Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab and swab shield assembly which is especially useful for applying cosmetics. The assembly is seen to comprise a swab having a wad at one end and preferably a protective cover or shield for the wad which can be removeably sealed to the swab so that the shield protectively enshrouds the wad. The swab, which is particularly useful as a cosmetic article is seen to comprise an elongate rod with a relatively smooth surfaced wad secured at one end, which wad is preferably a wax-coated, fibrous material onto which is applied a daubable material such as a sample of a cosmetic, such as for example a shade of lipstick, blush and/or eye shadow. The shield for the wad is annular and is preferably slidably moveable along the elongate rod between a first position protectively enshrouding the wad and an axially displaced position along the swab handle wherein the wad can be exposed for use.