I like to use a litte flea comb on their face too. It is tiny, easy to manipulate and works like a charm. You still need a larger comb too but maybe you could start out with one of these little ones for the face. There are also less expensive metal combs at most pet stores. They aren't as nice as a butter comb but can do the job (especially when we keep the coat short) until we work up the nerve to spend the $40. I still haven't ordered a CC butter comb, even though I have been reading for years how much better they are. Still ..... seems like a lot for a comb. I should know from my painting though --
the tools DO make a difference. I remember when I bought my first $40 brush (talking tiny detail brush too).
But it was so worth it! And at least these combs do last virtually forever, unlike the brush.