A mascara applicator having a brush (3) which can be adjusted by a user from straight to curved comprising a wand (2) within which is slidably disposed an adjusting rod (7) connecting to manipulating means (4) within the applicator handle (1). The rod (7) is extendable into an applicator head on the end of the wand (2) and may be straight so as to straighten a precurved applicator or curved so as to impart curvature to a straight applicator.