Wayne Goss The Face Set (2017) Review & Photos
Brush Set
Wayne Goss The Face Set ($250.00) includes six brushes, which have been updated–some more than others–and released a couple of months ago. The set returns this morning, along with the ability to purchase brushes from the set individually. Long-time readers will know that I prefer to spend some time with new brushes to get to know them best, see how they fit and perform in my routine, and how they hold up to multiple washings and uses.
One thing that I can appreciate about the Wayne Goss brush range is the choice of shapes is often smart; they are often multi-functional and not too small or too large. The brushes are of good quality with useful shapes that did not shed during or after washes nor during application. There is no advantage to purchasing the brushes as a set, as purchasing them individually also adds up to $250.00, so unless you’d use all of the brushes in the set, it would make more sense to purchase the ones you’d actually use individually.
The brush that is completely different is the Brush 10, which is now a small, lightly tapered, dome-shaped brush, whereas the previous Brush 10 was a flat-topped stippling brush–the two styles of brushes serve completely different purposes. (For clarity, I think using different numbers would have just been easier, especially if someone searches for “Brush 10.”) The second major difference was that the new set uses undyed, goat hair instead of dyed goat hair (undyed is often softer). Hakuhodo has a good guide to brush hair for those who would like to learn more. For the other brushes, the new set feels denser overall but the shapes are very similar.
Brush 10 (White)
Wayne Goss Brush 10 (White) ($38.00) is a small-to-medium brush that flares outward from the base until its mid-point and then tapers to a rounded, more dome-shaped edge. The brush head is 35.00mm in length, 21.10mm in width and depth, and it uses goat hair. The brush (from end to end) had a total length of 16.30cm.
It is less tapered and pointed at the end compared to Brush 02, but the two are similar in purpose and function. I find the Brush 10 does a better job at blending and diffusing a more metallic/shimmery highlight compared to the Brush 02, which excels at precision. I also liked using it for a softer contour in the hollow of my cheeks or for applying a shimmery blush. While soft against the skin, the brush still picked up powder products well.
The bristles were soft, smooth against the skin with enough spring that I could blend in any direction and never feel the edges of the bristles against my skin. The brush seemed well-shaped and had no stray or shedding hairs thus far. I did not find it any more or less soft in comparison to Brush 02, and I think if you have one, it’s unnecessary to have both (from a functional standpoint, but one could surely have both and enjoy them as I obviously do!).
This brush is similar to ones like Hakuhodo J5521 ($38) and MAC 165 (discontinued).
Brush 11 (White)
Wayne Goss Brush 11 (White) ($48.00) is a medium-to-large, dome-shaped face brush that would work for cheek colors as well as for blending out product in general. It flared outward from the ferrule and then flared inward to create a soft, rounded edge. The brush was slightly less dense (as the bristles tapered in length from the edge to the center) at the edge (where it makes contact with the skin). The brush head is 39.40mm in length, 35.40mm in width, and 25.55mm in depth, and it uses goat hair. The brush (from end to end) had a total length of 17.50cm.
This one wins “most improved” compared to the original set, as it was significantly softer than the original Brush 11, which I actually noted as feeling less soft than expected in my original review. The new, updated version is smoother against the skin, easily used in any direction, and great for blending and applying sheer to medium pigmented products. It has moderate density, so it can pick up a lot of product in a single tap, which may make it easy to over-apply any ultra-pigmented products (like blushes and bronzers).
Personally, this was also the brush that I reached for least; the shape was larger than I needed for blush, and I do not often wear bronzers anywhere but cheeks (I think it would work well for applying bronzer all over the face, as it was larger but not so large that there was no precision). For actual buffing out of product on the face, I prefer a larger, more flat-topped kabuki-style brush compared to this–again, a preference rather than a functional issue.
I would compare this brush to the shape and quality of Hakuhodo’s J110 ($54) and shape of MAC 129 ($35).
Brush 12 (White)
Wayne Goss Brush 12 (White) ($53.00) is a dense, medium-sized cheek brush that flares outward from the ferrule and then finishes to a slightly rounded, domed shape. The brush head is 31.20mm in length, 36.20mm in width, and 23.35mm in depth, and it uses goat hair. The brush (from end to end) had a total length of 17.00cm.
Compared to the previous version of Brush 12, the new, updated version was denser but also more rounded and less flared. It was noticeably softer, and it picked up marginally less product compared to the original, but I did not feel like it was really meaningful in practice. This style of brush is one I reach for to apply sheer to medium coverage cheek colors–blush, bronzer, highlighter, whatever–as well as for buffing and blending out edges of more pigmented brushes. It can be easy to over-apply a very pigmented cheek color with this brush as it was denser. I use this shape mostly for applying blush and for blending out edges of stiffer blushes.
This brush is comparable to Tom Ford Cheek (06) ($78) and Hakuhodo J5543 ($63).
Brush 13 (White)
Wayne Goss Brush 13 (White) ($53.00) is a small, rounded brush that flared outward from the ferrule and then rounded in toward the edge of the brush head. This brush has always reminded me of a smaller, buffer brush with a longer handle than your typical buffing brush. The brush head is 31.65mm in length, 29.85mm in width and depth, and it uses goat hair. The brush (from end to end) had a total length of 16.50cm.
The new version seemed denser and slightly fluffier right at the edge, so it seemed to blend a smidgen more efficiently, though functionally I did not notice significant differences between the two. I actually found the original to be a little smoother against the skin, as the (new) Brush 13 was not as soft as other brushes in the set. The shape and style of this brush worked well in cream-based products like blush and contour with the flatter edge.
It had a similar shape as MAC 109 ($35), Hakuhodo J210 ($53), and Chikuhodo GSN-04 ($64).
Brush 14 (White)
Wayne Goss Brush 14 (White) ($33.00) is a long, fluffy, and airy brush that flares outward from the ferrule until the midpoint and then tapers to a rounded edge. The bottom half (closest to the ferrule) has a denser feel and less spring, whereas the top half is fluffier and has more movement. The brush head is 40.00mm in length, 20.80mm in width and depth, and it uses goat hair. The brush (from end to end) had a total length of 16.60cm.
Compared to the original version, the new version has a more tapered edge–the original has a fluffier, wider edge, so the new version offers greater precision while the previous version diffused over larger areas more efficiently. They both felt moderately soft; not at all scratchy or rough, pleasant to use on the skin, but still picked up and moved product well.
It had a similar to shape as MAC 137 ($42).
Brush 15 (White)
Wayne Goss Brush 15 (White) ($25.00) is a medium fan brush, which flares outward significantly from the ferrule and has a more feathery, airy edge with little density. The brush head is 38.33mm in length, 59.95mm in width, and 12.73mm in depth, and it uses goat hair. The brush (from end to end) had a total length of 17.10cm.
The older version felt denser and “thicker” in a way, so the new version’s more feathery feel led to more diffused, gentler product application on the skin. The new version picked up slightly less product, which would be ideal for someone who prefers sheerer or more buildable coverage. I like this style of brush for highlighters and applying powder underneath the eyes. I also use fan brushes for applying more pigmented blushes or for contouring underneath my cheek bones. I noticed that this one was least able to hold its shape on its own post-washing.
The shape is similar to MAC 184 ($25), Sephora Pro Fan Brush (#65), and Hakuhodo J4004 ($27).
There’s a few that I really like here, but I know I would never use two of them, so I really cant justify it!!
But I’m glad they did well for those of you that like them all!!!!
You can purchase them individually now (you being you or anyone!) 🙂
Thank you. I love brushes by my fantasy son, no skeevy intended. They are fine for my skill level, that does not meet the height of many of your readers. I think of WGs as entry level HE, rather than UHE. Only have the 00 in white. Air, 02, 13, and 14 in dark. Can’t claim to be into delayed gratification, but think I will wait for the Beautylish gift card sale to get the rest. To have a super credit @ ‘lish is definitely a great thing. And if they don’t do it again, oh, well. That is another thing Temptalia is great for:planning. Like muse Viseart special, also awaited eagerly, and later this summer, I think. Thanks to the reader who suggested the African soap cleanse for white bristles, too. Seems like a great set.
You don’t give yourself enough credit! 🙂 I’d say they’re a good introduction to Japanese brushes, but they’d more like high-end brushes, period. I feel like Japanese brushes are infinitely better than a lot of mainstream brushes, even at mid-end and high-end from brands like MAC, NARS, etc.
The Air is such a great brush, though! One of my faves.
I am patiently waiting for the gift card sale to finally get my 00! I hesitated last year and waited too long (and with a brush that $$ I definitely want the promo), but it will be mine this time 🙂
So these are replacing the original brushes? Dang it, I knew I should have gotten the 15 before! Not that the new one doesn’t look nice, but I really liked the density of the original (at least what I could tell from reviews and videos).
I am glad to see that the Air Brush is still in stock at Beautylish because I moved a few weeks ago and when I was packing up, I realized I couldn’t find mine anywhere! It’s my all-time favorite powder brush (and not exactly cheap), so I’m pretty bummed.
Correct, these are replacing the previous set/brushes.
WAAAAY too expensive.
Totally understand!
Hi Erin, maybe as a collection but very competitive on a brush by brush basis. My 1st WG brush was the fan brush. I used it for everything except foundation. The best $25 brush I’ve ever spent. (Today, the Air Brush would be equally versatile at $35.) What sold me on these brushes was that they could pick up pigmentation in makeup that I otherwise thought was a dud, they’re multi-purpose use by design, and they apply my makeup beautifully. That changed my paradigm to having a few really good, multi-function brushes vs. having hoards of makeup. It’s cheaper for me in the long run, and I rarely buy makeup at full price.
Christine,
Can you rank your favorites from this set? I have the original set and I am trying to decide which ones that I should purchase. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks!
If you have the original set, is there a particular reason why you’d purchase duplicates? It seems like it’d make more sense to get your favorites based on the brushes you reach for most often / or are least happy with for some reason. The only brush that’s totally changed is 10, so maybe 10?
Do you think any of these brushes would work well applying foundation?
Great review! I am definitely interested in picking up a couple.
The 12 would be good for foundation! 🙂 The 13 would also work for foundation if you want something with more of a buffing shape.
This brush set has received great reviews from most.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the in depth review, just a quick question. I want to invest in some good quality brushes, so would you recommend these Wayne Goss brushes over their Hakuhodo dupes? Or would you recommend the Hakuhodo brushes over the Wayne Goss brushes?
They’re pretty interchangeable to me (assuming you comparing goat hair to goat hair). I have not tried the J210, only the 210, which I did not like but I would expect the J210 to be softer. The pricing seems to be in favor of Wayne Goss, and Beautylish’s shipping would probably be free if you purchased any (given their price point), plus you could return to Beautylish. Hakuhodo has flat rate shipping (but never free) and only permits returns of unopened and unused.
I’ve enjoyed just about every Hakuhodo brush I have (I want to say maybe two or three over the years were less impressive – the 210 being one of those!), but if you aren’t familiar with Japanese brushes, the more generous return policy of Beautylish may come in handy!
The one thing I do like about Hakuhodo is you can often change the hair type within the same shape, e.g. you can go up or down softness levels, depending on your application. Wayne Goss brushes are all goat, which is a great hair type in general – more durable than squirrel but still very soft.
Christine I have a question about the fan brush. I have wanted to buy the (old) Wayne Goss fan brush for ages now but it was sold out and then gone for a long time before this new version came out, so now this one is my only option for a Wayne Goss fan brush. Everyone used to say his old fan brush was the best fan brush in existence basically. I was set to buy the new version today but not I’m not sure if it will still be the “best fan brush ever” because it seems to have changed a bit. Do you think there’s a better fan brush? I have a few, one from It Cosmetics regular line that’s pretty good, and some cheaper ones that I don’t love.
Is there a reason why you’re not happy with IT’s fan brush or you need two? What do you use your fan brush for or what would you want to use it for?
Wayne Goss’ new fan brush is comparable to Hakuhodo’s – I can’t honestly tell any difference. If I try to find one, the most I could say is the Wayne Goss seems to be less dense…. maybe.
It’s always interesting to read about new brushes. These do seem to be good. I think I have so many brushes, some good, some OK and some (stached away) really bad 🙂
the one I’d be interested in is the fan brush. I do think I’ll check on Sephora and MAC first to see what I think. I’ll probably end up buying the MAC one, then I don’t need to pay for postage.
I do admire W. G. for creating a good line of brushes, I think I saw in one of his videos that he “makes them himself” Not actually make them, but that no major cosmetic company is behind it. I explain terribly bad. Sorry!
The MAC brush is nice – it is a mix of synthetic and natural, so it is very versatile and will take a lot of “abuse” so-to-speak without worry!
Hi Helen,
I own two of the Mac Fan brushes one for backup along with a few other brands but I find myself using the Mac Fan brush the most especially for for applying most of my highlighters.
Thank you!
I will have a look next time I visit a MAC counter. Maybe having a purpose visiting will stop me from buying a new lipstick, or two.
I have actually looked for a fan brush for a long time, and I never thought of MAC. What is wrong with me!?!?!?!
I do own a huge one from NYX and a thin one from Laura Mercier so I have two, but I need that right one.
Thanks again, Maria.
Hi Helene, I, too, was wanting a WG fan brush, though in my case, it would be a backup. WG’s fan brush was the first brush I purchased and was so versatile that I used it for everything: bronzer, contour, blush, highlighter (even powdering the t-boning). It’s one of the few ‘good’ brushes that I’ll bring when travelling and the density is a plus. I get lost in Hakuhodo’s brush choices. I hope he brings the original fan brush back.
Thanks for the exceptional review, photos, and comparisons. I have brushes 13, 14, and 15, the Air Brush, the Holiday/00 (my go-to T home for applying all over bronzer). I upgraded my eye brushes with his Anniversary Brush Set. In this version, I’m intrigued by Brush 11 or 12 and I would love another fan brush but need to understand more about the new fan brush’s density. The fan brush is by far my most used face brush and so versatile to travel with because I can use it for bronzer, blush & highlighter and it’s compact shape is great for travel.
If it weren’t for the high price I would be tempted, but can’t bring myself to spend that much on a brush set.
I was waiting for these to finally release individually as I never get use out of all brushes in sets.
I purchased 10,11 &12 but 12 is the only one I don’t think I would use. I thought it could go for blush but it’s quite a bit more dense and small/compact compared to my Bobbi brown blush brush. So I’m thinking rather than use it I will just return it new. I think 11 could work for blush as well and 12 is probably better suited to precisely contouring which I never do.
How similar would you say this newer version of the 15 fan brush is to the Smashbox Fan Brush? I have the Smashbox, and was going to get the Wayne Goss one based on what I had seen/heard about the oldone being thicker because it looked like it would give me a different effect, but this one looks very similar to the Smashbox one?
Sorry, I haven’t tried the Smashbox brush.