U.S. patent application number 09/770790 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-19 for cosmetic stick.
This patent application is currently assigned to Avon Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Pahlck, Harold, Raouf, Maha, Travkina, Irina.
Application Number | 20010008633 09/770790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22848375 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010008633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Travkina, Irina ; et
al. |
July 19, 2001 |
Cosmetic stick
Abstract
There is provided a moisturizing cosmetic stick that
moisturizes, has good wear, and full and even coverage. The stick
comprises: about 1% to about 35% by weight water, about 0.1% to
about 8% by weight of a gelling agent, about 1% to about 5% by
weight of an emulsifier, about 5% to about 10% by weight of a hard
wax, about 5% to about 25% by weight of a lipophilic polar solvent,
about 1% to about 5% by weight of a clay, and about 5% to about 30%
by weight of a bulking agent. The present invention is also
directed to a process for making such a moisturizing stick.
Inventors: |
Travkina, Irina; (River
Edge, NJ) ; Raouf, Maha; (Franklin Lakes, NJ)
; Pahlck, Harold; (Waldwick, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES N.J. RUGGIERO, ESQ.
OHLANDT, GREELEY,
RUGGIERO & PERLE, L.L.P.
ONE LANDMARK SQUARE, 10th FLOOR
STAMFORD
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Assignee: |
Avon Products, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22848375 |
Appl. No.: |
09/770790 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09770790 |
Jan 26, 2001 |
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09226303 |
Jan 7, 1999 |
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6183760 |
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60083528 |
Apr 29, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/401 ;
510/130 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 8/042 20130101;
A61K 8/498 20130101; A61K 8/36 20130101; A61K 8/37 20130101; A61Q
17/04 20130101; A61Q 19/02 20130101; A61Q 19/00 20130101; A61K
8/494 20130101; A61K 8/678 20130101; A61K 8/0229 20130101; Y10S
514/844 20130101; A61K 8/671 20130101; A61K 8/26 20130101; A61K
8/8152 20130101; A61Q 1/06 20130101; A61K 8/35 20130101; A61K
8/9794 20170801; A61K 8/27 20130101; A61K 8/63 20130101; A61K 8/29
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/401 ;
510/130 |
International
Class: |
A61K 007/48 |
Claims
Wherefore we claim:
1. A moisturizing cosmetic stick that moisturizes, has good wear,
and full and even coverage, comprising: a water phase being about
1% to about 40% by weight of the stick, said water phase having
water and a gelling agent, wherein said water is in an amount about
15% to about 35% by weight of the stick; and an oil phase being
about 99% to about 60% by weight of the stick.
2. The stick of claim 1, wherein said oil phase includes, based on
the weight of the stick, about 1% to about 5% by weight of an
emulsifier, about 5% to about 8% by weight of a hard wax, about 5%
to about 25% by weight of a lipophilic polar solvent, about 1% to
about 5% by weight of a clay, and about 5% to about 30% by weight
of a bulking agent.
3. The stick of claim 1, wherein said gelling agent is about 0.1%
to about 8% by weight of the stick.
4. A moisturizing cosmetic stick, comprising about 1% to about 35%
by weight water; about 0.1% to about 8% by weight of a gelling
agent; about 1% to about 5% by weight of an emulsifier; about 5% to
about 10% by weight of a hard wax; about 5% to about 25% by weight
of a lipophilic polar solvent; about 1% to about 5% by weight of a
clay; and about 5% to about 30% by weight of a bulking agent.
5. The stick of claim 4, further comprising other waxes and
colorants.
6. The stick of claim 4, wherein said gelling agent is about 1.5%
to about 2.5% by weight of the stick.
7. The stick of claim 4, wherein said gelling agent is glyceryl
polymethacrylate.
8. The stick of claim 4, wherein said emulsifier is a polyglyceryl
fatty acid ester.
9. The stick of claim 4, wherein said hard wax is selected from the
group consisting of polyethylene, ozokerite and mixtures
thereof.
10. The stick of claim 5, wherein said other waxes include natural
waxes, paraffins and synthetic waxes.
11. The stick of claim 4, wherein said lipophilic polar solvent is
C12-15 alcohol benzoates.
12. The stick of claim 4, wherein said clays are selected from a
group consisting of lithium magnesium silicate, bentonite,
montmorillonite, and mixtures thereof.
13. The stick of claim 4, wherein said clay is about 1% to about 3%
by weight of the stick.
14. The stick of claim 4, wherein said bulking agent is selected
from the group consisting of nylon, talc, starch, calcium
carbonate, silica, barium sulfate, mica and mixtures thereof.
15. The stick of claim 4, further comprising a colorant that is
selected from the group consisting of calcium lakes, barium lakes,
aluminum lakes, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, and mixtures
thereof.
16. The stick of claim 4, wherein the stick is a lipstick.
17. A moisturizing cosmetic stick, comprising: about 15% to about
25% by weight of water; about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of a
gelling agent; about 1% to about 5% by weight of an emulsifier;
about 5% to about 10% by weight of a hard wax; about 5% to about
25% by weight of a lipophilic polar solvent; about 1% to about 5%
by weight of a clay; and about 5% to about 15% by weight of a
bulking agent.
18. The stick of claim 17, further comprising other waxes.
19. The stick of claim 17, further comprising colorants.
20. A process for making a moisturizing stick comprising: forming
an oil phase; forming a water phase; mixing the oil phase and the
water phase together in a mold; and chilling the mold at a
temperature about 35 to about 40 degrees F, for less than ten
minutes to form the stick.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a cosmetic stick. More
particularly, the present invention is directed to a cosmetic stick
for the lips and the skin ("both of which are called the lips" in
this application) that has a high water content. Thus, the cosmetic
stick can moisturize and at the same time protect the lips from
damage.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The incidence of ultraviolet and infrared radiation on the
human epidermis is linked to exposure to sun, and also to the lamps
and dryers used in hairdressing salons. Infrared radiation may give
rise to a dense multiplication of fine elastic fibers in the upper
dermis and induce carcinogenesis. Moreover, infrared radiation may
cause vasodilation, raise skin temperature and cause skin erythema.
To protect the lips from deleterious effects resulting from
dryness, heat and infrared and ultraviolet radiation, as well as to
produce a desired cosmetic effect, a moisturizing or water based
lipstick is desired.
[0005] To manufacture a conventional lipstick; fats; oils;
colorants, such as dyes, pigments or lakes; and, other non-aqueous
ingredients are added to a wax base that is melted to enable the
ingredients to be thoroughly mixed. Then, the mixed ingredients are
cast into molds which, after cooling, provide the lipstick. In such
a lipstick, water is not usually incorporated into the lipstick
formulation. Therefore, the lipstick when applied to the lips does
not necessarily possess the smooth, soft attributes associated with
other skin treatment products having water, such as skin creams,
particularly those intended for moisturizing the lips.
[0006] Thus, it is desired to provide a lipstick that has the
moisturizing attributes of skin products rather than conventional
water-free lipsticks.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,856 to Dunphy et al. discloses a
cosmetic water-in-oil emulsion lipstick that requires, in addition
to oil, wax, water and pigment, two or more emulsifiers including a
phospholipid. U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,737 and 5,310,547, also to Dunphy
et al., disclose a colored cosmetic lipstick and a method for
coloring lips that comprises water, a low fatty acid wax and a
colorant (an aluminum salt). However, the stick must be formulated
with no higher than about 0.5% by weight of a C10 to C26 fatty acid
or the lipstick would lose structure, and certain colorants, such
as barium and calcium lakes cannot be used in this formulation.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,902 to Castro et al. discloses a colored
cosmetic stick comprising a natural wax, a colorant, and a C12-C60
fatty acid ester that has no C12-C60 fatty acid. The wax is treated
with a C1-C60 monohydric or polyhydric alcohol to convert any
C12-C60 fatty acid to the corresponding ester and to produce an
esterified wax.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,957,969 to Fujiyama is directed to a
cosmetic stick comprising a water-in-oil emulsion. This stick has 1
to 50% water. According to this patent, a gel is prepared from a
polyhydroxy compound and a non-ionic, surface active compound. This
gel is mixed into a cosmetic base, and should produce a very soft
pomade that would be difficult to manufacture.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,662 to Deckner et al. discloses a
moisturizing lipstick essentially free of water.
[0011] Transparent lipsticks are disclosed in several patents. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,541 to Macaulay et al. discloses a
transparent cosmetic stick composition having a lamellar structure
that has a soap crystal growth inhibitor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,771
to Grollier et al. also discloses a transparent composition for the
skin.
[0012] Examples of lipsticks that are based on silicone derivatives
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,750,095 and 5,556,613 to Arnaud
et al., while U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,510 to Arraudeau et al. discloses
an anhydrous cosmetic make-up composition.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,508 to Deserable et al. discloses a
cosmetic composition for composing sticks for the lips or the skin
comprising an anhydrous base in which a water-in-silicone emulsion
is dispersed. The emulsion consists of an aqueous phase dispersed
in a lipophilic phase comprising one or more silicones. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,672,339 to Soyama et al. discloses a composition for rouge
for lips containing a volatile oil content, such as volatile
siloxanes and isoparaffins, and a water-repellent polymer. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,505,937 to Castrogiovanni et al. discloses a lipstick
composition that requires a silicone ester wax. U.S. Pat. No.
5,334,372 to Kawamata et al. discloses a cosmetic composition
requiring an alcohol-modified silicone ester derivative of a
formula recited in the claim. U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,482 to Krzysik is
directed to a lipcare cosmetic composition that requires an
alkylmethylpolysiloxane having a specific formula disclosed in the
patent. U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,855 to Shore provides lip color
formulations that require a dimethicone siloxane, from about 10% to
20% lanolin oil/stearalkonium hectorite gelling agent, and a
hydrocarbon-derived polymer.
[0014] Other lipstick compositions are found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,753,240; 5,741,499; 5,466,457; 5,342,134; 5,197,814; 4,504,464;
4,492,686; 4,438,140; 3,957,969; 2,876,162 and 2,548,970; Belgian
Patent No. 752,558 and Swiss Patent No. 519,913.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
cosmetic stick that has a high water content.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a stick that has an even and full coverage, high shine, and
good wear properties.
[0017] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide such a stick that is not sticky to the touch, has good
chemical and photochemical stability and adhesion to the lip or
skin, and does not leave a white film on the lip.
[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a stick that moisturizes, has a wet feel on the lips, and the
ability to incorporate water soluble ingredients into a stick, such
as a lipstick, balm, pomade or pot.
[0019] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide a process for making the moisturizing cosmetic stick that
is easy to commercialize.
[0020] These and other objects of the present invention are
provided by a cosmetic stick that comprises a high content of
water, a gelling agent, an emulsifier, a hard wax, a lipophilic
solvent, a clay and a bulking agent.
[0021] The present invention further provides a method of
protecting the lips against the harmful effects of dryness, heat
and infrared and ultraviolet radiation. The method comprises the
application of the cosmetic stick of the present invention onto the
lips.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The cosmetic stick of the present invention can be a stick,
such as a lipstick, pomade, balm, pot or other stick (hereinafter
collectively called "stick"). Preferably, it is a lipstick. The
stick has improved moisturizing properties, as well as good wear,
even and full coverage, high shine, adhesion, good chemical and
photochemical stability, and does not leave a white film. Also, the
stick has a wet and cooling feel once applied and the ability to
incorporate water soluble ingredients. The above benefits are
achieved by the ability to have a stick with a high water content.
As discussed below, the water content is preferably about 15% to
about 25% by weight of the stick.
[0023] The cosmetic stick basically includes a water phase, an oil
phase and, if desired, a fragrance. The water phase includes water,
a gelling agent and, preferably, a humectant and a moisturizer. The
oil phase includes the other ingredients of the stick, except for
the fragrance, if any.
[0024] The water forms the majority of the water phase and provides
a solvent for any water-soluble ingredients present in the
moisturizing stick, which is called herein a hydrostick. The water
is preferably demineralized water. The amount of water present is
from about 1% to about 35% by weight of the stick. Preferably,
water is present in an amount from about 15% to about 35%, more
preferably about 15% by weight to about 25% by weight, and most
preferably about 20% by weight of the stick. It is this high water
content that provides many benefits of the present stick.
[0025] The gelling agent, the second ingredient in the water phase,
is about 0.1% to about 8% by weight, preferably about 0.1% to about
5% by weight of the stick. However, the gelling agent is more
preferably about 1.5% to about 2.5% by weight of the stick. The
gelling agent can be, for example, one or more polymethacrylates,
carbomers, cellulosics, water swellable Lucentite SWN, and Vee
gums. The preferred gelling agent is glyceryl polymethacrylate.
[0026] As stated above, the water phase may include one or more
humectants and moisturizers. The humectants and moisturizers are
about 0.001% to about 10% by weight, preferably about 1.0% to about
3.0% by weight, and more preferably about 1.6% by weight of the
stick. The preferred humectant is glycerin. The preferred
moisturizer is hyaluronic acid sodium salt.
[0027] The ratio of water phase to the oil phase is 2:3 to 1:5. The
water phase is preferably about 25% by weight of the stick, while
the oil phase is preferably about 75% by weight of the stick. The
oil phase includes one or more emulsifiers, hard wax, lipophilic
solvent, clay and bulking agents, such as powder fillers. The oil
phase may include other ingredients such as waxes, preservatives,
bulking agents and colorants.
[0028] The emulsifier acts to uniformly disperse the ingredients.
The emulsifier is about 1% to about 5% by weight of the stick.
Preferably, the emulsifier is about 2% by weight of the stick.
[0029] The emulsifiers suitable for use in the present invention
are preferably polyglyceryl fatty acid esters, and secondary
emulsifiers, such as fatty acid alcohols. Such emulsifier systems
include polygylceryl-10 pentastearate/behenyl alcohol.
[0030] The present invention includes one or more hard waxes,
preferably with a high melting point, namely greater than 80
degrees C. A hard wax is one having a needle penetration (mm/10) in
the range of 2 to 8 based on ASTM-D-1321. The hard wax of the
present invention is present in an amount about 5% to about 10% by
weight of the stick. Preferably, it is about 7% by weight of the
stick. The hard wax is preferably polyethylene, more preferably
linear polyethylene, and ozokerite. Thus, the most preferred hard
wax is a combination of linear polyethylene and ozokerite.
[0031] The present stick may include other waxes in the oil phase.
For example, these waxes include natural waxes, and paraffin and
synthetic waxes. Such waxes include, but are not limited to:
candelilla, micro wax, beeswax, and mixtures thereof. The total
amount of these other waxes if present in the hydrostick is about
3% to about 4% by weight of the stick.
[0032] The present stick also includes a lipophilic polar solvent
in its oil phase. This solvent is present in an amount about 5% to
about 25% by weight of the stick, preferably about 19% by weight of
the stick. The preferred lipophilic polar solvent is a C12-15
alcohol benzoate.
[0033] The oil phase of the present stick also includes a
thickener/gelling agent and a bulking agent that act as
structure-enhancing agents. These agents provide body and strength
to the moisturizing hydrostick thereby making it free-standing and
capable of retaining its original shape. This attribute is
especially helpful in the commercialization since the stick must
maintain its structure.
[0034] A structure-enhancing agent suitable for use in the
moisturizing hydrostick of the present invention is a clay. The
clays include lithium magnesium silicate also known as smectite
clay, bentonite clay, also known as wilkinite, montmorillonite
represented by the formula Al2O3.4SiO2.H2O, and mixtures thereof.
Lithium magnesium silicate or smectite clay is preferred.
[0035] Smectite clays can be natural or synthetic. Synthetic
smectite clays are preferred over the naturally occurring varieties
since they typically have a lower impurity content. Such synthetic
smectite SAN clay is distributed by Kobo Products Inc. and
manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd. Kobo Products Inc. have
disclosed the structure of their synthetic smectite clay, called
Lucentite SAN, as including 60.00 to 70.00 percent lithium
magnesium sodium silicate having the following empirical formula:
(Na0-0.33(Mg2.67Li0.33)(Si4O4)(OH)2) and 30.00 to 40.00 percent
quaternium-18 ([R2N(CH3)2], where R is C16-C18 alkyl). Kobo
Products Inc. have also stated that quaternium-18 is not reacted
with lithium magnesium sodium silicate to form the Lucentite
SAN.
[0036] The smectite clay has the property of forming highly viscous
suspensions or gels. The smectite clay is preferably gelled with a
polar lipophilic hydrocarbon-based solvent. The most preferred
solvents contain an aromatic group, namely benzoate esters, such as
C12-15 alcohols benzoate (Finsolv TN), and salicylate esters.
However, the solvent C12-15 alcohol lactate is also preferred,
since it also swells the synthetic smectite effectively.
[0037] Preferably, the amount of the smectite clay in the
moisturizing hydrostick of the present invention is from about 1%
to about 5% by weight of the stick. More preferably, the amount of
the smectite clay is about 2% by weight of the stick.
[0038] The bulking agents add structure enhancing properties to the
stick. Such bulking agents include mica, barium sulfate, nylon,
talc, starch, calcium carbonate, silica, and mixtures thereof. The
bulking agents and colorants are present in an amount about 5% to
about 30% by weight, and preferably about 5% to about 15% by weight
of the stick. The bulking agent is more preferably present in an
amount about 11% of the stick.
[0039] Colorants and pigments in powder form may also function as
bulking agents. Such colorants include, for example, inorganic and
organic colorants, such as barium lakes, calcium lakes, aluminum
lakes, titanium dioxide, mica and iron oxides. It has been found
that the present stick does not limit the use of the type of
colorants, unlike prior art water containing lipsticks.
[0040] The hydrostick with the smectite clay and bulking agent has
superior stick integrity and lattice strength, even at reduced wax
levels. This imparts to the finished stick a smooth and creamy
consistency. Moreover, the compositions containing the agents do
not need to be extruded or compressed to form a cake or stick. The
finished stick has improved stability over time and over a wide
range of temperatures thus facilitating commercialization. In
addition, clear, true colors can be provided.
[0041] A fragrance and/or flavor may be included in the present
stick in an amount about 0.1% to about 2.0% by weight of the stick.
As stated above, the fragrance and/or flavor preferably is neither
in the oil nor the water phase, but is added separately.
[0042] The water and the oil phases provide the cosmetic stick with
about 1% to about 35% by weight water, about 0.1% to about 8% by
weight of the gelling agent, about 1% to about 5% by weight of the
emulsifier, about 5% to about 10% by weight of the hard wax, about
5% to about 25% by weight of the lipophilic polar solvent, about 1%
to about 5% by weight of the clay, and about 5% to about 30% the
bulking agent.
[0043] The moisturizing hydrostick of the present invention may
contain other ingredients in the oil phase, such as, for example,
one or more pigments, thickeners, skin protectants, preservatives
or stabilizers, and vitamins. The hydrostick may also include one
or more perfumes, antioxidants, UV-absorbers (e.g. screening agents
or sunscreens), germicides, and lipid materials.
[0044] The present invention may include one or more emollients.
The total amount of the emollients present is about 20% to about
25% by weight of the stick.
[0045] The preferred emollients include: polytriglyceryl
erucate/eleostearate, avocado, lanolin, preferably low odor,
diisostearyl fumarate, myristyl lactate, and mixtures thereof. The
polytriglyceryl erucate/eleostearate is a film forming emollient
that is preferable as an emollient in the present stick. This
particular emollient is present in an amount about 5% to about 10%
by weight, and preferably about 6.5% by weight of the stick.
[0046] The present stick may also include one or more
preservatives. These preservatives are present in an amount about
0.1% to about 3% by weight, and preferably about 0.5% by weight of
the stick. Preferred preservatives include: EDTA, iodopropynylbutyl
carbamate, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, its esters and derivatives, such
as methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (methyl paraben), ethyl
4-hydroxybenzoate (ethyl paraben), propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (propyl
paraben) and butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (butyl paraben). The most
preferred preservatives include methyl paraben, propyl paraben and
iodopropynylbutyl carbamate, and mixtures thereof.
[0047] The formula may also contain UV stabilizers and
antioxidants, such as BHT, BHA, benzophenones such as:
2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone,
2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4"-dimethoxybenzop- henone,
2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone-5-sulphonic acid and its
salts, 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone,
2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenon- e,
2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4'-methylbenzophenone,
2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophen- one-5-sulphonic acid and its salts,
4-phenylbenzophenone,
2-ethylhexyl-4'-phenylbenzophenone-2-carboxylate,
2-hydroxy-4-n-octyloxyb- enzophenone and
4-hydroxy-3-benzophenonecarboxylic acid and its salts;
benzotriazole derivatives such as
2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)-2H-benzo- triazole,
2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-tert-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,
2-(2'-hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole,
2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole and
2-(2'-hydroxy-3',5'-di-cumylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole; disubstituted
methane derivatives such as dianisoyl methane, 4-isopropyl
dibenzoyl methane and 4-tert-butyl-4'-methoxy dibenzoyl
methane.
[0048] The present stick may include a skin protectant, such as,
for example, allantoin. Allantoin would be present in an amount
about 0.1% to about 3% by weight, and preferably in an amount about
0.55% by weight of the stick.
[0049] The preferred stick may also include vitamins, such as, for
example, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), and vitamins A and C, and
beta carotene. Such vitamins are present in an amount about 0.1% to
about 3% by weight, and preferably in an amount about 0.55% by
weight of the stick.
[0050] The hydrostick of the present invention can take the form of
a solid stick, such as, a lipstick, pomade, balm, pot, lip-gloss or
of a cream that can be applied to the skin or the lips.
[0051] The present stick permits the use of high acid value
substances, such as natural oils and waxes, having up to 2% free
fatty acids without the stick losing its structure. In addition,
the present stick, especially when used as a lipstick, provides a
wet, cool, smooth refreshing or creamy feel, and applies evenly.
Still further, the present stick can be made using conventional
lipstick molding equipment.
[0052] The present invention includes a process for preparing the
moisturizing hydrostick. The process includes forming the oil phase
and the water phase, separately. Then, the two phases are mixed
together until uniform, the fragrance/flavor is added and then
poured into in a single row cavity or a single cavity mold. The
mold should then be chilled at a low temperature, namely about 35
to about 40 degrees F, for a short period of time, namely less than
ten minutes. This chilling process is important for the production
of the final stick.
[0053] The hydrostick of the present invention is suitable for the
lips, especially for applying to the lips a long lasting color with
pleasant aesthetics to the lips. The hydrostick can also be used as
a vehicle for a skin care agent to protect against exposure to
adverse weather, including the wind and rain or extended exposure
to sunlight.
[0054] The present invention is further illustrated by the
following example, which is designed to illustrate the invention
without limiting its scope.
[0055] Obvious modifications and variations of the invention can be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *