Until recently, I toted most of my makeup products around in various bags from the “free with purchase” offers at the mall makeup counters. They would get the job done, of course, and I’d always have a backup in case something spilled or the zipper broke – but they never sparked joy when retrieving them from my bag.
This review is not sponsored and I paid for these products myself. This post contains affiliate links.
Over the past year or two, I’ve begun spending my hard-earned cash on items that are well-made and will stand the test of time – even if they are more expensive to begin with. Last September, I ordered the two-piece Leather Travel Case Set in black pebbled leather from Cuyana. It’s a brand I’ve long admired and shopped, and it doesn’t hurt that the leather exactly matches my black crossbody pouch (no longer available) and my zippered tote (reviewed here). It also coordinates well with my suitcase and nylon travel tote, making my travel arsenal eye-pleasingly cohesive.
| February 2022 Edit: I've shared an update of this review after four years of consistent use here |
When the set finally arrived a week later, I was surprised at how large and sturdy the bags were. In fact, I was almost disappointed by how much structure the bags had, as I feared they would get crushed within my soft tote underneath an airplane seat.
I needn’t have worried, though; six months in they still look as good as new. I’m also impressed with the thought put into the design details of the bags. The zipper seems smooth, sturdy, and hardy, and the addition of tab feet at the base works to keep the bag upright.
But how do they function practically?
I use the smaller bag daily for my makeup, which makes it easy to throw into my bag before a trip (I just quickly toss any liquid items like eye drops or mascara into my liquids bag). It is just the right size for the items I may use in my daily routine: eye drops, caffeine eye roller, eye shadow primer, eye shadow, eyeliner, brow gel, mascara, serum, makeup primer, foundation, and lipstick.
Plus, by using it daily, I’m reducing my cost per use. The lighter-colored interior does give me pause; if something spills I’ll probably never be able to remove the stain, but I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. There is one slight nuisance that isn’t present in the larger bag, however: the zipper on the small bag opens fully from end to end, which doesn’t sound so bad, right? Unfortunately, I’ve had to chase down more than one rogue eyeliner pencil which managed to wriggle its way out of the pouch.
The larger bag doesn’t get as much use from me at home but it is indispensable when we are traveling. The larger pouch is where I store my non-makeup dry goods like razors, deodorant, my toothbrush, medicine and first aid items, cotton balls, cotton swabs, etc.
Unlike the small bag, the large bag contains a little slip pocket which helps reduce any searching for an item you’ll need quick access to. And since Cuyana included two flaps on either end of the zipper, I don’t need to worry about items falling out of this one nearly as much.
Overall I’m quite pleased with this purchase, especially considering how much I could have saved by continuing to use those freebie cosmetic bags. There is just something really lovely about traveling with a streamlined luggage set, and I’ve noticed that reducing visual clutter in all aspects of my life has had a huge overall impact on my mood (of course, I’m not saying that you’ll suddenly be calmer if you buy these bags; chances are nothing you buy will magically do that!).
I haven’t needed to condition my bags yet, but likely will spend part of an upcoming weekend caring for all of my leather goods. Cuyana doesn’t recommend a specific brand, but I’ve been contemplating purchasing either this one or this one (if you have a favorite, please let me know!).
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What are your favorite travel cases?
