Wayne Goss #02, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Face Brushes Review & Photos
Wayne Goss Brushes — 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
There are nine Wayne Goss Brushes designed for the face. It’s a good, solid range for cheek and face options, with shapes that should work for many. The most interesting brush that I tried was the #14, while the brushes I used and liked the most would be the #02, #11, and #15. I also liked #12 a lot, but I have two very similar brushes that I favor a wee bit more, so I don’t tend to reach for it on my own. The brushes feel lighter-weight than some higher-end brushes, but they don’t feel poorly balanced with what weight is there. Japanese-style natural brushes have been noticeably better to significantly better in quality over most mainstream mid- to high-end brands (think Bobbi Brown, Chanel, MAC, NARS, etc.).
Wayne Goss Brush 02 ($35.00) is a small, tapered brush that starts off narrow at the base, flares upwards to about two-thirds and then tapers towards the tip to a rounded point. The brush is incredibly soft, moderately dense, with just enough flex and give for blending and maneuvering around the cheek bones, bridge of the nose, across the forehead, or underneath the eyes. It’s small enough to work on a variety of face shapes and sizes, but it’s not so small that it feels inefficient. The brush head is 33mm in length, 19mm in width, and 19mm in thickness. It has a total length of 6.6 inches / 17 centimeters. MAC 165 ($34, discontinued) is more rounded but similar in shape and purpose. Hakuhodo J5521 ($38) is similar as well, but it is also rounder overall with less of a noticeable tapering along the edges.
Wayne Goss Brush 10 ($53.00) is a large, stippling brush with a wide, flat edge with a mix of synthetic and goat hairs. It’s designed to work with liquid and cream foundations, which it does a nice job of, but I have found that more rounded brushes tend to provide the most streak-free finish relative to stippling brushes. These days, I like stippling brushes of this size for powder products (bronzer, blush, finishing powders in particular), as well as for diffusing and blending out the overall look (similar to the function of a buffer brush, but this will move base products less, as it has an airier feel against the skin). It is extremely soft and feels feathery against the skin, despite being a fairly dense brush, except for the last fourth of the brush, where it has more spring and feels less dense. The brush head is 40mm in length, 31mm in width, and 35mm in thickness. It has a total length of 6.5 inches / 16.75 centimeters. This brush is comparable to MAC 187 ($42), which is slightly less dense and narrower with less fluffy flaring.
Wayne Goss Brush 11 ($48.00) is a medium-sized cheek brush with moderate density, a rounded, domed shape. It is fairly soft, though noticeably less-soft compared to some of my other blush brushes (of which I have some very high-end options to choose from), but it’s with this brush that I noticed a lesser softness, whereas the majority of the ranges in the line haven’t been as distinguishable. I really like this brush for most blushes, except really pigmented ones, and it is a good option for that firmer pressed blush, as the larger surface and density seem to help it lift more product off the pan’s surface than a more feathery brush. It lays down color and blends it out nicely. The brush head is 37mm in length, 33mm in width, and 22mm in thickness. It has a total length of 6.75 inches / 17.25 centimeters. It’s like a much improved version of MAC 129 ($35), which has a good shape for an all-purpose blush brush, but it is one of the scratchiest MAC brushes made.
Wayne Goss Brush 12 ($53.00) is a medium-sized, dense blush brush with a wider, rounded edge with a gentle flaring outwards. It’s soft, silky, and smooth against the skin and has never felt irritating while I’ve used it. This brush is convenient for powder cheek and face products from blush to bronzer, especially for someone who wants medium to full coverage out of their cheek color. This shape is very useful for blending out harder-to-blend powder products along the edges as the flatter edge makes shorter work of it. The brush head is 32mm in length, 41mm in width, and 24mm in thickness. It has a total length of 6.5 inches / 16.75 centimeters. This brush is similar to Hakuhodo J5543 ($60), which I find is a smidgen denser and tends to retain its shape without fluffing up as much. Tom Ford Cheek (06) ($78) is very, very similar to the J5543, as they share the same shape, though the Tom Ford is slightly denser, while it fluffs up on the edges more similarly to Brush 12. Both of these are ever-so-slightly smoother against the skin.
Wayne Goss Brush 13 ($53.00) is a small-medium, round brush with a domed edge. In some ways, it’s like a small, buffing brush attached to a long handle. The shape works well with cream and liquid foundations, powder and liquid/cream blushes, as well as powder and liquid/cream highlighters. It can even be used to contour, depending on the style of contour you’re after (it’s large enough that it won’t give you ultra-precision, but the density gives you a lot of control in the initial lay down). It’s moderately soft; soft enough that it is likely to be a decent upgrade for most, but it is less soft than the best synthetics and higher-end natural fiber hairs. The brush head is 31mm in length, 25mm in width, and 25mm in thickness. It has a total length of 6.5 inches / 16.75 centimeters. It is very similar in style to MAC 109 ($35), which is denser and less soft. Hakuhodo 210 ($36), which is less smooth/soft (there is a J-series version for $44 that is likely to be softer), but shares the same size and shape. Chikuhodo GSN-04 ($64) is a little longer but is fairly similar.
Wayne Goss Brush 14 ($33.00) is a medium-sized brush that starts off narrow at the base and significantly flares upwards to a rounded, dome edge with low-to-medium density and a very feathery, airy quality to the composition of the bristles. If you like to dust and gently sweep your cheek products on, you’ll probably enjoy this brush, as you’ll never have to worry about being heavy-handed again with this one. I liked it best for applying highlighters and very pigmented blushes, as it yields a very diffused, sheer to semi-sheer coverage level (which can always be built up, of course). It works well for contouring, too, if, like me, you like a more diffused, subtle contour and tend to use a fan brush to achieve that result, but this can do that job as-is (I’d just prefer a denser version personally). It is fairly soft and is comfortable to use on the skin. The brush head is 41mm in length, 22mm in width, and 22mm in thickness. It has a total length of 6.5 inches / 16.75 centimeters. I don’t have a brush that’s similar in shape, but the SUQQU Cheek has a similar airy, feathery quality to how it feels during application (but this is much, much softer and smoother) — for those looking to mimic the effect of SUQQU without the bank-breaking price tag, this is well worth a try.
Wayne Goss Brush 15 ($25.00) is a medium-sized fan brush. It is the least soft face brush that I tried from the range, though certainly not genuinely scratchy or rough. I regularly reach for fan brushes like this one, as it isn’t too big or too soft, dense enough to deposit color on the skin but not so dense that it leaves harsh lines. It has flex and give, feels lightly feathery during application and diffuses edges easily. I use this type of brush for contouring, highlighting, and with heavily pigmented blushes. It’s also a good option for a more shimmery finishing or setting powder that you want to dust all-over without over-applying the product. The brush head is 38mm in length, 60mm in width, and 15mm in thickness. It has a total length of 6.6 inches / 17 centimeters. It similar in shape and size to MAC 184 ($24), which is a duo-fiber brush, so the composition of bristles is quite different. Sephora Pro Fan Brush (#65) ($27) is 10mm wider, which makes it less precise. Hakuhodo J4004 ($26) is very similar in shape and size.
There is also one face brush (that I don’t have): #01 (angled, smaller foundation), which would be most likely be used with cream and liquid products (primarily foundation).
Brush 02
DCDiscontinued. $35.00.
Brush 10
DCDiscontinued. $53.00.
Brush 11
DCDiscontinued. $48.00.
Brush 12
DCDiscontinued. $53.00.
Brush 13
DCDiscontinued. $53.00.
Brush 14
DCDiscontinued. $33.00.
Brush 15
DCDiscontinued. $25.00.
See more photos & swatches!
Wayne Goss Brush 02
Wayne Goss Brush 02
Wayne Goss Brush 02
Wayne Goss Brush 02
Wayne Goss Brush 02
Wayne Goss Brush 10
Wayne Goss Brush 10
Wayne Goss Brush 10
Wayne Goss Brush 10
Wayne Goss Brush 10
Wayne Goss Brush 11
Wayne Goss Brush 11
Wayne Goss Brush 11
Wayne Goss Brush 11
Wayne Goss Brush 11
Wayne Goss Brush 11
Wayne Goss Brush 12
Wayne Goss Brush 12
Wayne Goss Brush 12
Wayne Goss Brush 12
Wayne Goss Brush 12
Wayne Goss Brush 12
Wayne Goss Brush 13
Wayne Goss Brush 13
Wayne Goss Brush 13
Wayne Goss Brush 13
Wayne Goss Brush 13
Wayne Goss Brush 14
Wayne Goss Brush 14
Wayne Goss Brush 14
Wayne Goss Brush 14
Wayne Goss Brush 14
Wayne Goss Brush 15
Wayne Goss Brush 15
Wayne Goss Brush 15
Wayne Goss Brush 15
Wayne Goss Brush 15
02 and 14 seem like something I could use!
#02 is really nice if you highlight a lot!
I’m really interested in these brushes (especially #2) but those price points are painful!
Totally understand! One thing I have learned is that you really have to know what type of brushes you like best when you start actually investing in more expensive ones, so that you only get ones you’ll use and love all the time.
One day I am going to just cave and buy some of his brushes. I am so grateful for your reviews of them! I’ve been eyeing the eye brushes over the face ones but these sound really nice, too!!
Happy to help, Allison! 🙂 Keep us posted if you end up getting some!
How the #2 brush compares to the chikuhodo z4?
Chikuhodo Z-4 is larger, thicker, and wider, while being more rounded and less dense, and of course, the brush itself is a lot softer with finer/smoother bristles.
I use the 2 for highlighter, but it’s also great for contour (not bronzing). The Z4 is my blush fav for soft packed, more intense blushes.
02 seems good! Yep, I definitely need to start trying other brush brands.
You should! 🙂
Oh, might have to pick up #10. I like!
Woohoo! 🙂
Amazing brush review! The multiple sided pictures are so helpful! Out of these brushes, I have 2 number 2’s and a 14. They are amazing brushes! The number 2 , I use every single day that I wear makeup. So, incredibly soft. If I had to pick one brush out of my collection, that would be it because you can literally use it for everything powder-wise. I like it much, much better than the Holiday brush. it is 20 x softer.The Holiday brush is nice for bronzer though. The 14, I agree is very comparable to the Suqqu cheek brush. I have both. They function interchangeably. Though, I am not too much a fan of Mr. Goss personally, I feel his brushes are of good quality and for the price, you really can’t beat most of them. I now have added the #12,13,10, &15 to my wishlist . I feel a brush fever coming on… Oh no and it’s no where near Christmas time! I hope you do some of the eye brushes soon. I have a few of those. I’d like to add more!
What do you tend to use the #02 for most, Nicole?
I find the quality level is very comparable to Hakuhodo, but Wayne Goss’ line is much more edited down and easier to shop from, and it was impressive to see some brushes come in lower-priced than the Hakuhodo equivalent.
I use the 02 mostly for light powder around my eyes and nose and contour powders.I typically will use a denser brush for cheek hollows. And for shimmer highlight powders,i use a fan brush or similar. But ,like a white or cream powder ( ambient powders) , I will use the 02 to spot place. since I don’t like heavy setting powder,it’s perfect. I can get it just where I want it and lightly. But, I have used it for powder ,contour and blush,& bronzer!
I agree! He did a really great job with most of the brushes. I wish they were in stores like Sephora. Maybe one day. 🙂
Hey Christine, sorry for another comment. I am trying to prioritize these an think of what I NEED and WANT. I really like the #12. I was thinking it may be the only very unique to my collection. But, then I spotted an Sephora brush I have. It is the Sephora Pro Airbrush Blush #54. Do you have this one? Any comparison?
Hey Nicole,
I don’t think I do! I have a review on the #73, and I didn’t find any photos (ones I haven’t posted/edited) for #54 so I don’t think I have that one.
It’s okay! Thanks for looking!
Love that you reviewed these! I just decided that I want to invest in some nice brushes, and was thinking Wayne Goss (for my bday or Christmas). Will you be reviewing the eye brushes? Thanks!
I did!
i think his brushes are the best on the market right now. expensive but totally worth it. I now rarely use any other brand’s brushes. getting them in sets will save alot especially when u consider how many brushes are in a set. its weird but now every other brush seems hard lol
They’re nice! Have you tried Chikuhodo or SUQQU? I find Wayne Goss’ brushes to be comparable to a lot of Hakuhodo and Chikuhodo’s more entry-level series, but they’re not comparable to the really luxury tier of brushes that I’ve tried.
I LOVE THIS BRUSHES .. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE WITH CHIHUHODO OR SUQUU?
With Chikuhodo, it’ll depend on the series. SUQQU just uses softer hair, so their brushes are slightly softer.
These are good brushes as a starting point for purchasing quality brushes…..animal fur……rather buy these than non animal fur RT …..which are not cheap either. I want the Holiday brush in white so hopefully that I’ll return soon.
The price point is definitely competitive for this style/type of brush – not cheap, but you can go much higher yet.
I’ve been waiting for an in depth review of these brushes. #10 and #14 seem to appeal to me the most. #14 almost looks like a fluffy crease brush.
It does!! It’s kind of like a giant crease brush… for your face, haha.
I really like the looks of 02, 10 and 14. I could see myself using those a lot
All great choices!
I know Wayne said in one of his videos that the 10 was specifically designed to be comfortable for people with ultra sensitive skin. That’s the one I want, lol! No, actually, there are quite a few I’d like, eventually. I’m currently experimenting with different shapes of crease brushes, because one of the fun things about being a makeup addict who’s now in her forties is that my eye shape is changing. It’s not as irritating as for some people, since I have always had hooded eyes so I’m already used to adjusting for that, but things are still not quite where they used to be, lol.
So far, Smashbox no. 10 blending brush and an Estée Lauder crease brush are my favourites. The EL one has a great length of handle for me, not too long. (I’m extremely near sighted, so I need to be able to get close to the mirror.)
What crease brushes are you digging lately, El? I find I like more rounded edges these days.
I prefer rounded edges, too. The e.l.f. C eyeshadow brush is good for that – it’s for the “outer V” area, but it’s a “C” brush because it gives a gentle curve instead of an angular version. And the Clinique eye contour brush, which is a similar shape to MAC 217 but maybe half the size. I’m finding that I need smaller brushes than I used to, to get decent precision. I have an angled eye contour brush that I like, too, but I can’t remember what brand (something drugstore). Where I’m working with hooded eyes, the angled brush is useful for colouring the underside of the hood, if that makes sense?
I have been thinking about investing in the brushes from It cosmetics as I have seen them and they look and feel fabulous. I am scared to spend this kind of $ on brushes without seeing/touching a demo brush.
How do the brushes compare to IT?
It depends on the brush, really, and the tier for IT, since they have three, I believe. IT is also all synthetic, and natural fiber brushes will still do a better job at picking up powder-based products, but synthetics are getting better and better.
Wayne Goss 2 has quickly become one of my favorite brushes ever, even though I wasn’t sure if I wanted it at first. I use it mostly for really precise setting powder application, but wish I had more than one for other things – it’s so soft. I’d been waiting for beautylish to restock some of the others so it’s interesting to hear they are not all that soft and amazing. Still excited for them though.
I loved MAC’s 165, and it was always annoying that it wasn’t permanent, so #02 is great to have on hand (and it’s softer, so that’s nice).
My Goss brushes put my MAC brushes to shame in terms of softness. I can’t even imagine how soft the Chikuhodos and Hakuhodos could be! Looks like I’ll have to add some brushes to my wish list!
Many of them do for sure! MAC eye brushes are still quite good to me, but their face brushes leave more to be desired. Hakuhodo is very comparable, though obviously hair type will vary on softness 🙂
#14 has become my favorite highlighter brush. I use it to sweep Clé de Peau luminizers from the browbone around onto the cheekbone. It creates such a lovely glow that is delicate and subtle; never heavy or artificial looking.
It’s such a unique brush (to my stash) – really like it!
Thanks for your hard work in reviewing these brushes!
My pleasure, Katherine! 🙂
I have his brush set for eye and LOVE them!!! They are way better than my MAC brushes and seem higher quality. I want to try his face brushes soon! Wayne’s YouTube channel is amazeing:-)
Happy to hear you’re enjoying your brushes, Mary Ann!
I have been waiting forever for the #11 to be back in stock so i can buy it!
but now i think i wont, so what blush brush would your recommend?
How do you like to apply your blush? Are you heavy handed by nature? Do you like sheer or full coverage? It really depends on the result you want!
I’m not heavy handed I’m very careful with my blush and usually love a sheer coverage just a healthy blush somehow detectable but not an intense color. Still though i love to be precise with my application so i don’t like super large brushes that would cover my whole cheeks and cheekbones! But i also have kinda a rounded face very similar to yours so super small brushes wont cut it n will take forever ( that why finding the perfect blush brush is a struggle for me)
You might like this one! It’s soft, works for blending and laying down color with more precision, as it isn’t super fluffy. http://www.temptalia.com/product/hakuhodo-g5545-blush-brush
These all look so nice… *sigh* one brush at a time, I suppose! haha
There you go! 🙂 One doesn’t really need dozens and dozens of them – just a few that do the job well.
Why don’t you give brushes ratings? I understand someone can’t give a perfume ratings, just curious about why 🙂 huggs
Hi Tuss,
We have one rating system, which really only applies to color cosmetics (pigmentation, longevity, etc.). It would take a complete redo, as far as code and the like, to accommodate another rubric entirely, and you can’t have a rating system that differs all the time, or else it gets confusing. I haven’t figured out a set of metrics that can apply to all brushes that’s still useful (e.g. “Quality” and that’s it doesn’t really tell you why – a rubric should, at a glance, tell you where the shortcomings were), though I have tried for years.