How do I properly apply chamois cream? There is a lot of advice out there to use chamois cream on long rides to prevent sores and chafing.  How are you supposed to apply it? 

In particular I'm curious about the following:


Do you apply the pad or to your nethers? 
Do you wipe it on with your hands or a cloth?  What about when you are touring and can't wash up easily after applying?
How much cream do you use?
There's no right/wrong answer.  Just make sure you have some sort of towel available so you can wipe your hands before riding.

What I generally do is place dabs on the chamois and rub the sides together to spread it around -- keeps the hands relatively clean and doesn't require a separate applicator.  Some people prefer to rub it on their butt.

I don't use a lot -- maybe a half ounce (about 15 cc, IIRC).  Others use much more, maybe 2 oz.