Cabelas has their own brand, I've seen others at footwear stores. The stuff I have now is made by Justin Boots. I think they're all the same.
The applicator is attached to the lid by a 4" peice of metal wire. The "cotton" may not be cotton at all, maybe nylon/poly. No it doesn't get all over the leather.
You just need to make sure your boots are totally clean or the dirt will cloud up the silicone in the container. What I like about it so much is that since its's a liquid, it gets deep into the stitches and seems. You should try it, it's good stuff.