I do use the 242,.. but you have to do it in small amounts,.. a 242 is stiffer than a lot of other brushes,.. I pick up just a little paint on the tip and start at the inner corner,.. and work them out in a fan pattern,... when it won't spread any farther,.. I get a little more paint on the tip,.. this will keep it thin and even,.. but also,. don't overlook your most handy non-loseable tool,.. your finger,.. it kinda warms up the paint and will also spread it smoothly,..Sometimes you just cant beat the fingertips,.. I feel like my glitz glosses only work well with a nice clean finger,...