A nail polish container and applicator cap comprising a reservoir for containing nail polish to be applied, an opening into the reservoir, an applicator cap for sealing engagement with the opening, the applicator cap operatively associated with an applicator brush, the brush formed from bristles that are aligned in substantially the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the applicator cap, and an overshell of compressible material surrounding the applicator cap, the overshell providing a finger gripping surface on the applicator cap.