Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush Reviews & Photos
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (Black)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush ($85.00) is available in black or white, with both brushes being made out of goat hair, and are, essentially, the same as far as shape, weight, and softness go. It’s a large powder brush with a full, rounded brush head that gradually tapers to a soft point. The brush head is in 50mm in length and 25mm in thickness and width (at its thickest/widest point). The brush has a total length of 7 inches / 17.5 centimeters with an open ferrule. I liked it best for applying finishing powders, particularly Guerlain’s Meteorites, as it fit in the jar well and dusted the powder all-over quickly. It’s too large for me when I’ve applied blush, except if it is a very barely-there blush where precision is unnecessary. Loose or pressed setting powder can be applied using this brush as well, and the brush is just soft enough that it feels comfortable on the skin but not so soft that it doesn’t pick up a lot of product. I also liked it for applying a soft highlight (anything metallic was easily over-applied with this brush, though) for a diffused glow. Between the two, I would go for the white brush hairs, because there was a fair amount of dye washing out of the black fibers for the first half a dozen washes. I haven’t had any issues with shedding with either brush over the three weeks I’ve been using them–a few hairs overall but nothing consistent (often none during an application).
If you’re familiar with MAC 138 ($53.00), this will look familiar. It is identical in its size and shape, with the MAC brush having a slightly longer handle. The Holiday Brush is slightly softer–it feels smoother when it is swept across the face ever-so-slightly–and seems a touch less dense (a little more feathery) with finer fibers. I used them side-by-side, and the Holiday Brush seemed to pick up product more readily, which may come down to preference. My MAC 138 is from 2009 (possibly even older than that), and I know some of my more recently-purchased MAC brushes have felt inferior to my original purchases, so I’m not sure if the 138 is still made the same today.
NARS Mie Kabuki ($55.00) comes to a more angular point towards the end (the taper isn’t as gradual), and it is ridiculously scratchy and rough against the face. Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek ($111.00) is somewhat similar in shape but is half the size with a more rounded, less tapered edge; it is made out of blue squirrel hair, so it is noticeably softer–I think the larger powder Z-series brushes are too rounded to be similar to the Holiday Brush. I don’t have it to confirm, but I believe Hakuhodo’s 103 (from $75, available in the S, B, and J, though the J is a goat and synthetic blend) is similar as it has been compared to the MAC 138.
The Holiday Brush
$85.00.
See more photos & swatches!
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (Black)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (Black)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (Black)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (Black)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (Black)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (White)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (White)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (White)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (White)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (White)
Wayne Goss The Holiday Brush (White)
I really love the shape of this brush. I guess I’ll have to save my coins and take the plunge eventually
The shape is nice – it’s definitely a brush that can be used for many purposes!
Hi christine, this is not related to these brushes buy im considering to buy the chikuhodo z2 for using to set my undereye concealer with powder and for highlight but dont know if the gray squirrel is like too delicate and the hairs would break over time is yours is still good ?? And how many times per month do you wash it?? I been also considering the hakuhodo G5521 and wayne goss no 2, these are cheaper than the chikuhodo but to be honest i can save up and buy the chikuhodo if its indeed better quality
Hi Karla,
I haven’t had any issues with hairs breaking, and I probably wash mine at least half a dozen times if not more (just depends on how often I use it, as I’m often testing new brushes!) per month. It’s great for highlighting, but for setting under-eye concealer, I think you may want something less soft as it will not pick up as much product as you might like (though it will allow you to control the amount so it doesn’t get powdery or cakey). I think Hakuhodo’s J5521 is nice, and the major difference is that it’s not quite as tapered as the Z-2. I don’t have the WG No. 2 brush, so not sure on that one.
I bought the black brush because my MAC & Sonia Kashuk brushes I have are also black. I guess I’ll just have to deal with the fading. I can’t wait to get it!
Hope you love it!
Hmmmm. It is so hard to decide. I think the dyed black fur looks better than the white one with the design of the handle being pure black too. But I already have a Suqqu that looks like that one. So I like to get something a little different. I wanted this last year but it was sold out. Now he makes it more difficult for me to decide. Uggggh!
Well, white just sold out 🙁
I’ve been eyeing the makeup forever 128..if you had the choice which do you prefer overall?
For what kind of application? I prefer the 128 for loose setting powder.
For powder mainly…that’s what I would be using it for…more pressed versions than loose.
If you’re applying a powder foundation (loose or pressed) and want more medium coverage, I think this one is better for that. For loose or pressed setting powder, I prefer the 128!
hi christine………sigh!!!! i’m getting very stressed out trying to figure out what makeup brushes to purchase!!! first, i heard that i should only get hakuhodo brushes. i looked at their website and i just don’t like the fact that they charge shipping and their return policy is “strict” to me. then, i heard do not buy brushes that are not made in japan. sigh…..i find the beautylish website is easier, for me……free shipping, etc. but, i don’t like hearing countless reviews that mr. goss’ brushes have color coming off of them! i just need a few basic brushes that will not shed, smell, “bleed” color. i primarily use chanel makeup. countless people have said, “no!!!”, “they’re made in china!” i don’t know what to do but, this is raising my pressure. i don’t know about anyone else but, choosing brushes is really stressfull! if i go to the nars counter, they pick nars brushes for me. when i get a makeover at chanel, they use chanel brushes. i feel consumed over this and i have other things to do! i just spent a small fortune buying the new chanel spring collection. i have old brushes at home and i wanted a new blush brush and 1 or 2 brushes for the eyes. i really don’t contour or use bronzer. i just don’t know what to do???! p.s. the new jardin de chanel blush camelia rose is ridiculously small! i think if you’re a collector but, i’m not sure i made the right decision to purchase when i plan to use this everyday and the pretty “embossing” will wear off…..it seems this blush is the star of the collection and will probably sell out fast….it’s 3 grams as opposed to the regular 6…..are chanel brushes really that inferior. what would you use? (besides hakuhodo)? xo.
Hey Wendy!
Hakuhodo can be a very expensive mistake if you don’t get the one you mean to 🙁 (I have several that are smaller than I thought they’d be!) They are great brushes, though.
In general, I find that if you are going for natural hair bristles, brushes made in Japan are the most reliable in regards to quality, cut, and softness. They make really good synthetics for less, as well, in various countries. Good brushes can certainly be made in China, too – it is going to depend more on the brand and what kind of profit margin they’re trying to maintain, I think.
Are you happy with your Chanel brushes? If you are unhappy, sure, buy more brushes, but if you love yours and have no issues, there’s no reason to go crazy and get a bunch of extra brushes 🙂
Wayne Goss’ advantage is the simplicity of the line-up and that generally, the shapes are more standardized so they will work for most. Hakuhodo’s range, on the other, is quite vast, so one can easily get lost! If you are looking towards Wayne Goss’, a good universal blush brush is the #11 (which is very similar to MAC’s 129). I don’t have experience with his eye brushes, so I can’t make any personal recommendations there.
You can read about my favorites for eyes here (not sure what type you are looking for): http://www.temptalia.com/must-makeup-brushes-applying-eyeshadow-blending-crease-details
thankyou christine!! i’m going to look at that link!! happiest holidays to you!! xo.
No prob! xo
I ordered the holiday brush and 06 yesterday! My first Wayne Goss brushes! I was so tempted during the black friday/cyber monday when they had the $20 gift card event but I just couldn’t be sure to invest hundreds of dollars in this line before trying even one brush. But the holiday brush, oh my! I wanted it at first sight. It looks so big and so versitile, I can see myself using it a lot! Plus, limited edition is always a curse…haha
Hope you love it, Dany! 🙂 Let us know!
Happy to read a good review on the white brush. I ordered it last night but was concerned about price. I do need something a bit softer for some products. Thanks for peace of mind.
My pleasure, Susan! Enjoy and keep me posted on how you like it.
I was debating on the black or the white with this brush, but ended up getting the white as I liked the fact that the hair has not been dyed or treated…seems like I made a good choice!
Yay!!
I purchased the Wayne Goss brush in black. I have his first set and they are very soft squirrel hair as are the number 13 and 15, also purchased the eye set. (Haven´t tried them yet, they just arrived, a Black Friday splurge) This is the first goat hair brush of his I will be trying. My MAC 138 is ancient and has been confiscated by my daughter, so I thought I would give his a try. Finding new MAC brushes very scratchy these days and disappointing.
Any particular MAC brushes you’ve felt that have gotten worse over time, Laura?
Really sad to see 🙁
It could just be me and my skin, one day you wake up and the standard tools simply don´t work on aging skin 🙁
I would have to say that the 217, 211 and 134 are fairly new, splayed and scratchy. I made a last ditch effort at finding a comfortable foundation brush and bought the 132 (sometimes you just need a brush and not a Beauty Blender,) that I find is so-so. I think brushes have become a “habit”! I am going to start exploring synthetic brushes, perhaps Zoeva they have great reviews. Thanks for such terrific information, as always it is a pleasure to “read” you!
I’m working on testing some of IT Cosmetics’ brushes right now (all synthetic, I do believe) but have really liked their Luxe foundation brush so far! Also like Real Techniques Expert Face for foundation.
I have had similar issues with the 217 and 239 – they don’t feel QUITE the same as my older ones, though the 239 is a smaller difference.
I had a few mac and sigma natural hair brush that felt very scratchy to me but my skin on my face is very sentitive. I end up swapping them rather quickly so it’s hard to say whcih ones other then the Sigma jumbo powder (felt like a porcupine on my face. >_>) from 208-2010.
I actually recommend Royal and Langnickles synthetic lines if you interested in aesthetics. Sign up on the mailing list and they do sales. I have a code from IMATS for December 23rd for 20$ IMATS23. Of course they best sale is during black friday every year,50% off.
I like the shape of these brushes. I think I could work well with it.
Awesome! 🙂
Sorry if you have answered this before, but why don’t you rate other products (skincare, bags, brushes) the same way you do makeup (as in with the letter grade)? I admit sometimes it makes it harder to judge what is good and what I should pass on.
Hi Neetz,
They would require very different criteria, and the system isn’t set-up or built to accommodate multiple rating systems from a technical standpoint. There are a lot of different components that go into it, and though I’ve often considered having other versions of the Glossover (with different metrics), I’ve never been happy with them for other products, as I don’t find that they apply or work as well and some products I don’t feel should be rated with letter grades or I’m not personally comfortable rating with letter grades. Many products are too unique to have a one-size-fits-most Glossover, yet having a system that changes every other product doesn’t make sense to me. At most, with brushes, you might develop a system that simply ranks where brushes fall on a spectrum of softness, density, and things like that, but a brush can still be excellent without being softest of all time. The only metrics that can be applied more universally would be fitness for purpose and a general “quality” score, but none of it really breaks out why a product would get an A vs. C.
I bet that would work great with Meteorites!
Agreed!
I ordered the black during the launch but can you make out any differnce between the white and black hairs other than the colour/dye?
I didn’t notice one myself, to be honest! I looked but nope.
No way. I will never purchase a thing of his! But, it’s nice to see an honest review! 😉
Gotcha! 🙂
Hi Christine,
Well, I am flat out confused! I ordered two of the holiday brushes (both black) and a Zoeva 101 because they look so similar. Upon getting them, the Zoeva is a little denser and although soft, it’s not quite as soft as the WG version. BUT with that said, I also have the WG 02 brush made from squirrel hair and, geesh, that little guy rocks my sensitive, dry skin world! It’s so soft that it doesn’t irritate my skin at all. At first I was impressed with the WG holiday brush but the more I use the more I feel like it’s really not that soft, especially compared to the WG 02. Perhaps I made a mistake by getting two of the holiday brushes. I may have to send one, or both, back. So, in my frustration of figuring out what to do and trying to find a replacement for a super soft all over powder brush and blush/bronzer brush, I ordered the Chikuhodo Z8 and the Z4. I will get them in time to compare them to the WG holiday brushes and make a final decision about what to keep and what to send back. With all that said, do you find yourself reaching for the WG holiday brush or the Chikuhodo Z8 or Z4 more? Will the Z8 make a good overall powder brush and the Z4 a good bronzer/blush brush? I use the WG 02 for highlight so I probably won’t use the Z4 for that purpose. Anyway, just more or less writing my thoughts down and wondering which brushes you prefer if you had to pick only 2 to keep forever.
For all-over powder, I think you will like the Z8. I like the Holiday brush primarily for finishing powders, but I would pick Zs over WG Holiday all day, every day.