Sunday 29 April, 2012 at 1:43 pm Reviews
Dearest Minions,
Welcome to the second installment of my Artist Series… This time I’ll be featuring yet another essential for not only the professional artist, but also makeup enthusiasts! I get a lot of questions about the types of storage I recommend for traveling and aspiring makeup artists, with all of the cases available it can be quite confusing and overwhelming… Keep reading to discover my new holy grail train-case, the Zuca!
First Impression
My first impression came from the Zuca web-boutique. I had absolutely no trouble navigating through the various categories of Zuca products, found their descriptions detailed and prices reasonable. After placing an order, it took just five days for my case to arrive on my doorstep in flawless condition. Below I’ve highlighted some of my favorite features about the Zuca, enjoy!
Above you can see just how much you can comfortably fit into the four pouches that store inside the Zuca.
A look inside: Housed in the center are four medium pouches and one larger, sturdier case. I’m saving my labels for another day, but really like having the option to further organize! The Zuca’s door netting and bands are great for storing hair tools and sprays.
Just when you thought the Zuca had reached its maximum storage capabilities, you find yet another little hiding place!
This stretchy netting holds a smaller clear case that is absolutely perfect for loose brushes and tools… heres some of my collection.
Another look at the smaller loose pouch, holding twenty brushes its not nearly full!
A peek at the top of the individual pouches. I personally really like the labels, but for personal use they may not be necessary. That said, I thought it was very clever that Zuca made not only the tags optional, but also the cuff that holds them. The labels are easily replaced and cuffs fasten/open with Velcro.
Something I adore about my Zuca is that its great for pros, but also works for non-working everyday makeup enthusiasts! Each pouch is removable and can be carried solo by handles on their sides. I’ve taken mine on small trips where I didn’t need the heavy artillery haha.
Above: The Zuca’s embroidered logo located on the front flap with button closure.
A detail I found quite thoughtful was the lovely Velcro hideaway pocket, which is great for placing
your identification card or even a few business cards.
The Zuca has amazing storage possibilities, but it’s also prized by artists for its compactness. Above is the push-button release handle that extends up for travel.
The Zuca line of cases have a ton of really noteworthy features, including shock absorbing wheels!
These monsters handle large curbs and tackle different terrain fantastically, all while gliding smoothly and looking gorgeous.
Strategically placed hand cut-outs help avoid strain from heavy lifting: One located on the top of the case and the other at the bottom rear (who knew two hundred eyeshadows and lipsticks could weigh this much?!).
Pros
Oops Free Fabric – The Zuca’s exterior repels water, stay extra worry free on the inside with water resistant coating.
Sturdy – Every detail from the Aluminum shell to the shock absorbing wheels have been scrupulously refined and perfected.
Warranty - Every Zuca case carries a lifetime warranty! Of course if you void their terms, your repair will not meet their warranty criteria.
Design - You simply won’t find a beautifully designed case that travels well and holds such a huge capacity of cosmetics.. throw in a seat for your client and you have the best train-case on the market!!
Maintenance – The Zuca is very easy to care for! Over time screws can loosen and may need to be tightened, this can be done at home with a metric allen wrench (just a few twists and your Zuca’s right as rain!). Cleaning can be done with spot cleaner and mild detergent, for stickier situations grab your garden hose and go crazy haha.
Cons
Pull-Up Handle - I’ve read that a lot of people find the handle bothersome. I personally did not notice anything wrong with the grips size.
Price – The Zuca Artist Collection retails at $295.00. I’ve spent a LOT of time with the product and feel its worth every last penny, but I can see the price being a set back for some. Considering you will never need to replace the equipment makes it a must have!
Final Thoughts….
Overall I have never seen anything like the Zuca and I can tell my Pro Artist case will be with me for years to come! The aluminum shell gives the perfect balance of design, functionality and protection. Zuca is perfect for traveling and fits in airplane overhead storage compartments and comes with a privacy cover (not shown). I was incredibly impressed with the cases quality… Zuca holds its products to such a high standard, not so much as a single fiber of thread was frayed upon arrival. For $295.00 you’re getting a train-case that looks sophisticated, preforms, a product that is backed by the manufacturer and a case that you will enjoy toting for years.
Above: On the job creating monsters for a local haunt!!
Keep checking back for full overview video and review of the Zuca Artist Backpack!
Please take a moment and visit Zuca!
“Love” Miss Massacre
