Don't mind the box label. I definitely got the Artist Pro!

I've been relying heavily on my Zuca Artist Pro since receiving it as a present from a supportive friend two months ago. There's a sad lack of airline-approved luggage dedicated to makeup, and most of the makeup cases I've see are a tad too big to bring on board. In fact, if you really want to nit-pick, the Zuca is probably a centimetre over the dimension limit for some Australian aircrafts.

In being on tour with the Supanova Pop Culture Expo team as their in-house makeup artist, I've had to travel interstate with my kit. A few criteria for luggage was required:

• It has to be allowed on-board the flight. I hated the thought of powders being broken due to  rough handling, or lipsticks melted in the cargo hold. I don't know what goes on in there, so it's probably better to assume the worse.
• Must be easily carried around during the convention. I hate lugging too much stuff around because it's heavy and I'm prone to leaving things behind. 
• Well organised. The first time I travelled interstate, I chucked all my makeup in zip-lock bags within a normal luggage case. While that worked, it didn't look too professional.

My Zuca fits all my makeup and tools!

What I loved about my Zuca:

• It fits everything! This baby holds a lot more than it looks, with a roomy interior that allows the odd buldge at the sides.
• Multiple pockets. They've designed pockets on any side that was possible to have one.
• The built-in seat! If only it was adjustable. Is that asking too much?
• Clear, zipped pouches. It organises my makeup, stops them from moving around too much, and can be pulled out seperately.

What could be improved on the Zuca:

• If only a few cms could be shaved on each dimension, it wouldn't be a struggled to fit in on airline overhead storages. I had to store my Zuca lengthways as the sloping overhead doesn't accept it in any other position.
• Weight. With a carryon baggage limit of 7kgs, an empty Zuca already measures in at around 4kg. I've had to pull a few pockets out and discretely cram them into my shoulderbag as airline staff insists on measuring the Zuca on every flight due to it being a 'hardcase'. Most of the weight is due to the metal frame, which is there to hold up the built-in seat. However, I'd rather not have the seat in exchange for a lighter soft case.
• Prone to tipping when going over bumps and down ledges. I've found the Zuca is prone to twisting and tipping to the side due to the narrow width between wheels. If the wheels and handles were installed on the longer width (the way most suitcases are), this might help to stablise it.
• Adjustable handle height. Not sure if it's just me and my short arms, but I'd prefer if the handles could be secured at certain lengths, rather than having to extend all the way.

Zuca Artist Pro comes with 4 pouches. But I only use 4: For bases, lips, and eye makeup, plus one for misc tools.

My Zuca can currently hold all my makeup and I carry a large tote for my hair kit, which covers everything I need for a job. While I do recommend the Zuca, it isn't perfect. I find it's more suited to transporting my kit locally, than as airline luggage.

Other tips to consider if you're planning on getting a Zuca:

• Never use it as check-in baggage unless there's nothing breakable in there. The soft sides of the Zuca means things inside can get knocked around. Plus there's the possiblity of scratches and damage to the metal frame.
• Get a silver frame Zuca instead of a coloured frame. I bought a black framed Zuca, only to get the underside badly scratched going over a high ledge.  :( The paint came off to reveal the very obvious silver metal underneath.

*** Unless otherwise stated, all products are bought with my own funds and I am not affiliated with any mentioned brands or sellers. Reviews are 100% of my own opinion and experiences. ***

xxEva

Announcement time!!!

After 6 solid months of long nights, no social life, juggling of work and studies, as well as the usual sweat, blood and tears (well, I did do special effects!), I'm absolutely esctatic to annouce that I am now a diploma qualified, fully fledged makeup artist! Boo-ya!

I would like to thank all those who supported me through this last half year, offering their faces, time, and encouragement as I persued my passion. Big thanks to my trainers at the Academy of Makeup, who while shared their knowledge and experiences, provided me with the inspiration and motivation to pass all my assessments and make a start in the industry. Your threats worked well.

Special thanks goes to my models:  Chichi, Lydia, Annie, Sabrina, Silvia, Sheree, Jojo, Maz, Tash, Kathy, Sharmane, Angie, Caroline, Fu, Ed, Rai, Rhys, and my wonderful siblings (who agreed to be models without too much begging). I appreciated the time and patience you offered, as well as the opportunity to get way too accquainted with your faces. I think we've just stepped up to the next stage in our relationship. My apologies if I've left out naming anyone. Your precence was appreciated and I wouldn't have passed my course without you!

Finally, much love and thanks goes to my brilliant fellow student makeup artists. We've been through so much together in the last few months and it was hard to hold tears back as we left the building for the last time. I hope you guys succeed out there and that we keep in touch. Even though you're all competition, you're still all my friends. There will be times when we'll have to call on each other to tackle the big jobs! So if anyone lands on the next big Hollywood film set, you have my number. :)

The exprience has been absolutely amazing at the Academy of Makeup and I will not hesitate to point all aspiring makeup artists down Burnett Lane's dark alleyway.

xxEva

Drag makeup

Surprisingly, I was easily able to find a model for this session and more than a few boys were up for it. I'm guessing guys must have some sort of curiousity with being in drag. It's usually so taboo, right? But looking beyond the prejudice and stereotype, you'll realise there are some guys out there with incredible makeup skills!

So the focus of the makeup seems to be lavish colours and OTT everything. Not only is it trying to smooth out masculine features, but also to keep it glamourous and beautiful. For those being in drag often, the guys would generally be clean shaven with no eyebrows. This makes it easier to draw false brows on.

As it wasn't recommended to shave my model's eyebrows, I had to block them out with wax before drawing them back in at a higher position. Why higher? This gives the illusion of more space under the brows, as per feminine features.

Glamour and socket eye technquies are perfect for drag looks. I kinda did a combination; defining a socket and blending out the corners. Bright blue eyeshadow was packed on under glitter, with plenty of shimmer on the 'brownbone' and top and bottom false lashes. That's the other thing about drag makeup: they love glitter, love shimmer, and love big false lashes.

It really helped that my model had softer features and not much facial hair. So much easier to work with! Finally, I added a wig and his transformation into a glamourous drag queen was complete!

xxEva

1940s makeup with Veronica Lake-esque hair

The last century has had drastic changes in fashion and style, ranging from the demure and muted to loud and colourful. I was lucky (?) to have just missed the crazy eighties, and grew up as part of Gen Y. While there are still clothes I wouldn't be caught dead in again, I don't feel fashion for the 90s and 00s were as clearly defined as those in the last few eras.

Here's a quick run through of the main focus for makeup and hair of the era:

1920s
Makeup: Thin brows, black/brown eyes, orange/red/deep rose lipsticks
Hair: Short bobs, pageboy styles, finger waves, pin curls, spit-curling

1940 victory rolls

1930-1940s
Makeup: Natural brows, long lashes, luscious lips
Hair: Victory rolls, Veronica Lake waves, pin curls, strong side part

1950s
Makeup: Flicked liquid eyeliner, red lips
Hair: curled, structured, hot rollers used, covered in scarves

1960-1970s
Makeup: Socket eyes, Twiggy lashes, bronzed/tanned skin, smokey eyes, nude/glossy lips
Hair: Voluminous hair, wide headbands, loose curls, straightened hair, teasing, beehives, plaited

1970s socket eye hippie chic

1980s
Makeup: Bright, bold, colourful, over the top on eyes, lips, and cheeks
Hair: Big, permed/frizzy, Madonna ponytails, crimping

I'll probably go into depth on this later, but googling comes up with plenty of inspiration and looks that defined these eras. :)

xxEva