I put a handful of cotton balls in a ziplok bag, then use two fingers to scoop out a good sized glob of PJ and smear it inside the bag. I use a paper towel to wipe off my hands (after applying some to my lips to reduce chapping). Zip up the bag and start massaging.

I leave it all in the bag until needed. When I pull out a cotton ball and fluff it up for starting a fire, yes the tips of my finger get some PJ on them, but not much, and I just spread it on my hands. Its not so bad.