I am too scared to groom mine around the face, although I did buy a safe mini face trim pair of scissors. I waited until the groomer with both to do that.
As far brushes go, I tried it all and for my two poodle mixes these two have been great. Especially the smaller black one is very gentle and super round pins so it doesn't hurt them at all, yet ensure those curls don't mat.
I apply Earth Bath detangler spray on both the brushes and fur to help with the discomfort, plus it smells delicious!
I also have a comb from Chris Christensen for the face.
My pups HATED their slicker brushes, even though those are described as being especially good for poodles. No idea why. They got stuck, the pins bend, and I probably just have user-problem issues there and it's my fault but I donated the one I had to a groomer, lol.
I did NOT like the quality of the wooden pin brushes from CC, as pups chew and they broke off too easily and become a serious hazard for intestinal damage if ingested.
The second brush I list below is very, very sturdy and I trust it the most. I also have softer bristles ones to smoothen out the chest, paws, and head, but I don't use them often.
Brush #2 is good enough for all areas.
Brush #1
https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Christensen-Oval-Brush-27mm/dp/B000ES6DJ0?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
Brush #2 (My absolute favorite by far!)
https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Christensen-Slip-Dematting-Brush/dp/B079K7T41X?ref_=ast_sto_dp
Spray (I love all scents, especially lavender and vanilla almond)