A cosmetic applicator for highlighting or imparting color to a user's hair includes upper and lower halves attached together by a hinge. Each half includes a rigid outer cap and a flexible connector surrounding and connecting the outer cap to a perimeter of the respective half. The cosmetic applicator further includes an applicator pad arranged in an interior of one of the upper and lower halves and a coloring material arranged in an interior of the other of the upper and lower halves. The flexible connector permits the outer caps of the respective upper and lower halves to be pressed inwardly toward one another so as to bring the applicator pad and the coloring material into engagement with one another.