A method and belt-like device is described for applying commercially-available beneficial liquids or semi-solids such as a tanning or sunblock lotion, insect repellentor therapeutic formulation to the back and other hard-to-reach skin areas of the human body by the person desiring to apply the same acting alone without the assistance of another person. The device has a removable absorbent pad to hold multiple loadings of the liquid or semi-solid and release it as it dragged horizontally or diagonally back and forth over the users desired skin area by the users hand and arm motion.