Company: Untitled No 1
Designing and printing make-up tray prototypes
Developing COVID-19-compliant make-up applicator trays
Untitled No 1 is a start-up based in Gainford, County Durham, aiming to develop 3D-printed make-up applicator trays that can be easily sanitised, helping to reduce COVID-19-related constraints for make-up artists. The trays will allow artists to decant exactly the required amount of make-up (e.g. lipstick, mascara, eye shadow) for one client, for instance as required for bridal make-up or in-store demonstrations. By ensuring make-up is only used for one client, the trays will help to reduce the spread of the virus. This product will also add value to the make-up industry after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
CPI was approached for expertise and support with formalising the design of a prototype with consideration for scale-up. This work was carried out as part of CPI’s Project IMPACT (Innovative Materials via Precision Additive Coating Technologies), which was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

“Developing new, COVID-19-compliant make-up trays is one of the best ways to keep this sector on track throughout the pandemic and beyond. CPI has helped us identify potential materials and printing methods for our make-up applicator trays, bringing us one step closer to making this a marketable product.”
Achievements
Inputs
- ERDF funding via Project IMPACT
- Access to 3D-printing expertise and facilities
- Literature review of suitable 3D printing methods and materials
Outputs
- Computer-aided design (CAD) of a tray, which can be customised for customers’ requirements
- Suitable 3D-printing methods and materials determined
- Next steps before commercial-scale manufacturing identified
Outcomes
- Development of a new manufacturing process
- A new innovative product with market potential
- Designing and printing custom applicators, to be defined pending further discussions
