An applicator for applying a fluid such as a cream, lotion, serum, gel or other flowable material to a substrate may have fluid reservoir, a housing in which the reservoir moves to release flowable material and an applicator head for applying the flowable material to a substrate.

A paint applicator, kit and methodology for using the same is disclosed. For example, paint applicator that allows a user to load a desired amount of paint, such as a water based other low VOC paint, into the paint applicator and an advancement mechanism that dispenses paint at a rate controllable by the user is disclosed. The advancement mechanism can include system that translates a rotational force applied to an end cap of the applicator into a linear that advances a piston which in turn applies paint to an applicator portion. The paint may be reusable or may include a ratchet system that allows for only one time use. methodology and kit can incorporate a syringe for loading paint into the paint applicator, reducing the loss of paint through spilling.