The present invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator (14), of (lie type comprising: an application member (30) extending along a first longitudinal axis (34), a first end of said application member comprising an application element (42); and a gripping member (32) extending along a second longitudinal axis (36) and connected by a hinge (60, 76) to a second end (46) of the application member. The applicator timber comprises a removable locking element (33) forming a first stop between the gripping member and the application member, so as to lock the hinge and keep the first and second longitudinal axes substantially parallel.