The present invention is an improved cosmetic applicator which contains a new and novel apparatus to expose and retract a cosmetic stick contained within the applicator apparatus. The apparatus comprises an internal threaded shaft supported on a base which includes rotation means such as a knob, the shaft having a multiplicity of spaced apart threads on its exterior surface. A hollow cylindrical shelf having means at one end to support a cosmetic and a pair of interior oppositely disposed male teeth adjacent its opposite end which interact with the threads enables the shelf to ride up and down on the threaded shaft as the knob is turned to thereby expose and retract the cosmetic supported at the upper end of the cylindrical shelf. A hollow exterior cylindrical casing is supported at one end within the base and surrounds the hollow cylindrical self and the cosmetic supported thereon. The cylindrical casing is covered by an exterior cylindrical casing when the apparatus is not in use.