Chikuhodo just recently came up with GSN series – N is meant for new – it’s the new GS series being revamped, according to Chikuhodo, the shape of the brush becomes more suitable for the latest makeup styles, the handles remain unchanged. Makeup artists love goat/squirrel blends for professional use and this line follows mostly this idea. The G series also had a little change to them, but only the logo was modified.
I got 3 of them :
- The foundation GSN-05 because I already love the similar LQ-11 with the very short handle for travelling but wanted a second one with a longer handle, when I am not travelling I definitely prefer longer handles.
- The highlighter GSN-04 because that shape is one of my favorites and this was a great opportunity, I was looking for something exactly like this.
- The crease GSN-10, because I know many of you are interested by this new -unusual for them- Chikuhodo.
I already had the G-3 and thought the G-7 was the same but it’s not, Yutaro Takemori told me :
GSN-7 and G-3 are little bit different. GSN-7 is larger than G-3 and the hair type is also different.GSN-7 has squirrel and weasel hair and G-3 has only squirrel.
I love all the ones I own, I find them extremely efficient and extremely well shaped. They are soft enough, no worries about that, a makeup artist will have serious material here, Β probably the tools that are the most appropriate for an intense usage without even having to torture his model. Compared to squirrel brushes, blending of the goat and squirrel make these firmer and add more density and resilience to them, they will pack more product and buff the edges much better.
Since I am here with the G-9, just a few words about it, I bought the G-9 in Japan and when I saw it I fell in love instantly, it’s twice the surface of the MK-2, the Z-9 has a rectangular surface a bit more firmer, the G-9 is bigger, round and will cover all your cheek at once. Same hair quality as the Z series, I just regret the handle. I’d rather preferred a handle like the Z-series for example, I am not crazy about this shorter version with the big gold ferrule but that’s another story. In my humble opinion this brush should be more in the category of higher series with a more luxurious handle, I don’t think a makeup artist will use this daily on models anyway unless he wants them to fall in love with him or her π Well, I am just sharing my crazy thoughts as always… Β and even though it’s not a GSN brush, since I just got it and hadn’t shown it to you, I wanted to do it here.
The GSN-04
It’s a mix of goat and squirrel hair, feels softer than the Special G-9 (the pointy one) but not as soft as the Fu-pa14 from Koyudo. This GSN-04 is absolutely wonderful efficient, pleasant to use, perfect shape, a bit too big for precise highlighting since it covers 2,5/3cm diameter at the surface but perfect for blush ! The Tanseido here is one of my favorite brushes ever, so is the Chikuhodo portable that you see below (but only available in Hiroshima), I wanted a similar one so that’s done ! The Chikuhodo portable is softer (although not a huge difference) and a bit more denser. It’s a shame it’s not online but if you can get it I totally recommend it. Maybe Malin can help with that for those of you who are interested. I have no idea what the price is since it was a present but if there is a way to get a second one I definitely would.
The GSN-05
I have already talked about it in this post, all I have to say is that it’s the perfect brush for a busy day, does the job quickly and efficiently, works with many different different products. It’s goat hair, darker but it feels soft on the skin, this size allows you to work around the nose and on larger zones. If you are a beginner you will love it, if you are a collector you won’t reach as much for the others…
The GSN-10
It’s a crease goat brush, just like many other crease brushes, it will blend your application without altering your makeup look, it doesn’t have enough precision for me and I prefer the Tom Ford for crease work, then I usually pick a denser one for blending.
- This is how they rank in terms of softness, from the less soft on the left to the softest on the right :
Max 222 – Sigma – GSN-10 – J142 – TF13 (difficult to see a difference between the Mac and the Sigma and difficult to feel a difference between the J142 and the TF13). - In terms of precision, the most precise on the left :
Mac 222 – TF13 – J142 – GSN-10 – Sigma - In terms of firmness of the hair, the firmer on the left :
Mac 222 – TF13 – Sigma – J142 – GSN-10 - In terms of density, the less densely packed on the left :
Mac 222 – GSN-10 – Sigma – J142 – TF13
Please keep in mind that since these brushes are handmade, each one can be slightly different and therefore differ from yours.
I will probably get more of these series one day, if I do, you’ll know it π
If you have others from the GSN collection, please let us know how they are and if you like them !
43 comments
Money saved from buying the GSN10, maybe I will finally see a re-launch of the limited 222.
Thanks for your quick report ^_^
p.s. I count on Wayne or Charlotte T.’s releases.
I might be crazy and I haven’t read the post yet but I don’t see some of the brushes on the official website, GS-T Tamari and Special G 9. Are they limited or for domestic purchase only?
Hi Madina,
these are not from this series GSN, they are from the current line, there is another link for them.
Sorry for the confusion… I should have written that ! I will update π
http://www.chikuhodo.com/product/g.html
https://www.kohlindo.se/product-category/makeup-brushes/fude-series/g-series-prestige-line/
https://www.kohlindo.se/product-category/makeup-brushes/fude-series/gs-series-prestige-line/
their brand name for the series is very confusing π
it’s updated in the post, the 3 on the left are the only ones from the GSN series ! sorry !
Sonia, thanks! Now I get it.:)
I bought my hakuhodo brushes based on your blog. I confuse when I receive it, which series number for which brushes. I cannot imagine your collection π
Thinking of buying from chikuhodo and kayudo too now.
Thank you for sharing. Love your blog so much.
thank you Fanny π let us know what you get and if you like them, I’d love to hear about it !
chikuhodo portable is so cute, LOVE IT,,,,,,,but I cant find it on the official website >_<
it’s only available in Hiroshima but I will check with Malin from Kohlindo.se if she can get them !
Hi π
I hope everyone is fine π Im sitting here with our little baby. He is six weeks old now π
Im going to order the GSN-serie so if someone would like to have one or more brushes please send an e-mail to peter@kohlindo.se.
I love your post about the brushes Sonia π
Maggie please send an e-mail to peter@kohlindo.se with the name of the brush and we will see what we can do π
I don’t know the name of this brush at all ! I just have the picture, nothing else I am afraid.
Mr Takemori said it was only available locally in Hiroshima, but I don’t even know where.
By the way Malin, I would like to order 2 brushes π
18-2 Artist Black Cheek Brush and the GSN-7, can you please contact me or shall I contact someone else ?
Hey Sonia! I’m curious – how does the size of the GSN-05 compares to the Koyudo BP014. Are they similar?
Hi Kerry,
I think you can find the information here: http://sweetmakeuptemptations.com/2013/08/20/foundation-brushes-finding-the-one/#comment-8023
Hey Jeanette! Thanks for the link! That post is fantastic, but sadly, the brush I’m wondering about doesn’t appear in it. The one I’m thinking of is the smaller of these two:
http://sweetmakeuptemptations.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/bp013bp0141.jpg
It looks like it *could* be similar to GSN-05, but it’s hard to tell without being able to see/touch them in person! π
I stand corrected! There was a side-by-side photo of the two brushes in that post after all! π
Hello Kerry, they are two completely different brushes, I don’t have the fu-pa with me during my trip but the fu-pa covers approx twice the surface I’d say.
Hey Sonia! I am thinking of a different Koyudo brush than the fu-pa. The one I’m thinking of is the smaller of the two long-handled brushes here:
http://sweetmakeuptemptations.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/bp013bp0141.jpg
I hope you’re having a spectacular trip! π
Oh sorry, yes I see now π
This little Koyudo is just like the Shu Uemura so approx half the size of the GSN-05, the size is the main difference between them, longer hair means more flexibility and even more gentle with the skin. You can see them here side by side :
http://sweetmakeuptemptations.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/foundation_.jpg
This Koyudo is amazing, I use it often but it would be even better if it was a bit bigger.
They perform in a very similar way, the BP014 is softer, but as I said the main difference is that with the GSN-05 you will finish the application faster.
Yes I am having a wonderful trip, meeting with my friends in Scotland and having so much fun. Also shopping of course and really pleased with my purchases π
thanks for asking Kerry! I hope you are doing great π
Thanks, Sonia! It sounds to me like I might need both brushes! π
I’m glad to hear you’re having a great trip. You’re making me want to travel!
Thanks for the review, Sonia! I saw the GSN-10 on the Chikuhodo website and I was thinking about getting it but thanks to your review, I’ll just save my money (to spend on other brushes… LOL.) I just saw Wayne Goss’s new makeup brush collection so that’s where all my spare pennies are going. I’m so excited about it, even though I have more makeup brushes than I could use in a lifetime. I guess it’s because the shapes are so unique (except for his cheek brush, which reminds me of the Chikuhodo Z2) and I’m always a sucker for new brush shapes. π
you are welcome Tori π
Can’t wait to receive his brushes… did you get any at the end ?
Me too, I am loving and experimenting with new shapes and as long as they are good brushes, there is always a way to make them worth the money.. I guess π
I’m on a slow quest to collect Chikuhodo brushes (I haven’t even started the Hakuhodo madness yet… waiting for a London IMATS show so I can buy in person!). Starting from the top I bought the Z series brushes and was thinking about the G and GS series. Do you think I should wait and explore the GSN series first, as they are the newer versions of the brushes? I am in the UK and buy via Kohlindo.
I envy those of you who have IMATS show to be near you every year. IMATS and foundation would be my only reason to visit USA (in the future, but not big enough…
Actually I am interested in knowing the schedule and options of IMATS-alike makeup event, I watched some youtube videos, but I feel like wanna read very extensive blog sharings…(read some but either too haul oriented or too simple, I am a photo addict)
Hi Bora,
It will depend on the brush or brushes you are after, some brushes are not released in the GSN series. If you tell me which kind of shape of brush or purpose you are looking for I can tell you which ones not to miss ! They are newer versions but not necessarily better or improved, it’s just different brushes π
Hello Sonia,
Are you back from your well-earned vacations? and hello all the girls!!
can you tell me where you buy your chikuhodo brushes please!!!! I would love to buy the GSN-05 and the special G-9
hope you’ll help
have a great weekend!
Laurence
Hello Lo !!
yes I am back and I am sick π I can’t even talk !
and how are you ?
the chikuhodo you can order either with Kohlindo.se or with Tommy.
For Kohlindo I quote Malin’s comment “…please send an e-mail to peter@kohlindo.se with the name of the brush and we will see what we can do :)” Malin is in maternity leave but you can contact Peter if you have questions he might be able to get you brushes that aren’t on the website.
For Tommy this is her website : http://bringblingjp.blogspot.ch/
I got the GSN via Tommy some time ago but I usually order via Kohlindo.
have a great weekend too !
Hello!
I suppose my question lost somwhere, so I\ll try again:
(Mila on 4 September, 2013 10:02 am)
Sonia, can you please tell me for wgich purposes the powder brushes with short bristlea and the one with long brisles are more suitable?
Currently I am interested in GNS-2 and GNS-1:
http://www.chikuhodo.com/product/kategory/gsn_01.html
http://www.chikuhodo.com/product/kategory/gsn_02.html
Thanks!
Hi Mila,
the shorter bristles work as sponges sometimes depending on the thickness/density and they are more appropriate to buff powder foundation with heavy coverage.
i also use them to apply sheer blush powder in a very polished way but they will alter the foundation application underneath depending on how strongly you use them. This chikuhodo with shorter hair is meant for powder foundation and I am really tempted to get it for myself actually, although I have the Koyudo Fu-pa14 which is probably very similar.
The longer bristles are more appropriate for a sheer coverage with bronzer or sheer powder, to apply the finishing (perfecting) powder, and they won’t be as aggressive as shorter bristles.
The brush choice will depend what application you want to do with it.
My type of action is : I fell in love with a brush then I see how I can use it, which is NOT how you should do it π
Sorry for missing your question before !
Thanks, Sonia.
Well I am trying not to buy brushes thΡ way you mentioned:)
It seems that if I use only the loose light powder I should buy myself the long-bristle brush.
In the end of the previous week recieved three Chikuhodo brushes I ordered: GSN-10 (simply liked it when I saw it for the fist time oh the Chikuhodo site, and it is easier for me to obtain comparing to the Tom Ford 13), GSN-4 (that was your influence) and Z-5.
They are adorable.
The only problem is that I now want Z-2:)
By the way, how much Hakuhodo J142 resemles GSN-10.
Sorry, I ment:
By the way, how much Hakuhodo J142 resemles GSN-10?
Hi Mila,
oh well, the Z-2 is extraordinary π specially if you love these very tapered shapes ! So if you get it you won’t regret it π
The J142 is side to side with the GSN 10 on the post and they are ranked(organized) by softness/density/firmness/precision, do you have a specific question to help me answer you ?
Oh, yes sorry. I somehow forgot you mentioned it.
Would you recomend to try Hakuhodo J142, if I already own GSN-10?
About Chikuhodo Z-2 – right now I looking for such a brush. However, I know Chikuhodo have some similar brushes made od different materials. So, I am hesitating a bit. I need sych a brush for powder products.
Hi Mila, no, if you have the gsn-10 you don’t need the J142. If one day you find the gsn-10 too rough, then switch to the J142 otherwise it’s all good!
take your time when choosing a brush, you have to read reviews, see pics and don’t need to rush π
Thank you!;)
hello… I will be visiting japan in the near future and i am madly in love with all the brushes you have mentioned on your blog. Can you advise where i can buy hakuhodo, chikuhodo, lunasol and other high end brushes? Would my best bet be at a highend department store or? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much. p.s. I love your blog!
Hi Coco,
There is a first article here http://allmadeup-nowheretogo.blogspot.ch/ written by Rosy (that I actually met while I was in Japan).
I am planning a post on that for this week.. I will mention a few tips and tricks, not much but it will help you a bit. When are you leaving ?
How do the Fu-pa14 compare to the Chikuhodo G -9? The squirrel hair round Brush?
The G-2 is much much much bigger and longer hair.
You can use the fu-pa 14 for powder foundation but not the g-9 π
Which one is suitable for concealer application ? the bp014 or gsn05
Hi Sonia. I have been a long time follower now. I am also a fellow brush junkie.Although, I nowhere near have the collection you do . But, I have often referenced your blog in my brush purchasing decisions and have not regretted a single one of those purchases. So, Thank you first and foremost. Secondly, I love the Chikuhodo brushesI do have. I have been eyeing you “special G-9”. Is that available for purchase? I cannot seem to locate it. I purchased the Wayne Goss holiday brush hoping it would fill the bill. But, for me and suprisingly (since I do own a his #14 and #2 x 2 and a lot of the eye brushes and love them all), it is a little scratchy for my sensitive skin. It will wind up a spot bronzer, finishing powder for high planes probably. Anyway, I adore that shape. I do not typically mix products on a brush. But,there are certainly times when one needs that. If your “special G-9” is not available ,is there any other you would suggest? I need the shape, density or less dense as the WG holiday with Chikuhodo Z series, or Hakuhodo squirrel hair softess.. thank you for any suggestions. π
Hi Nicole!
So happy to find brush lovers like you here! *happy dance*
Hi Nicole, thank you π one more brush junkie in the group, yeah!!
The Special g-9 is not for purchase anymore, it has been replaced by the G-16 http://www.visageusa.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=7&products_id=186
But I don’t own the G-16.. I think it is similar though, just the handle changes. It is softer than the WG, although not that much as it is still goat after all. I think you may be looking for something much softer so you’ll have to check either Saikoho goat (Takumi series for example) or Z series (I am thinking of the MK-2). The problem is that often pointy shapes like the WG don’t splay out as much as the Wayne goss does or the G-16 does, so that won’t serve the same purpose and I think you want something not too directional, is this correct?
That shape of brush to me is the most difficult to find : when you don’t want something too directional because they often are π
Hi, Sonia, thank you so much to review this product. Iβm looking substitutes for tom ford brush no 2 and shu uemura no 18 since both are synthetic brushes now. Which one is better: chikuhodo g-10, chikuhodo gsn-05, or koyudo bp-04?
And also which one can replace tom ford shade and illuminate brush, chikuhodo g-12 or chikuhodo gsn-06?
Sorry iβm a beginner in make-up-brush world so i have difficulty to find the right brush
Hope hearing from you soon.
Thank you
Hi Nita,
The GSN05 is closest in size to the TF 02 and I really prefer this over the BP-04. Unless you want a very small size. I would advise you to grab the GSN05 for sure, it has dye on the bristles but it makes it perform even better and you can definitely use it with liquids and creams.
If you have the chance to get the g-12 then go for it, it’s much better than the TF shade and illuminate, I think g-12 and gsn06 are the same but different handles, I don’t have them but have similar ones from sets and I adore them.
I hope this helps π you have great choices there!