Hello! I'm a freelance MUA and I've been snooping on the Internet for a makeup luggage for awhile now. I'm trying to decide between a ZUCA pro luggage OR a hard train case makeup luggage.
I'm still in college as a film student but I am often lugging around my makeup for film shoots, photoshoots and other makeup-related gigs. I do glamour makeup but also FX makeup so my kit includes lipsticks, eyeliners, foundations, glitter as well as bottles of fake blood, alcohol-activated makeup, 99% alcohol, liquid latex and other hazardly leaky products.
I will often just be taking this luggage on the bus/in cars or on the road but I'd like to also buy something that if needed in the future, can also be efficient to travel with by plane.
I'm attracted to the hard case's sturdiness and design but I have heard only amazing things about the ZUCA pro bag from reputable makeup artists that swear by it, such as Kandee Johnson.
So basically I'm just looking for something that will keep my products in tact (not crushed or, compartments that will be easy to clean if something leaks etc.) as well as something that will keep my products organized and easy to go through while working on a client's makeup.
I prepared a pro's and con's list to the best of my knowledge but I would LOVE to hear what other MUA's think, either from experience or from research you've done yourself. Thank you so much!
ZUCA PRO MAKEUP LUGGAGE
Cost: $285
=== PROS:
+ fits carry-on regulations on airplanes (can be put in overhead compartment)
+ can be used as a chair for you or clients (can support up to 300 lbs/you can stand on top of it)
+ easy to wash compartments
+ organizing system makes it easy to pull out what you need then put it back
+ A LOT of zippers and compartments
+ shock absorbent support rolling wheels
== CONS
- it's double the price of a hard train case
- the pro bag doesn't come in as many designs
HARD TRAIN CASE
Cost: $120-180
=== PROS:
+ more affordable than ZUCA
+ comes in many more designs
+ top part can be unattached for when you're on the go & don't need as much makeup for the gig
+ locks to protect your belongings
== CONS:
- does not fit in airplane overhead compartment
- does not have any outside pockets like ZUCA
I'm sure there's more pros & cons on both sides but these are what I came up with for now.
I'd LOVE to hear what you think; whether it's from experience from using these luggages or just from what you're getting from reading about them. Thanks so much!
I vote zuca. I think it has more pros and sounds like the best investment. I am a new MUA and finish school in 4 wks. I am nervous and excited. I plan on buying a zuca as well. Good luck choosing.
Neither (I speak from experience with both). Zuca is extremely overpriced for what you get and unless you have a lot of time to set up and put away (which we usually don't) it is really a pain to take everything in and out of the bags. Hard train cases get EXTREMELY heavy to carry around, especially if you have to carry it up flights of stairs. I went with a soft-sided train case from NYX Cosmetics & with the pro discount it's only $140. It's huge and fits everything!!!
I use a vintage Samsonite train case (I just replaced the one I'd been using for fifteen years that was my mother's before that - so we're talking about a case from the 1960s that I replaced in 2012). I've had issues with many of the brands aimed specifically at makeup artists not being worth the price tag as far as quality goes, and I can't justify having to spend $200+ every few months to keep replacing it. It definitely depends on what you're doing as far as a gig. I know I can't carry enough in my Samsonite to do a full fashion show, but living where I do it's not a regular request. I found the case that I use on etsy for under $100, but i've also found them at local flea markets and garage sales for friends and family members.
I've been using a hard case for ages now and it's great and all but I've been booking gigs that require me to fly and it is truly a pain to get that thing anywhere. I end up just taking the top section so I can carry it on because I would never ever feel comfortable checking in my kit and TSA always goes through it whenever it gets put through the xray. I've been looking into Zuca too because it seems to be a lot more travel friendly.
I love my zuca!!! It fits so much stuff in it! It is pretty small but it fits everything I need. The frame acts as a seat and it can hold up to 300lbs. The pouches clean easily and you can take the whole fabric part off of the frame and wash it. It is amazing. I was looking at one of the metal ones and It immediately decided on the zuca.
I have the hard heavy traincase. I so regret not getting a Zuca, that's my next purchase. MUA's I know use luggage but they say, their stuff moves too much for them and it's hard to find what you need because it's all over place.
Remember, your kit, no matter what you put in it, is going to be an investment! And you can write it off at the end of the year. :)
Zucas are amazing i used mine for ice skating to put my skates and clothes and makeup, etc. in and it really comes in handy when you need a place to sit on but one thing I really liked is that you could take the actual bag off of the frame and clean it which is good when makeup gets messy. Anyway, I think zucas are amazing ;)
I have a hard case and unfortunately TSA broke it less than 24 hours after I received it (got it at CPNA in Las Vegas).
A few downsides to the trolly.
1. Weight. It's about 20 pounds WITHOUT product. Factor in product and depending on if you use it as one or two pieces you may soon find that you're going to pay $60+ when you check it in during a flight. I had to break mine down into two pieces since checking it in as one was 10 pounds overweight jumping the check in price from $25 to $110 but breaking it down into two pieces allowed me to check it in as two pieces - $25 and $35.
2. TSA NOT APPORVED. TSA/Delta took a crowbar or something to open mine up destroyed the trolly and removing my items from the bubble wrap and tape even opening some items so when I got it off the conveyer belt at the airport it I opened it up to find a wet, sticky mess. I had to file a claim and got the money to replace the items inside and the trolly but I've decided NOT to use the claim money to replace it for a like trolly and instead will save the money for IMATS and get a Zuca there.
3. Storage. I mean as in actually storing the case itself. Due to the height when it's one piece it needs a good deal of space in a closet to store. If broken down into two pieces it's easier to store (mine is now in two pieces since the top case no longer fits the bottom due to what TSA/Delta did to it).
Aug 19, 2012
Nicole R.
I agree with some of the posts above - Zuca is a bit overpriced for what you get, but it is the better choice between the two in my opinion. I got sold my hard train case because it was 1) too tall 2) too heavy.
I looked into getting a Zuca but I opted for a sturdy Samsonite suitcase instead, with pouches that I purchased from a makeup supply store for super cheap. The pouches are clear and have zippers so I have easy access and storage with them. They also have a strap so I can use them each individually if I wanted. If you buy a suitcase that is carry on size, you're set to travel as well.
Do some research on alternatives before making a commitment on an investment. Go with whatever is comfortable for you. Good luck!
I have a Zuca but looking to change to something I can work out of. I have researched and find this one that I might invest in and sell my Zuca for. Drawers/Makeup-Case-Soft-CasewDrawers.jpg
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Jul 19, 2012
Audfaced x.
I'm still in college as a film student but I am often lugging around my makeup for film shoots, photoshoots and other makeup-related gigs. I do glamour makeup but also FX makeup so my kit includes lipsticks, eyeliners, foundations, glitter as well as bottles of fake blood, alcohol-activated makeup, 99% alcohol, liquid latex and other hazardly leaky products.
I will often just be taking this luggage on the bus/in cars or on the road but I'd like to also buy something that if needed in the future, can also be efficient to travel with by plane.
I'm attracted to the hard case's sturdiness and design but I have heard only amazing things about the ZUCA pro bag from reputable makeup artists that swear by it, such as Kandee Johnson.
So basically I'm just looking for something that will keep my products in tact (not crushed or, compartments that will be easy to clean if something leaks etc.) as well as something that will keep my products organized and easy to go through while working on a client's makeup.
I prepared a pro's and con's list to the best of my knowledge but I would LOVE to hear what other MUA's think, either from experience or from research you've done yourself. Thank you so much!
ZUCA PRO MAKEUP LUGGAGE
Cost: $285
=== PROS:
+ fits carry-on regulations on airplanes (can be put in overhead compartment)
+ can be used as a chair for you or clients (can support up to 300 lbs/you can stand on top of it)
+ easy to wash compartments
+ organizing system makes it easy to pull out what you need then put it back
+ A LOT of zippers and compartments
+ shock absorbent support rolling wheels
== CONS
- it's double the price of a hard train case
- the pro bag doesn't come in as many designs
HARD TRAIN CASE
Cost: $120-180
=== PROS:
+ more affordable than ZUCA
+ comes in many more designs
+ top part can be unattached for when you're on the go & don't need as much makeup for the gig
+ locks to protect your belongings
== CONS:
- does not fit in airplane overhead compartment
- does not have any outside pockets like ZUCA
I'm sure there's more pros & cons on both sides but these are what I came up with for now.
I'd LOVE to hear what you think; whether it's from experience from using these luggages or just from what you're getting from reading about them. Thanks so much!
More links ===
ZUCA website: http://www.zuca.com/zuca_pro/index....
More about basic train case: http://www.buy.com/prod/4-wheels-ro...
Jul 19, 2012
Cocoa A.
ZUCA all the way!!! the hard train cases I hear are not very sturdy and fall apart after a while.
i love my zuca!!
Jul 20, 2012
Amy H.
I vote zuca. I think it has more pros and sounds like the best investment. I am a new MUA and finish school in 4 wks. I am nervous and excited. I plan on buying a zuca as well. Good luck choosing.
Jul 20, 2012
Brandy R.
Neither (I speak from experience with both). Zuca is extremely overpriced for what you get and unless you have a lot of time to set up and put away (which we usually don't) it is really a pain to take everything in and out of the bags. Hard train cases get EXTREMELY heavy to carry around, especially if you have to carry it up flights of stairs. I went with a soft-sided train case from NYX Cosmetics & with the pro discount it's only $140. It's huge and fits everything!!!
Jul 21, 2012
Reni V.
I use a vintage Samsonite train case (I just replaced the one I'd been using for fifteen years that was my mother's before that - so we're talking about a case from the 1960s that I replaced in 2012). I've had issues with many of the brands aimed specifically at makeup artists not being worth the price tag as far as quality goes, and I can't justify having to spend $200+ every few months to keep replacing it. It definitely depends on what you're doing as far as a gig. I know I can't carry enough in my Samsonite to do a full fashion show, but living where I do it's not a regular request. I found the case that I use on etsy for under $100, but i've also found them at local flea markets and garage sales for friends and family members.
Jul 22, 2012
Allana M.
Zuca! Check out the video on my page to find out why :)
Jul 24, 2012
Gaby M.
I've been using a hard case for ages now and it's great and all but I've been booking gigs that require me to fly and it is truly a pain to get that thing anywhere. I end up just taking the top section so I can carry it on because I would never ever feel comfortable checking in my kit and TSA always goes through it whenever it gets put through the xray. I've been looking into Zuca too because it seems to be a lot more travel friendly.
Aug 01, 2012
Monica H.
I love my zuca!!! It fits so much stuff in it! It is pretty small but it fits everything I need. The frame acts as a seat and it can hold up to 300lbs. The pouches clean easily and you can take the whole fabric part off of the frame and wash it. It is amazing. I was looking at one of the metal ones and It immediately decided on the zuca.
Aug 06, 2012
Pamela J.
Zuca! :)
Aug 07, 2012
Dede T.
Zuca! Traincases are soo heavy and bulky.
Aug 07, 2012
Amanda B.
Just bought my first Zucca a little over 3 months ago and I love it dont know how I went this long without it
Aug 09, 2012
Nicol D.
I have the hard heavy traincase. I so regret not getting a Zuca, that's my next purchase. MUA's I know use luggage but they say, their stuff moves too much for them and it's hard to find what you need because it's all over place.
Remember, your kit, no matter what you put in it, is going to be an investment! And you can write it off at the end of the year. :)
Aug 18, 2012
Yves E.
Zuca
Aug 18, 2012
May X.
Zucas are amazing i used mine for ice skating to put my skates and clothes and makeup, etc. in and it really comes in handy when you need a place to sit on but one thing I really liked is that you could take the actual bag off of the frame and clean it which is good when makeup gets messy. Anyway, I think zucas are amazing ;)
Aug 18, 2012
Yasmin K.
A few downsides to the trolly.
1. Weight. It's about 20 pounds WITHOUT product. Factor in product and depending on if you use it as one or two pieces you may soon find that you're going to pay $60+ when you check it in during a flight. I had to break mine down into two pieces since checking it in as one was 10 pounds overweight jumping the check in price from $25 to $110 but breaking it down into two pieces allowed me to check it in as two pieces - $25 and $35.
2. TSA NOT APPORVED. TSA/Delta took a crowbar or something to open mine up destroyed the trolly and removing my items from the bubble wrap and tape even opening some items so when I got it off the conveyer belt at the airport it I opened it up to find a wet, sticky mess. I had to file a claim and got the money to replace the items inside and the trolly but I've decided NOT to use the claim money to replace it for a like trolly and instead will save the money for IMATS and get a Zuca there.
3. Storage. I mean as in actually storing the case itself. Due to the height when it's one piece it needs a good deal of space in a closet to store. If broken down into two pieces it's easier to store (mine is now in two pieces since the top case no longer fits the bottom due to what TSA/Delta did to it).
Aug 19, 2012
Nicole R.
I agree with some of the posts above - Zuca is a bit overpriced for what you get, but it is the better choice between the two in my opinion. I got sold my hard train case because it was 1) too tall 2) too heavy.
I looked into getting a Zuca but I opted for a sturdy Samsonite suitcase instead, with pouches that I purchased from a makeup supply store for super cheap. The pouches are clear and have zippers so I have easy access and storage with them. They also have a strap so I can use them each individually if I wanted. If you buy a suitcase that is carry on size, you're set to travel as well.
Do some research on alternatives before making a commitment on an investment. Go with whatever is comfortable for you. Good luck!
Aug 20, 2012
Lizzie M.
I have a Zuca but looking to change to something I can work out of. I have researched and find this one that I might invest in and sell my Zuca for. Drawers/Makeup-Case-Soft-CasewDrawers.jpg
Aug 31, 2012
Dhandeaka H.
Have you considered a Stilazzi? They're about the same price as Zucas, but they fit into most overhead bins and are more versatile overall.