Brushed With Greatness Project

Z New York Brushes by Cavewoman

Many years ago, on a trip to New York, I found a little tour guide magazine in my hotel room. I studied it as if I were going to take a test on its contents, and found a listing in the shopping section for a store called Zitomer. Cosmetics and jewelry were listed in that little ad, and that was enough for me. A short cab ride later, and I was standing in front of one of the most unusual little stores I've ever seen in New York. At Zitomer, well-dressed ladies, impossibly chic, toting tiny pups in Vuitton carriers, browsing cards of bobby pins and Judith Leiber bags, shopped next to nannies in uniform who were picking up toys and prescriptions, and little old ladies in flowered dresses dipping their fingers into face cream tester jars. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Zitomer has its own line of cosmetics, skincare items, and brushes. It was the brush display that caught my eye, with its well-balanced handles made of silver-painted wood, displaying the Z logo and "Made In France" distinction. I chose two brushes that day, and in other trips to Zitomer over the years, I added a few more to my collection. The Z New York brushes have natural bristles, some of blue squirrel which are the softest bristles I've ever used. Craftsmanship is absolutely the best, holding up easily as well as the Trish gold handle brushes I've recently reviewed for Blogdorf.

From the bottom: a small synthetic-bristle brush that is perfect for applying cream concealer under the eyes; a small shadow brush; the fabulous blue squirrel blunt-slant shadow brush (for perfect positioning of crease color;) a fluffy powder brush with a handle that's short enough to be great for travel or purse; a fabulously soft and tapered blush brush that might just be my favorite of all my Z's; a small tapered shadow brush that is great for precise application of highlighting shadows, and a round shadow brush for overall color.

I was pleased to see that Zitomer has its own web site now, so you can go see the brushes, the Z New York cosmetics and skincare, and everything else Zitomer has to offer online. But if you ever have the chance, pop your puppy into his carrier and head to the store yourself. And next door, take the pooch to the Z Spot, a little pet store with everything you need for your pet, including his or her poochie wedding cake. Rumor has it that a very famous female celebrity had her dog's wedding cake made at the Z Spot.

What that has to do with brushes is nothing. But you know by now that I always digress, just a little.

Disclosure: These products were purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman.