Brushes are crucial for applying glazes, sauces, and oils. The pastry brushes that you find in homestores can be pricey so pay a visit to your local hardware store and pick up a few paint brushes which are less expensive and work equally as well.
There is danger in reckless change, but greater danger in blind conservatism.
That's why people listen to music or look at paintings. To get in touch with that wholeness.