Abstract: An applicator roller element has a cylindrical shape and is mounted on the end of a handle element upon which it may rotate. The roller may be saturated with sun-tan lotion for instance for application to the skin, where the lotion is then transferred to the skin by rolling action of the roller element with respect to the handle element. The handle element is constructed so as to collapse into the roller element axially to make a compact unit for storage in a case. In one embodiment a connection rod element providing attachment of the handle to the roller is able to telescopically collapse into the handle element, while the handle element is able to collapse into the roller element for improved compact storage.