Abstract: An improved liquid applicator especially suitable for applying suntan lotion or the like to the skin includes a bottle for holding suntan lotion with a cap for closing the bottle. The inner surface of the cap is coupled to a shaft having a plurality of applicator pads coupled to its end. The applicator pads are preferrably are made of a synthetic or artificial skin material which are resiliently urged away from the shaft. There is an actuator sleeve surrounding a portion of the shaft and coupled to the applicator pads which resiliently urge the sleeve toward the cap. The end of the sleeve closest to the cap includes a cam which operates in cooperation with a mating surface on the inner side of the cap to allow the actuator sleeve to be locked into a position which urges the applicator pads away from the shaft. The outer side of the cap is preferrably shaped to form a comfortable handle and includes a storage compartment for storage of keys, money and the like at the beach.