Applicator and applicator assembly equipped with such an applicator

• US 6,334,727 B1
• Filed: 04/17/2000
• Issued: 01/01/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Original Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Inventors: Gueret, Jean-Louis H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Walczak, David J.
• Application Number:
  US09/550,588
• Time in Patent Office: 624 Days
• Field of Search: 401/190, 401/23, 401/44, 401/47, 401/45, 401/46, 401/202, 401/196, 401/200, 401/262
• US Class Current: 401/47
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 2200/1018 comprising a pad, i.e. a cushion-like mass of soft material, with or without gripping means
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 33/00 Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling powdery toiletry or cosmetic substances
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 34/04 Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 83/285 for applying the contents, e.g. brushes, rollers, pads, spoons, razors, scrapers closures with pads or like contents-applying means B65D47/42; brushes with integral pre-pressurised reservoirs A46B11/0017; domestic cleaning implements with liquid-feeding devices A47L13/00

Abstract

An applicator comprises a support which is configured to allow the applicator to be engaged with a container containing a first product, in the form of a gel, cream, or liquid, and an application member on the support. The application member is capable of conveying the first product from an opening defined by the support to an application face of the said application member. The applicator further includes a lid configured to removably cover the applicator member by engaging with the support. In a closed end of the lid there is a second product, in the form of a solid cake or powder. The application face is capable, when the lid is fitted, of being pressed elastically against the second product so that the second product can be loaded onto the application face. Once the first and second products have been loaded onto the application face, the lid can be removed and the application face can be put in contact with a surface to apply the combined first and second products.

Claims

1. An applicator comprising:

a support configured to be removably provided on a container containing a first product, the support defining an opening;

an application member having a first end portion mounted on the support and a second end portion having an application face at least partially comprising a porous material, the application member being configured to convey the first product from the container to the application face via the opening; and

a lid configured to removably cover the application member, the lid having a closed end portion containing a second product arranged such that the application face is capable of being pressed against the second product when the application member is covered with the lid.

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the application member is elastically compressible.

3. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the first product is chosen from a liquid and a semi-liquid material and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

4. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the lid is configured to be removably engaged with the support.

5. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into the closed end portion of the lid.

6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into a cup mounted in the closed end portion of the lid.

7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the second product is separated from a closed end of the lid by an elastically deformable member.

8. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the closed end portion of the lid is configured to move axially with respect to the application member when the lid covers the application member.

9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein a containment member is disposed in the lid to contain the second product in the closed end portion of the lid.

10. The applicator of claim 9, wherein the containment member is chosen from a grating and a perforated mesh.

11. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the application member is configured to absorb the first product and to convey the first product from the opening to the application face.

12. The applicator of claim 11, wherein the porous material is chosen from an open-cell foam, a semi-open-cell foam, and a felt.

13. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the application member defines a passage extending from the opening in the support to the application face.

14. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a covering element configured to selectively cover and uncover the opening in the support.

15. The applicator of claim 14, wherein the covering element is configured to uncover the opening in response to sufficient pressure exerted on the application face.

16. The applicator of claim 15, wherein the covering element is configured to be elastically forced into a position covering the opening in the absence of sufficient pressure on the application face.

17. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the support includes a mounting mechanism chosen from a snap-fastener, a screw-fastener, and a push-fitting mechanism for removably mounting the support on the container.

18. An applicator assembly for applying at least one of a first and a second product to a surface, comprising:

a container containing the first product; and

the applicator of claim 1 configured to be removably engaged with the container.

19. The applicator assembly of claim 18, wherein the container is chosen from a deformable tube, a bottle having at least one deformable wall, and a bottle defined in part by at least one movable piston.

20. The applicator assembly of claim 18, wherein the container includes a dispensing member to dispense the first product.

21. The applicator assembly of claim 20, wherein the dispensing member is chosen from an airless pump and a one-way valve.

22. The applicator assembly of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of lids containing second products having differing characteristics.

23. The applicator assembly of claim 22, wherein the second product in the lids is chosen from make-up products having at least one of differing shades and differing appearances.

24. The applicator assembly of claim 22, wherein the second product in the lids is chosen from products having differing sun protection factors.

25. The applicator assembly of claim 18, wherein the application member is made of a material chosen from materials having differing application characteristics.

26. The applicator assembly of claim 18, wherein the first product is chosen from a liquid, a cream, and a gel.

65. A process for applying at least one of a first product and a second product, comprising:

providing the applicator of claim 1 and the container containing the first product;

placing the support on the container;

placing the lid over the application member;

loading the application face of the application member with at least one of the first and second products;

removing the lid from over the application member; and

placing the application face of the application member in contact with a surface to thereby apply said at least one of the first and second products to the surface.

66. The process of claim 65, further comprising applying a compressive force to the container to load the application face with the first product.

67. The process of claim 65, wherein the placing of the lid on the application member loads the application face with the second product.

68. The process of claim 65, further comprising providing a plurality of applicators each having a lid containing a second product having a differing characteristic, and selecting one of the applicators based on the differing characteristic.

69. The process of claim 65, wherein at least one of the first and second products is a cosmetic product, and wherein the surface to which said at least one product is applied is one of hair and skin of an individual.

70. The process of claim 65, further comprising flowing the first product from the container to the application member, and removing the applicator from the container.

71. The process of claim 65, wherein both of the first and second products are applied to the surface.

27. An applicator comprising:

a support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being configured to be removably provided on a first reservoir containing a first product;

a second reservoir containing a second product, the second reservoir being configured to be engageable with the support; and

an application member extending from the second end portion of the support, the application member having an application face at least partially comprising a porous material and being capable of being placed in contact with the second product when the second reservoir is engaged with the support,

wherein the application member is configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of the first product and the second product on the application face.

28. The applicator of claim 27, wherein the application member defines at least one passage and one of the first and second products is loaded onto the application face through the passage.

29. The applicator of claim 27, wherein the second end portion includes an engagement member for removable engagement with the second reservoir, said engagement member being chosen from a snap-fit mechanism and a threaded surface.

30. The applicator of claim 27, wherein the application member is configured to be selectively loaded with the first product and the second product and to mix together the first and second products loaded thereon during application of the products to a surface.

31. The applicator of claim 27, further comprising the first reservoir containing the first product, wherein one of the first product and the second product is chosen from a liquid, a cream, and a gel, and the other of the first product and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

32. The applicator of claim 27, further comprising the first reservoir, wherein the first reservoir is formed by a container having a variable volume.

33. The applicator of claim 32, wherein the container includes at least one wall formed of a movable piston.

34. The applicator of claim 32, wherein the container includes at least one wall that is deformable.

35. The applicator of claim 34, wherein the container is a tube made of a material chosen from polyethylene and polypropylene.

36. The applicator of claim 34, wherein the container is a bottle.

37. The applicator of claim 32, wherein the first end portion of the support is configured to fixedly engage with the container.

38. The applicator of claim 32, wherein the container has an opening in one end, said opening being configured to place the first reservoir in selective flow communication with the application member when the application member is engaged with the container.

39. The applicator of claim 38, wherein the opening places the first reservoir in flow communication with at least one passage defined by the application member.

40. The applicator of claim 39, wherein the first product is delivered through the opening in the container and into the passage defined by the application member upon selectively loading the application member with the first product.

41. The applicator of claim 40, wherein the passage is formed by a duct extending longitudinally through the application member.

42. The applicator of claim 40, wherein the application member is made of a foam material having a plurality of passages in the form of pores.

43. The applicator of claim 27, wherein the first end portion defines an opening configured to place the first reservoir in flow communication with the application member.

44. The applicator of claim 43, wherein the opening in the first end portion is selectively closed off by a covering element.

45. The applicator of claim 44, wherein the covering element is configured to open the opening to establish flow of the first product from the first reservoir to the application member.

46. The applicator of claim 45, wherein the covering element is configured to open in response to a pressure increase in the first reservoir relative to the pressure of the applicator.

47. The applicator of claim 45, wherein the covering element is configured to open in response to a sufficient compressive force exerted on the container.

48. The applicator of claim 27, wherein the second reservoir is a lid configured to cover the application member during engagement with the second end portion of the support.

49. The applicator of claim 48, wherein the lid includes a top wall, a side wall, and a containment member extending laterally within the lid proximal the top wall.

50. The applicator of claim 49, wherein the containment member is chosen from a grating and a mesh material that allows at least some of the second product to pass therethrough.

51. The applicator of claim 50, wherein the application face is configured to be in contact with the containment member when the second end portion of the support is engaged with the lid.

52. The applicator of claim 48, wherein the second product is provided near a top portion of the lid.

53. The applicator of claim 52, wherein the top portion of the lid includes an actuator configured to selectively place the application face and the second reservoir in contact when the lid is engaged with the second end portion of the support.

54. The applicator of claim 53, wherein the actuator includes a diaphragm configured to move the second product with respect to the lid.

55. The applicator of claim 48, wherein the second product is chosen from a powder and a cake material.

56. The applicator of claim 55, wherein the second product is a material providing sun protection.

57. The applicator of claim 55, wherein the second product is a colored make-up product.

58. The applicator of claim 55, wherein the second product is configured to crumble upon contacting a liquid or semi-liquid material.

59. An applicator assembly comprising:

the applicator of claim 27, wherein the second reservoir is defined by a lid; and

a container including the first reservoir.

60. The applicator assembly of claim 59, wherein the first product is chosen from a liquid, a gel, and a cream, and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

61. The applicator assembly of claim 59, wherein the second product includes a material providing sun protection.

62. The applicator assembly of claim 60, comprising a plurality of applicators, each applicator being configured to engage one of a plurality of lids, the second product in each of the plurality of lids providing differing sun protection.

63. The applicator assembly of claim 59, wherein the second product includes a colored make-up product.

64. The applicator assembly of claim 60, comprising a plurality of applicators, each applicator being configured to engage one of a plurality of lids, the second product in each lid having a differing color.

72. A process for applying at least one of a first product and a second product, comprising:

providing the applicator of claim 27 and the first reservoir containing the first product;

placing the support on the first reservoir;

engaging the second reservoir with the support;

loading the application face of the application member with at least one of the first and second products; and

placing the application face of the application member in contact with a surface to thereby apply said at least one of the first and second products to the surface.

73. The process of claim 72, further comprising applying a compressive force to the first reservoir to load the application face with the first product.

74. The process of claim 72, wherein the engaging of the second reservoir loads the application face with the second product.

75. The process of claim 72, further comprising providing a plurality of applicators each having a second reservoir containing a second product having a differing characteristic, and selecting one of the applicators based on the differing characteristic.

76. The process of claim 72, wherein at least one of the first and second products is a cosmetic product, and wherein the surface to which said at least one product is applied is one of hair and skin of an individual.

77. The process of claim 72, further comprising flowing the first product from the first reservoir to the application member, and removing the applicator from the first reservoir.

78. The process of claim 72, wherein both of the first and second products are applied to the surface.

79. An applicator comprising:

a support defining an opening;

an application member disposed on the support;

a covering element configured to selectively open and close the opening; and

a lid containing a product to be applied to a surface, said lid being configured to removably cover the application member and being capable of placing the application member in contact with the product.

80. The applicator of claim 79, wherein said support is configured to removably engage with a container containing another product.

81. The applicator of claim 80, wherein the covering element is configured to selectively open in response to an increase in pressure of the product in the container relative to the application member to thereby enable flow of the product from the container to the application member.

82. The applicator of claim 79, wherein the lid is chosen from a plurality of lids containing products having differing characteristics.

83. An applicator comprising:

a support configured to be removably provided on a container containing a first product, the support defining an opening;

an application member having a first end portion mounted on the support and a second end portion having an application face, the application member being configured to convey the first product from the container to the application face via the opening;

a selective flow communication element configured to selectively provide flow communication between the application member and the container via the opening; and

a lid configured to removably cover the application member, the lid having a closed end portion containing a second product arranged such that the application face is capable of being pressed against the second product when the application member is covered with the lid.

84. The applicator of claim 83, wherein the application member is elastically compressible.

85. The applicator of claim 83, wherein the first product is chosen from a liquid and a semi-liquid material and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

86. The applicator of claim 83, wherein the lid is configured to be removable engaged with the support.

87. The applicator of claim 83, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into the closed end portion of the lid.

88. The applicator of claim 83, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into a cup mounted in the closed end portion of the lid.

89. The applicator of claim 83, wherein the second product is separated from a closed end of the lid by an elastically deformable member.

90. The applicator of claim 83, wherein the closed end portion of the lid is configured to move axially with respect to the application member when the lid covers the application member.

91. The applicator of claim 83, wherein a containment member is disposed in the lid to contain the second product in the closed end portion of the lid.

92. The applicator of claim 91, wherein the containment member is chosen from a grating and a perforated mesh.

93. The applicator of claim 83, wherein the application member defines a passage extending from the opening in the support to the application face.

94. The applicator of claim 83, wherein the selective flow communication element comprises a covering element configured to selectively cover and uncover the opening in the support.

95. The applicator of claim 94, wherein the covering element is configured to uncover the opening in response to sufficient pressure exerted on the application face.

96. The applicator of claim 95, wherein the covering element is configured to be elastically forced into a position covering the opening in the absence of sufficient pressure on the application face.

97. The applicator of claim 83, wherein the support includes a mounting mechanism chosen from a snap-fastener, a screw-fastener, and a push-fitting mechanism for removably mounting the support on the container.

98. An applicator comprising:

a support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being configured to be removably provided on a first reservoir containing a first product;

a second reservoir containing a second product, the second reservoir being configured to be engageable with the support;

an application member extending from the second end portion of the support, the application member having an application face capable of being placed in contact with the second product when the second reservoir is engaged with the support; and

a selective flow communication element configured to selectively place the application member in flow communication with the first reservoir,

wherein the application member is configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of the first product and the second product on the application face.

99. The applicator of claim 98, wherein the application member defines at least one passage and one of the first and second products is loaded onto the application face through the passage.

100. The applicator of claim 98, wherein the second end portion includes an engagement member for removable engagement with the second reservoir, said engagement member being chosen from a snap-fit mechanism and a threaded surface.

101. The applicator of claim 98, wherein the application member is configured to mix together the first and second products loaded thereon during application of the products to a surface.

102. The applicator of claim 98, further comprising the first reservoir containing the first product, wherein one of the first product and the second product is chosen from a liquid, a cream, and a gel, and the other of the first product and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

103. The applicator of claim 98, further comprising the first reservoir, wherein the first reservoir is formed by a container having a variable volume.

104. The applicator of claim 103, wherein the container includes at least one wall formed of a movable piston.

105. The applicator of claim 103, wherein the container includes at least one wall that is deformable.

106. The applicator of claim 105, wherein the container is a tube made of a material chosen from polyethylene and polypropylene.

107. The applicator of claim 105, wherein the container is a bottle.

108. The applicator of claim 103, wherein the first end portion of the support is configured to fixedly engage with the container.

109. The applicator of claim 103, wherein the container has an opening in one end, said opening being configured to place the first reservoir in selective flow communication with the application member when the application member is engaged with the container.

110. The applicator of claim 109, wherein the opening places the first reservoir in flow communication with at least one passage defined by the application member.

111. The applicator of claim 110, wherein the first product is delivered through the opening in the container and into the passage defined by the application member upon selectively loading the application member with the first product.

112. The applicator of claim 111, wherein the passage is formed by a duct extending longitudinally through the application member.

113. The applicator of claim 111, wherein the application member is made of a foam material having a plurality of passages in the form of pores.

114. The applicator of claim 98, wherein the first end portion defines an opening configured to place the first reservoir in flow communication with the application member.

115. The applicator of claim 114, wherein the selective flow communication element includes a covering element and the opening in the first end portion is selectively closed off by the covering element.

116. The applicator of claim 115, wherein the covering element is configured to open the opening to establish flow of the first product from the first reservoir to the application member.

117. The applicator of claim 116, wherein the covering element is configured to open in response to a pressure increase in the first reservoir relative to the pressure of the applicator.

118. The applicator of claim 116, wherein the covering element is configured to open in response to a sufficient compressive force exerted on the container.

119. The applicator of claim 98, wherein the second reservoir is a lid configured to cover the application member during engagement with the second end portion of the support.

120. The applicator of claim 119, wherein the second product is provided near a top portion of the lid.

121. The applicator of claim 120, wherein the second product is chosen from a powder and a cake material.

122. The applicator of claim 121, wherein the second product is a material providing sun protection.

123. The applicator of claim 121, wherein the second product is a colored make-up product.

124. An applicator comprising:

a support configured to be removably provided on a container containing a first product, the support defining an opening;

an application member having a first end portion mounted on the support and a second end portion having an application face extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the application member, the application member being configured to convey the first product from the container to the application face via the opening; and

a lid configured to removably cover the application member, the lid having a closed end portion containing a second product arranged such that the application face is capable of being pressed against the second product when the application member is covered with the lid.

125. The applicator of claim 124, wherein the application member is elastically compressible.

126. The applicator of claim 124, wherein the first product is chosen from a liquid and a semi-liquid material and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

127. The applicator of claim 124, wherein the lid is configured to be removably engaged with the support.

128. The applicator of claim 124, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into the closed end portion of the lid.

129. The applicator of claim 124, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into a cup mounted in the closed end portion of the lid.

130. The applicator of claim 124, wherein the second product is separated from a closed end of the lid by an elastically deformable member.

131. The applicator of claim 124, wherein the closed end portion of the lid is configured to move axially with respect to the application member when the lid covers the application member.

132. The applicator of claim 124, wherein the application member defines a passage extending from the opening in the support to the application face.

133. The applicator of claim 124, wherein the support includes a mounting mechanism chosen from a snap-fastener, a screw-fastener, and a push-fitting mechanism for removably mounting the support on the container.

134. An applicator comprising:

a support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being configured to be removably provided on a first reservoir containing a first product;

a second reservoir containing a second product, the second reservoir being configured to be engageable with the support; and

an application member extending from the second end portion of the support, the application member having an application face capable of being placed in contact with the second product when the second reservoir is engaged with the support, the application face extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the application member,

wherein the application member is configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of the first product and the second product on the application face.

135. The applicator of claim 134, wherein the application member defines at least one passage and one of the first and second products is loaded onto the application face through the passage.

136. The applicator of claim 134, wherein the second end portion includes an engagement member for removable engagement with the second reservoir, said engagement member being chosen from a snap-fit mechanism and a threaded surface.

137. The applicator of claim 134, wherein the application member is configured to mix together the first and second products loaded thereon during application of the products to a surface.

138. The applicator of claim 134, further comprising the first reservoir containing the first product, wherein one of the first product and the second product is chosen from a liquid, a cream, and a gel, and the other of the first product and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

139. The applicator of claim 134, further comprising the first reservoir, wherein the first reservoir is formed by a container having a variable volume.

140. The applicator of claim 139, wherein the container includes at least one wall formed of a movable piston.

141. The applicator of claim 139, wherein the container includes at least one wall that is deformable.

142. The applicator of claim 141, wherein the container is a tube made of a material chosen from polyethylene and polypropylene.

143. The applicator of claim 141, wherein the container is a bottle.

144. The applicator of claim 139, wherein the first end portion of the support is configured to fixedly engage with the container.

145. The applicator of claim 139, wherein the container has an opening in one end, said opening being configured to place the first reservoir in selective flow communication with the application member when the application member is engaged with the container.

146. The applicator of claim 145, wherein the opening places the first reservoir in flow communication with at least one passage defined by the application member.

147. The applicator of claim 146, wherein the first product is delivered through the opening in the container and into the passage defined by the application member upon selectively loading the application member with the first product.

148. The applicator of claim 147, wherein the passage is formed by a duct extending longitudinally through the application member.

149. The applicator of claim 134, wherein the first end portion defines an opening configured to place the first reservoir in flow communication with the application member.

150. The applicator of claim 134, wherein the second reservoir is a lid configured to cover the application member during engagement with the second end portion of the support.

151. The applicator of claim 150, wherein the application face is configured to be in contact with a containment member disposed within the lid to hold the second product in the lid when the second end portion of the support is engaged with the lid.

152. The applicator of claim 150, wherein the second product is provided near a top portion of the lid.

153. The applicator of claim 152, wherein the top portion of the lid includes an actuator configured to selectively place the application face and the second reservoir in contact when the lid is engaged with the second end portion of the support.

154. The applicator of claim 153, wherein the actuator includes a diaphragm configured to move the second product with respect to the lid.

155. The applicator of claim 150, wherein the second product is chosen from a powder and a cake material.

156. The applicator of claim 155, wherein the second product is a material providing sun protection.

157. The applicator of claim 155, wherein the second product is a colored make-up product.

158. The applicator of claim 155, wherein the second product is configured to crumble upon contacting a liquid or semi-liquid material.

159. An applicator comprising:

a support configured to be removably provided on a container containing a first product, the support defining an opening;

an application member having a first end portion mounted on the support and a second end portion having an application face that is substantially planar, the application member being configured to convey the first product from the container to the application face via the opening; and

a lid configured to removably cover the application member, the lid having a closed end portion containing a second product arranged such that the application face is capable of being pressed against the second product when the application member is covered with the lid.

160. The applicator of claim 159, wherein the application member is elastically compressible.

161. The applicator of claim 159, wherein the first product is chosen from a liquid and a semi-liquid material and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

162. The applicator of claim 159, wherein the lid is configured to be removably engaged with the support.

163. The applicator of claim 159, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into the closed end portion of the lid.

164. The applicator of claim 159, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into a cup mounted in the closed end portion of the lid.

165. The applicator of claim 159, wherein the second product is separated from a closed end of the lid by an elastically deformable member.

166. The applicator of claim 159, wherein the closed end portion of the lid is configured to move axially with respect to the application member when the lid covers the application member.

167. The applicator of claim 159, wherein the application member defines a passage extending from the opening in the support to the application face.

168. The applicator of claim 159, wherein the support includes a mounting mechanism chosen from a snap-fastener, a screw-fastener, and a push-fitting mechanism for removably mounting the support on the container.

169. An applicator comprising:

a support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being configured to be removably provided on a first reservoir containing a first product;

a second reservoir containing a second product, the second reservoir being configured to be engageable with the support; and

an application member extending from the second end portion of the support, the application member having an application face that is substantially planar and is capable of being placed in contact with the second product when the second reservoir is engaged with the support,

wherein the application member is configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of the first product and the second product on the application face.

170. The applicator of claim 169, wherein the application member defines at least one passage and one of the first and second products is loaded onto the application face through the passage.

171. The applicator of claim 169, wherein the second end portion includes an engagement member for removable engagement with the second reservoir, said engagement member being chosen from a snap-fit mechanism and a threaded surface.

172. The applicator of claim 169, wherein the application member is configured to mix together the first and second products loaded thereon during application of the products to a surface.

173. The applicator of claim 169, further comprising the first reservoir containing the first product, wherein one of the first product and the second product is chosen from a liquid, a cream, and a gel, and the other of the first product and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

174. The applicator of claim 169, further comprising the first reservoir, wherein the first reservoir is formed by a container having a variable volume.

175. The applicator of claim 174, wherein the container includes at least one wall formed of a movable piston.

176. The applicator of claim 174, wherein the container includes at least one wall that is deformable.

177. The applicator of claim 176, wherein the container is a tube made of a material chosen from polyethylene and polypropylene.

178. The applicator of claim 176, wherein the container is a bottle.

179. The applicator of claim 174, wherein the first end portion of the support is configured to fixedly engage with the container.

180. The applicator of claim 174, wherein the container has an opening in one end, said opening being configured to place the first reservoir in selective flow communication with the application member when the application member is engaged with the container.

181. The applicator of claim 180, wherein the opening places the first reservoir in flow communication with at least one passage defined by the application member.

182. The applicator of claim 181, wherein the first product is delivered through the opening in the container and into the passage defined by the application member upon selectively loading the application member with the first product.

183. The applicator of claim 182, wherein the passage is formed by a duct extending longitudinally through the application member.

184. The applicator of claim 169, wherein the first end portion defines an opening configured to place the first reservoir in flow communication with the application member.

185. The applicator of claim 169, wherein the second reservoir is a lid configured to cover the application member during engagement with the second end portion of the support.

186. The applicator of claim 169, wherein the application face is configured to be in contact with a containment member disposed in the lid to hold the second product in the lid when the second end portion of the support is engaged with the lid.

187. The applicator of claim 185, wherein the second product is provided near a top portion of the lid.

188. The applicator of claim 187, wherein the top portion of the lid includes an actuator configured to selectively place the application face and the second reservoir in contact when the lid is engaged with the second end portion of the support.

189. The applicator of claim 188, wherein the actuator includes a diaphragm configured to move the second product with respect to the lid.

190. The applicator of claim 185, wherein the second product is chosen from a powder and a cake material.

191. The applicator of claim 190, wherein the second product is a material providing sun protection.

192. The applicator of claim 190, wherein the second product is a colored make-up product.

193. The applicator of claim 190, wherein the second product is configured to crumble upon contacting a liquid or semi-liquid material.

194. An applicator comprising:

a support configured to be removably provided on a container containing a first product, the support defining an opening;

an application member having a first end portion mounted on the support and a second end portion having an application face, the application member being configured to convey the first product from the container to the application face via the opening;

a lid configured to removably cover the application member, the lid having a closed end portion containing a second product arranged such that the application face is capable of being pressed against the second product when the application member is covered with the lid; and

a containment member disposed in the lid to contain the second product in the closed end portion of the lid, the containment member being disposed between the second product and the application face when the application member is covered with the lid.

195. The applicator of claim 194, wherein the application member is elastically compressible.

196. The applicator of claim 194, wherein the first product is chosen from a liquid and a semi-liquid material and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

197. The applicator of claim 194, wherein the lid is configured to be removably engaged with the support.

198. The applicator of claim 194, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into the closed end portion of the lid.

199. The applicator of claim 194, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into a cup mounted in the closed end portion of the lid.

200. The applicator of claim 194, wherein the second product is separated from a closed end of the lid by an elastically deformable member.

201. The applicator of claim 194, wherein the closed end portion of the lid is configured to move axially with respect to the application member when the lid covers the application member.

202. The applicator of claim 194, wherein the containment member is chosen from a grating and a perforated mesh.

203. The applicator of claim 194, wherein the application member defines a passage extending from the opening in the support to the application face.

204. The applicator of claim 194, wherein the support includes a mounting mechanism chosen from a snap-fastener, a screw-fastener, and a push-fitting mechanism for removably mounting the support on the container.

205. An applicator comprising:

a support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being configured to be removably provided on a first reservoir containing a first product;

a second reservoir containing a second product, the second reservoir being configured to be engageable with the support;

an application member extending from the second end portion of the support, the application member having an application face capable of being placed in contact with the second product when the second reservoir is engaged with the support; and

a containment member disposed in the second reservoir to contain the second product in the second reservoir, the containment member being disposed between the second product and the application face when the second reservoir is engaged with the support,

wherein the application member is configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of the first product and the second product on the application face.

206. The applicator of claim 205, wherein the application member defines at least one passage and one of the first and second products is loaded onto the application face through the passage.

207. The applicator of claim 205, wherein the second end portion includes an engagement member for removable engagement with the second reservoir, said engagement member being chosen from a snap-fit mechanism and a threaded surface.

208. The applicator of claim 205, wherein the application member is configured to mix together the first and second products loaded thereon during application of the products to a surface.

209. The applicator of claim 205, further comprising the first reservoir containing the first product, wherein one of the first product and the second product is chosen from a liquid, a cream, and a gel, and the other of the first product and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

210. The applicator of claim 205, further comprising the first reservoir, wherein the first reservoir is formed by a container having a variable volume.

211. The applicator of claim 210, wherein the container includes at least one wall formed of a movable piston.

212. The applicator of claim 210, wherein the container includes at least one wall that is deformable.

213. The applicator of claim 212, wherein the container is a tube made of a material chosen from polyethylene and polypropylene.

214. The applicator of claim 212, wherein the container is a bottle.

215. The applicator of claim 210, wherein the first end portion of the support is configured to fixedly engage with the container.

216. The applicator of claim 210, wherein the container has an opening in one end, said opening being configured to place the first reservoir in selective flow communication with the application member when the application member is engaged with the container.

217. The applicator of claim 216, wherein the opening places the first reservoir in flow communication with at least one passage defined by the application member.

218. The applicator of claim 217, wherein the first product is delivered through the opening in the container and into the passage defined by the application member upon selectively loading the application member with the first product.

219. The applicator of claim 218, wherein the passage is formed by a duct extending longitudinally through the application member.

220. The applicator of claim 205, wherein the first end portion defines an opening configured to place the first reservoir in flow communication with the application member.

221. The applicator of claim 205, wherein the second reservoir is a lid configured to cover the application member during engagement with the second end portion of the support.

222. The applicator of claim 221, wherein the lid includes a top wall, a side wall, and the containment member extends laterally within the lid proximal the top wall.

223. The applicator of claim 222, wherein the containment member is chosen from a grating and a mesh material that allows at least some of the second product to pass therethrough.

224. The applicator of claim 223, wherein the application face is configured to be in contact with the containment member when the second end portion of the support is engaged with the lid.

225. The applicator of claim 221, wherein the second product is provided near a top portion of the lid.

226. The applicator of claim 225, wherein the top portion of the lid includes an actuator configured to selectively place the application face and the second reservoir in contact when the lid is engaged with the second end portion of the support.

227. The applicator of claim 226, wherein the actuator includes a diaphragm configured to move the second product with respect to the lid.

228. The applicator of claim 221, wherein the second product is chosen from a powder and a cake material.

229. The applicator of claim 228, wherein the second product is a material providing sun protection.

230. The applicator of claim 228, wherein the second product is a colored make-up product.

231. The applicator of claim 228, wherein the second product is configured to crumble upon contacting a liquid or semi-liquid material.

232. An applicator comprising:

a support configured to be removably provided on a container containing a first product, the support defining an opening;

an application member having a first end portion mounted on the support and a second end portion having an application face, the application member being configured to convey the first product from the container to the application face via the opening;

a lid configured to removably cover the application member, the lid having a closed end portion containing a second product arranged such that the application face is capable of being pressed against the second product when the application member is covered with lid; and

a containment member disposed in the lid to contain the second product in the closed end portion of the lid, the containment member comprising a porous member.

233. The applicator of claim 232, wherein the containment member is chosen from a grating and a perforated mesh.

234. An applicator comprising:

a support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being configured to be removably provided on a first reservoir containing a first product;

a second reservoir containing a second product, the second reservoir being configured to be engageable with the support;

an application member extending from the second end portion of the support, the application member having an application face capable of being placed in contact with the second product when the second reservoir is engaged with the support; and

a containment member disposed in the second reservoir to contain the second product in the second reservoir, the containment member comprising a porous member,

wherein the application member is configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of the first product and the second product on the application face.

235. The applicator of claim 234, wherein the second reservoir is a lid configured to cover the application member during engagement with the second end portion of the support.

236. The applicator of claim 235, wherein the lid includes a top wall and a side wall, and the containment member extends laterally within the lid proximal the top wall.

237. The applicator of claim 236, wherein the containment member is chosen from a grating and a mesh material that allows at least some of the second product to pass therethrough.

238. The applicator of claim 237, wherein the application face is configured to be in contact with the containment member when the second end portion of the support is engaged with the lid.

239. The applicator of claim 234, wherein the containment member is chosen from a grating and a mesh material.

240. The applicator of claim 234, wherein the second product is chosen from a powder and a cake material.

241. An applicator comprising:

a support configured to be removably provided on a container containing a first the support defining an opening;

an elastically compressible application member having a first end portion mounted on the support and a second end portion having an application face, the application member being configured to convey the first product from the container to the application face via the opening; and

a lid configured to removably cover the application member, the lid having a closed end portion containing a second product arranged such that the application face is capable of being pressed against the second product when the application member is covered with the lid.

242. The applicator of claim 241, wherein the first product is chosen from a liquid and a semi-liquid material and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

243. The applicator of claim 241, wherein the lid is configured to be removably engaged with the support.

244. The applicator of claim 241, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into the closed end portion of the lid.

245. The applicator of claim 241, wherein the second product is one of poured and compacted into a cup mounted in the closed end portion of the lid.

246. The applicator of claim 241, wherein the second product is separated from a closed end of the lid by an elastically deformable member.

247. The applicator of claim 241, wherein the closed end portion of the lid is configured to move axially with respect to the application member when the lid covers the application member.

248. The applicator of claim 241, wherein the application member is made of a porous material configured to absorb the first product and to convey the first product from the opening to the application face.

249. The applicator of claim 248, wherein the porous material is chosen from an open-cell foam, a semi-open-cell foam, and a felt.

250. The applicator of claim 241, wherein the application member defines a passage extending from the opening in the support to the application face.

251. The applicator of claim 241, wherein the support includes a mounting mechanism chosen from a snap-fastener, a screw-fastener, and a push-fitting mechanism for removably mounting the support on the container.

252. An applicator comprising:

a support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being configured to be removably provided on a first reservoir containing a first product;

a second reservoir containing a second product, the second reservoir being configured to be engageable with the support; and

an elastically compressible application member extending from the second end portion of the support, the application member having an application face capable of being placed in contact with the second product when the second reservoir is engaged with the support,

wherein the application member is configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of the first product and the second product on the application face.

253. The applicator of claim 252, wherein the application member is configured to mix together the first and second products loaded thereon during application of the products to a surface.

254. The applicator of claim 252 further comprising the first reservoir containing the first product, wherein one of the first product and the second product is chosen from a liquid, a cream, and a gel, and the other of the first product and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

255. The applicator of claim 252, wherein the application member is made of a foam material having a plurality of passages in the form of pores.

256. The applicator of claim 252, wherein the second reservoir is a lid configured to cover the application member during engagement with the second end portion of the support.

257. The applicator of claim 256, wherein the second product is provided near a top portion of the lid.

258. The applicator of claim 257, wherein the top portion of the lid includes an actuator configured to selectively place the application face and the second reservoir in contact when the lid is engaged with the second end portion of the support.

259. The applicator of claim 258, wherein the actuator includes a diaphragm configured to move the second product with respect to the lid.

260. The applicator of claim 256, wherein the second product is chosen from a powder and a cake material.

261. The applicator of claim 260, wherein the second product is a material providing sun protection.

262. The applicator of claim 260, wherein the second product is a colored make-up product.

263. The applicator of claim 260, wherein the second product is configured to crumble upon contacting a liquid or semi-liquid material.

264. An applicator assembly for applying at least one of a first and a second product to a surface, comprising:

a container containing the first product;

an applicator comprising

a support removably provided on the container, the support defining an opening,

an application member having a first end portion mounted on the support and a second end portion having an application face, the application member being configured to convey the first product from the container to the application face via the opening, and

a lid removably covering the application member, the lid having a closed end portion containing a second product arranged such that the application face is capable of being pressed against the second product when the application member is covered with the lid; and

a dispensing member chosen from an airless pump and a one-way valve for dispensing the first product.

265. The applicator assembly of claim 264, wherein the container is chosen from a deformable tube, a bottle having at least one deformable wall, and a bottle defined in part by at least one movable piston.

266. The applicator assembly of claim 264, further comprising a plurality of lids containing second products having differing characteristics.

267. The applicator assembly of claim 266, wherein the second product in the lids is chosen from make-up products having at least one of differing shades and differing appearances.

268. The applicator assembly of claim 266, wherein the second product in the lids is chosen from products having differing sun protection factors.

269. The applicator assembly of claim 264, wherein the application member is made of a material chosen from materials having differing application characteristics.

270. The applicator assembly of claim 264, wherein the first product is chosen from a liquid, a cream, and a gel.

271. An applicator assembly comprising:

an applicator comprising

a support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being removably provided on a first reservoir containing a first product,

a second reservoir containing a second product, the second reservoir being defined by a lid and engageable with the support, and

an application member extending from the second end portion of the support, the application member having an application face capable of being placed in contact with the second product when the second reservoir is engaged with the support, wherein the application member is configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of the first product and the second product on the application face;

a container including the first reservoir; and

a dispensing member chosen from an airless pump and a one-way valve for dispensing the first product.

272. The applicator assembly of claim 271, wherein the first product is chosen from a liquid, a gel, and a cream, and the second product is chosen from a powder and a solid cake material.

273. The applicator assembly of claim 271, wherein the second product includes a material providing sun protection.

274. The applicator assembly of claim 272, comprising a plurality of applicators, each applicator being configured to engage one of a plurality of lids, the second product in each of the plurality of lids providing differing sun protection.

275. The applicator assembly of claim 271, wherein the second product includes a colored make-up product.

276. The applicator assembly of claim 272, comprising a plurality of applicators, each applicator being configured to engage one of a plurality of lids, the second product in each lid having a differing color.

277. A process for applying at least one of a first product and a second product to skin, the process comprising:

providing an applicator comprising a support removably provided on a container containing a first product, the support defining an opening, an application member having a first end portion mounted on the support and a second end portion having an application face, the application member being configured to convey the first product from the container to the application face via the opening, and a lid removably covering the application member, the lid having a closed end portion containing a second product arranged such that the application face is capable of being pressed against the second product when the application member is covered with the lid;

loading the application face of the application member with at least one of the first and second products;

removing the lid from the application member; and

placing the application face of the application member in contact with skin to thereby apply said at least one of the first and second products to the skin.

278. The process of claim 277, further comprising applying a compressive force to the container to load the application face with the first product.

279. The process of claim 277, wherein the placing of the lid on the application member loads the application face with the second product.

280. The process of claim 277, further comprising providing a plurality of applicators each having a lid containing a second product having a differing characteristic, and selecting one of the applicators based on the differing characteristic.

281. The process of claim 277, wherein at least one of the first and second products is a cosmetic product.

282. The process of claim 277, further comprising flowing the first product from the container to the application member, and removing the applicator from the container.

283. The process of claim 277, wherein both of the first and second products are applied to the skin.

284. A process for applying at least one of a first product and a second product to skin, the process comprising:

providing an applicator comprising a support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being removably provided on a first reservoir containing a first product, a second reservoir containing a second product, the second reservoir being engageable with the support, and an application member extending from the second end portion of the support, the application member having an application face capable of being placed in contact with the second product when the second reservoir is engaged with the support, wherein the application member is configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of the first product and the second product on the application face;

loading the application face of the application member with at least one of the first and second products; and

placing the application face of the application member in contact with skin to thereby apply said at least one of the first and second products to the skin.

285. The process of claim 284, further comprising applying a compressive force to the first reservoir to load the application face with the first product.

286. The process of claim 284, wherein the engaging of the second reservoir loads the application face with the second product.

287. The process of claim 284, further comprising providing a plurality of applicators each having a second reservoir containing a second product having a differing characteristic, and selecting one of the applicators based on the differing characteristic.

288. The process of claim 284, wherein at least one of the first and second products is a cosmetic product.

289. The process of claim 284, further comprising flowing the first product from the first reservoir to the application member, and removing the applicator from the first reservoir.

290. The process of claim 284, wherein both of the first and second products are applied to the surface.