With the restrictions imposed by the TSA and airlines for both carry-on and checked luggage, packing items can be a little confusing. Some travelers often ask if they should put their makeup in a plastic bag or if they can pack it with other items. Fortunately, we have the answers to these burning questions.
The answer to this question is no, you do not have to put makeup in a plastic bag. However, this only covers makeup and cosmetic items that are solid; such as eyeshadow, blush, and powders. Makeup items in liquid, gel, or cream form must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and should be in a quart-sized plastic bag.
Packing make-up in either the carry-on or checked bags can be a little worrisome for some travelers because they are fragile. To help you out, we will be listing tips on packing makeup for your trip. We will also share some advice on keeping your cosmetics safe, so keep reading this post!
Do You Have To Put Makeup In A Plastic Bag At The Airport?
When packing for a trip, it can get a little stressful when you have to consider the items that can and cannot go in the luggage. This is especially true for carry-on bags because the TSA has rules for specific items that you can bring on board a plane.
If you are traveling with just a carry-on with you, you are probably aware of the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule. For many travelers, this bag often contains travel toiletries. But what about makeup? Do they have to go inside the 3-1-1 plastic bag too?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Unlike toiletries, the TSA does not have a specific rule for makeup products. However, since makeup comes in various types such as liquid, creams, or solids, you have to consider some items as part of the 3-1-1 bag.
Solid makeup does not need to be put in a plastic bag. You can put them inside your carry-on readily, but as many make-up users know, this can spell trouble for you. Some solid makeup are very fragile and they break easily, so it would be best to put them inside a cosmetics pouch or bag.
What Makeup Can I Bring?
There are no restrictions on the kind of makeup that you can bring on the plane, whether it will be in your checked luggage or carry-on bag. There are no specific rules for the kinds of makeup, but TSA does have some weight and volume restrictions for specific types of makeup.
As many travelers know, the TSA implements a strict 3-1-1 rule for liquids, creams, gels, and aerosol products. For makeup users, this would mean that a good number of products do fall under this category. If you are going to pack makeup in your carry-on, travelers should strictly follow this rule.
Some makeup that falls under the TSA's 3-1-1 rule are liquid foundations, setting sprays, nail polish, and moisturizers. Other items like liquid eyeliners, mascara, and lip gloss feel like they can skip being in the bag, but the TSA still considers them as a liquid. Make sure to pack these items inside your 3-1-1 bag.
As for powder makeup, your cosmetic bag can carry them without any issues. It's okay to carry your loose powder, eyeshadow palettes, blushes and bronzers, brow powders, and other similar makeup items. However, just make sure that one container of powder makeup does not go over 12 oz. based on TSA rules.
How To Properly Pack Makeup For A Trip
Use a makeup case
It is not a requirement but if you are an avid makeup user, you will know that makeup kept outside of a bag can get broken and generally just a mess. There is nothing worse than seeing your favorite palettes broken and smeared everywhere because you forgot to put them in a case.
If you are planning to travel with your makeup in your carry-on, make sure to get yourself a sturdy makeup case. A lot of artists and makeup users prefer using clear cases because they can easily see the contents even with just a glance.
For practical reasons, check out cases that have multiple compartments that can separate different items. You can flip over some makeup cases and put your makeup brushes on one side and the makeup on the other.
Get this makeup case on Amazon.
Get a sturdy reusable quart bag
As you know, some types of makeup should be inside a transparent quart-size plastic bag. You can use your regular ziplock bags in a bind. However, these bags are disposable so it breaks quite easily after a few uses. Save the planet and use reusable quart bags that are sturdier and will last for other trips.
There are many quart-size bags available on the market, from zippered ones to ziptop bags. When traveling, make sure to get quart bags that are leakproof and easy to clean in case anything spills inside.
Check out these quart-size bags on Amazon.
Utilize travel containers
Generally speaking, you can bring your makeup in your carry-on bags without having to transfer them to smaller containers. However, because there are limitations like putting every liquid inside a plastic bag, you might want to reconsider bringing the whole thing.
When traveling, it is best to decant or depot your makeup in order to put them in smaller containers. These small travel-size containers will easily pass through TSA inspection, and you get to bring more products with you.
Grab these makeup travel containers on Amazon.
List your makeup essentials
If you typically use a lot of makeup, you will have to learn to pare down on your selection if you are planning to bring them on a trip. To do this, make a list of your makeup essentials and try to go through the really important makeup essentials you want to bring.
Go for the best makeup that you have and try to narrow it down to the ones you really like to use. Have a selection of makeup that can get you from a day-to-night look, or even for a little glam without having to pack your entire collection.
Try using multi-use makeup
To maximize your makeup bag, consider using multi-use makeup so that you don't have to bring more items than you should. Tinted moisturizers with sunscreen, wet/dry foundation, and lip and cheek tints are some great examples of multi-use makeup that you can bring.
If you can, you should also try using alternative products like stick eyeshadows, cream blushes, and all-in-one palettes so you don't have to bring individual items in your case. These multi-use makeup products will definitely help you pare down your makeup to the bare essentials.
Grab yourselves some travel brush sets
Full-sized brush sets can be big and bulky, not to mention that there is a lot of them. A travel brush set will save you from this problem. These sets are smaller and more compact, and they only include the essentials for typical makeup applications.
If you think you need more, simply add a few extra brushes or makeup tools to your arsenal. Resist the urge to bring everything with you since it will be unlikely that you will use all of them anyway.
Check out these travel brush sets on Amazon.
Keep smaller tools in small pouches
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to check your other makeup tools like tweezers, nail clippers, disposable razors, and lash scissors in your luggage. You can definitely bring them with you on board, as long as the blades of the tools are not longer than 4 inches.
However, to keep everyone safe, wrap the tools as per TSA recommendations to prevent injury. Keep the smaller tools in a small pouch so your makeup case is clean and organized.
Final Thoughts
Fortunately, you can keep your prized makeup with you in your carry-on bags without problems. As long as you follow the restrictions from your airlines and the TSA, your cosmetics will be safe and sound. For less hassle, bring the essentials—you'll still look great on your vacation without the hassle.
