A cosmetics applicator includes a material surface (210) and a cosmetic preparation (220) provided on the surface. In one aspect, the cosmetics preparation is retained on the surface at least in part with the assistance of electrostatic attraction between the surface and the cosmetics preparation. In another aspect, a waxy or oily underlay is provided between the surface and the cosmetics preparation, and the material of the surface is selected to facilitate retention of the cosmetics preparation and the underlay while allowing a major proportion of the cosmetics preparation retained thereon to be transferred to a human skin surface in a single wiping pass of the cosmetics preparation across the skin surface.