MAKEUP CASES BY MOTION PICTURE F/X COMPANY
(INDEPENDENT REVIEW)

This is an independent review of purchases I made a couple of years ago of some makeup cases. For years I've been working out of the usual "tackle box" case that lots of us seem to have for transporting materials around when we do makeup projects and such. As well the boxes of things we have to carry around don't always ride well when being transported. Further, I felt it was about time to get some decent looking, professional quality cases to carry around a lot of the makeup items I'd use when doing makeup projects and jobs or when I get hired to do an acting job and need to carry makeup items for my own personal use. So like many other people, I recently saw a post by Jeff Colbert on several of the makeup related bulletin boards talking about the cases his company - MOTION PICTURE F/X COMPANY - was selling as well as the other products, services and his video on creating movie quality fake teeth (review coming to this web site soon on that) that received great reviews elsewhere. Jeff has really built a GREAT business up and you should check out his web site for supplies and other great products. PLUS his service is so good that it beats many other supply places who take less interest in their customers.

Having made the decision to purchase some decent looking cases for my use, I checked out his product line. In several E-Mails and phone conversations with Jeff, I decided on three items with which to start. I purchased the MP-200, MP-120 and the MP-75. I wanted to see if these cases were of the quality that I've seen from other sources. I had a difficult time believing that FOR THE PRICE that they could be but I remained unbiased and neutral until they arrived so I could give an honest evaluation of them.

The order was placed the day I called and they were shipped almost immediately from their warehouse. About 6 - 7 days later they arrived. This was a standard shipping time from California to the mid-Eastern states where I live considering a weekend ensued during that time. But the shipment did come quite fast. I was as anxious as a kid at Christmas at the prospect of the new cases. They were SO well packed that it took me about 20 minutes to unpack the three cases. WELL PACKED and secure were the optimum words. What did we do without bubble wrap before? But when I got them all unpacked - finally - I began to look them over very carefully to determine the quality.

I must say that these cases are as good as ANY I have seen for twice the price. The MP-200 alone, I have seen for twice what this company charges for it. But they are all quite well constructed, with aluminum coverings (also available in black vinyl converings in most cases), with sturdy hardware, locks on all cases, excellent aluminum fittings for the "nested" sections, unique non-slip material covering the insides, unique adjustable compartment systems to change the compartments inside to accommodate whatever you might need to transport and good solid, sturdy construction overall. The three I bought to begin with were the MP-200 which has three removable sections that can be stacked in any order you want and snapped back together with the hardware, with a deep bottom section that has a drop-down front with 4 lightweight, aluminum, deep drawers and a storage area under those. The drop-down door has elastic straps which can accommodate a number of makeup brushes or the like. GREAT case to transport a lot of items for a bigger makeup project or superb for storage of a lot of items. This case also has a retractable luggage type handle and luggage wheels for ease of transport - just like a small carry-on piece of luggage you've seen. Excellent idea in my book.

The second case, the MP-120 is the standard, "tackle box" style case with cantilever trays that open out as you open the top section. Again, adjustable sections on the inside of the trays to accommodate whatever you'd carry. This also has the retractable luggage handle and wheels for transporting as well as a standard handle to pick it up and carry it. The MP-200 also has a handle on the top section if you were inclined to simply carry that one as well.

The third I purchased was the MP-75. This is a small, "personal" type makeup case which is just a small version of the above without the need for the luggage handle and wheels - it's small. But it's a great case for a personal makeup case. As an actor I constantly have to find some small case to tranport just enough makeup goods for my own needs when I'm doing a show and this is ideal.

I was SO impressed with these cases, the service I received and the courtesy of the owner that I decided to have others. So I just purchased two other new ones which are shipping as of this writing. I purchased the MP-95 and the MP-40. The MP-40 is another small "personal" type case but it has three drawers and a top section with deep compartments for carrying whatever you'd need. It's top flips up and there is a makeup mirror afixed to the inside of the top. This is great for doing makeup when the facilities you're in don't have mirrors or adequate counter space to apply makeup. Quite handy. Then the MP-95 is going to serve as a reasonable "hair goods" case as it has plenty of deep storage area for a couple of wigs, with compartments for hairspray cans, etc. As well this has the elastic straps on the swing out two front "doors" that can be used for combs, hair brushes and such. It's really a makeup case too as there is a mirror afixed to the inside of the lid. But I'm going to use it first as a hair case. There are other cases which will work better that I plan to get later.

I MUST say that if you're looking for any cases to accommodate your needs, these are DEFINITELY the way to go. He has constantly added to the list of cases since I bought these. I won't go into pricing here. You can see that for yourself on their web page. But suffice it to say, that EASILY I could have spent double for any one of these cases. I've seen them priced like that and that's partly what makes these so attractive to me now. I've seen several of these other places (perhaps different brands) but other's prices are way out of line. The prices on these are super. Thus I ended up buying 5 and I have my eye on three more and then other items beyond that. So if you are in need of cases, please check these guys out and give them your business. You WON'T be disappointed. I wasn't and I'm pretty picky. The service was excellent, the product was superb, the prices were reasonable and they look like they'll serve me quite well for a long time. I highly recommend you have a look. Check the photos of those which I bought. The other products are on their web site at the following link:

I don't think you'll ever go wrong with these and as we all know, the cost of things never goes down. But their prices are so good that you really don't feel burdened by being overcharged as so many places do with supplies and equipment we use. Give them a look.

I am posting this as a completely unbiased, independent review with the permission of Jeff Colbert and MOTION PICTURE F/X COMPANY. I am NOT a representative of that company nor connected in any way. I am a satisfied customer and as the owner of this web site, I am making recommendations to the members and friends of SAPSEMA who might be in need of these items. I get nothing for this review and it's totally my opinion. But I have bought 5 of these cases and I plan to have more. They're well worth every cent they cost. Give them a long look. As well they have other great makeup items and lots of other products and services. Let's get behind these folks and send some business their way.