As so much time has passed since I first reviewed Cuyana’s Leather Travel Case Set (that was way back in 2018 – can you believe that was four years ago?), today I thought I would share an update on how I feel about these leather cases and show how they’ve held up over the years. And to aid in the comparison, I’ve staged these photos like the ones in my previous post (see if you can spot the Easter egg!).
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and I purchased the products shown. This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links.
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A Quick Refresher on the Leather Travel Case Set:
This set includes two pebbled leather bags in a range of color choices (I went with black to match the rest of my travel gear!), with a microsuede interior. The large case measures 7″ x 12″ x 3.5″, and the small case measures 5″ x 8″ x 2.5″. The cases are made in Argentina; the leather is cut and assembled by hand in small workshops owned by a family with two generations of experience. The tannery is also LWG Silver certified, ensuring the leather is tanned responsibly.
As for the price, currently, the duo is going for $168 (though I initially paid $110).
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How I Travel with Cuyana’s Leather Travel Case Set:
I’ve been using these cases regularly since I purchased them way back in September 2017 (I guess that technically makes this a four-and-a-half-year update!). The large case accompanies me on most trips, and I use the smaller case daily as my makeup bag.
The only time I don’t travel with these two items is if I’m limited to just a personal item – when that happens, I narrow down my essentials and everything goes in a smaller pouch. When I’m not traveling, I leave those toiletries in the larger case and store it in the closet inside my office cat’s bedroom.
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So, how have they held up after all these years?
I wish it weren’t so surprising that they’ve held up well over time – an overall decline in quality and planned obsolescence has really skewed my perception of how long we should be able to use things. But they’ve held up remarkably well despite the very rough nature of travel.
At first glance, they appear almost new because the pebbled leather hides scratches fairly well. But if you look closely, you’ll spot a few nicks in the material. And where you really start to notice the wear is on the zippers. They still glide with ease, but the metal appears discolored. Over time, I’ve learned to live with little imperfections like this, and it doesn’t bother me too much.
What does bother me though, is the lack of a barrier in the smaller bag. I mentioned this in my initial post, but I still regularly have to chase down rogue lipsticks and eyeliners that manage to escape the bag. Also in my initial post, I predicted I would have a difficult time removing any stains from the light-colored interior fabric, and my predictions ring true. Thanks to the pink coating on a pencil sharpener (that I thankfully no longer own), the inside of my makeup bag is stained. Again, I’m trying not to worry about things like this since the bag still functions exactly as intended.
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If I suddenly needed a new set of travel cases, would I buy the Leather Travel Case Set again?
Well, I’m on the fence. The volume of each bag is the perfect size for my travel essentials and makeup, but ultimately I think I’d prefer something more rectangular for ease in packing (it can get a little Tetris-y packing these oblong bags).
I don’t believe in replacing something that’s functioning well for me, but if I were to need to purchase new cases today, I might consider pairing the more rectangular Vanity Case and Tech Case instead.
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What are the things you look for in travel accessories? Have you noticed your perception of how long things should last has shifted over the years?
This was incredibly helpful – thank you for your honest review! I had concerns about the shape and interior storage as well so it was good to see how it’s worked for you 4 years on. Also love your touch of green 😆
Of course! It’s not an inexpensive item, so I want people to have all the info they need before making a purchase!
The air plant is no longer with us, so naturally broccoli had to stand in 😆😆