The tool oil applicator is a must have if you get camellia oil. The applicator holds your camellia oil in cotton at the base of the applicator, there is a felt applicator up the top which draws up the oil ready for use. By using the applicator you apply only a fine film which is all that is needed. If you use the oil without the applicator you will apply some oil to a rag just to apply a small amount of what you put in the rag. This means you will go through far more bottles of oil over time vs if you had the applicator. The applicator is always loaded and ready to use so it is also more conveniant.