When it comes to applying pollen, Rick uses a small soft bristle brush like a small non expensive artist type brush and I use Q-Tips. Both work. You'll find that pollen is smeary by nature--that's normal, so if you use Q-Tips, use a 'fresh' end with each pass. I use a gentle rolling motion of the Q-Tip over the stigma.
Once you feel you've done a good job, cap with foil and tag the pedicel with ID label. In a couple weeks the pedicel and pod will turn skyward, indicating successful pollination. The cap can then be removed.
This point is optional but it's a practice I do here. Once I've made a pollination, I promptly cut the remaining flowerhead off. I make that cut two pedicels above my pollenated flower and snip the buds on the remaining two. This allows full energy for the seed pod and bulb. Blooming is stressful to a plant and growing seeds is very energy consuming that usually results in a weaker, smaller size bulb. But, some people want to see it flower all the way; that's ok, too--just be aware of the consequences. In either case, do not pollenate the same plant two years in a row, always give it another year to recover.
The tagging of pedicels and materials used is very important because tag failure is a common problem. I'll prepare a list and pictures of what I use and post later today. Meantime, others can post what they use and maybe fill in the blanks on any oversights Rick and I forgot to mention.
