long lasting color could have a better application [SEP] this is a lip stain not lipstick and yes they are cotton swabs you break one end so it flows to the other and there is a lot of stain in each cotton swab there is in the box each wrapped in plastic i think you can get two uses out of each one but obviously they are meant for single usethis stain works very well the i am fine color is reddish brown but it was a very nice red color on my lips and my fingers be careful when you apply these since they do stain it is best to exfoliate before you use them and to line your lips since i noticed a bit of bleeding feathering when i used the product nothing that was obvious unless one was very close but it would be prevented from lining my lips which i do not normally think to do when using a stain then again the applicator is a cotton swab so no fine control and you get a lot of product with itit does last all day unless you eat something greasy buttery so this would be great for going out for drinks or doing anything where you avoid greasy food also the instructions on the box are in chinese