Abstract: A mascara applicator in the form of a tube (10) has an applicator brush (22, 24) captive in the cap (12). To enable the brush to be moved within the body of mascara (16) in the tube, a mechanism is provided which produces movement of the brush relative to the mascara-containing tube, before the cap is released from the tube. Various different mechanisms, which will produce this movement, are described. The invention is not limited to use for mascara application.