Disclosed is a disposable, semi-enclosed applicator (10) for distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator has a first side (24), a second side (26), and an internal cavity (29) between the first and second sides. The applicator further includes at least one opening, such that the internal cavity (29) is externally accessible. In a preferred embodiment, the first side (24) comprises a porous sheet containing at least 50%, by weight, non-absorbent material, the second side (26) comprises sheet an absorbent containing at least 50%, by weight of cellulosic material; and the applicator further comprises a substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer (25) within said internal cavity (29) adjacent the first side (24). In another preferred embodiment, the first side (24) comprises a porous non-absorbent sheet having a basis weight of no greater than about 100 gsm, the second side (26) comprrises an absorbent sheet having a basis weight of no greater than about 140 gsm, and the applicator further comprises a substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer (25) within said internal cavity (29) adjacent said first side (24), wherein the applicator has a Ratio of Absorbency of the second side (26) to the first side (24) of at least about 1.5.