The applicator (11) for applying an eyelash cosmetic comprises: - a body (1, 2) and - protuberances (3) having a free end and arranged so as to be movable relative to the body between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the protuberances extend outward from the body further than in the retracted position. The applicator is designed such that every free end moving from the retracted to the extended position follows a path that is transversal to a longitudinal axis of the applicator.