 2. This, in turn, means that the applicator element 2 does not bend, or only bends slightly, in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis when pressed against the application site. Bending of the applicator element 2 in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis is generally undesirable, as this would hinder precise application of the product.

[0095] Second example

[0096] The function of the device shown in Figures 8-14

[0097] The exemplary embodiment essentially functions like the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1-7.

[0098] Nevertheless, the applicator organ shown in Figs. 8-14 differs in two essential points from the applicator organ shown in Figs. 1-7.

[0099] The distal loop 3 of the applicator organ 2 is not continuous. Rather, the loop 3 has a free end 13, so that a gap exists in the distal loop 3 between the area of ​​the intersection point 5 where the distal loop 3 and the proximal loop 4 merge seamlessly. The figure-eight shape forming the applicator organ 2 is thus slit in this area. This has the advantage that the distal loop 3 has less stiffness in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the applicator organ 2, and is therefore more easily deformed. The product located in the distal mass reservoir 8 of the distal loop 3 after the applicator organ 2 has been immersed in the makeup container can therefore be dispensed at the application site by only slight pressure on the distal loop 3.

[0100] Furthermore, no opening is provided in the area of ​​intersection point 5. This increases the stiffness of the proximal loop 4. Therefore, to release the makeup located in the proximal mass storage 9, the applicator organ 2 must be pressed more firmly against the application site.

[0101] This allows for a two-stage release of the product stored on the applicator organ 2. Applying only slight pressure to the applicator organ 2 is sufficient to release the makeup located in the distal mass storage unit 8, whereas a significantly higher pressure must be applied to release the makeup located in the proximal mass storage unit 9. Third example.

[0102] The functioning of the embodiment shown in Figs. 15-21 is essentially the same as the functioning of the embodiment shown in the previous embodiments.

[0103] The applicator organ 2 shown in Figures 15-21, however, has a sloping lateral circumferential surface 10, unlike the other two embodiments. That is, the lateral circumferential surface 10 extends from the first frontal circumferential surface 11 to the second frontal circumferential surface 11 not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator organ 2, but at an oblique angle. The area between the lateral circumferential surface 10 and a plane running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator organ 2 forms an acute angle. This makes it easier to distribute the product on a sloping surface.

[0104] Furthermore, in this design, the applicator organ 2 has no through-opening, and both the distal loop 3 and the proximal loop 4 are continuous. The applicator organ 2 therefore has a relatively high stiffness.

[0105] GENERAL

[0106] A cosmetic applicator 1 can generally be designed to consist of two different materials, preferably such that the distal loop 3 is made of a different material than the proximal loop 4, or at least partially.

[0107] However, it is also possible that an applicator 1 consists entirely of the same material. An applicator 1 can also generally have additional bristles. These bristles are preferably provided on the outside of the applicator organ 2. The bristles preferably stand perpendicular to their base.

[0108] An applicator according to the invention can also be manufactured from post-consumer recycled material. In fact, both materials of applicator 1 can be post-consumer recycled materials.

[0109] The applicator 1 can preferably be used for the application of medical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dental products.

[0110] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0111] 1 cosmetic applicator

[0112] 2 Applicator organ

[0113] 3 Distal loop

[0114] 4 Proximal loop

[0115] 5 Intersection point

[0116] 6. Passage opening

[0117] 7 slots

[0118] 8 Distal hollow center / distal mass storage

[0119] 9 Proximal hollow center / proximal mass storage

[0120] 10 Lateral circumferential surface area

[0121] 11 Frontal circumferential surfaces

[0122] 12 coupling element

[0123] 13 Free end of the distal loop

Claims

PROTECTIVE CLAIMS 1. Cosmetic applicator (1) for applying cosmetics with an applicator organ (2) , characterized in that the applicator organ (2) has at least essentially the shape of a figure eight.

2. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the figure eight is endless.

3. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the figure eight is locally and preferably slit in the area of ​​its intersection point (5).

4. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the figure eight has two hollow centers (8, 9) enclosed by it.

5. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the distal hollow center (8) is larger than the proximal hollow center (9), wherein the distal hollow center (8) is preferably at least 10% larger than the proximal hollow center (9).

6. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator organ (2) may be deformed in the longitudinal direction by at least 15% or preferably at least 25% of its length when used as intended.

7. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the figure eight is formed from two loops (3, 4), one of which forms a passage opening (6) at the intersection point, which is traversed by the other loop (3, 4).

8. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to claim 7 characterized in that the two loops (3, 4) only partially or preferably not at all touch each other at the intersection point (5).

9. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one loop (4) widens progressively in the direction away from the distal point of the figure eight up to the crossing point (5), while the other loop (3) narrows progressively in the direction away from the distal point of the figure eight up to the crossing point (5).

10. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral circumferential surface (10) of the figure eight extends predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the figure eight.

11. Cosmetic applicator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral circumferential surface (10) of the figure eight extends to at least 20% preferably predominantly in a direction which runs at an angle of at least 25°, preferably at least 35°, to the longitudinal direction of the figure eight.

12. Cosmetic unit comprising a storage container filled or fillable with cosmetic, preferably in the form of lip cosmetic, with a cap closing its dispensing opening and with a cosmetic applicator (1) preferably attached to the cap, usually via a stem, according to one of the preceding claims.

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