my dollar store has these $5 wooden hairbrushes that are just as kicking-and-screaming as our $95 mason pearson, maybe even better, and gives me the prettiest cherry red glow i've ever gotten.

i think a good solid brush marks up cheeks the prettiest out of any implement, whether used feather soft or blistering hard. and it hurrrrrts the best. idk how to explain it cuz i still cry and beg but there's something extra yummy and warm and satisfying about its bite and its lingering ache.