Abstract: Swabs, according to the present invention, include a stern and at least one tip at an end of the stem and having a generally cylindrical absorbent material formed thereon. The tip has at least one annular groove. Preferably, the swab includes a plurality of equally spaced annular grooves to provide multiple sections of the swab for application or removal of material. By providing one or more spaced-apart annular grooves in the tip, material can be added or removed from a surface in a much more controlled fashion. By providing a tip with a substantially cylindrical shape with annular grooves, the swabs also have a unique appearance as compared to typical tapered swabs.