Devices and methods for applying body lotions such as sunscreens

A method of applying a lotion to a user's body, comprising:

• providing an applicator comprising:
• an elongated housing having a head portion and an elongated handle portion with an outer surface defining a grip, the elongated housing defining an internal cavity containing a lotion to be dispensed;
• a roller supported by the head portion of the elongated housing and in communication with the internal cavity such that the roller delivers the lotion from the internal cavity to a user;
• the internal cavity being pressurized to deliver the lotion onto the roller;
• a retractable guard piece movably mounted to the head portion of the elongated housing, the retractable guard piece having a convex outer surface with a plurality of surface features, the retractable cover having a non-retracted position wherein the cover covers the roller and a retracted position wherein the roller is exposed;
• moving the retractable guard piece to the retracted position;
• delivering lotion to the user's body from the internal cavity through the roller of the applicator;
• moving the retractable guard piece to the non-retracted position;
• spreading or rubbing the lotion on the user's body using the surface features on the convex outer surface of the retractable guard piece.