Eyelash protectors or shields

Abstract

The present invention provides an eyelash protector or shield comprising: an elongated profile having a proximal end and a distal end; a front side and a rear side; a first edge and a second edge; wherein the first edge is configured in an arc from the proximal end to the distal end in order to substantially conform to an eyelash growth line; and, wherein the eyelash protector extends across from the first edge to the second edge to such an extent to form a barrier that extends from the eyelash growth line to a point intermediate or past the tips of the eyelashes; and, wherein when the rear side of the eyelash protector is placed on the top of the eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions of an upper eyelid, the eyelash protector shields the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions from fallout of make-up when the make-up is applied to an upper part or parts of a face above the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions.

Description

EYELASH PROTECTORS OR SHIELDSCROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This Application claims the benefit of Australian Provisional Patent Application No.: 2024902367, filed on 31 July 2025, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of make-up accessories and / or to the application of make-up. The invention has particular application in the prevention or reduction of undesirable make-up residue falling (hereinafter referred to as “make-up fallout”, or simply “fallout”) and settling on eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions. The present invention also relates to a process for applying make-up to the upper part of a face, such as upper face, eyebrow and upper eyelid make-up.

[0003] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to the prevention or reduction of make-up fallout, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only. For example, the eyelash protectors or shields (hereinafter simply referred to as “eyelash protectors”) of the present invention may also be used for the prevention or reduction of fallout caused by products other than specifically make-up products, such as, for example, other facial products, facial dyes, facial sprays, hair sprays, and / or other face, scalp and / or hair products, variations and / or alternatives thereof. Accordingly, unless stated otherwise, throughout the ensuring description, the term “make-up”, is intended to refer to any type of product or products that may cause or contribute to fallout settling on eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions during application of such product or products. Accordingly, the present invention as hereinafter described should not be construed as limited to any one or more of the specific examples provided herein, but instead should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the description and claims that now follows.BACKGROUND ART

[0004] Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure herein.

[0005] Applying make-up to the eye area is a difficult, lengthy and complicated process. When done correctly, the perfect eye make-up look is completed by a clean and precise eyelash line. Multiple factors can go wrong during the process of make-up application, such as smudging, disturbing make-up that has already been applied, particles from the make-up products falling and settling on the areas of the face where they are not supposed to be (i.e. make-up fallout), etc.

[0006] To date, multiple make-up accessories and / or processes have been used in this field in order to protect certain areas of the face from make-up fallout. However, most of these accessories and / or processes protect the area or areas above an upper eyelid or below a lower eyelid from the fallout of mascara or the likes while same is applied to eyelashes or eyebrows. During such application, mascara, for example, can deposit under eyes or smudge or stain upper eyelid make-up. Additionally, some of these accessories need to be held in place by a user, or a make-up artist, while applying make-up, thereby leaving the user or the make-up artist with only one free hand for make-up application, which constrains the make-up process and may lengthen and complicate the process of make-up application.

[0007] Furthermore, it is especially difficult to apply make-up to upper eyelids without the particles of the make-up products falling down and depositing on the area of an eyelash growth line and on the majority of the eyelashes of the upper eyelid. It is particularly difficult and time-consuming to clean out the make-up fallout from the eyelash growth line area.

[0008] An even more problematic issue arises if the user of the make-up has false eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions. This way when the make-up is applied to the upper eyelid and to the upper part of the face, the fallout from the make-up gets deposited on the false eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions. This may result in dirtying of the false eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions as well as the possibility of bacteria and infection arising. Removal of the make-up fallout from eyelashes, false eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions is a tedious process, which may result in physical discomfort to a user, as well as eyelash discolouration (e.g. if mascara or other eyelash dye has been applied to the eyelashes, etc.), rubbing off of the residual mascara around the eye area thus damaging other make-up that already has been applied, irritation of the eyes and eyelids, skin damage and / or loss of eyelashes.

[0009] Additionally, this process of clearing out the fallout becomes even more challenging if a user has false eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions that contain multiple layers. Without the removal of the fallout, in addition to the complications mentioned above, the make-up look suffers in its appearance as the eyelash line looks dirty and imprecise.

[0010] A need therefore exists for a device and / or a method that may protect eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions from make-up fallout, or at least reduce the effect of make-up fallout, when make-up is applied to the upper part of a face above the eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides an eyelash protector comprising: an elongated profile having a proximal end and a distal end; a front side and a rear side; and, a first edge and a second edge; wherein the first edge is configured in an arc from the proximal end to the distal end in order to substantially conform to an eyelash growth line; and, wherein the eyelash protector extends across from the first edge to the second edge to such an extent to form a barrier that extends from at or near the eyelash growth line to a point intermediateor past tips of eyelashes; and, wherein when the rear side of the eyelash protector is placed on the top of the eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions of an upper eyelid with the proximal end of the eyelash protector being placed near an inner corner of an eye and the distal end of the eyelash protector placed towards an outer corner of the eye, the eyelash protector shields the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions from fallout of make-up or the likes when the make-up or the likes is applied to an upper part or parts of a face above the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions.

[0012] Preferably, both the first and second edges of the eyelash protector are configured in an arc from the proximal end to the distal end. It is also preferred that the second edge follows a similar arc to that of the first edge.

[0013] Preferably, the eyelash protector is slightly curved, or forms a curve in use, along a length of the eyelash protector, from the proximal end to the distal end, with the curvature following a natural profile of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions when the eye is open or closed.

[0014] Preferably, the eyelash protector substantially conforms to and substantially covers and shields the eyelash growth line. It is also preferred that when the eyelash protector is placed on the top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid, the eyelash protector substantially covers and shields at least about 60% of a length of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions. In an alternative practical preferred embodiment, it is preferred that when the eyelash protector is placed on the top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid, the eyelash protector substantially covers and shields at least about 90% of a length of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions.

[0015] Preferably, the eyelash protector is made from a soft material, selected from, but not limited to, one or more of the following materials: paper, silicone, soft plastic, fabric and / or any suitable combination thereof. In a practical preferred embodiment, it is preferred that the eyelash protector is made from a medical gradewoven fabric, which preferably includes a rear side which comprises at least a portion of an adhesive surface.

[0016] Preferably, the distal end of the eyelash protector comprises a tab which can be used for placing the eyelash protector on top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid. In a practical preferred embodiment, both the proximal and distal ends of the eyelash protector comprise tabs which can be used for placing the eyelash protector on top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid. Preferably a rear side of the tab or tabs includes an adhesive surface which can be used to affix the eyelash protectors to skin adjacent to the inner and / or outer corner of the eye.

[0017] Preferably, the eyelash protector has a curved cross-section, or instead forms a curve in use, between the first edge and the second edge, with the curvature following a natural curled profile of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions.

[0018] Preferably, the eyelash protector has markings for either a left eye or a right eye.

[0019] Preferably, the bottom side of the eyelash protector has a sticky surface provided by way of a material used to form the eyelash protector, or has adhesive or an adhesive material disposed thereon, to assist with maintaining the eyelash protector on the top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions whilst the make-up is applied.

[0020] Preferably, the eyelash protector is re-usable or disposable.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of applying make-up to an upper part of a face using the eyelash protector of any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the rear side of the eyelash protector is placed on the top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid with the proximal end of the eyelash protector being placed near the inner corner of the eye,and the distal end placed near the outer corner of the eye, in order to reduce the fallout of make-up or the likes on the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid as the make-up or the likes is applied to the upper part of the face.

[0022] These and other essential or preferred features of the present invention will be apparent from the description that now follows.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail preferred eyelash protectors and / or methods of using same in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative examples only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of eyelash protectors made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in application on a face and being used in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Fig. 2 is a front perspective view from above of the preferred eyelash protectors shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0026] Fig. 3 is a front view of the preferred eyelash protectors shown in Figs. 1 & 2;

[0027] Fig. 4 is a top view of the preferred eyelash protectors shown in Figs. 1 to 3, wherein it can be seen that the preferred eyelash protectors are preferably slightly curved, or may curve in use, to follow the contour of eyelashes;

[0028] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of one of the preferred eyelash protectors shown in Figs. 1 to 4, showing the profile of the preferred eyelash protector along and in the direction of the cross-sectional lines 5-5 of Fig 3; and,

[0029] Fig. 6 is front view of an eyelash protector made in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0030] The following is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. In the detailed description and in the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Those elements are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilised, and that procedural and / or structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0031] Unless stated otherwise, throughout the ensuring description, the terms “eyelash”, “eyelashes”, “lash” and / or “lashes” are intended to refer to any one or a combination of natural eyelashes, false eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions or the likes.

[0032] In Fig. 1 there is shown a preferred embodiment of a pair of eyelash protectors or shields 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as “eyelash protector(s) 10”), being used on a user’s face 12, ready for an application of make-up (not shown) to the user’s upper eyelids 14, eyebrows 16 and / or an upper part of the face 12, such as, for example, the user’s forehead 18. Although described hereinafter as being a device or pair of devices 10 used for eliminating and / or reducing make-up fallout, it will be appreciated that the eyelash protectors 10 made in accordance with the present invention are not limited to that use only. The present invention should therefore not be construed as limited to the specific example provided and / or shown in the drawings.

[0033] As seen in Fig. 1 , in use, each eyelash protector 10 is placed on top of the eyelashes 20 of the upper eyelid 14 of the user. Each eyelash protector 10 is preferably placed on eyelashes 20 with its proximal end 22 near to the inner corner 24 of each of the user’s eyes (not shown, as the user’s eyes are shown asbeing closed in Fig. 1), and with its distal end 26 being positioned at or near the outer corner 28 of each of the user’s eyes.

[0034] As can be best seen in Figs. 1 to 3, each eyelash protector 10 is preferably formed of an elongated strip of material (but may be of any other suitable elongated profile) which is preferably curved, on its first or inner top edge 30 (see, Figs. 2 & 3), to mimic the natural curve of the outer edge 32 of the upper eyelids 14, that is, the place on the upper eyelids 14 from which the eyelashes 20 grow (hereinafter simply referred to as the “eyelash growth line(s) 32”). In Figs. 2 & 3, it is shown that the second or outer bottom edge 34 of each eyelash protector 10 preferably traces a similar curved path to that of the first edge 30. This preferred design has been found to provide precise coverage of the eyelash growth line 32 of upper eyelids 14, which is the area that is most difficult to clean in the case of make-up fallout, be it for natural or false eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions 20. Whilst specific examples of the shape of first 30 and second 34 edges of eyelash protectors 10 have been described, and are shown in the drawings, it will be appreciated that other shapes are also possible. For example, whilst the first edge 30 preferably needs to at least substantially conform to the eyelash growth line 32 in order to eliminate or reduce make-up fallout thereon, the second edge 34 need not be curved, but instead could be, for example, a straight line, or any other suitable shape or combination of shapes so long as desirable eyelash 20 coverage is provided for make-up fallout. Accordingly, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific examples provided herein and shown in the drawings.

[0035] As is shown in the drawings, each eyelash protector 10 preferably covers substantially 100%, or as close thereto as possible, of the eyelash growth line 32, which usually receives the bulk of make-up fallout when make-up is applied to the upper eyelid 14, eyebrows 16, or upper part of the face 12, e.g. the forehead 18. In addition, each eyelash protector 10 preferably also covers at least 60% of the length of eyelashes 20 emanating from the eyelash growth line 32 outwards. In other embodiments, each eyelash protector 10 may cover more than 60% of the length of eyelashes 20, such as, for example, at least 90% of the length ofeyelashes 20, or all of eyelashes 20. Whilst specific examples of the coverage of the eyelash growth line 32, and eyelash 20 length coverage, have been provided, it will be appreciated that any suitable coverage may be provided by the eyelash protectors 10 of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific examples provided herein and shown in the drawings.

[0036] As is shown in Fig. 1 , in use, eyelash protectors 10 are placed on eyelashes 20 of the upper eyelid 14 and may preferably rest thereon due to their weight, whilst at the same time the eyelash protectors 10 are preferably sufficiently light in order to avoid causing discomfort to the user. Therefore, it is desirable that the eyelash protector 10 are preferably made from a soft material such as soft plastic, paper, silicone or fabric. Whilst examples of suitable materials are provided herein, and a soft material is described as being preferred, it will be appreciated that eyelash protectors 10 could be made from other materials, which may be hard or soft, or a combination of any such materials, so long as eyelash protectors 10 still perform their intended purpose of reducing or eliminating make-up fallout on eyelashes 20, in particular on or near eyelash growth line 32. Similarly, instead of being configured to simply rest in place on eyelashes 20, by way of their preferred profile and / or weight, each of eyelash protectors 10 may be made of a material, such as, for example, silicone or the likes, that naturally has a somewhat sticky surface so that eyelash protectors 10 will not slip or move after being placed on eyelashes 20. In other embodiments, an adhesive or the likes may be applied to at least a section or sections of a rear side 36 of each of eyelash protectors 10 (either when manufactured, or by a user or make-up artist, etc.) to achieve the same nonslip properties. In a particular preferred practical embodiment, a woven fabric, preferably a medical grade woven fabric, having an adhesive on at least sections of its rear side, has been found to be particularly well suited for use with the eyelash protectors 10 of the present invention. A skilled person will appreciate these and other examples of ways in which eyelash protectors 10 may be designed and / or used in accordance with the present invention, and as such, the present invention should not be constructed as limited to the specific examples provided herein.

[0037] To assist with the easier and more hygienic handling of eyelash protectors 10, and as is best depicted in Figs. 1 to 3, eyelash protectors 10 may also preferably include a tab 38 at least at their distal ends 26. Preferred tabs 38 provide a larger surface area for a user or make-up artist to grasp and place the eyelash protectors 10 on eyelashes 20. Preferred tabs 38 also provide easier handling and more precise placement of the eyelash protectors 10, as well as providing a more hygienic way of handling the eyelash protectors 10 so that the user or make-up artists fingers preferably do not touch the portion of the rear side 36 of eyelash protectors 10 which are placed on eyelashes 20, and hence, do not transfer dust or dirt or other contaminating material to the rear side 36 of the eyelash protectors 10 which rests on eyelashes 20, which in turn may be transferred to the eyelashes 20. In addition to assisting a user or make-up artist with hygienically handling and positioning eyelash protectors 10 during use, tabs 38 may also preferably provide a convenient location for the provision of an adhesive on the rear side 36 of eyelash protectors 10 thereof, with the resultant adhesive tabs 38 then being able to be used to affix eyelash protectors 10 to the users skin adjacent to the outer corners of the eye. In such an embodiment, no adhesive need be applied to the remaining portion of the rear side 36 of the eyelash protectors 10, which is placed on eyelashes 20, and hence, no adhesive need come in contact with eyelashes 20.

[0038] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as is shown in Fig. 6, each eyelash protector 10 may preferably include a tab 38 at each of their distal 26 and proximal 22 ends as shown, with each tab 38 preferably provided with an adhesive (not shown) on the rear side 36 of eyelash protectors 10 thereof, with the resultant adhesive tabs 38 then being able to be used to affix eyelash protectors 10 to the skin adjacent to the inner and outer corners of the eye. Again, with this further preferred embodiment, no adhesive need be applied to the remaining portion of the rear side 36 of the eyelash protectors 10, which is placed on eyelashes 20, and hence, no adhesive need come in contact with the eyelashes 20.

[0039] In embodiments wherein an adhesive is provided on all or parts of the rear side 36 of eyelash protectors 10, such as on the rear sides 36 of preferred tab(s) 38, eyelash protectors 10 may be provided with one or more removable adhesive covers or liners (not shown), for removal (and for discarding, or reusing) before or during application of eyelash protectors 10 to a user’s upper eyelashes 20. A skilled person will appreciate these and other examples of ways in which eyelash protectors 10 may each be provided with a tab or tabs 38, and how suitable adhesives (and removable adhesive covers or liners, or the likes), may be applied to tab(s) 38, in accordance with the present invention, and as such, the present invention should not be constructed as limited to the specific examples provided herein.

[0040] Referring to the Figs. 2 & 3, in particular, it can be seen that eyelash protectors 10 may also each preferably include a marking 40 on a front side 42 of the eyelash protector 10, with those markings 40 preferably corresponding to either a left (L) eye or a right (R) eye, respectively. Preferred markings 40 may assist with avoiding confusion as to which eye a particular eyelash protector 10 should be used for, and may also help to avoid misplacement of an eyelash protector 10 on the wrong eye in the event that the eyelash protectors 10 of the present invention are not configured to be reversible (such as, for example, should the rear side 36 of the eyelash protectors 10 be provided with a sticky or adhesive surface(s), etc.). It should be appreciated that in embodiments wherein eyelash protectors 10 are designed to fit either eye (i.e. are not left or right eye specific), such as, for example in the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 6, preferred markings 40 need not be provided.

[0041] Referring now to Fig. 4, it can be seen that each of preferred eyelash protector 10 may be slightly curved along their length, or may curve in use due to the material(s) they are made from, from their proximal 22 to distal 26 ends, in order to follow the shape of eyelashes 20 when a user’s eye is closed. This curvature may assist with better fitting of the eyelash protectors 10 to the user’s eyelashes 20 during make-up application. It will be appreciated that the preferred curve could be reversed for open eye make-up application using eyelash protectors 10, or eacheyelash protector 10 may again simply form the required preferred curve, in use, should eyelash protectors 10 be made of a flexible or soft material(s). Accordingly, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific example provided herein and shown in the drawings.

[0042] Similarly, and as is shown in Fig. 5, each of preferred eyelash protectors 10 may have a curved cross-section, or may curve in use due to the material(s) they are made from, between first 30 and second edges 34, of eyelash protectors 10, which may again provide a better fit onto eyelashes 20 by mimicking the preferred curl of a user’s eyelashes 20.

[0043] The eyelash protectors 10 of the present invention may assist a user and / or a make-up artist to achieve a flawless eye make-up look without the additional stress of having to remove make-up fallout, especially on or around the eyelash growth line 32. The eyelash protectors 10 preferably improving and quickening the process of make-up application as they reduce the time usually required to remove make-up fallout from eyelashes 20. The eyelash protectors 10 also preferably preventing the shedding of eye make-up, eyebrow make-up and / or any other make-up that has been applied to the upper part of the face 12, on or around the eyelash growth line 32, thereby achieving a flawless make-up look faster, simpler and more efficiently. The eyelash protectors 10 preferably also shielding the delicate eyelash growth line 32 from harsh chemicals and / or particles of make-up. The eyelash protectors 10 may also preferably prevent the falling out of eyelashes 20 and / or eyelash extensions 20 during the otherwise difficult process of removing make-up fallout from in or around the eyelash growth line 32.

[0044] As eyelash protectors 10 can rest on eyelashes 20 on their own, or by being held in place by an adhesive or the likes, eyelash protectors 10 can be a hands-free accessory, meaning use of the eyelash protectors 10 may free up the user or a make-up artist to use both hands for make-up application.

[0045] The eyelash protectors 10 of the present invention may be re-usable, after cleaning or sanitising or the likes, but may also be designed to be disposable,if desired, and hence, may be discarded following the application of eye make-up to a user.

[0046] The present invention therefore provides new and useful way of applying make-up to upper eyelids 14, eyebrows 16 and / or upper parts 18 of the face 12, wherein the user’s eyelashes / eyelash extensions 20 are shielded from the make-up fallout using the novel eyelash protectors 10. The present invention solves the problem of make-up fallout, in particular closer to the eyelash growth line 32, which may result in discomfort to a user, or damaging of other make-up that already has been applied to the eyelashes / eyelash extensions 20, irritation of the eyes and / or eyelids, skin damage, loss or damage of / to eyelashes / eyelash extensions 20, and of the eyelash growth line 32 in the make-up look appearing dirty and imprecise. Thus, there is no need to remove make-up fallout, or at least make-up fallout closer to the eyelash growth line 32, in accordance with the eyelash protectors 10 of the present invention. Instead, make-up fallout can easily settle on the eyelash protectors 10 of the present invention, meaning substantial cleaning and removal of make-up fallout on the eyelashes 20 will not be required. Furthermore, using the eyelash protectors 10 of the present invention may also reduce the time taken for make-up application.

[0047] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). The present invention is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0048] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims. Variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced.

[0049] Where the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or “comprising” are used in this specification, they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components to be grouped therewith.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . An eyelash protector comprising: an elongated profile having a proximal end and a distal end; a front side and a rear side; and, a first edge and a second edge; wherein the first edge is configured in an arc from the proximal end to the distal end in order to substantially conform to an eyelash growth line; and, wherein the eyelash protector extends across from the first edge to the second edge to such an extent to form a barrier that extends from at or near the eyelash growth line to a point intermediate or past tips of eyelashes; and wherein when the rear side of the eyelash protector is placed on the top of the eyelashes and / or eyelash extensions of an upper eyelid with the proximal end of the eyelash protector being placed near an inner corner of an eye and the distal end of the eyelash protector placed towards an outer corner of the eye, the eyelash protector shields the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions from fallout of make-up or the likes when the make-up or the likes is applied to an upper part or parts of a face above the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions.

2. The eyelash protector as claimed in claim 1 , wherein both the first and second edges are each configured in an arc from the proximal end to the distal end.

3. The eyelash protector as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second edge follows a similar arc to that of the first edge.

4. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eyelash protector is slightly curved, or forms a curve in use, along a length of the eyelash protector, from the proximal end to the distal end, with the curvature following a natural profile of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions when the eye is open or closed.

5. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eyelash protector substantially conforms to and substantially covers and shields the eyelash growth line.

6. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the eyelash protector is placed on the top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid, the eyelash protector substantially covers and shields at least 60% of a length of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions.

7. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the eyelash protector is placed on the top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid, the eyelash protector substantially covers and shields at least 90% of a length of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions.

8. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eyelash protector is made from a soft material, selected from, one or more of the following materials: paper, silicone, soft plastic, fabric and / or any suitable combination thereof.

9. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eyelash protector is made from a medical grade woven fabric.

10. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end of the eyelash protector comprises a tab which can be used for placing the eyelash protector on top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid.

11. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the proximal and distal ends of the eyelash protector comprise tabs which can be used for placing the eyelash protector on top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid.

12. The eyelash protector as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein a rear side of the tab or tabs include an adhesive surface which can be used to affix the eyelash protectors to skin adjacent to the inner and / or outer corner of the eye.

13. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eyelash protector has a curved cross-section, or instead forms a curve in use, between the first edge and the second edge, with the curvature following a natural curled profile of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions.

14. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eyelash protector has markings for either a left eye or a right eye.

15. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the rear side has a sticky surface provided by way of a material used to form the eyelash protector, or has adhesive or an adhesive material disposed thereon, to assist with maintaining the eyelash protector on the top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions whilst the make-up is applied.

16. The eyelash protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eyelash protector is re-usable or disposable.

17. A method of applying make-up to an upper part of a face using the eyelash protector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear side of the eyelash protector is placed on the top of the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid with the proximal end of the eyelash protector being placed near the inner corner of the eye, and the distal end placed near the outer corner of the eye, in order to reduce the fallout of make-up or the likes on the eyelashes and / or the eyelash extensions of the upper eyelid as the make-up or the likes is applied to the upper part of the face.

Images