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.
And I have a few friends that I think would go to bat for me no matter what. Flea is definitely one of them. Guy Oseary is one of them.