The invention relates to an applicator for applying a decorative cosmetic with a flowable consistency from a storage container, such as in particular mascara, comprising an applicator brush equipped with a bristle area consisting of outwardly protruding bristles and/or bristle discs that comprises stationary bristles and/or bristle discs, wherein the bristle area is additionally formed from mobile bristles and/or bristle discs whose base area can be displaced relative to the base area of the stationary bristles or bristle discs in such a way that a free space between the stationary bristles or bristle discs that can be loaded with the cosmetic by dipping the brush into the reservoir can be arbitrarily varied.