US20080006287A1

US20080006287A1 - Kit for applying makeup to keratinous fibers

Info

Publication number: US20080006287A1
Application number: US11/249,255
Authority: US
Inventors: Jean-Louis Gueret
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2004-10-15
Filing date: 2005-10-14
Publication date: 2008-01-10
Also published as: KR20060054012A; EP1652449A2; FR2876556B1; FR2876556A1; EP1652449A3; KR100775590B1

Abstract

A kit for making up keratinous fibers may include: a set for packaging and applying a substance on the keratinous fibers, the set including an applicator and a supply of substance to be applied by the applicator; and a tool configured to enable a user to finish off making up the keratinous fibers. The tool may include two branches, at least one of which may include an end portion configured to enable the user to act on the fibers.

Description

This non-provisional application claims the benefit of French Application No. 04 10972 filed on Oct. 15, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/622,600 filed on Oct. 28, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to applying makeup to keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

BACKGROUND

For making up the eyelashes, it is known to use packaging and applicator devices comprising a receptacle containing a substance for application, such as mascara, and an applicator suitable for being immersed in the receptacle to pick up substance. The applicator comprises a stem provided at one end with an applicator member, such as a brush or a comb. The receptacle may be provided with a wiper member for wiping the stem and the applicator member as the stem and the applicator member leave the receptacle.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,442 discloses an applicator having two branches respectively provided with a comb and with a brush.
European Patent Application EP 0 365 273 A2 describes a packaging and applicator device having two applicators suitable for being engaged in a common receptacle.
European Patent Application EP 0 960 584 A1 describes a packaging and applicator device for use with keratinous fibers. The device comprises an applicator member secured to a handle member and suitable for engaging in a receptacle containing the substance for application, and a backing member secured to the handle member and capable of being moved toward the applicator member in use.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,690,777 describes a packaging and applicator device having two receptacles disposed in line with each other and receiving respective different applicators.
A device that enables mascara to be applied and eyelashes to be curved is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,323,595.
Another packaging and applicator device is described in German Utility Model G 9316704. The device has two branches respectively provided at their ends with a brush and a comb, or with two brushes.

SUMMARY

All of the foregoing known devices are relatively complicated and/or not very easy to use.
In addition, when such devices are used, the substance may not dry sufficiently to enable a desired result to be obtained easily.
Thus, there exists a need to further improve the quality of makeup obtained with such devices.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention seek to further improve devices that enable makeup to be applied to keratinous fibers.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a kit for making up keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes, the kit comprising: a set for packaging and applying a substance on the keratinous fibers, the set comprising an applicator and a supply of substance to be applied by the applicator; and a tool configured to enable a user to finish off making up the keratinous fibers, the tool including two branches, at least one of which includes an end portion configured to enable the user to act on the fibers, for example, to comb the fibers.
Various exemplary embodiments of the invention enable makeup to be applied to keratinous fibers in two stages, namely, a first stage in which the substance is applied by an applicator, and a second stage in which the fibers are worked by a tool.
In exemplary embodiments, because the tool may be used independently of the applicator, the second stage may take place after allowing enough time to elapse for the substance deposited on the eyelashes to dry sufficiently to enable a good result to be obtained.
In addition, the tool may remain relatively clean because it is not necessary to immerse the tool in the substance.
In exemplary embodiments, the end portion that enables the user to act on the eyelashes may include a projecting element, preferably a plurality of projecting elements, that may be configured to comb the eyelashes, for example.
In exemplary embodiments, the kit may comprise a first receptacle and a second receptacle secured to the first receptacle. The first and second receptacles may be configured to serve to receive the supply of substance and to receive the tool, respectively.
The first receptacle configured to receive the supply of substance may also receive at least part of the applicator when the first receptacle is closed, for example, in a leaktight manner.
In exemplary embodiments, the second receptacle may lack any substance for application by the tool.
In exemplary embodiments, the second receptacle may be situated in line with the first receptacle. Alternatively, the first and second receptacles may be disposed side by side.
In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the receptacles may be configured to serve as a handle member while using the applicator or the tool.
In exemplary embodiments, the second receptacle configured to receive the tool may also be configured to serve as a handle member for the applicator while the applicator is being used.
In exemplary embodiments, the tool may optionally be secured to a member for closing the second receptacle.
In exemplary embodiments, each of the branches may be provided with an end portion configured to come into contact with the eyelashes when the two branches are moved toward each other. The two end portions may be identical or may be different, and a distribution of projecting elements thereon may be uniform or otherwise, and optionally symmetrical about a midplane of the respective end portion.
In exemplary embodiments, the two end portions may be configured to engage at least in part one in the other when the branches are moved toward each other. For example, the two end portions may include shapes that are substantially complementary. For example, the two end portions may include projecting elements that become superposed or juxtaposed, at least in part, when the two branches are close together.
In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the branches may include an end portion including a first face facing toward the end portion of the other branch, and a second face opposite from the first face. The second face may be provided with at least one projecting element, which element may be used, for example, when the user desires not to squeeze the eyelashes between the branches.
In exemplary embodiments, the branches may include end portions with first faces facing toward each other when the branches are close together, and second faces opposite from the first faces. The end portions may include projecting elements on both the first and the second faces.
In exemplary embodiments, one of the end portions need have no projecting elements, such as no bristles or teeth.
In exemplary embodiments, the tool may include at least one branch including an end portion that is more flexible than a remainder of the branch.
In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the end portions may include bristles, which may be fitted to a support, for example. The support may comprise a twisted core, for example. Alternatively, the bristles may be integrally, i.e., monolithically, molded with the support.
In exemplary embodiments, the bristles may be of diameters, lengths, shapes, or sections that differ within at least one of the end portions, or between the two end portions.
In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the end portions may include teeth. For example, one of the end portions may include two rows of teeth that are spaced apart from each other, with the other end portion being configured to engage at least in part between the rows when the branches are close together.
In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the end portions may include a brush. Where appropriate or desired, the brush may include a core that is eccentric, at least in one cross-section of the brush.
Whatever kind of brush, the brush may be fastened in various ways to the corresponding branch, for example, by snap-fastening or by plastic deformation.
In exemplary embodiments, the brush may include a portion from which bristles extend. The portion may be superposed at least in part on the branch. The brush may be stiffened at least in part by the branch.
In exemplary embodiments, the brush may be set back from a free end of the corresponding branch.
In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the end portions may include a thread.
In exemplary embodiments, the each end portion may comprise a brush.
In other exemplary embodiments, each end portion may comprise a comb.
In other exemplary embodiments, one of the end portions may comprise a brush and the other of the end portions may comprise a comb.
In exemplary embodiments, the tool may be configured so as to enable the branches to return resiliently after the branches have been moved toward each other to act on the keratinous fibers. For example the tool may include a resilient return member interposed between the branches, for example, a helical spring.
In exemplary embodiments, the tool may be arranged in such a manner as to enable one of the branches to turn through more than 180° relative to the other one of the branches. This may make it possible, for example, to select the faces of the branches between which the keratinous fibers are engaged.
In exemplary embodiments, the branches may be made integrally, i.e., monolithically, with a junction portion uniting the branches. Alternatively, the branches may be united by a junction portion fitted thereto.
In exemplary embodiments, the branches may be assembled together with the possibility of being shifted longitudinally. The branches may be assembled together with the possibility of being shifted laterally. The tool may include a member configured to adjust a degree of clamping of one the branches against the other, for example, at the junction thereof.
In exemplary embodiments, the applicator may comprise a brush. The first receptacle may include a wiper member.
In exemplary embodiments, the kit may include an element configured to clean the tool, such as a porous material impregnated with a biocidal agent, and located in the second receptacle.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a method of applying makeup, in which: a substance is applied to keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes, using an applicator; and the makeup is finished off using a tool comprising two branches configured to be moved toward each other, after allowing the substance deposited on the keratinous fibers to dry, at least in part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various details of the invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic axial cross sectional view of an exemplary kit;
FIG. 2 is an elevation view showing a fragment of the tool in the device of FIG. 1, in isolation;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along III-III of FIG. 2;
FIGS. 4 to 12 are diagrammatic fragmentary views showing other exemplary embodiments of the tool;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along XIII-XIII of FIG. 12;
FIGS. 14 and 15 show the possibility of making the tool with removable end portions;
FIG. 16 is an elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of the tool;
FIG. 17 is a side view taken along arrow XVII of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 shows another exemplary embodiment of a junction between the branches;
FIGS. 19 and 20 show a greater angular displacement available to the branches when the junction between the branches is made in accordance with FIG. 18;
FIGS. 21 and 22 are views analogous to FIG. 18 showing other exemplary embodiments of the junction between the branches;
FIG. 23 shows an exemplary resilient return member interposed between the branches;
FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary plan view showing an exemplary embodiment in which the two branches may be shifted longitudinally;
FIG. 25 is a fragmentary diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view taken along on XXV-XXV of FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment that allows the branches to be shifted sideways;
FIGS. 27 to 30 show various exemplary arrangements for receptacles that are to receive the supply of substance and the tool, respectively;
FIG. 31 is a view analogous to FIG. 30 showing another exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along XXXII-XXXII of FIG. 31;
FIG. 33 is a view analogous to FIG. 3 showing another exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary branch provided with a brush; and
FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along XXXV-XXXV of FIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary kit 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises firstly a supply of substance 2 contained in a receptacle 3 in which an applicator 4 may be immersed to take the substance, and secondly a tool 5 that is received, while not in use, in a receptacle 6 that is devoid of substance and that is provided with an opening 26.
In the exemplary embodiment described, the receptacle 3 comprises a neck 7 with an outside thread onto which a closure cap 8 may be screwed. The cap may also constitute a handle member for the applicator 4. The applicator 4 includes a stem 10 with one end connected to the closure cap 8 and another end supporting an applicator member 12. In the exemplary embodiment described, the applicator member 12 is constituted by a brush with a twisted core.
The neck 7 may be provided on an inside thereof with a wiper member 14 that is configured to enable the stem 10 and the applicator member 12 to be wiped while the applicator 4 is being withdrawn from the receptacle 3.
In the exemplary embodiment described, the receptacles 3 and 6 are made as a one-piece molding of plastics material and are located side by side.
The kit 1 may further comprise a cap 16 suitable for fastening, for example, by snap-fastening, on the receptacles 3 and 6 and capable of preventing the tool 5 from leaving the receptacle 6, for example, while the kit is being transported.
The tool 5 may comprise two branches 18 and 19 provided with respective end portions 20 and 21. The end portions 20 and 21 may be moved toward each other by the user while applying makeup.
In the exemplary embodiment described, the end portions 20 and 21 may become interleaved, at least in part, when the branches 18 and 19 are moved toward each other. Each of the end portions 20 and 21 may include projecting elements extending toward the other end portion. The projecting elements may be constituted by bristles and/or teeth, for example.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the end portion 20 may be constituted by a brush including a twisted core and the end portion 21 may be constituted by a comb, for example, molded integrally, i.e., monolithically, of the same plastics material as the branch 19. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the comb may include two substantially parallel rows of teeth 24 between which the end portion 20 may be engaged when the two branches 18 and 19 are moved as close together as possible, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The exemplary kit 1 may be used as follows.
The user may begin by applying the substance to eyelashes, for example, using the applicator 4. Once the substance has dried at least in part, the tool 5 may be used for treating the eyelashes.
The user may engage the eyelashes between the end portions 20 and 21 while the branches are apart, and may then move the branches toward each other and move the tool away while the branches are pressed together.
Depending on the movement given to the tool 5 and on the nature of the end portions 20 and 21, the tool 5 may be used to separate and/or curve the eyelashes.
The user may vary effects, for example, by varying pressure exerted on the branches.
After use, the user may reinsert the tool 5 in the receptacle 6 through the opening 26 therein and put the cap 16 back into place.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to a particular embodiment of the tool and numerous variants are possible, depending on the desired effects to be achieved.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, an exemplary tool is shown including two identical end portions 20 and 21. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the end portions 20 and 21 are constituted by combs including teeth molded integrally, i.e., monolithically, of the same plastics material as the branches. For example, the teeth 24 may be disposed on facing faces of the branches of the tool, with it being possible to vary shape and disposition of the teeth 24 on the faces. For example, it is possible to use V-shaped teeth that are optionally offset sideways from an axis of a row, or even double rows of V-shaped teeth.
The teeth 24 may be rectilinear, as shown in FIG. 4, or may be of some other shape, for example, including angular portions, as shown in FIG. 5.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the end portions 20 and 21 comprise bristles of different sizes. For example, the bristles for the end portion 20 may include a diameter greater than the bristles for the end portion 21. For example, the bristles may be stapled in the branches 18 and 19 or secured thereto in some other way, for example, by overmolding. The bristles may thus be overmolded onto one and/or the other of the end portions 20 and 21.
FIG. 7 illustrates that the end portion 21 may comprise projecting elements 24 arranged in packets that are mutually spaced-apart, for example, bristles leaving gaps 30, while the end portion 20 includes a uniform configuration of projecting elements 24, for example.
FIG. 8 illustrates that the end portions 20 and 21 may be made with threads with edges that constitute projecting elements 24, which may be used for combing the eyelashes.
The projecting elements 24 carried by the end portions 20 and 21 may also be configured so as to become longitudinally interleaved when the branches 18 and 19 are moved toward each other and the tool is observed from the side, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the branches, as shown in FIG. 9.
One of the end portions, specifically the end portion 20 in FIG. 10, may be lacking in projecting elements. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, only the end portion 21 included projecting elements 24 on the face 32 thereof facing toward the other end portion 20. The projecting elements 24 may be constituted, for example, by at least one row of teeth that are laterally offset relative to the end portion 20 so as to enable said end portion to be used for pushing the eyelashes into bottoms of grooves formed between the teeth, for example.
FIG. 11 illustrates the possibility for one of the end portions, specifically the end portion 20, to include a face 34 that has no projecting elements facing toward the other end portion 21 and that includes an opposite face 35 carrying projecting elements 24.
FIG. 11 also illustrates that at least one of the end portions may extend along a longitudinal axis X that makes a non-zero angle α relative to the longitudinal axis Y of the portion of the branch to which the end portion is connected.
The tool shown in FIG. 12 may include a brush with bristles 24 that are molded integrally, i.e., monolithically, of the same plastics material as the corresponding branch 19.
FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate that it is possible for the tool to include removable end portions 20 and 21, for example, configured to fasten onto remaining portions of the respective branches 18 and 19, for example, by snap-fastening. This may make it possible, for example, to make the end portions of a material that is more flexible than the material used for making the remainder of the tool.
The projecting elements 24 may extend along the longitudinal axis X of the corresponding end portion, which, where appropriate or desired, may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the associated branch portion, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.
The branches 18 and 19 may be connected together in various ways.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the branches 18 and 19 are made as a single piece by molding a plastics material, and include elasticity that enables the branches 18 and 19 to return to a configuration in which the branches 18 and 19 are spaced apart when the user releases the tool.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 18, the branches 18 and 19 are connected together by a hinge comprising a film hinge 40, for example, which may be configured to enable the branches 18 and 19 to move through a relatively large angle β, for example, an angle greater than 180°, and better an angle close to 360°.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, such an arrangement may enable the user to select properties of the end portions as a function of the desired result to be achieved, when at least one of the end portions includes projecting elements of different configurations on each face thereof.
In the exemplary embodiment described, the user may, for example, choose to move the end portion 20 close to the face of the end portion 21 that is without teeth, or to move the end portion 20 close to the opposite face that is with teeth.
Bulges 39 may be provided on the branches so as to press against each other to allow the branches to continue to flex elastically when the branches are close together.
For example, a similar result may be obtained using a hinge 36, as shown in FIG. 21.
It is also possible for the two branches 18 and 19 to be made separately and to be united by a junction portion 42 fitted to the branches 18 and 19, for example, as shown in FIG. 22. The junction portion 42 may be overmolded on the branches 18 and 19, for example, or may be force-fitted in corresponding housings provided in the junction portion 42.
The junction portion 42 may constitute an independent endpiece or may be secured to a member acting as a handle for the tool.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the branches 18 and 19 include a certain amount of elasticity such that once the user releases the tool, the tool returns to a configuration in which the end portions 20 and 21 are spaced far enough apart to receive therebetween the keratinous fibers for working thereon.
Where appropriate or desired, as shown in FIG. 23, resilient return means 44 may be provided for urging the branches 18 and 19 apart.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 23, the resilient return means 44 are constituted by a helical spring elastically interposed between the branches 18 and 19. The branches 18 and 19 may be formed with portions in relief 45 so as to contribute to holding the resilient return member in place.
The branches 18 and 19 may preferably be united in such a manner that the only relative movement that is possible therebetween is relative movement in a direction that enables the branches 18 and 19 to be moved toward each other. For example, the branches 18 and 19 may be united so as to exclude movement in a direction that is transverse relative thereto, such that one of the end portions may always be interleaved in the same manner in the other end portion, for example.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the two branches 18 and 19 are assembled together in such a manner as to enable the user to adjust a longitudinal offset thereof. For this purpose, one of the branches may include an oblong opening 48 through which passes a screw 49 carried by the other branch, for example. The screw 49 may be engaged in a tapped hole 50 in the branch 19 and may be capable of being loosened by the user so as to allow one of the branches to be shifted longitudinally relative to the other one of the branches and then tightened again once the branches 18 and 19 are in a desired relative position.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 26, a similar principle may be used to enable a lateral offset between the branches to be adjusted.
Naturally, numerous modifications may be applied to the exemplary embodiments described above. For example, modifications may be applied concerning the arrangement of the receptacles 3 and 6 for receiving the applicator 4 and the tool 5, respectively.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the kit 1 does not include the cap 16 of FIG. 1.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 28, the receptacles 3 and 6 are disposed in line with each other.
For example, the closure member 8 of the receptacle 3 may also be configured to serve to close the receptacle 6. For this purpose, the receptacle 6 may be provided with a threaded neck 53 capable of being screwed into the closure member 8.
To use the applicator 4, the user may leave the receptacle 6 secured to the closure member 8 and thus use the receptacle 6 as a handle.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 29, the receptacles 3 and 6 are still in line with each other, but respective closure members thereof are independent.
The receptacle 6 may be closed by a closure member 55, for example, comprising a tubular skirt 56 that defines a housing in which a portion of the junction 57 between the branches 18 and 19 is fastened, for example, by snap-fastening.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the receptacles 3 and 6 are still situated in line with each other, with the receptacle 6 being secured to the closure member 8 of the receptacle 3.
For example, the receptacle 6 may include a skirt 58 that is snap-fastened in an outer skirt 59 of the closure member 8. The receptacle 6 may be closed by the closure member 55.
FIG. 31 illustrates the possibility of placing an element 70 for cleaning the tool 5 in the receptacle 6 that is to receive the tool.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the element 70 comprises a material impregnated with a biocidal agent. For example, the material used may be an elastically deformable porous material, such as an open-celled foam.
As shown for example in FIG. 32, the material may be pierced by one or more slots 71. Naturally, including a tool-cleaner element in the receptacle 6 is not restricted to any one particular disposition of the receptacle 6 and may be applied specifically to all of the exemplary embodiments described above.
Similarly, the element 70 may be of a shape other than that shown in FIG. 31. For example, the element 70 need not occupy substantially an entire inside volume of the receptacle 6 when the tool 5 is absent, but may occupy only a portion of the height thereof, for example, a portion adjacent to the neck of the receptacle 6 or to the bottom of the receptacle 6.
The tool-cleaner element 70 need not necessarily include a biocidal agent. For example, the element 70 may apply a mechanical cleaning action only on the tool 5.
For example, the cleaner element 70 need not comprise a foam, but may comprise bristles or flocking.
FIG. 33 illustrates the possibility of the brush including a core that is eccentric relative to an envelope of the cross-section of the brush, at least along a fraction of the length thereof.
FIG. 34 applies to a tool comprising a brush, and illustrates the possibility for one of the branches, for example, the branch 18, to extend over at least a fraction of the length of the brush portion carrying the bristles.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 34, the branch 18 includes an extension 73 that extends over an entire length of the brush and includes an end 74 situated beyond the brush, as shown.
For example, the extension 73 may be curved in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 35, and the brush may press against an inside face 76 of the extension 73. The branch 18 may thus contribute to stiffening the brush over at least a fraction of its length, thus making it possible, for example, to exert a greater pressure force between the two end portions of the tool.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 34, the core of the brush includes one end fastened in the branch 18 and an opposite end 77 that is free. In another exemplary embodiment that is not shown, the end 77 may not be free, but may be fixed to an enlarged portion of the end 74 of the extension 73.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 35, the brush includes a twisted metal core. However, it is contemplated that the brush may include a core of plastics material, with the bristles being overmolded thereon or inserted in openings in the core and held by punching, for example.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the tool, and in particular the branches thereof, may be made using a material other than plastics material, such as wood or metal.
The end portions may extend along a longitudinal axis that is not rectangular, for example, an axis that is curvilinear, being concave or convex toward the other end portion.
The tool may be disposed in ways other than being inserted in a receptacle of the kit while not in use.
For example, the kit may comprise a case suitable for receiving the tool and a supply of substance, which may be contained in a bottle that is disposed freely inside the case, for example. Alternatively, the substance may be in the form of a solid cake for moistening at the time of use.
The kit may advantageously be used for making up the eyelashes. However, the kit may also be used for making up keratinous fibers other than the eyelashes, for example, hair.
Projecting elements other than those shown in the figures may be used. For example, any type of tooth or bristle, such as bristles of section that is round, square, triangular, polygonal, oval, substantially elliptical, or some other shape may be used.
The bristles or teeth may be made integrally, i.e., monolithically, by being molded out of the same material as the tool. Alternatively, the bristles or teeth may be made on a support with the support then being fitted to the remainder of the tool, for example, being fastened by adhesive, heat-sealing, snap-fastening, or crimping. This makes it possible, for example, to make bristles or teeth out of a material that is softer than the materials used for making the branches of the tool.
Although various details of the present invention have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A kit for making up keratinous fibers comprising:

a set for packaging and applying a substance on the keratinous fibers, the set comprising an applicator and a supply of substance to be applied by the applicator; and

a tool configured to enable a user to finish off making up the keratinous fibers, the tool including two branches, at least one of which includes an end portion configured to enable the user to act on the fibers.

2. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the end portion includes at least one projecting element.

3. A kit according to claim 1, including a first receptacle and a second receptacle secured to the first, the first and second receptacles being configured to receive the supply of substance and the tool, respectively.

4. A kit according to claim 3, wherein the first receptacle configured to receive the supply of substance is also configured to receive at least part of the applicator when the first receptacle is closed.

5. A kit according to claim 3, wherein the second receptacle does not contain any substance for application by the tool.

6. A kit according to claim 3, wherein the second receptacle is situated in line with the first receptacle.

7. A kit according to claim 3, wherein the first and second receptacles are disposed side by side.

8. A kit according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the receptacles is configured to serve as a handle member during use of at least one of the applicator and the tool.

9. A kit according to claim 8, wherein the second receptacle is configured to receive the tool is configured to serve as a handle member for the applicator while the applicator is in use.

10. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the tool is not secured to a closure member of the second receptacle.

11. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the tool is secured to a closure member of the second receptacle.

12. A kit according to claim 1, wherein each of the branches is provided with an end portion configured to come in contact with the fibers when the two branches are moved toward each other.

13. A kit according to claim 12, wherein the two end portions are identical.

14. A kit according to claim 12, wherein the two end portions are different.

15. A kit according to claim 12, wherein the two end portions are configured to engage one in the other, at least in part, when the branches are moved toward each other.

16. A kit according to claim 12, wherein the two end portions include projecting elements that are one of superposed and juxtaposed at least in part when the branches are moved toward each other.

17. A kit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the branches includes an end portion including a first face turned toward an end portion of the other branch and a second face opposite from the first face, and wherein the second face includes at least one projecting element.

18. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the branches include end portions including first faces facing toward each other when the branches are moved toward each other, and second faces opposite from the first faces, and wherein the end portions include projecting elements on both the first and the second faces.

19. A kit according to claim 1, wherein one of the end portions has no projecting elements.

20. A kit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the end portions includes bristles.

21. A kit according to claim 20, wherein the bristles are overmolded onto the corresponding branch.

22. A kit according to claim 20, wherein the bristles are fitted to a support.

23. A kit according to claim 22, wherein the support comprises a twisted core.

24. A kit according to claim 20, wherein the bristles are molded monolithically with the support.

25. A kit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the end portions includes teeth.

26. A kit according to claim 25, wherein one of the end portions includes two rows of teeth spaced apart from each other, and between which the other end portion is configured to be engaged, at least in part, when the branches are moved toward each other.

27. A kit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the end portions comprises a thread.

28. A kit according to claim 1, wherein each end portion comprises a brush.

29. A kit according to claim 1, wherein each end portion comprises a comb.

30. A kit according to claim 1, wherein one of the end portions comprises a brush and the other end portion comprises a comb.

31. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the tool is configured to enable the branches to return elastically after the branches have been moved toward each other to act on the keratinous fibers.

32. A kit according to claim 31, wherein the tool comprises a resilient return member interposed between the branches.

33. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the tool is configured to enable one branch to turn through more than 180° relative to the other branch.

34. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the branches are made as a single piece together with a junction uniting the branches.

35. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the branches are united by a junction portion fitted thereto.

36. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the branches are assembled together to be longitudinally shiftable.

37. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the branches are assembled together to be laterally shiftable.

38. A kit according to claim 36, wherein the tool comprises a member configured to adjust clamping of one of the branches against the other of the branches at a junction.

39. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a brush.

40. A kit according to claim 3, wherein the first receptacle comprises a wiper member.

41. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the tool includes at least one branch including an end portion that is more flexible than a remainder of the branch.

42. A kit according to claim 1, further comprising a tool-cleaner element.

43. A kit according to claim 1, wherein a least one of the end portions comprises a brush.

44. A kit according to claim 43, wherein the brush includes a core that is eccentric, in at least one cross-section of the brush.

45. A kit according to claim 43, wherein the brush is fastened to the corresponding branch by snap-fastening by plastic deformation.

46. A kit according to claim 43, wherein the brush includes a portion from which bristles extend, and wherein said portion is superposed at least in part over the branch.

47. A kit according to claim 43, wherein the brush extends so as to be set back from a free end of the corresponding branch.

48. A kit according to claim 43, wherein the brush is stiffened at least in part by the corresponding branch.

49. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the fibers comprise eyelashes.

50. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the end portion is configured to comb the fibers.

51. A method of applying makeup, in which:

a substance is applied to keratinous fibers, using an applicator as defined in claim 1; and

the makeup is finished off using the tool, after allowing the substance deposited on the keratinous fibers to dry, at least in part.

52. A kit according to claim 12, wherein the two end portions are configured to interleave.