Originally Posted by Alexus

Alexus' general rule of thumb, when applying by hand:
Liquid = circular motion.
Paste = up and down motion.

Although Meguiars' will always reccommend a circular motion to apply the wax.

I generally apply a paste wax using my bare hands. The heat generated by your hands activates the wax and makes it more spreadable. Using your hands and fingers also allows you to be more precise.