US20080317542A1

US20080317542A1 - Packaging and applicator device for applying a composition to the skin or the lips

Info

Publication number: US20080317542A1
Application number: US12/140,837
Authority: US
Inventors: Jean-Louis Gueret
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2007-06-20
Filing date: 2008-06-17
Publication date: 2008-12-25
Also published as: FR2917584A1; FR2917584B1; EP2016855A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging and applicator device for applying a composition to the skin or the lips, the device comprising:

- an applicator comprising: a stem having a distal portion; and an applicator element that is carried by the distal portion of the stem; and
- a receptacle containing the composition for application to the skin or the lips, the receptacle being provided with at least one wiper member for wiping the applicator element while it is being removed from the receptacle;
- the applicator element having a longitudinal axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem; and
- the applicator element having an end face of envelope surface that is substantially plane and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, the end face being situated on the side of the applicator element that is opposite from the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem.

Description

This non provisional application claims the benefit of French Application No. 07 55903 filed on Jun. 20, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/948,598 filed on Jul. 9, 2007.
The present invention relates to packaging and applicator devices for applying a composition to the skin or the lips.
The invention relates more particularly to devices in which the applicator comprises an applicator element that is carried by a stem and that is inserted into a receptacle so as to be loaded with composition.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,254 discloses devices in which the applicator includes an applicator element that presents a free end that is at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem. The receptacle containing the composition for application is provided with a wiper member comprising a block of foam. The use of a block of foam makes it easier to wipe the applicator element in uniform manner. However, the presence of the block of foam can impose constraints in making the receptacle, which constraints are associated in particular with fastening the block of foam in the receptacle.
European patent application EP 1 053 695 discloses packaging and applicator devices in which the applicator element also presents a distal end that is at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem. Such devices allow the applicator element to be wiped in non-uniform manner, allowing composition to accumulate on one side of the applicator element.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,598 describes applicators having an applicator element that presents a free end that is beveled. When such applicators are removed from a receptacle that includes a conventional wiper member, a drop of composition can form at the end of the applicator element, on the beveled portion of said applicator element. Such a drop of composition can ruin the uniformness of the deposit of composition on the surface being treated, which is of little consequence for a lipgloss, but can be very troublesome with a composition for imparting color.
Application EP 1 336 353 discloses an applicator element for applying a composition such as an eyeliner to the eyelids, the applicator element having, at one end, tips that make it possible to draw lines, the tips possibly being laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem so as to improve the perception of the line drawn with the tips.
Application EP 1 745 777 discloses applicators having an applicator element that presents at least one thin hinge-forming zone between its proximal portion and its distal portion. The applicators allow the applicator element to be wiped in non-uniform manner, with an accumulation of composition on the end face.

SUMMARY

There exists a need to improve still further packaging and applicator devices for applying a composition to the skin or the lips.
In one of its aspects, the invention provides a packaging and applicator device for applying a composition to the skin or the lips, the device comprising:

- an applicator comprising: a stem having a distal portion; and an applicator element that is carried by the distal portion of the stem; and
- a receptacle containing the composition for application to the skin or the lips, the receptacle being provided with at least one wiper member for wiping the applicator element while it is being removed from the receptacle;
- the applicator element having a longitudinal axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, e.g. forming a non-zero angle therewith; and
- the applicator element having an end face of envelope surface that is substantially plane and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, the end face being situated on the side of the applicator element that is opposite from the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem.

The invention is particularly suitable for applying a composition to the lips, but it can also be used for application to the eyelids.
The term “substantially plane” should be understood to mean that the envelope surface can be plane or slightly concave or convex. The greatest offset of the envelope surface, as measured relative to its edge, is less than or equal to 1.2 millimeters (mm), better less than or equal to 0.5 mm.
The term “substantially parallel” should be understood to mean an angle that is less than or equal to ±10° with the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, better less than or equal to ±5°.
When it is not rectilinear, the longitudinal axis of the applicator element can be defined as the axis that follows the center of gravity of the cross-section of the envelope surface of the applicator element. For an envelope cross-section that is circular, or polygonal, or that presents axial symmetry, the axis passes via the center of the section. The applicator element may have a longitudinal axis that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, at least in a region of the applicator element that is immediately in line with the stem on the outside.
A device of the invention enables the applicator element to be wiped without forming a drop of composition in excess on the end face which, as a result of its orientation, can be wiped suitably by the wiper member, unlike an applicator element having its longitudinal axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the stem.
The invention can be suitable for applying a composition that is relatively fluid.
The invention thus makes it possible to apply a layer of composition of relatively uniform thickness, which is advantageous in particular when the composition is colored and when uniformity of color is desired on application.
In addition, the invention makes it possible to benefit from an end face that is relatively extensive, if so desired, making it easier to apply makeup both quickly and precisely. Application may be performed by means of the end face, but also by means of another surface of the applicator element, where appropriate, e.g. a surface that is situated substantially opposite from the end face.
The end face may be relatively extensive in the axial direction, and, by way of example, may extend along the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem over a distance that is greater than or equal to 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm, e.g. a distance lying in the range 2 mm to 15 mm.
The end face may optionally extend as far as the distal end of the applicator element. At least one point of the end face may be spaced apart from the distal end of the applicator element by a distance that is less than or equal to 1 mm. The applicator element may deform elastically in order to pass through the wiper member.
The end face may be somewhat spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, e.g. by a distance that is greater than or equal to 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm. When the stem is secured to a closure cap for closing the receptacle, the end face may be sufficiently close to the longitudinal axis of the stem to allow the applicator to roll on a horizontal plane surface without the applicator element touching said surface.
The applicator element may comprise a flat tip, and the end face may be defined by said flat tip, at least in part.
The applicator element may extend along a longitudinal axis that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, said angle lying in the range 5° to 45°, better in the range 10° to 35°. Such an angle contributes to making the applicator more ergonomic.
The applicator element may extend with a longitudinal axis that is optionally rectilinear, the longitudinal axis of the applicator element being curvilinear for example, in particular concave or convex beside the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, or comprising a plurality of segments having different orientations, in particular when the applicator element presents a flat tip that defines the end face, at least in part.
The end face may present a width that decreases towards the distal end, and that makes it possible to form a point at the end of the applicator element, and to obtain greater accuracy in application, for example. By way of example, the end face may present a shape that is substantially triangular or elliptical.
The end face may define, in longitudinal section in a plane that is perpendicular to the end face, a bevel at the distal end of the applicator element, the bevel being of angle (β) lying in the range 6° to 65°, for example.
The applicator element may present various shapes in cross-section, and for example it may present, over at least a fraction of its length, a cross-section that is circular, non-circular, polygonal, or flat, amongst others.
When the applicator element is observed in front view, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the end face, the width of the portion of the applicator element that is situated above the end face may be substantially constant, or it may increase or decrease on going away from the distal end of the applicator element.
The applicator element may comprise an opening, e.g. a slot, that is situated between the stem and the end face.
The applicator element may present an outside surface that does not have an indentation. In a variant, the applicator element may comprise a recess that opens out into the end face for example, the recess possibly being a through recess, where appropriate. The presence of the recess makes it possible to constitute a reserve of composition that feeds the end face, and may impart flexibility to the applicator element, where appropriate.
The applicator element may comprise a thin hinge-forming zone, the thin zone opening out into the side that is opposite from the side where the end face is located, for example. The thin hinge-forming zone can make it easier for the applicator element to flex on contact with the lips or with the wiper member, with flexing taking place through about ten degrees, for example.
The applicator element is advantageously flocked, e.g. with bristles all of the same kind or with a mixture of bristles, e.g. bristles of various kinds and/or of various lengths.
The applicator element may be flocked over substantially all of its visible surface. In a variant, only the surface of the applicator element that is used for applying composition need be flocked. Still in a variant, the applicator element need not be flocked. By way of example, the presence or absence of flocking could be chosen as a function of the rheology of the composition.
The applicator element may be magnetic or magnetizable.
In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a method of applying a composition to the skin or the lips, the method comprising the following step:

- removing from a receptacle containing the composition for application, an applicator comprising a stem that is provided at one end with an applicator element, the stem being removed in a removal direction, the applicator element presenting an end face of envelope surface that is substantially plane and that extends substantially parallel to the removal direction, the end face being situated on the side of the applicator element that is opposite from the longitudinal axis of the end of the stem.

The method may comprise the step consisting in removing the applicator element in contact with a wiper member that is disposed in the receptacle, the applicator element being capable of deforming on passing through the wiper member. The removal direction may be parallel to the wiper member.
The method may comprise the step of applying the composition that is present on the end face by bringing said end face into contact with the skin or the lips.
In another of its aspects, the invention also provides an applicator element for applying a composition to the skin or the lips, the applicator element comprising: a fastener portion for fastening on a stem of an applicator, e.g. an endpiece for inserting into a housing of the stem; and a body that defines an end face of envelope surface that is substantially plane and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastener portion, the body having a longitudinal axis that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the fastener portion. Such an applicator element may present any one of the characteristics defined above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can 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 fragmentary and diagrammatic longitudinal section showing an example of a packaging and applicator device of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a larger-scale view of the FIG. 1 applicator element;

FIG. 3 is a front view as seen looking along arrow III in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows the use of the end face of the applicator for applying makeup to the lips;

FIGS. 5 to 7 are fragmentary and diagrammatic side views of variant embodiments of the applicator;

FIG. 8 is a front view as seen looking along arrow VIII in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a variant embodiment of the applicator element;

FIG. 10 is a front view as seen looking along arrow X in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of another variant embodiment of the applicator element;

FIG. 12 is a front view as seen looking along arrow XII in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front view of another variant embodiment of the applicator element;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section on XIV-XIV in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section of a variant embodiment of the applicator element;

FIG. 16 shows a variant embodiment of the applicator element;

FIG. 17 is a cross-section on XVII-XVII in the FIG. 2 applicator element;

FIG. 18 is a section of the applicator element in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem on XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 19 to 21 are fragmentary views in elevation showing other examples of applicators; and

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic view of an end face that is slightly convex.

MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a packaging and applicator device 1 comprising a receptacle 2 and an applicator 3.
The receptacle 2 contains a composition P that is a liquid lipstick in the embodiment described, but it is not beyond the ambit of the present invention for the composition P to be different, e.g. being a lipgloss and/or a care product for the lips, or makeup for the eyelids.
The applicator 3 comprises a stem 4 that is connected at its proximal end to a handle 5, and at its distal end to an applicator element 6 that is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2.
The stem 4 can be of longitudinal axis that is rectilinear as shown, or, in a variant, it could be curved. The longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem can thus correspond to the direction along which the distal end of the stem extends.
The handle 5 constitutes a closure cap for closing the receptacle 2 in leaktight manner, and includes an internally-threaded skirt for example, that is configured in such a manner as to screw on a neck 7 of the receptacle 2 that can include a corresponding external thread.
The device 1 further includes a wiper member 8 that is housed, at least in part, in the neck 7 of the receptacle 2 for example, and that is suitable for contributing, where appropriate, to closing the receptacle in leaktight manner.
In the embodiment described, the stem 4 presents a cross-section that is circular, but it is not beyond the ambit of the present invention for this to be otherwise, in particular when the cross-section of the stem 4 is oval, elliptical, or polygonal, e.g. square, rectangular, or triangular. The stem 4 can be solid or hollow. By way of example, the greatest outside diameter of the stem 4 can lie in the range 3 mm to 6 mm, e.g. being in the range about 4 mm to 5 mm.
When the stem 4 is not of circular cross-section, the cap 5 can possibly by fastened on the receptacle by snap-fastening or by some other means, without turning relative to said receptacle. The wiper member 8 can thus present a non-circular wiper orifice of section that is complementary to the section of the stem 4.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the wiper member 8 includes a flexible lip that defines a wiper orifice 11 of dimension that is adapted to wipe the applicator element 6. The wiper member can have a wiper lip that is optionally undulating, optionally slotted, optionally adjustable.
The applicator element 6 comprises a body 9 that can be covered in flocking 13.
At least part and preferably all of the body 9 can be made by molding, e.g. by injection-molding, e.g. in a material selected from the following list: thermoplastic materials; elastomers; thermoplastic elastomers; thermoplastic elastomer polyester such as HYTREL®, for example; nitrile rubber; silicone rubber; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS); styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); polyurethane (PU); ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP); this list not being limiting.
The body 9 can be made, at least in part, from material that is more flexible than a material from which the stem 4 is made.
Where appropriate, the applicator element 6 can be magnetic, the body 9 possibly including particles having non-zero magnetic susceptibility, for example.
The greatest width of the applicator element, as measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the stem, can be less than, indeed strictly less than, the greatest width of the stem, as measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the stem.
The body 9 of the applicator element can be molded integrally with a fastener endpiece, not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, for being received in a corresponding housing of the stem 4. In the embodiment under consideration, the endpiece has a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem.
The applicator element 6 can be fastened to the stem 4 by adhesive, by heat-sealing, by force-fitting, by snap-fastening, by crimping, or by screw-fastening. In a variant, the body 9 is made integrally with the stem 4, e.g. from the same material or from different materials, e.g. by dual-injection.
Where appropriate, the stem 4 can include a flexible zone that favors deformation of the stem during application and/or during removal from the receptacle, or, on the contrary, it need not include such a zone.
The applicator element 6 presents a visible portion 20 that extends the stem 4 downwards, as can be seen in FIG. 2, that extends along a longitudinal axis Y, that is rectilinear for example, and that forms an angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the distal portion 21 of the stem 4. The angle α lies in the range 5° to 45°, for example.
The applicator element 6 presents an end face 25 and a side surface 26.
Where appropriate, the handle 5 can include at least one reception zone (not shown) for receiving a finger, e.g. a recess or a flat, that can extend on the side of the end face 25, for example. Such a reception zone can make it easier to identify the orientation of the applicator element.
The cross-section of the applicator element 6, along its portion 30 situated above the end face 25, is circular for example, as shown in FIG. 17, but it could be of some other shape, e.g. oblong or polygonal, amongst others.
The width w of the applicator element, along the portion 30 situated above the end face 25, as measured in front view as in FIG. 3, can be substantially constant, as shown in FIG. 3, or it can vary, e.g. increasing towards the distal end 33 of the applicator element, as shown in FIG. 12.
The end face 25 can present a width w′ that decreases towards the distal end 33, e.g. along an elliptical outline that can be symmetrical about a mid-plane, as shown.
In the embodiment in FIG. 2, the distal end 33 forms a rounded point.
The end face 25 can intercept the longitudinal axis Y of the applicator element 9 with an angle β that is, for example, the same as the angle formed at the distal end 33 between the end face 25 and the side surface 26, in a longitudinal section plane of the applicator element that is perpendicular to the end face. By way of example, the angle β is equal to the angle α between the axes X and Y.
The distance k between the end face 25 and the longitudinal axis X depends on the length of the portion 20, on its shape, and on the slope relative to the axis X.
The distance l over which the end face 25 extends parallel to the axis X is greater than or equal to 2 mm for example, better greater than or equal to 3 mm or 4 mm.
As shown in FIG. 16, the angle γ between the envelope surface of the end face 25 and the longitudinal axis X, in at least one section plane containing the longitudinal axis, is zero or relatively small, being less than or equal to 10°, such that the end face 25 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the distal portion 21 of the stem 4.
The end face 25 can be oriented substantially parallel to the direction along which the distal portion 21 of the stem 4 is removed from the receptacle 2, which direction coincides with the axis of the wiper member 8, and the end face 25 can be wiped by the edge of the wiper lip 8 in a relatively thorough manner, thereby resulting in the absence of any drop of composition in excess on the end face 25.
The end face 25 is of envelope surface E that is substantially plane, e.g. said envelope surface being plane or slightly concave or convex.
FIG. 22 shows an envelope surface E that is slightly convex. The offset ε defined as being the distance from the top S of the envelope surface to a straight line D joining two diametrically opposite regions of the outline of the end face is less than or equal to 1.2 mm, better 0.5 mm. The same applies for a surface that is slightly concave, the offset ε being measured between the bottom of the indentation and the straight line D.
In use, the wiped end face 25 can be brought into contact with the lips L, as shown in FIG. 4. Where appropriate, the side surface 26 can also be used for application.
Various modifications can be applied to the applicator element 6 without going beyond the ambit of the present invention.
In particular, the side surface 26 need not be cylindrical or need not be frustoconical.
In the embodiment in FIG. 5, the applicator element 6 is flat or tapering at its end, forming a tip 40 that extends substantially parallel to the axis x, for example. The cross-section of the tip 40 can be flat in a section plane that is perpendicular to the axis X, or to the longitudinal axis of the applicator element 6.
The tip 40 can extend over a shorter or longer distance b, as can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the end face 25 can be defined by a larger or smaller fraction of said tip 40.
The end face 25 can be defined by the tip 40 over at least half of its length, as measured parallel to the axis X, or over three-fourths of its length.
Where appropriate, the tip 40 can be thin enough to flex during application, since its mean thickness f can be relatively small.
The end face 25 can be wider than the top portion 30, as can be seen in FIG. 8, the end face 25 presenting a width w′ that increases, then decreases, towards the distal end 33.
In the embodiment in FIGS. 7 and 8, the end face 25 is formed by a flat tip 40 that is connected to form an angle δ with the longitudinal axis of the top portion 30, said top portion having a longitudinal axis that is rectilinear and that forms an angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the distal portion 21 of the stem 4, for example.
In the variant in FIGS. 9 and 10, the end face 25 presents an outline that is substantially triangular when seen from the front.
The same applies for the variant in FIGS. 11 and 12 in which the top portion 30 of the applicator element presents a width that decreases towards the stem 4.
In the variant in FIGS. 13 and 14, the applicator element 6 includes a recess 50 that opens out into the end face 25. In this embodiment, the envelope surface E of the end face 25 is a plane that is flush with the periphery of the recess 50, the plane being parallel to the axis X.
By way of example, the applicator element 6 presents a tip 40, and the recess 50 passes through the tip 40.
The thickness of the tip 40 can decrease towards the distal end 33.
By way of example, the recess 50 is in the form of an opening that is relatively narrow and that is elongate along the longitudinal axis of the tip 40, as can be seen in FIG. 13. In a variant not shown, the recess 50 is not a through recess. Where appropriate, the recess 50 can extend into the portion 30 that is situated above the end face 25.
FIG. 14 shows that the applicator element 6 can include a fastener portion that is arranged to be fastened in or on the stem, e.g. an endpiece 81 that is inserted into a housing of the stem.
As shown in FIG. 15, the applicator element 6 can include a thin hinge-forming zone 55 that is created by a narrowing of the cross-section of the applicator element. In the embodiment in FIG. 15, the hinge-forming zone 55 is situated in the top portion 30 of the applicator element, defining a recess 56 in the side that is opposite from the end face 25.
FIG. 19 shows an applicator element having a side surface 26 that diverges towards the end face 25.
In the embodiment in FIG. 20, the applicator element includes a ridge 51 on the side that is opposite from the end face 25, the ridge 51 being situated at the junction between two substantially plane faces 52, for example.
FIG. 21 shows the possibility of the portion 30 of the applicator element that is situated between the end face 25 and the stem 4 presenting an opening 58, e.g. in the form of a slot.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. The characteristics of the embodiments shown can be combined together within variants not shown.
The expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one” unless specified to the contrary.
Although the present invention herein has 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 as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packaging and applicator device for applying a composition to the skin or the lips, the device comprising:

an applicator comprising: a stem having a distal portion; and an applicator element that is carried by the distal portion of the stem; and

a receptacle containing the composition for application to the skin or the lips, the receptacle being provided with at least one wiper member for wiping the applicator element while it is being removed from the receptacle;

the applicator element having a longitudinal axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem; and

the applicator element having an end face of envelope surface that is substantially plane and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, the end face being situated on the side of the applicator element that is opposite from the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem.

2. A device according to claim 1, the end face being of envelope surface that is plane.

3. A device according to claim 1, the end face being of envelope surface that is outwardly convex to a small extent.

4. A device according to claim 1, the end face being of envelope surface that is outwardly concave to a small extent.

5. A device according to claim 1, the end face extending along the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem over a distance that is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

6. A device according to claim 5, the distance lying in the range 2 mm to 15 mm.

7. A device according to claim 1, at least one point of the end face being spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem by a distance that is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

8. A device according to claim 7, the distance lying in the range 2 mm to 6 mm.

9. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element extending along a longitudinal axis that forms an angle α with the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, said angle lying in the range 5° to 45°.

10. A device according to claim 9, the angle α lying in the range 10° to 35°.

11. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element extending with a longitudinal axis that is rectilinear.

12. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element extending with a longitudinal axis that is not rectilinear.

13. A device according to claim 1, the end face presenting a width that decreases towards the distal end.

14. A device according to claim 13, the end face presenting a shape that is substantially triangular.

15. A device according to claim 13, the end face presenting a shape that is substantially elliptical.

16. A device according to claim 1, the end face defining, in longitudinal section, a bevel at the distal end of the applicator element.

17. A device according to claim 16, the bevel being of angle β lying in the range 6° to 65°.

18. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element presenting, over at least a fraction of its length, a cross-section that is circular.

19. A device according to claim 1, the width of the portion of the applicator element that is situated above the end face being substantially constant when the applicator element is observed in front view.

20. A device according to claim 1, the width of the portion of the applicator element that is situated above the end face decreasing towards the distal end when the applicator element is observed in front view.

21. A device according to claim 1, the width of the portion of the applicator element that is situated above the end face increasing towards the distal end when the applicator element is observed in front view.

22. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element comprising a recess that opens out into the end face.

23. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element comprising an opening that is situated between the stem and the end face.

24. A device according to claim 22, the recess being a through recess.

25. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element comprising a thin hinge-forming zone.

26. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element including a flat tip that defines the end face, at least in part.

27. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element being flocked.

28. A device according to claim 27, the applicator element being flocked with a mixture of bristles of various kinds and/or sizes.

29. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element comprising a material that is magnetic or magnetizable.

30. A device according to claim 1, the applicator element having a longitudinal axis that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the stem, at least in a region of the applicator element that is immediately in line with the stem on the outside.

31. A device according to claim 1, the composition being a composition for application to the lips.

32. A method of applying a composition to the skin or the lips, the method comprising:

removing from a receptacle containing the composition for application, an applicator comprising a stem that is provided at one end with an applicator element, the stem being removed in a removal direction, the applicator element having a longitudinal axis that does not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the stem, and presenting an end face of envelope surface that is substantially plane and that extends substantially parallel to the removal direction, the end face being situated on the side of the applicator element that is opposite from the longitudinal axis of the end of the stem; then

applying the composition that is present on the end face by bringing said end face into contact with the skin or the lips.

33. A method according to claim 32, comprising the step consisting in deforming the applicator element while being removed, on contact with a wiper member that is disposed in the receptacle.

34. A method according to claim 32, the composition being applied to the lips.