Abstract: Holders for cosmetic or hygienic items such as brushes and lipsticks which include a sleeve which is manually moved in telescoping fashion from a base of the holder outwardly to enclose the item before the cap is applied to the holder to facilitate applying the cap and to prevent damaging the item when the cap is applied. In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve remains retracted in the base when the cap is removed from the holder thereby presenting the item exposed and ready for use upon removal of the cap. The sleeve is manually pulled out of the base to an advanced position prior to applying the cap. The cap is applied to and engages the sleeve so that pushing the cap towards the base retracts the sleeve into the base. Rotation is not required to expose the item, and the shape of the item and the holder need not be tubular. In one embodiment, the item and holder are generally elliptical in cross section.