0 a small stick with a small amount of cotton wool (= soft, white material) on each end that is used for cleaning the skin, putting on make-up, etc.:
Give the kids cotton swabs or toothpicks to dip into the glue and apply sequins and buttons.
She uses shimmery shadow on the brow bones, blending the shades with a cotton swab.
If the object is on the white of the eye, you can try to dab it away carefully with a damp cotton swab.