An applicator for applying a substance onto the eyelashes or the eyebrows is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the applicator comprises a rod having an end extending along a longitudinal axis and a brush fixed to the end of the rod. The brush includes a core and bristles extending from a bristle-carrying portion of the core. Substantially all points of the bristle-carrying portion make a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is less than about 20°.