The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a composition to keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator including a stem having a longitudinal axis and including at least one elastically-deformable flexible portion that is suitable for flexing during application and/or wiping; and an applicator element that is fastened to the stem and that includes a twisted wire core and bristles that extend transversally to the longitudinal axis of the stem.