Abstract: An applicator (10) for a flowable application medium, in particular nail polish. The applicator comprises a reservoir (12) accommodating the application medium, said reservoir having, at its front end, a tip portion (14) with centrally arranged passage hole (16) for an application element (18) and, at its rear end, an actuating device for a piston rod (20), with the application element (18) being arranged at the front end of said piston rod and said rod serving to move the application element (18) out of the tip portion (14) and into an application medium discharge position, retain the application element (18) temporarily in the discharge position and, with the help of a spring element (48), retract the application element (18) into the tip portion (14). A closure cap (38) serves to close and seal off the tip portion (14). In the central section piston rod (20) is provided with flange (26). A sealing element (30) enables the piston rod (20) to be sealed off along its circumference.