The present invention relates to apparatus for topical application of material for cosmetic purposes (10).The apparatus for topical application of material (10) comprises measurement apparatus configured to measure a property of skin of a human or animal subject and actuating apparatus configured to change a permeability of the skin of the human or animal subject in dependence on the measured property of the skin. The apparatus for topical application of material (10) further comprises application apparatus configured to apply material for cosmetic purposes to the skin whilst substantially no iontophoretic current flows through the skin and after the permeability of the skin has been changed.
