travel makeup bag reddit

Browse links

• © 2024 BuzzFeed, Inc
• Consent Preferences
• Accessibility Statement

Beauty + Personal Care

Sports + Fitness

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

19 Of The Best Travel Makeup Bags So You Can Jet-Set In Style

Time to create some stunning looks while you adventure across the world.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. A 2-in-1  Lay-n-Go makeup bag  which ingeniously fans out into a durable, machine-washable mat, so you can actually lay out all the products you need without having to rifle even a little bit.

Promising review: "As an avid traveler with a lot of cosmetics and moisturizers, I had to resort to using plastic Ziploc bags to hold it all because my pretty carriers just took up too much room in my carry-on bag. This is so wonderful to just loosen it and place it on the hotel counter and everything is there and can be easily organized for my stay. When ready to leave I just tighten the strings! Plus it makes the hotel bathroom look so much more organized rather than my placing the items on one of their hand towels on the counter. Kudos on an awesome product!" — Customer

Get it from Amazon for $19.95+  (available in three sizes and 23 colors).

This is also on our list of  travel products for your next flight !

2. A clear makeup bag  with a secret brush compartment on the bottom that'll be an unspeakably improved upgrade from any Ziploc bag or run-of-the-mill clear pouch.

Promising review: "I have been using this for a couple of months and I love it. It fits everything you need, it’s the perfect size, it fits a huge amount of stuff but is not too big or heavy. I love that it’s transparent cause it makes it easy to find things, but my favorite is the bottom pocket where you can fit the brushes. I used to have to carry two different bags. With this one, I only carry one thing. It’s amazing. I love it!" — Adriana Rodriguez

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and seven colors).

3. A Beis makeup bag  featuring a magnetic brush holder, a removable mirror, and an indestructible, spill-proof lining rife with viral TikTok moments — see: literally curb-stomping a blush inside  and then wiping up the mess, no problemo.

Promising review: "I love my new makeup travel case! It holds everything cosmetic-wise that I would ever need to travel with and has great accessories. The magnetic brush holder is so nifty and the included mirror is great in a pinch. The outside of the case is a vegan leather that is smooth and soft to the touch. But the wipe away material on the inside of the case was the feature I was most excited about (just in case makeup were to spill inside), and it works wonderfully! I accidentally knocked a coffee across the desk I was using, and it of course got all over my open makeup case. Luckily, the material wiped clean easily and now is as good as new! I couldn’t say the same for my exposed makeup however haha. Although a little pricey, I believe this case is durable and will last a long while!" — Cierra P.

Get it from Beis for $68 (available in two colors).

Check out more TikTok-famous beauty products here!

4. A  travel makeup bag  you won't believe is so affordable for how much better it makes your life. The zip-out brush compartment reveals an extra pocket for some travel-size goodies.

Promising review: "Been using this makeup bag for about 6 months now. I've used 20+ makeup bags and this is by far my favorite! Everything stays organized and it's very easy to access. I usually open it from the front and access everything from there. It is very easy to see everything and has eliminated frustrating moments when I'm in a rush. I also love it because it's a soft and flexible structure which makes it easy to pack in a suitcase when space is limited. It's holding up well. If it ever fails, I will definitely buy another one. That's how much I love it!" — NYC mama

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+  (available in two sizes, with a zip opening or wire-frame opening, and 11 designs).

If you need some ideas, check out some travel-size beauty products that are suitable for carry-ons !

5. A compact  travel makeup bag  small enough to throw in a backpack. It's ideal for separating your makeup products from those brushes that you haven't washed in years (or, let's be honest, ever) thanks to the bottom compartment.

Promising review: "I love how sturdy this makeup bag is. I place all my brushes in the bottom portion and my makeup compacts and liquids in the top portion. Great product." — AvGirlTX

Get it from The Container Store for $39.99 (available in three colors).

6. A travel makeup bag  giving off designer handbag vibes with the creamy faux leather construction, but with the added functionality of a wire-frame opening and a built-in zippered brush compartment.

Promising review: "I love how mature this looks; it is perfect for traveling for work and feels classy. I love that the top stays open so I don't have to dump everything on a towel on the hotel bathroom counter. The pockets inside help keep things neat and I can fit all my brushes I need underneath. The only thing I don't like is that you can't access the bottom pocket while the top is open (which I knew when I bought it, and if you could the brushes would be less secure and protected). I love this bag and have recommended it to other people I work with. Would definitely buy again." — MissMattie

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in four colors).

7. A  small makeup bag  with a deceptive amount of compartments, mesh pockets, and elastic brush slots for the size, so even if you're a makeup maximalist, you'll be able to pack light every time.

Promising review: "I bought this makeup bag almost a year ago, and I still use it on a daily basis. I'm the type where I make last minute plans, go away for the weekend on a minute's notice, and I can easily throw this bag in a suitcase, backpack, my car, and have everything ready to go. The brush holders on the inside easily fit all the brushes I need, and the detachable mesh insert holds all of my fundamentals. It won't hold a large eyeshadow palette (I usually use the NAKED palettes and that won't fit easily) but it'll fit smaller and individual palettes no problem. Also, if you're like me, usually my makeup bags get so dirty on the inside from brushes and accidentally opened eyeliners. I haven't had a single issue with this bag. Everything has a place, so nothing has the chance to break or crumble. Not to mention it's good quality! No tears, rips, problems with the zipper, nothing in an entire year. This bag is reliable and worth the buy! As soon as the one I have wears out (which doesn't look like it'll be for a while) I'm buying another!" — Tawny Gorbutt

Get it from Amazon for $6.79+ (available in 10 colors).

8. A Sonia Kashuk makeup bag  in a sleek black design you can tote around wherever you go and look like an absolute travel pro.

Promising review: "I’ve had this for almost a year now and it is one of the best purchases ever. It’s so practical. I have two littles and when I don’t have time to get ready before we leave for school in the morning, it’s nice to have everything conveniently in one bag. There’s a compartment for brushes/tweezers etc, then a bigger compartment for all of your makeup needs. You can easily fit a brush, and extra accessories in it as well." — MWhite24

Get it from Target for $19.99 .

9. A leather makeup bag  that'll be the classiest accessory by your side as you jet-set around the world, because life is too short not to travel in style. 

Drina Crafts  is an Etsy small business based in Romania started by Drina, a mother of two who designs and creates high-quality leather bags.

Promising review: "Simply stunning!!! Can't imagine I came across this 'must have' bag, it's beautiful and well-made, has an expensive look, and holds all my beauty treats. It's very neat, but can I tell you, it holds a lot! Instead of having my beauty products scattered in my bag, they can all be fitted in this. Shipped from Romania to UK in no time. I definitely recommend this shop because of its good craftsmanship and attention to simple detail. It's leather, so I'll have it for a long time! Love, love, love!!!" — LoveMyself

Get it from  Drina Crafts  on Etsy for $59.39 (available in three colors).

10. A travel makeup organizer  including three mesh organizers for the purist who likes their liquid foundations and powder foundations to have their own designated space.

Promising review: "I wanted to visit this in person before buying, and it was a pretty easy sell. The quality is great (well worth the price) and the size is just right for pretty much everything I have, including my fairly sizable go-to palette. I really like that you can take the inside bags out and fill the base compartment if needed (or swap in and out depending on what you need); so it's almost like three bags in one." — widgetoc

Get it from Ulta for $28 (online only price; originally $40).

11. A travel makeup bag  any makeup artist would be proud to carry, featuring deeper, adjustable compartments that can fit all your essentials, not just some.

Watch this TikTok of this travel makeup bag in action!

Promising review: "AWESOME. I read a million reviews and tried to make a subjective choice before I commit...this one was dead on. I put my makeup on in the car and often tote my makeup bag wherever I go. This saves me time by keeping my makeup organized! The dividers are sturdy and moveable, the material on the bag would definitely be waterproof and easy to wipe foundation or any other dirt off the outside or inside. It's also padded in a sense, so it would be great for travel and you could even put perfume in it and I'm sure it wouldn't break. EVERY PENNY WORTH IT!" — Kristin

Get it from Amazon for $19.98+  (available in four sizes and 15 designs). 

12. A compact  travel makeup bag  that will survive TSA , the most violent of suitcase smashings, and any number of transfers in and out of your carry-on, all while keeping your Nars Orgasm blush in pristine condition.

Promising review : "I got the small bag and love this for travel or everyday touch-up items. It's doesn't fit a lot of makeup so getting travel size products will help a lot. I've always used a big bag of makeup for traveling and end up not using it. It's always annoying because I'm stuck carrying it around if I'm moving around cities or towns. I have to be very precise with this bag about what I bring. This bag fits all the brushes I need. All in all I recommend this bag, if you need more space the bigger version will definitely fit your needs." — Arleen

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+  (available in four colors and two sizes).

13. A triple-zip compartment  hanging makeup bag  with a deceptive amount of storage space, so if you can't decide between a few products and your entire makeup drawer, now you don't have to! 

Promising reviews: " I saw this on TikTok and purchased it for my trip! Got back home and use it in my own bathroom. I love it that much! Best Amazon purchase I’ve ever made!" — Amazon Customer

"I bought this bag specifically for when I travelled across the country with my two small children. One of whom is a medically complex child. I put ALL of my toiletries, ALL their toiletries, and ALL of my son's medications in this bag. Everything fit perfectly, and nothing was broken. The hanger is durable and carried lots of weight when it hung on the back of the bathroom door. I bought the largest size, and it was 100% worth what I paid for. If you are traveling by yourself, I would recommend the smaller size. But if you are packing for others or just pack heavy, definitely buy the larger size. I absolutely loved it! And it was very compact in my suitcase. Very sturdy as I carried it. I HIGHLY recommend buying." — Hannah Funderburk

Get it from Amazon for $24.39+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 

14. A clear makeup bag to end all clear makeup bags if you're not a light packer by any means, and your epic makeovers require two ginormous compartments and an interior mesh compartment to be contained.

Promising review: "The quality is AMAZING! I travel with a lot of beauty supplies and I was able to condense my personal items from two separate bags into the one. My items are easily accessible and fit nicely in the two sections as well as the one smaller pocket. Love the bag!" — Leah S.

Get it from Calpak for $75+ (available in mini and regular size, and five colors).

This is also on our list of travel toiletry bags  if you're also looking for those!

15. A travel makeup case  equipped with five interior pockets, two exterior zipped pockets, and supreme flexibility so you can fold down the sides and see everything your collection has to offer.

Etoile is an Asian woman-owned small biz based in Melbourne, Australia creating beauty organization solutions.

Promising review: "Great makeup bag. I love all the separations inside the bag plus two zippered pockets on the outside for brushes and pencils. Big enough for moisturizer, primers or whatever. Highly recommend." — Sharron S.

Get it from Etoile for $75 (available in three colors).

16. A quilted travel makeup bag  with enough storage room for even your most jumbo eye palettes, not to mention pockets for your lucky brushes and a protective double-layer structure.

Promising review: "I am so obsessed with this product! It is the perfect size for travel, yet it still has enough room for everything I need! At the top zipper, it perfectly holds all of my brushes plus a pallete I have! The large compartment is good for almost everything else. There's a small zipper I put my bobby pins in, I put my nail polishes in the side pockets, and all of the rest of my makeup has its own personal spot! It helps me be so organized, it is PERFECT! It also is super cute to travel with too!" — D. Cates

Get it from Amazon for $32.95  (available in two colors).

17. An adorable  makeup pouch  available in over 20 eye-catching designs if you need something quick, easy, and versatile you can grab for your next impromptu weekend away.

Promising review: "I loved this bag y’all, I got the blueish one and it’s a pretty good size, maybe a little bigger than a makeup bag. It’s double sided, so on the outside it’s soft blue but on the inside it’s sturdy beige canvas. The colors go super well together. Also the zipper is super sturdy, I pack it full of my skincare stuff (it’s a lot of heavy smallish bottles) and the zipper has yet to even split or anything. There are no pockets on the inside but I still find it super useful. If you use makeup and want to use this bag for that, even though makeup is notorious for making a mess of the inside of a bag, it washes pretty well without shrinking too. I washed it in a washing machine and let it air dry and it was good as new. Good impulse Amazon purchase, everyone needs a good makeup bag." — MES

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 25 designs).

18. A travel makeup bag  that's incredibly Instagrammable courtesy of the pastel, leather-like exterior and gold hardware, in addition to getting your makeup out of whatever crusty receptacle you've been touting thus far.

Promising review: "Perfect size for a carry-on, weekend bag, or holding makeup daily. Fits all my makeup, face products, toothpaste, etc. perfectly!!! I’m so happy it all goes into one. The dividers are changeable which was super convenient. Love the light blue color too and the brush holder." — Jennifer

Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in seven colors).

19. A combo  makeup and jewelry case  with an ingenious design that will make you think, "How has no one thought of this before??" The linen bottom compartment stores your jewelry while the nylon top one takes care of your skincare and makeup needs.

Also available in a smaller size for $79!

Get it from Mark & Graham  $99.99  (available in nine colors).

Check out our full list of travel jewelry cases !

You, after gifting yourself a makeup bag that will make every trip a million times better:

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Share This Article

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE

Our top pick is the Relavel Travel Makeup Case

L.A. Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE who specializes in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. She also regularly tests products for multiple digital outlets, including InStyle and Byrdie. When she's not window shopping online or creating pro and con lists, you'll find her drinking tea and talking about her feelings.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Tried
• What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why trust people.

• What Is PEOPLE Tested?

People / Brian Kopinski

There are many travel makeup bags designed to transport your beloved cosmetics for glam on the go. These products are made to keep your products intact and organized on your journey.

Beyond choosing a high-quality case, celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli suggests swapping out some of your usual products with multi-use alternatives. “Think of things like tinted moisturizers with sunscreen, lip, eye, and cheek products, and perhaps a palette that offers multiple colors that you can use across your trip,” says Scibelli. Another travel tip from Scibelli is to replace powder items with creams. “Items like powder bronzers and blushes can easily crack during travel, so if you can switch to cream bronzers and cream blush — that can be super helpful."

We tested 26 of the most popular travel makeup bags based on durability, design, portability, capacity, and price to see which held up the best. After the eyeshadow dust settled and liquid foundation explosions were cleaned up, we found our best overall picks.

Read on for the best travel makeup bags that PEOPLE tested and expert advice on how to pack your makeup for your next getaway.

Best Overall

Relavel travel makeup case.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5
• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

External padding keeps makeup from breaking

Zipper top opens fully so all products are visible

Easy to clean

Bulky shape is harder to pack

Backpack straps not super stable

This Train Case from Relavel blew us away during testing. We love how easy it is to store, organize, and access the makeup and brushes. The zipper top opens fully so you can see everything at a glance. We really appreciate the individual brush holders and easy-to-clean plastic protective cover, too.

This travel makeup bag is an organizational dream. The individual dividers can be moved around and customized to best fit and secure all your products. During testing, this case fits an impressive seven palettes, a whole makeup brush collection , two foundation bottles, five toiletry bottles, over 15 lipsticks, an eyelash curler, hair spray, and a travel-sized moisturizer bottle. The exterior and interior fabrics on this case feel high quality and durable, and the waterproof surfaces are easy to clean. 

The internal organization will keep your products securely in place, while the exterior padding will provide a safety cushion. In our drop and shake tests, none of the makeup products broke or spilled. The only possible drawback for us is that the bulkier, square shape would fit best in your checked luggage instead of a backpack.

How It's Held Up

After five months of use, this Relavel case has become our tester’s everyday makeup bag. She appreciates how it neatly stores her most-used makeup tools in pockets and a double-layer compartment. Even when she fills the case, it’s still easy to zip. She has packed the Relavel in a duffel bag, carry-on suitcase, and backpack, and it has adequately protected all her products during travel. After five months, the exterior still looks great, and the zippers operate smoothly.

Size: 10.3 x 9 x 3.6 inches | Weight: 1.52 lbs. | Material: Nylon, TPU | Closure: Zipper

People / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Béis the cosmetic case.

Faux leather exterior still looks new after multiple drop tests

Main storage compartment keeps products protected

Super easy to clean

Not much organization or separation of the main compartment

Takes up a lot of backpack space

Shay Mitchell's brand, Béis, is known for its beloved Weekender Bags — and its cosmetic case was also a front-runner in our tests, scoring high marks across the board. This case is super easy to open, close, and pack. We love the wide-open central compartment that makes tossing in all your hair and makeup essentials an absolute breeze.

We really like the removable compartment for storing brushes and the additional zip pocket for added storage. The bottom of the case has two smaller sleeve pockets but doesn’t offer any other organization. While it doesn’t have many compartments, this case can really pack in the products. The luxurious feel of the faux leather elevates this travel makeup bag. We also love that it is available in nine different colors to match your style and mood.

Overall, it feels sturdy and durable and is easy to clean. During our drop and shake tests, nothing broke or spilled, which really impressed us, considering the main cavity didn’t have any additional compartments to keep products in place. This Béis makeup case offers ample storage, so its bigger size fits best in suitcases or luggage.

This Béis case has come in handy during the three trips our tester has taken in the past five months. She previously traveled with two cases, one for skincare and another for makeup, but this spacious bag holds it all. Through all her travels, it has remained clean and sturdy, with no noticeable imperfections.

Size: 9.5 x 4 x 7 inches | Weight: 1.38 lbs. | Material: PU leather, PVC, lining: poly with water-resistant finish | Closure: Double U-zip

Best Budget

Narwey travel makeup bag.

• Design 2 /5

Impressive capacity but still easy to pack in a backpack or carry-on

Full zipper closure gives easy access to contents

Kept makeup secure during testing

No separate organization compartments or padding

For a super inexpensive price, this Narwey Travel Makeup Bag will get your makeup to and from your destination safely and with ease. This bag has a full zipper closure that is easy to open and provides full access to everything. The exterior fabric is water-resistant and easy to clean.

The main compartment of this travel makeup bag is 3.5 inches deep, which is generous compared to some other bags we tested. Separate brush pouches with a PVC protective cover and an additional smaller zipper pouch offer some organization. There isn’t any designated organization to the main compartment, but we still found it holds quite a bit. We were able to fit two full sets of face and eye brushes (19 brushes in total), two face palettes, a color-correcting palette, three eyeliners, four lipsticks, a mascara, and a lash curler . The capacity for the case is phenomenal, while still being compact enough to put into a day pack.

Size: 9 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 7.8 oz. | Material: Not listed | Closure: Full double zip

Best Organization Features

Dagne dover mila toiletry organizer.

• Capacity 4 /5

Dividers keep products organized and secure

Compartment dividers are removable for added space

Upright design is easy to pack and fit into smaller luggage and backpacks

Narrow, upright design couldn’t accommodate as many products

Dagne Dover bags are loved for being high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and eco-conscious. Their Mila Toiletry Organizer continues in that legacy and delivered an impressive organization throughout our testing process. Available in six colors, we love the upright design that proves much more spacious than it appears. The full zipper top opening makes packing, viewing, and accessing the products super easy. 

The separate compartments make organizing simple and keep the products securely in place. Even better, the compartment dividers are removable for easy cleaning and maximum storage. The padded exterior not only gives a hint of that trendy athleisure aesthetic but also offers added protection in transit.

During testing, we fit four makeup brushes, two makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, three lipsticks, four small toiletry bottles, and one hairspray in this bag. This is impressive, considering the size. We did note that the bag's narrower design didn’t hold quite as much as other larger bags we tested. (The brand does offer a larger size ).

During five months of use, our tester became more and more impressed with the Mila bag. While the bag isn’t very wide, its height and the removable and adjustable slots make organization a breeze. She appreciated the high-quality material and capacity of the bag, which fit more than expected. The bag is easy to pack and keeps all her products secure and protected during travel.

Size: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 6 oz. | Material: Repreve recycled polyester exterior and interior | Closure: Zip

Best Hanging

Béis hanging cosmetic case.

• Portability 4.5 /5

Fit more products than our standard packing list

Sturdy structure and shape kept all makeup secure during the shake and drop tests

Includes a removable clear zipper tote that's ideal for smaller toiletries

Bulky shape takes up a lot of room and isn't as malleable as others we tested

In vertical position, clear zipper pouch in main compartment doesn’t stay in place

It's not fun to do your hair and makeup in a tiny bathroom with no counter space for your stuff. The Béis Hanging Cosmetic case is our top pick to solve this common travel challenge. We love how easy this case is to open and pack. It unfolds and lays fully flat, which makes packing a cinch.

We were so impressed with how much we could fit in this bag. We packed four makeup brushes, six makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, five lipsticks, seven toiletry bottles, one hairspray, and four eyeliners.

The construction of this case feels sturdy and durable. The nylon fabric feels super easy to keep clean. During our shake and drop tests, all of the products remained intact and secure. This hanging case is on the bulkier side and would take up a lot of room in a carry-on backpack or tote. It’s probably best for larger suitcases. We appreciate the middle compartment came with a clear zipper tote you can remove and use as a TSA-friendly toiletry case for a smaller carry-on or underseat luggage . The only drawback is the clear zipper pouch can fall out when the back is stored vertically, so it’s best to store it elsewhere when hanging.

This hanging case has been ideal for longer trips our tester has taken because it holds a ton of products. She loves that it hangs on the back of a door, so it’s easy to access everything at once. The bag is very durable and easy to wipe clean, and she hasn’t noticed any damage during the past five months of use. Her favorite thing is the bag’s capacity and numerous organization pockets. Because it is bulky, she doesn’t take the entire case on short vacations, but she loves that it includes a removable makeup pouch that she can bring on weekend trips.

Size: 9.75 x 7.25 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 1.14 lbs. | Material: Nylon twill, vegan buffalo leather, polyester lining, pouch-clear TPU | Closure: Double U-zip

Best Hanging, Less Expensive

Boacay hanging travel toiletry bag.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5
• Quality 4 /5
• Capacity 3.5 /5
• Portability 4 /5

Products visible in plastic compartment pockets

Products stayed intact during shake and drop tests

Exterior fabric is not as luxurious as others

Bulkier silhouette is better for large checked suitcases

This hanging toiletry bag from Boacay offers the convenience of vertical storage for an affordable price. The fold-out design makes packing and viewing the products very easy. This bag includes four separate zipper compartments that stay securely closed when hanging.

We packed a lot into this hanging case. We were able to fit four makeup brushes, three makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, two lipsticks, four toiletry bottles, and two hairspray cans. We tested the medium size, however, this product also comes in a larger size for those who need even more space.

The structure of this bag provided protection throughout our multiple shake and drop tests. Some of the products moved around a bit, but the fold-up design helped keep most things in place. We also appreciate the elastic loops in the middle two compartments that can help secure items.

Our tester has been using this hanging travel bag every day for the past five months. This convenient bag has become her regular makeup case. The hanging bag is durable and hasn’t sustained rips or tears. A small amount of powder that spilled in one of the pockets was easy to clean. She also loves the elastic straps inside two of the pockets that keep tubes and bottles separated and upright. Her one issue with the bag is that the plastic pockets bend quite a bit when full, which sometimes allows items to fall out.

Size: 11.42 x 3.78 x 7.48 inches | Weight: 12.3 oz. | Material: Exterior fabric not listed, PVC inner pockets | Closure: Full zip

Best Compact

Lululemon go getter pouch.

• Design 4 /5

Fits easily in backpack and smaller carry-on

Pliable exterior is easier to pack and squeeze into a fuller backpack or suitcase

Water-repellent and easy to wipe clean

Needed to rummage at bottom to find items

Exterior is thin and less protective than others we tested

If you’re looking for a sleek and portable travel makeup case that you can throw in any bag, the Lululemon Go Getter Pouch is the one for you. Don’t let the compact silhouette fool you, we were able to fit quite a bit into this case. In the small front compartment, we fit four small/medium-sized brushes with room for more. We packed two palettes in the mesh pouch and five brushes, one more palette, two lipsticks, one foundation bottle, and three micellar travel bottles in the main pouch.

The outer water-repellent material made from recycled polyester looks stylish and, better yet, is also easy to clean. It feels thinner than other bags we tested — no extra padding here. After shaking and throwing the bag a few times during testing, a few caps came off some products, but thankfully, there were no spills or breaks. The tops of some lipsticks were a tad smushed. The design of this pouch is simple and straightforward without much internal organization. While the bag was able to fit many products, the lack of organized compartments made it difficult at times to find a specific product needed. 

The compact size of this big is a major highlight as it easily fits in a backpack, weekender bag , carry-on luggage, and a checked bag. We especially like the flexible fabric exterior, which makes squeezing it into an already full bag much easier. The price point is affordable for a well-known brand and makes it a great choice for those prioritizing portability in a travel makeup bag. 

Since she started using this pouch five months ago, our tester has taken the bag on a week-long trip. Because of its small size, she found it was a tight squeeze to fit her makeup and other items like an eyelash curler and brushes. While the bag is durable and didn’t rip during use, she found that her foundation left a stain on the fabric. Her least favorite thing about the bag is the lack of organizational features, which left her digging around or dumping everything out to find what she needed.

Size: 8.7 x 3.3 x 6.3 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Recycled polyester | Closure: Zip

Best Leather

Leatherology train case.

Square shape and deep main compartment hold a lot

Impressive internal organization

Water-resistant lining is easy to clean

Available in 12 colors and can be personalized

Not as sturdy feeling when empty

More expensive than others

Looking for luxury and durability? Leatherology’s classic, square-shaped train case will transport your makeup safely and in style. This bag’s full-grain leather exterior feels and looks like a dream. We appreciate the water-resistant lining that will be easy to keep clean. The full-zip-around closure allow for easy packing, access, and viewing of all the products. The main compartment is deep enough to pack some bottles standing up. We packed four makeup brushes, three makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, three lipsticks, seven small toiletry bottles, and one hairspray. 

Despite initially feeling less sturdy when empty, this bag feels very secure once packed with products. The thin padding between the exterior and interior layers also adds additional protection. It fared well in all our shake and drop tests. No makeup or toiletries were broken or spilled, and the leather still looked great. The price is higher than some of the other bags we tested, but the genuine leather exterior, easy-to-clean interior, and loads of pockets make it well worth the cost.

This small train case from Leatherology has been our tester’s go-to bag for weekend and week-long trips. It fits everything she needs and then some, including larger eye shadow palettes. The case is super durable, and the interior still looks practically new. The outside has a foundation stain, but since it’s made of leather, our tester expects to get it out with a little elbow grease. She loves the size for longer trips but feels like it takes up too much room in her weekender bag to make it feasible for short trips. 

Size: 7.5 x 5 x 5.2 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Full grain leather exterior, water-resistant synthetic interior | Closure: Zip-around

• People/Jhett Thompson

Best Makeup Case Set

Cuyana leather travel case set.

Wide opening easy to pack and access

Genuine leather is easy to clean

Sleek and elegant

Not as much padding as other bags we tested

This Travel Case Set from Cuyana is ideal for those wanting additional storage and the option of different sizes. The materials on these sleek, elegant leather cases feel durable and high quality. We learned the width of the opening can be a bit deceiving. We had to remove some products we initially packed in order to fully close the bag. In the larger bag alone we were still able to pack four makeup brushes, two makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, one lipstick, four toiletry bottles, and one hairspray and definitely had room for several more products. The second smaller case would be great for brushes, jewelry, or essential toiletries for your carry-on. 

At first, the soft leather exterior of these cases didn't feel as sturdy as the other ones we tested, but they still kept the products secure in our tests. A little bit of eyeshadow was the only makeup to spill during multiple drops and shake tests, but it was easily cleaned up. Getting two genuine leather travel makeup cases for this price is a great deal. We also like the option to choose which size feels most appropriate for different types of travel.

As a self-proclaimed overpacker, our tester was not able to store everything she needed in this set for a longer trip. For short, local trips, she found the small pouch to be ideal for carrying all of her essentials in a backpack. She appreciated the high-quality, durable material and how the two cases fit into one another for easy storage. After five months of use, the bags showed no signs of wear, and the few smudges that appeared were easy to wipe away.

Size: 7 x 12 x 3.5 inches (large), 5 x 8 x 2.5 inches (small) | Weight: 1 lb. | Material: 100% sustainable, Argentinian leather | Closure: Zip

Best Investment

Cuyana travel beauty case.

• Quality 4.5 /5

Removable leather pouch provides extra storage and protects fragile items

Opens fully and is easy to pack and access

Pockets and elastic loops for organization

Minor scuffs on exterior after drop tests

The Cuyana Travel Beauty Case is the epitome of fashion and function together in one beautiful bag. The Italian leather exterior elevates the classic design of this travel makeup bag. The rectangular case opens up fully (like a clamshell), and we found it was super easy to pack. 

The internal organization is both super functional and beautiful, thanks to the matching leather interior. We appreciate the designated elastic loops for makeup brushes along with the leather flap to secure the brushes in place. The bonus removable leather zipper pouch adds another level of organization. An additional pocket at the bottom of the main compartment secures even more products. We were able to fit eight makeup brushes, two makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, four lipsticks, four toiletry bottles, and one hairspray. 

The leather exterior and interior protected our makeup well during our shake and drop tests. Only a few items shook loose, but nothing broke or spilled. We noticed a few minor scuffs after dropping and throwing the bag a few times, but they were easily wiped away with our fingers. While the high price is certainly an investment, this travel case will be a beautiful piece to add to your travel collection for years to come. 

During the past five months, our tester has used this Cuyana case for every trip she has taken. She was able to fit a ton inside and found the smaller pouch to be ideal for bringing a couple of things along for touch-ups. She appreciates all the organizational touches, from brush straps to a large compartment with a sleeve, and how protective the case is. The case has kept her eye palettes damage-free on trips around the world. She generally checks the large case and keeps the small pouch with her. The exterior of the bag is durable, easy to wipe clean, and looks as good as new.

Size: 6.2 x 10.2 x 3.1 inches | Weight: 1.6 lbs. | Material: Italian pebbled leather | Closure: Metal zip, internal metal button clasps

Other Travel Makeup Bags We Tried

• Away The Cosmetics Bag : We love the sleek and low-profile design of this cosmetics bag, and the soft-molded cube shape fits nicely into a backpack and varied sizes of suitcases. While we were able to pack a substantial amount of makeup in this case, the caps came off several products during our shake and drop tests, leading us to fear some inevitable spills during travel. We also think the price tag is a bit steep compared to similar bags we tested.
• Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag : We love the durability of this bag’s material, not to mention its cute aesthetic. The compact size is super portable, and its ability to hang vertically makes it an all-around space-saver. While this hanging toiletry bag held ample products, several makeup items fell out during our shake and drop tests, which forebodes potential broken and spilled makeup. Plus, it is more expensive than similar and more secure bags we tested.
• Mark & Graham Concourse Cosmetics Case : We love the option to remove the smaller zipper pouch and use it on its own. While the larger case is easy to open and pack, we wish there were a few more organizational features to separate and secure items. Unfortunately, after a few shake and drop tests, several caps came off some bottles, and one compact even broke.

What to Know About Travel Makeup Bags

Functionality .

When shopping for a travel makeup bag, functionality is your friend. You want a bag that can easily store, organize, and protect your beauty products while traveling. Consider how much makeup and toiletries you usually travel with and what type of products. If you’ve got lots of brushes and smaller size items, you’ll want a bag with plenty of internal organizational options like the Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case , which has customizable dividers. Choose a bag that’ll easily fit everything, but be wary of a bag that’s too big because extra space will let your products get jostled around in transit.

Look for any special features in a travel makeup bag that are a good fit for your usual travel experience. Perhaps a hanging bag, such as the Béis The Hanging Cosmetic Case , will work best for small hotel bathrooms or tiny guest areas. Or maybe a removable pouch, like the Lululemon Go Getter Pouch , is something you’d prefer to keep essentials within reach in your carry-on. Consider other design elements like material and hardware finishes that can elevate your travel makeup bag from another utilitarian piece of luggage to a chic design piece.

Price Range

We tested travel makeup bags that range in price from around $12 to almost $300. You can find a quality makeup case at any price, including the budget-friendly Narwey Travel Makeup Bag , depending on the materials and features that are most important to you.

In our PEOPLE Tested Lab, 26 buzz-worthy makeup cases were tried, inspected, and evaluated for ease of use, quality, capacity, design, and portability. Each bag was packed with the same standard packing list, and additional products were added if possible.

• Packing List: Our standard packing list included the following: 4 makeup brushes, 2 makeup palettes, 1 bottle of foundation, 1 eyelash curler, 1 mascara, 1 lipstick, 2 toiletry bottles (pre-filled with micellar water and sunscreen), 2 toiletry bottles (pre-filled with lotion), and 1 hairspray bottle.
• Drop and Shake Tests: After each bag was fully packed, our testers vigorously shook and dropped each case multiple times. The condition of the makeup afterward was observed and documented.
• Portability: To test portability, each makeup case was then packed into three different-sized bags: a backpack, a carry-on suitcase, and checked luggage.
• Scoring: Combining considerations for the quality of materials and special organizational features, each case was given an overall score on a scale from one to five. The makeup cases with the highest average scores were selected for this article as our top picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

“For starters, I like to minimize the general bulk of my products so that I'm not overpacking,” shares Scibelli. “And, of course, keeping the sizes to 3.4 ounces and under, if I'm not checking a bag.” He also recommends using a padded cosmetics case that offers an additional layer of protection.

Pro travel tip: “Use your other items in your suitcase as armor for your makeup bag, and position it in the center or with softer items around it for protection," he says.

“A typical toiletry bag is pretty simple, consisting of a one-pocket zip pouch,” explains Scibelli. “Travel makeup cases have become so much more intricate now with multiple pockets and travel features like having detachable pockets, being water resistant, and added padding for safety.” Makeup cases will often have specific features to hold makeup brushes and easy-to-clean fabric in case of spills.

L.A Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE and Brides.com. She specializes in lifestyle, fashion, and beauty content. Hubilla also frequently tests products for various digital outlets including Byrdie, InStyle, and Travel + Leisure, among others. For this article, she surveyed the data compiled by the PEOPLE Tested team and compared them with professional insights from celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli. Using Scibelli’s advice paired with tester observations, she selected the top-performing makeup cases for this roundup. 

Meet Our Expert

Neil Scibelli is a celebrity makeup artist.

What Is PEOPLE Tested? 

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

Related Articles

These Travel Makeup Bags Will Keep Your Beauty Essentials Secure and Organized

By Shauna Beni and Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When it comes to packing beauty essentials, everyone has different preferences. Some focus on skincare, bringing along a haul of sunscreens , lotions, and serums. Others pack just about every compact, mascara , and cream they own (plus enough lipstick shades to match every outfit). Regardless of your must-haves, the right makeup bag is key to keeping cosmetics organized and safely stored away during your travels—and ensuring you don’t end up ruining all your things from spills and leaks in your suitcase .

Thankfully, there is an endless array of cosmetic bags to choose from. We've rounded up a list of the best travel makeup bags, which range in size from mini bags meant for an overnight stay to extra-large ones that will hold everything you need for an extended vacation. Wherever you're headed, they'll keep your most prized (and pricey) beauty essentials secure and safely tucked away. Keep scrolling to see a dozen-plus of our top travel makeup bags, and if you're looking for a new method for makeup removal, take a look at this editor-tested Grove Makeup Remover Towel .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

If you’d like your makeup bag to function as a place to store all your beauty products even when you're not on vacation, or like to travel with a lot of makeup, we recommend a large catch-all like this Calpak toiletry bag . It comes in neutral hues like pink sand, black, and moss, and has multiple interior compartments—plus an exterior back pocket—to organize your different cosmetics. There's also a side handle, making it easier to tote back and forth when you need to.

For travelers who have no desire to pack light, Calpak's oversized cosmetics case (closed, it's as big as a sheet of printer paper) will keep all your favorite products neat and visible. The clear makeup bag unzips fully so each side can lay flat, and has an extra mesh interior pocket to hold smaller items. Plus, a top handle makes for easy carrying or looping over a bathroom hook.

On the outside, this Béis bag looks like any other makeup bag; inside, it's obvious it was designed by someone who's traveled with a drugstore full of makeup once or twice. Inside, there's a larger-than-average compact mirror that slips out, a double-sided detachable brush holder to keep eye and lip brushes separate, and smaller compartments to store odds and ends, plus a spacious main compartment. Even better, the water-resistant lining makes it easy to wipe clean.

If you're a fan of traveling with a color-coordinated or monogrammed luggage set , this cosmetic case is the one for you. The vintage-inspired bag is designed with a durable but lightweight shell exterior and is the perfect mini-match to the other Terminal 1 suitcases in the collection . It’s also small enough to pack inside of a suitcase but spacious enough to fit all your essentials. The internal pockets are a plus for keeping things like brushes, blush compacts, and lipsticks organized, while the top leather handle makes it easy to carry around in a hotel or Airbnb. Thanks to the zip-around outside closure, you won’t have to worry about any leaks or spills.

Without an organized cosmetic case, doing your makeup often involves rummaging around in a bag trying to find everything. This Lay-n-Go bag, though, is a dream come true. Instead of having to dump out all your products, the bag opens up by way of drawstrings, and can be laid out as a circle on any surface, allowing every product to be on display. When finished, pull the drawstring back together and watch it transform into the size of a clutch. It also comes with a zip pocket for storage and elastic brush loops, so nothing goes rolling off the bathroom counter.

Available in a larger size as well, this small, sleek toiletry organizer with a carrying handle is ideal for quick one- to two-day getaways when you're packing the basics. The inside is completely lined with mesh and allows makeup products like foundation, setting spray, and serums to stand straight up in their own dividers, making them easier to find. There are also small loops on the side for mascara , lip gloss, or makeup brushes. 

Ideal for overnight or weekend stays, this Lululemon pouch is a bit smaller, providing you with just enough room to pack the essentials without being too heavy in your weekender bag . Made of water-repellent, recycled nylon, this pouch has a mesh interior pocket for items you want to keep separate, like your beauty sponge. Available in colors like raspberry, teal, pink, and black, all with the signature Lululemon logo, this is one makeup pouch you’ll have for years to come.

An affordable option that's great for long family vacations , this Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag will fit all of your makeup products and toiletries in one. Hang it on the back of the bathroom door when you arrive and you’ll stay organized the rest of the trip. There are four separate clear sections that make finding what you need easy and prevent liquid products like shampoo and conditioner from spilling onto your makeup. Plus, the case itself has a top handle to make carrying it on-the-go even easier.

Transparent bags are practical and efficient, allowing you to see what's inside while packing, and Paravel’s See-All vanity case offers all the style and space you need. This clear case makes finding the exact product you need easy, even smaller ones like eye creams or lip balm that typically fall to the bottom of the bag. Plus, the water-resistant (and eco-friendly) silicone coating means you don't have to worry about product spills.

If you’re already a fan of Away’s thoughtfully-designed luggage , the brand's makeup case definitely won’t disappoint. Not only does this one look chic sitting on your bathroom counter, it actually stores all of the makeup must-haves you'd need for an entire week's vacation. The main compartment is made of water-resistant nylon with transparent pockets that make finding what you need simple. My favorite part about this cosmetic bag is the detachable brush roll that snaps to the top lid to keep makeup brushes organized and give me easy access when I need them. The bag itself has a grab handle for easy carrying and a size that won't take up too much room in your suitcase .

This lightweight cosmetic bag from MZ Wallace is the perfect size for any getaway . It’s large enough to store all of the makeup products you’d need for a week and features an interior pocket and lining to protect it against any leaks. When you’re not using it to pack your favorite makeup products, use it as an emergency kit to store beauty essentials at the office or in your gym bag.

This roomy bag is machine washable, so there's no need to worry about the inevitable bronzer or powder that will appear inside—throw your makeup brushes right in. It’s easy to pile in extra products in there, too, making it an ideal bag for long weekend trips . It features two mesh side pockets inside for tweezers, a lipliner sharpener, or other small items you want to keep handy.

Sephora's cosmetic organizer really does let you pack it all. This spacious and sturdy organizer comes with two removable storage cubes ideal for products like eyeshadow, powder, and blushes. It also comes with a removable flat pouch for eyeliner or waterproof mascaras and small loops to keep your brushes in place. If you can never find what you’re looking for in your makeup bag, this one’s for you.

This leather travel case set from Cuyana comes with two chic cases, one large bag that fits foundation, eyeshadow palettes, and skincare essentials as well as a smaller bag ideal for makeup brushes or tools like an eyelash curler. Both bags feature a microsuede interior that you can easily wipe clean after any accidental makeup spills.

We love a hanging cosmetic bag, especially one that folds up as neatly as this Tumi travel case. With four separate compartments—three transparent, one detachable nylon pouch—it'll keep items separated and is roomy enough to act as both a Dopp kit and makeup bag. The case itself is made of easy-to-wipe-down nylon, and the handle is wrapped in leather trim.

This petite cosmetic bag is great for day trips when you only need to bring a few essentials with you, like sunscreen , setting powder, and concealer for touch-ups. It fits easily into a tote bag or backpack without taking up too much room. Plus, its a temperature-stable bag with insulation, so your products will be protected even if you spend the day walking around in the heat—meaning you don't have to worry about melted lipstick.

• Work With Me

13 Essential Tips for Traveling with Makeup (+ my packing list!)

by Taylor On A Trip | Aug 2, 2021 | Travel , Travel Tips , Uncategorized | 0 comments

Considering traveling with makeup and wondering how best to do it? There are two overarching elements to traveling with makeup that you need to know: regulations and efficiency.

First off, you’re going to want to make sure that every makeup product you pack complies with TSA regulations (fairly simple). Secondly, you’re going to want to pare down your products and pack methodically (a little bit more difficult).

I’ve been packing cosmetics on my trips for years — every single trip I’ve gone on as an adult, in fact. I even wrote a musing a few years ago about why I wear makeup and why I think there is no shame in either wearing it on trips or not.

In this article, we’ll cover how to pack makeup in a carry-on bag , what products to leave at home , the best containers to use , my favorite travel makeup products , and so much more.

From TSA rules to how to make your packing job more efficient, here are my 13 best travel makeup tips!

#1 – Be Minimal in Your Carry-On Bag

First off, according to the TSA, there are no limitations to packing powder-based products in your carry-on bag. I’d recommend still being quite minimalist in this regard, but you won’t have any palettes or loose powders confiscated.

Of course, it’s a bit of a different story when it comes to liquids in your carry-on bag. The biggest factor is making sure your liquid cosmetics stay within size rules.

As a general rule, liquids, aerosols, and gels can be no more than 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) , and you’re limited to one quart-sized bag ( large Zip-top bag ) full of these little bottles per passenger. Make sure this zip-top bag closes securely so there are no spills during travel.

When packing makeup in your carry-on bag, I recommend going as minimal as possible. In fact, unless I’m traveling carry-on only, I never pack makeup in my carry-on — always in a checked bag. Then, I just bring my toothbrush, toothpaste, and face cleanser with me onboard.

That said, it’s all about your priorities.

Photo by Ashley Senja

#2 – Use Small Containers

As I mentioned, if you pack makeup products in your carry-on bags you’ll need to meet the size requirements of 3.4 ounces or less. Additionally, I recommend being as minimal as possible while traveling with makeup and condensing your larger products into smaller bottles or containers.

Remember, you’ll have to lug around everything that you decide to pack, including your travel makeup, so cutting back wherever possible is key.

For liquids, creams, and gels, I recommend contact lens cases, leak-proof squeezable bottles , and small reusable jars for beauty products such as liquid foundation, moisturizer, serum, toner, and face wash.

Plus, I find that many people who wear makeup or use beauty products already have these kinds of jars from products they’ve used up. Don’t throw away your next round of containers — save them for travel and fill them up with other products!

🔥 My travel bottle recommendation:

Silicone Travel Bottles

#3 – Skip Compact Powders

As easy as compact powders are to use at home, they can become major pains-in-the-butt when traveling.

Yes, pressed powders are ok by TSA standards, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought a compact blush or bronzer with me while traveling only to have it completely shatter in transit (admittedly, it’s only been a couple — I learned pretty fast.)

As any long-time makeup wearer probably knows, compact powders are delicate and it’s not a ton of fun trying to fuse them back together after an incident. If you travel with these kinds of products, then try to find a cream version that will stay intact no matter the conditions.

#4 – Don’t Fall Prey to “Travel-Size” Makeup

Like most mini products, makeup that is branded as being the perfect travel size is not the best bang for your buck.

Not only do specially-made mini products unnecessarily use more plastic packaging, but you’ll also be spending more money for the convenience of small containers when you could just put your normal-sized products into your own smaller reusable containers.

Yes, travel-sized products are great for carry-on bags, but condense the products yourself instead of relying on companies to do this for you.

The exception to this rule is makeup samples. Travel-friendly makeup samples are awesome for bringing on the road as 1) they don’t cost you any money, 2) they pass all TSA regulations, and 3) they (generally) don’t use as much packaging.

Travel makeup samples for the win!

👉 Read More: 20 Essential Tips for Solo Traveling As a Woman

#5 – Use a Leak-Proof Makeup Bag

Whether you love liquid makeup or the powder variety, a leak-proof makeup bag is a must when traveling with makeup.

Due to pressure changes on airplanes, getting bumped, and just movement in general, spills happen to the best of us and all we can do is be as prepared as possible.

One of the most important tips for packing makeup, a leak-proof makeup bag is a perfect safeguard between your makeup and the rest of your luggage. It only takes one incident before you learn this the hard way.

#6 – Bring Easy-to-Apply Products

While your makeup routine might be more comprehensive at home, keeping it simple on the road will make your travel life a lot easier.

Pare down your makeup brushes to just the essentials and leave the multi-step-process systems at home. Even if you think you’ll need all your hardcore products when packing, chances are you’ll be too busy having a blast to go through the full meal deal in your destination.

#7 – Consider Your Trip

Different people will have different travel makeup needs depending on the kind of trip, the activities, and the destination.

For example, your makeup needs on a hiking trip in Utah may be vastly different than if you’re going on an art-viewing experience in Italy.

Everyone is unique in their routines and what makes them feel comfortable, but considering what activities you’ll be doing the most will go a long way in deciding what travel makeup to pack.

Another factor is if you’ll be traveling with checked bags or carry-on only. Bringing large luggage will obviously give you way more space, while carry-on only is hyper-efficient.

👉 Read More: My 20 Best Tips for Traveling on a Budget

Photo by Garrett Herperger

#8 – Use Multi-Purpose Products

To save weight and space in your bag, try and bring multi-purpose products whenever possible. For example, bring a lip tint that also acts as a blush (I love this lip/cheek tint from MILK makeup ), or decide whether you prefer liquid foundation vs concealer.

Bringing multi-purpose travel makeup will give you more space in your bag, cut down on weight, and give you a more efficient application time — leaving more time for adventures.

#9 – Prevent Your Products from Exploding

I mentioned it in passing above, but don’t bring any products that could, you know, burst in your bag.

On this point, the most important thing to consider is if you’ll be flying to your destination.

Air pressure changes on airplanes make gases expand, and this could affect your liquid makeup/ toiletry containers. To stop your bottles from potentially leaking all over your checked baggage, use plastic wrap between the lid and the bottle’s body and squeeze out any excess air from the bottle before packing.

Getting to your destination and realizing that not only is your product all gone but that you have to wash all your clothes is, in the truest sense of the word, a bummer.

Again, always use a leak-proof makeup bag.

👉 Read More: 11 Ways Solo Travel Changes You

#10 – Bring Your Own Mirror

For any of you backpackers out there, don’t rely on the idea that every hostel or homestay room will have a mirror, especially if you’re going more off the grid.

Even just a travel-sized mirror stashed in your bag is a good bet for making sure you can grab a glimpse of yourself now and then.

Applying travel makeup without a mirror is only for the very self-assured and misguided. I have done this a few times and the photos never lie.

#11 – Don’t Skip the Sunscreen

I feel like this is an obvious point for many, but when traveling, don’t skip applying sunscreen as part of your daily makeup/skincare routine.

Wearing makeup while traveling generally means deviating from your routine, but there are some things that you just shouldn’t leave behind — sunscreen being one of them.

About my “use multi-purpose makeup products” point above, try and choose a moisturizer or foundation with added SPF to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

#12 – Bring a Setting Spray or Powder

Often, traveling means long exploration days in your destination. It means a lot of sun exposure, exercise, and sweat (unless you’re one of those mannequin influencers sans sweat glands, that is).

Bringing a quality makeup setting spray (that you know won’t clog your pores) will keep your makeup in place all day long.

This way, your foundation and eyeshadow won’t slide off your face and your eyeliner won’t smudge to your hairline.

#13 – Switch to Solids

Though I mentioned different ways to pack liquids above, there are so many solid (but not compressed powder) swaps for makeup these days. For example, you can buy a foundation cream stick instead of a liquid.

And this doesn’t just apply to makeup. As far as toiletries go, you can now buy solid face wash , shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, lotion, and mouthwash. We’re living in the future, people.

Again, buying solids are always allowed in your carry-on bag, will prevent explosions in your checked luggage, and overall just be easier to manage.

The Best Travel Makeup Products

👜 Leak-Proof Makeup Bag – This clear travel toiletry bag is perfect for communal bathroom situations, is TSA-approved and allowed in carry-on bags, includes travel-sized containers (most are under 3.4 ounces), and won’t leak any liquids.

👛 Travel Makeup Bag – If you’re looking for something a little more organized, then this travel makeup bag is perfect. The bag includes adjustable dividers, brush holders, and is easy to clean.

🛍️ Re-Usable Zip Top Bag – To cut down on plastic consumption, these reusable zip bags are awesome for travel. They’re clear, leakproof, and travel size.

🖌️ Travel Size Makeup Brushes – If saving space is a priority but brushes are essential in your beauty routine, then these mini makeup brushes are the way to go. It includes brushes for eyeshadow, eyebrows, blush, and concealer. Plus, these brushes are vegan.

Traveling with Makeup FAQ

How do i pack my makeup for travel.

Top tips for packing travel makeup include keeping liquids 3.4 ounces or less, putting all bottles in a one-quart bag, keeping your makeup selection small, and keeping your sites condensed to one bag.

Does makeup have to be in a clear bag on a plane?

All travel-size liquids must be under 3.4 ounces and carried in a one-quart clear bag for carry-on luggage. All liquids over 3.4 ounces must go in your checked bag.

How do you travel with makeup and skincare?

Top tips for packing makeup and skincare include paring down items to just the essentials, carrying the least amount of liquids as possible, putting liquids into leak-proof bags, following TSA guidelines, and packing what you can into your checked bags.

Will TSA throw away makeup?

TSA will throw away liquid makeup if you do not comply with their security rules. If you’re unsure whether you can take an item in your carry-on, stash it with your checked luggage.

That’s it for my top 13 tips for packing and traveling with makeup! I hope this gave you some extra confidence to wear makeup while traveling and ideas for how to be efficient.

And remember, when in doubt, check the TSA rules, bring a powder, or stash it in your checked luggage.

Have fun traveling!

Packing Tips For Traveling With Kids (Without Depriving Yourself)

An Environmental Pledge For Us All

How to Visit Jim Morrison’s Grave in Paris (Respectfully)

How to Visit The Grateful Dead House in San Francisco (1966 – 1968)

What to Expect at the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland

Please note this post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Find out more!

Pin It on Pinterest

The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags for Organized Chaos

From brands like Away, Beis, and Calpak.

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

The best travel makeup bags of course come in many shapes and sizes, but our team of editors and experts came together to find the most incredible options for every type of makeup lover out there. Whether you only have a couple of staple products or have had to seriously consider bringing an additional carry-on to fit all of your beauty favorites during your travels, we've included options for you. Below, read on to find the best travel makeup bag for you.

The Best Travel Makeup Bags

• Best Overall: The Small Toiletry Bag
• Best Budget: Queboom Travel Makeup Bag
• Best Organizer: Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag
• Best Multi-Compartment: The Dopp Kit
• Best Bulk: Skkn by Kim Vanity Bag

What to Consider

When selecting the best travel makeup bag for yourself or for a giftee, you have a few things to consider before pressing "add to cart." First, you should check out how much space you really have in your travel backpack or carry-on to fit additional storage essentials. Then, you have to think about what you're putting in the bag. Will it only be small makeup items, or will you also want to throw in skincare essentials, small toiletries, and hair accessories? Once you have figured that out, consider the type of material your makeup bag should be. How important is it for you to be able to wash this? If it's a must, you'll obviously want something waterproof.

How much space do you have in your luggage to add a travel makeup bag? Will you mostly be throwing it into a weekender or a large suitcase that has miles of space inside? Consider what you're working with on the road (and in your perhaps very full closet), then peep at the travel makeup bag's dimensions to ensure it'll fit easily into your packing routine.

Laura Geller , a New York City-based makeup artist and entrepreneur who has her own namesake makeup brand filled with editor-loved products, says size is perhaps the most important factor shoppers should consider.

"I tend to travel with a lot of makeup so I can switch up my looks when I’m on my trips. I find a lot of the ones on the market are very small and only hold a few things, so I’m always on the hunt for one that can hold a lot," she explains. "Additionally, I like one that can lay flat ( hanging organizers work here, too) so that I can easily find everything, and I’m not rummaging for a product at the bottom of a bag."

Compartments

Are you a Type A traveler who needs everything divided into certain spaces? For example, will you want your blushes to stay in one pocket, your concealers to stay in another, and your brushes securely placed in built-in brush holders? Or, could you care less and just want something that'll fit everything?

"I love one where you don’t have to be worried about organizing all of your makeup, that holds a lot of product and is easy to find your items once it’s been opened," said Geller.

Either way is right, so long as it's what you or your giftee want. When looking for a travel makeup bag, make sure that it has enough compartments, pockets, and dividers to fulfill your needs.

Washable Material

If you or your giftee have experienced an exploded concealer or liquid blush from time to time, then you know how important a washable (specifically, a machine-washable) travel makeup bag is. Many of the best travel makeup bags on the market are made with at least wipeable material that makes for an easy clean-up.

How We Selected

Our product experts tested these travel makeup bags at home, on the road, and, of course, in the air and at hotels. We judged makeup bags for their organizational features, space, material, and giftability. Some of these selections have been used for years and years, while other newer ones have been put through the wringer for at least a few weeks. When we weren't traveling, we simulated the experience by bringing these travel makeup bags with us to the gym and to the office to determine how well they fit into commutes and luggage.

If we weren't able to test a bag, we conducted thorough research, vetted the brand, or took our expert's recommendations on what features a good travel makeup bag needs to be useful.

Why Trust Us

I have more than half a decade's worth of experience professionally testing and reviewing travel essentials and makeup. Additionally, I reached out to our beauty editor for her expert picks, as well as professional makeup artists who travel a lot to include their choices.

Away The Small Toiletry Bag

I wasn't at all shocked at the high quality of Away's Small Toiletry Bag — the beloved travel brand is known for its innovative creations that combine organization and aesthetics to create truly remarkable accessories, bags, and luggage .

What makes this travel makeup bag the best of the best is its sleek and useful features. The zip-up bag has two sections each with zip-up mesh enclosures that allow you to see your contents without having them spill on top of each other. One section is a deep pocket that is capable of fitting bigger items like hairbrushes, serums, or cleansers. The other side includes five brush holders as well as more open space for any additional items.

While the name says it's small, I found I was able to fit a lot of products inside, including several blushes, five brushes, cleansers, foundations, serums, and more.

The shape of the bag as well as the nylon material it's made with make for a sturdy traveler that can be smooshed a bit to fit into tight bags, but will keep its shape enough so that your items won't be crushed throughout your journey.

But, if any travel mishaps do occur and foundation spills or powder gets everywhere, you can easily wipe off smudges and stains since the interior is coated for easy wipe-downs.

This makeup bag comes in four chic and aesthetically-pleasing colorways. The white option would make a great gift for brides before they embark on honeymoons and the black would be a great gift for your boyfriend and his toiletries (he could use the brush holders for combs and other essentials).

When it comes to travel makeup bags, you'll be hard-pressed to find one more dependable than this.

Related: 44 Long-Flight Essentials to Make Traveling More Comfortable, Even If You’re Sitting in Coach

Queboom Queboom Travel Makeup Bag

If you're on a tight budget or are perhaps buying a bunch of travel makeup bags to gift your bachelorette party, or group of girlfriends before a trip, or are grabbing several as gifts for teens for your nieces or kids, you won't break the budget with this style.

Under $10, this Amazon favorite is similar to the Away bag in that it has a clamshell opening, a sturdy handle, and makeup brush holders (six to be exact). Though each side of this bag isn't sectioned off with zip-up closures, you will get a detachable zipped-up pouch with this buy. The addition comes in handy for hair ties, bobby pins, or jewelry that can easily be lost during travel.

Additionally, this bag is waterproof on the inside and outside, so you or your giftee can clean it up easily post-travel by simply tossing it in the washing machine.

There are a whopping 25 color options and patterns to choose from, but we're partial to this muted sage green or this bold yellow that would come in handy if you often lose things (nothing's easier to spot in a messy closet than a makeup bag that essentially glows in the dark).

Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag

This travel makeup bag comes with so many goodies inside, you'll feel like it's Christmas opening it up. In addition to the three makeup brush holders, and a built-in mesh pocket, the bag comes with two removable zip-up pouches (the small size only has one). One's long and narrow and is great for holding combs, additional brushes, and mascara, while the other bigger option is stellar for organizing flat products like highlighters and powders.

The washable bag comes in small and large sizes and has three different finishes: neoprene, air mesh, or seasonal. It also comes with a unique locking securing system. Once you zip it up, you can then take each side fold and button it down so it's more compact.

Also, when you buy this bag you'll get a free duster to keep it in while you store it. However, I like this bag so much that I use it as my daily makeup bag. It's big enough to fit the essentials — I have two sunscreens, concealer, foundation, two blushes, a mascara, and a few eyebrow products in now — but doesn't take up a lot of coveted bathroom or closet space.

The quality of this travel makeup bag is impressive. Though it's flexible, the thick fabric keeps glass products protected from breaking during transit while still fitting into tight quarters inside bags or luggage.

Beis The Dopp Kit

If you're looking for a travel makeup bag that will fit a lot of products, look no further. This dual-compartment design from Beis is a big boy with big storage capabilities.

"Even though Beis lists dimensions on their website, I was still surprised by how big the Dopp kit was," said Best Products tester and writer Lauren Gruber . "I was able to fit my daily makeup and brushes in the top compartment and my skincare and perfume in the bottom compartment, which claims to be spill-proof."

She says the separate sections made it easier to organize all of her cosmetics and additional toiletries — there are two interior slip pockets to keep your toothbrush and medications separate.

This travel makeup bag also features a loop at the top that you can use in your bathroom or hotel room on towel hooks. "The design is very attractive and I love how it comes in so many colors coordinate with the rest of your Beis luggage," Gruber continued. "I could also see myself using it to keep my portable chargers, cables, and pens organized for a longer trip. I was packing into the Beis Front Pocket Carry-On Roller and I did find that it was difficult to get the Dopp kit to lay flat inside of my luggage when packed to the brim. For that reason, I would suggest pairing it with a larger piece of luggage like the Check-In Roller. "

Skkn By Kim Vanity Bag

To be honest, at first glance, I was thoroughly unimpressed by this $70 travel makeup bag. The floppy construction and minimal pocket and compartment options seemed like proof that it was overpriced and overhyped.

However, after giving this bag a chance, I realized just how useful the XL holder can be — thanks to the elastic loop system inside. The nine loops are meant for the brand's entire skincare system but do a stellar job at holding everything from contact solutions, serums, cleansers, foundations, shampoos, and more essentials. I didn't realize how big of a game-changer this was until I loaded it up on my own for a five-day trip.

Usually, I throw toiletries into my suitcase and hope for the best, but this bag allows for everything I need to stay in one spot. From small concealer brushes to large bottles of lotion, I fit it all.

Will this bag take up a good chunk of space in carry-on bags? Yes. But you'd be using that space regardless, so you might as well do so in an organized fashion.

It only comes in one colorway because Kim Kardashian famously loves muted and matching aesthetics, so don't expect any patterns. It'd make a great luxury gift for somebody who loves to Keep Up and has a mini Sephora store in their home.

Lay-n-Go Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Organizer

Geller recommends a travel makeup bag that's a bit unique to the average consumer. "I love this one from Amazon," she said of the Lay-n-Go. "I love it so much I actually got it for my entire marketing team as a holiday gift one year."

The clever style cinches up into a pouch bag but once loosened, lies flat like a pancake so you can see all of your products easily. Thanks to the dozen+ makeup loops throughout the bag, your concealers, brow gels, and mascaras will remain in place no matter what position the bag's in.

In addition to these holders, the travel makeup bag also has a zip-up pocket to hold smaller items like rings, watches, or hair ties.

This is a great gift idea for makeup lovers who perhaps get a little messy in hotel bathrooms with all of their belongings. They'll be able to see all of their makeup while getting ready for the day without having to take everything out and leave it in the sink... not that this has ever happened.

It comes in 30 pattern options ranging from neutral blacks and blues to eye-catching leopard and camo. Choose whatever fits your giftee's style for a more customized element.

KUSSHI Washable Travel Makeup and Cosmetic Everyday Bag

The Best Products beauty editor Nicole Saunders has endless knowledge on all things makeup. Seriously. Ask her anything and she'll know the answer and give you 17 recommendations in 16 seconds. So, of course, we had to tap her for some of her most coveted travel makeup bag recommendations.

"I love my Kusshi makeup bags and highly recommend them as a beauty gift to yourself or a loved one," she said. "They're available in two types of materials — fabric and leather — but I prefer fabric because it's cheaper and easy to clean if makeup accidentally gets on the exterior or interior lining. Speaking of, the vast variety of colorways to select ensures it matches everyone's personal style. I'm personally obsessed with the Candy Apple Red fabric with leopard interior because it's easy to spot in my workbag or suitcase."

There are three sizes to chose from, including the Everyday which holds up to 10 products, Signature which fits up to 20 products, and Vacationer which carries up to 30 products.

She says she can fit a good amount of product in the Signature size option, including foundation, powders, blushes, brushes, and lipsticks. We also got our hands on the Vacationer, and wow. That thing will fit your entire makeup collection easily. It just might also take up half of the space in your weekender/ carry-on...

Stoney Clover Travel Large Pouch

If you're looking for a beauty gift for somebody who loves glitz, glamor, and personal touches, look no further than a Stoney Clover pouch. These have long been loved by the internet for their chic design that photographs super well. You can choose to customize pouches (monograms are an extra $24 and patches are an additional $15) or get pre-made designs like this travel one, which will likely ship faster.

While they're great for holding pretty much everything, from brushes to snacks, expect a bit of chaos inside since there aren't any pockets, pouches, or brush holders to utilize. However, if you're just looking for something cute that'll hold whatever you need, this is a great option.

I've had this travel makeup bag for years and it's so handy at keeping literally everything I own in one spot. I use it as bulk storage for when I'm traveling for a long amount of time and have found it to be great at fitting larger items, like contact lens solutions, serums, and fragrances.

My only major qualm about this bag is that there aren't any pockets, slots, or makeup brush holders that would organize my items. So, when I use it, I expect a bit of chaos and a bit of my time rummaging through it. It's hard to find another makeup bag out there as cute and as giftable, though.

In addition to being a stellar travel makeup bag, this pouch could also be a useful pencil pouch, accessories holder, or desk organizer.

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

Hanging toiletry bags are great options that double as travel makeup bags. This best-selling one from Amazon has four different compartments, a bunch of inner pockets, and elastic straps that hold everything from shampoo bottles to eyeshadow palettes. To top it all off (literally) a hanger head is attached so you or your giftee can easily hang the bag on racks at home or in hotels.

The different compartments have useful design features like elastic straps and double zippers to hold large bottles upright and in place. The transparent sides are also great because you can peak inside and note what you have without having to unzip the entire bag and search through it.

Choose from 2 size options and 8 colorways to match your luggage or aesthetic.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Makeup Bag

Another recommendation from Saunders, this travel makeup bag from celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is compact but chock-full of useful design elements.

"It's the perfect gift for someone like me who has a sizeable beauty collection and wants to keep everything as organized as possible," Saunders explained. "I have a compartment for eyeliners, brow pencils, and mascaras, another for eyeshadow quads and singles, and one solely for my lipsticks. It's a small detail, but I appreciate that the zipper never gets stuck, which has happened more often than not with other makeup bags I've tested. Not only is this bag functional, but it's stunning! The classic pillow talk pink faux leather exterior with the cheeky lip and lipstick print is gorgeous and lives proudly as a display piece on my shelf."

The accordion-style bag has five compartments, a zipper pouch, and a zipper closure. And, perhaps most importantly, it features a bold lip design that's the same color as the brand's iconic Pillow Talk lipstick .

Related: Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation Is Our Beauty Editor’s Biggest Makeup Secret

Summer Cartwright is senior editor for Best Products and FirstFinds and is based in New York. She has written and edited for sites including Cosmo , People , InStyle , Food & Wine , Real Simple , and StyleCaster . Her interests outside of work include running, eating dessert, and playing with her two cats, Peaky and Polly. She received her master’s degree in magazine writing from New York University, and her bachelor’s degree in public affairs journalism from The Ohio State University.

12 Natural Deodorants That Actually Work

Solawave’s New Mini Skincare Device Is Under $100

32 Celebrity Beauty Brands Beyond Fenty Beauty

Summer Beauty Gift Ideas for Your Besties

7 Best Sunscreens for Tattoos, Per Experts

Our Best Budget Eyelash Curler is Only $5

Our Beauty Editor's Nécessaire Body Serum Review

The Best Hair Dryers Our Editors Can't Stop Using

How to Safely Remove Your Acrylic Nails at Home

This TikTok-Viral Sunscreen Brand Is On Sale

CurrentBody’s Viral LED Masks Are on Rare Sale

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags
• Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags

The 13 Best Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep all your beauty and grooming essentials in one place when you're on the road.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Bags We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

There are a few things every traveler needs, no matter where in the world they're going — and a toiletry bag is one of them. The humble case might be an afterthought to some, but these helpful bags are crucial to keeping your travel essentials organized.

We tested 52 toiletry bags and cosmetic cases (and continue to do so for a period of at least six months) in order to bring to you the best of the best, evaluating capacity, design, portability, and value. We also considered the overall quality of the bags, as well as their ease of use on real trips.

Taking our test results into consideration, we've put together a list of the best toiletry bags across various categories; you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Best Overall

Away large toiletry bag.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

This bag holds more than you'd expect from just looking at it.

The limited edition colors often sell out fast.

You might be most familiar with Away for its selection of hardside luggage and weekender bags, but the brand carries travel accessories, too, including this large toiletry bag that earned high marks across the board during our tests.

Though we found the bag to be even roomier than expected, there are so many individual compartments including a clear cosmetic bag, a zippered pouch, two mesh linings, and an exterior pocket, to name a few. You won't be reaching into a bottomless pit, rummaging around for individual products here. We also love that the bag zips open wide enough for you to reach inside with ease. We packed it with both large and small items, from travel-size liquid bottles to makeup brushes, and there was still room for more.

We also noted the durability of the water-resistant nylon, which is lightweight without feeling cheap. The interior of the bag is coated with an easy-to-wipe material, allowing you to clean up any spills quickly. The bag comes in five color options (with limited edition colorways offered on occasion), as well as a smaller size option and a hanging version of the bag.

The Details: 10.2 x 3.7 x 5.9 inches | 8.8 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Compact

Dagne dover mila toiletry organizer.

• Capacity 4 /5

It might be small, but it can still fit full-size makeup brushes.

The dividers take up valuable space.

If you're a toiletry minimalist, this is the case for you. The highly compact Dagne Dover Mila keeps all your products neat and organized in a tiny, plush drum made of water-resistant recycled poly. Unzip the lid and you'll see a grid created by a removable insert — use the insert to keep your products separated from one another, reducing their impact if the toiletry bag is jumbled around. There's also a zippered mesh pocket in the lid, as well as four elastic loops to hold items like makeup brushes and lip balm.

We did notice, however, that the insert takes up quite a bit of space in the bag, and you'd be able to squeeze quite a few more items inside if you remove it instead. Of course in that case, you wouldn't have much help in terms of organization. Ultimately, we love the flexibility — you can customize the bag to suit your needs.

The Details: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | 6 ounces | Material | Recycled poly

Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Best Waterproof

Matador flatpak zipper toiletry case.

• Design 4 /5

It's extremely lightweight — just over an ounce.

There aren't any extra pockets or pouches for organization.

While many toiletry kits are water-resistant, this one is fully waterproof, and that makes all the difference if you're on an outdoor adventure like camping or a multi-day kayaking trip. It's made from a special nylon that has a secret superpower: "dry-through" technology, which allows moisture to escape from the bag without letting any in. That means your toiletries (like a wet toothbrush) can dry while they're in the bag.

We found this bag to be deceptively spacious, given that it looks like a simple pencil pouch at first glance. The bag expands at the bottom, allowing it to stand alone on a flat surface while giving you the space to fit larger items in with ease. That said, there aren't any useful organizational tools to keep your products in order — this is a fairly bare-bones bag.

The Details: 9.5 x 6.75 x 3.5 inches | 1.1 ounces | Nylon | Waterproof

Best Organization

Peak design wash pouch.

The bag is lined with high-density foam for extra protection.

It's a fairly pricey bag.

When you have a large number of toiletries to bring with you on vacation, the best thing you can do is choose a toiletry bag that helps you keep everything organized. This is that bag! Though it appears small from the outside, the bag is so thoughtfully designed with organizational tools — we found that there's a pocket for just about everything. The main compartment is large enough to fit small bottles, while mesh pockets of various sizes line the walls, so you tuck in your favorite tinted moisturizer , for example. There's also a separate pocket for your travel toothbrush , which keeps it nice and clean.

Other highlights include a wide opening to access each pocket easily, and the ability to stand on its own thanks to the bag's layer of high-density foam that also helps protect the items inside. It also has a handy hanging hook if you'd prefer to keep some counter space clear.

The Details: 10.2 x 6 x 4.4 inches | 8.7 ounces | Nylon

Best Dopp Kit

Dare to roam steward dopp kit.

The material is antimicrobial and antibacterial.

Organization is limited to three pockets.

What are dopp kits, anyway? Though the term can be used interchangeably with "toiletry bag" today, the dopp kit was originally a durable toiletry bag devised by German leather maker Charles Doppelt that was popular with military personnel in the 20th century. It typically takes the silhouette seen here in this bag — a large main compartment, sometimes with side pockets.

What dopp kits are great for is space; we were amazed by how much could fit in this bag, especially because it's expandable with side clips and adjustable webbing straps. As such, it's ideal for longer trips where you'll need as much space as you can get. We also love that it's made from an antimicrobial and antibacterial nylon (yes, it's water-resistant), though we think it could use a little more organization beyond two interior pockets and one exterior one.

The Details: 4.5 x 8.7 x 4.7 inches | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best Small Hanging

Sea to summit hanging toiletry bag.

Small and lightweight, it's perfectly portable.

It has to hang as it won't stand up on its own.

When it comes to hanging bags, this one is perfectly balanced. It's made from an ultra-thin, water-resistant nylon and takes the shape of a saddlebag, which is ideal for hanging. We found that no matter how many items we stuffed in there, the bag never really felt weighed down; all the products were perfectly situated and easy to access, thanks to a plethora of pockets.

This bag also comes with a detachable mirror, which makes it great for outdoor adventures when you don't have access to a vanity, as well as handles for easy transport. Ultimately, it is perfect for people limited on space and weight, whether they're on a multi-day trek that requires them to carry all their gear or traveling for an extended period of time with limited storage space. The toiletry bag comes in two sizes (we tested the smaller one) and four color options.

The Details: 10.2 x 3.9 x 8.9 inches | 0.3 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Best Large Hanging

Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag.

This is an excellent value if you need to store full-size items.

The material is difficult to clean.

Bagsmart is known for making convenient travel products at affordable prices, and that's certainly true of its hanging toiletry bag. Before it's opened, the bag looks just like a little quilted briefcase; inside is an extraordinary amount of storage. Unzip the perimeter and the bag unfurls into four panels of hanging storage for your toiletries, which we found perfectly capable of storing just about every toiletry in the book save for full-size bottles of shampoo and body wash. While most of the storage compartments are variously sized zippered pockets, some actually have elastic bands to help hold your items in place.

The quilted material is made of polyester, which we found to be a little difficult to clean. It is water-resistant, though, and the texture adds a nice visual quality. Plus, it comes in ten colorways.

The Details: 12.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inches | 15.2 ounces | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best for Cosmetics

Béis the cosmetic case.

The brush holder and mirror are removable.

The main compartment is pretty much just one big open space.

The clean, minimalist design that Béis is so loved for comes through in its cosmetic case: a sturdy bag with plenty of space for makeup aficionados. For starters, it's offered in eight elegant earth tone hues. But then there's the simple rectangular shape, which feels almost handbag-like in its sculptural form, as well as luxe hardware that adds to that handbag quality.

Though this bag can carry all types of toiletries, it's specifically designed with cosmetics in mind. That's evident from the removable mirror and brush holder, which has PVC material where the brush heads will go for easy cleaning. There are also a few slip pockets, which we found especially helpful for palettes. One thing to note, however, is that the main compartment of this toiletry bag is simply a vast space without any dividers to organize individual products so you might have to dig for your waterproof mascara . That said, we can report that nothing broke or spilled during evaluations.

The Details: 9.5 x 4 x 7 inches | 1.38 pounds | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best for Men

Bagsmart toiletry bag for men.

It opens wide with a double zipper.

It's made of canvas, which may be hard to clean but is water-resistant.

Fun fact: dopp kits were originally designed for men so it makes perfect sense why this one is designed to fit shaving and grooming products in particular. It's made of canvas for a rough-and-tumble look, and it's offered in seven colors (mostly neutrals, but also light pink) and two sizes. Though we consider it sturdy enough to stand on its own, we also found it flexible enough to be stuffed into a packed weekender.

As for storage capabilities, there's a main compartment that's accessible via a double zipper, which means the kit opens nice and wide for you to be able to access your items. That main compartment can fit bulkier items, while smaller items can fill the pockets along the sides. There are also two separate side pockets, one of which is designed to hold wet items.

The Details: 10.2 x 5.9 x 6.3 inches | 6.4 ounces | Canvas | Water-resistant

Best for Short Trips

Tumi response travel kit.

It opens like a clamshell.

It's not water-resistant.

Luxury brand Tumi doesn't only make high-end suitcases and travel bags — they also make high-end toiletry bags. Made from ballistic nylon (and offered in three colorways), this is one of the most durable toiletry bags out there, and it wouldn't be surprising if this bag lasted years, even with regular use.

Its best feature is the fact that it opens like a clamshell, with two distinct compartments in each half. That makes it easy to access everything in the bag, whether you're laying it flat on a countertop or you're hanging it via the attached hook. There are four pockets, including one water-resistant one, and two elastic loops to hold products like toothbrushes or razors. We think it’s a reasonably spacious bag, but only for travel-size products — that's why we recommend it for short trips rather than long ones.

The Details: 6.3 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches | 0.9 pounds | Ballistic nylon

Best Leather

Cuyana travel beauty case.

• Portability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

This is a true luxury item with exquisite craftsmanship.

More care will need to be taken so spills don’t damage the leather.

Take one look at the Cuyana Travel Beauty Case, and it's clear that you're dealing with a luxury item. Made from Italian pebbled leather, this toiletry bag is extremely elegant in each of its three colors: ecru, soft rose, and black. We found that this is high-quality leather that's not so delicate you have to worry about damaging it when stuffing it in your backpack or weekender.

As for storage, there are two main compartments: one with an internal elastic pocket for storing larger items and another that has elastic straps to hold items like makeup brushes in place. They open like a clamshell, and between them is a detachable pouch for smaller items. The pouch is ideal for a few items that can be used to refresh your makeup on a travel day, but it can't hold enough products for a full face.

The Details: 6.2 x 10.2 x 3.1 inches | 1.6 pounds | Italian pebbled leather

MZ Wallace Mica Cosmetic Case

It's a no-nonsense bag — simply stash your stuff and go.

There's only one main compartment with a smaller zippered pocket.

The best thing about a pouch like this one is that it's very straightforward — all you have to do is toss in your items without giving much thought to organization. We loved this particular toiletry bag because it's more spacious than it seems at first glance. That's particularly true of the one zippered pocket inside: it was able to hold seven makeup brushes.

By the same token, the lack of organization might be frustrating to some. Depending on your preference, you might wish there were a few dividers or additional pockets to keep things a little tidier inside the bag. Still, the amount of space it has for items is impressive, and for some travelers, that might be just what they're looking for.

The Details: 9.49 x 4.02 x 5.98 inches | 0.23 pounds | REC Oxford

Best Budget

Wandf toiletry bag.

• Portability 4 /5

It comes in nearly 20 colors.

The main compartment only has one zipper, which makes it a little tough to retrieve items.

As you're probably well aware by this point, toiletry bags can get quite expensive — but they don't have to be. This is a particularly budget-friendly model, yet it accomplishes just about everything you'd need a toiletry bag to do. For one, it has multiple compartments. And for another, it's a water-resistant case, which means it can handle being splashed on a bathroom counter.

The compartments are both the success and the downfall of this toiletry bag. We were beyond impressed with the amount of space inside the main compartment, as well as with the two side compartments with mesh pockets. But we found that the main compartment was almost too spacious and could benefit from another divider of some kind. Given its size, it could also benefit from a double zipper opening, which would allow you to access more items throughout the bag than the existing single zipper.

The Details: 10.24 x 4.72 x 5.91 inches | 3.53 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Other Toiletry Bags We Liked

• Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag : We love the soft, water-resistant neoprene material of this bag, as well as the two detached pouches for easy organization. (And did we mention the colors? Those are beautiful, too!) Unfortunately, we found it to be a tight fit to squeeze both of the detachable pouches into the main bag when all three had items in them.
• State Bags Bensen Dopp Kit : This is a spacious bag with a detachable pouch for additional storage — there's not much to not like here. But we think it's a bit too expensive, and we found the hook to be too small to use in many cases. Because it's so spacious, it's best for longer trips, as we think it might take up a bit too much room in a carry-on bag.
• L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag, Medium : A favorite for decades, this bag is the king when it comes to storage space and organization — there are pockets for just about everything. Some might find the sheer number of storage spaces to be overwhelming. But others, particularly those going on long trips or families who might be sharing a toiletry bag, will love the roominess.
• Baggu Dopp Kit : This bag packs flat, which is great when you need to store it somewhere. But when you expand it, you'll find that it's large enough to carry all of your toiletries and then some. The only thing we worried about was the durability of the materials. Though it did not fail any of our rigorous tests, we suspect it may wear out over time.

We tested 52 toiletry bags and cosmetics cases in our lab to determine the best products.

Testing started with an analysis of the bag when it was empty; we examined the materials, the construction, and the overall design.

Then we packed the bags with common travel essentials like toiletry bottles, makeup, and dental products, among other items. We then re-evaluated the design of the bag, noting overall capacity; convenience and security of organizational compartments, pockets, and pouches; closure functionality (such as zippers, magnetic clasps, and Velcro tabs); and overall sturdiness and stability of the bag.

Next, we put the bags into weekenders, carry-on luggage, and backpacks to see how they'd fit. We also carried around the larger bags to evaluate the feel of the toiletry bags in them.

Finally, we rated each toiletry bag on its capacity, design, portability, and value, all the while considering extra characteristics like the material's water-resistance, ease of cleaning, and any extra features, such as hanging straps or built-in mirrors.

Testing of the toiletry kits then continues for a period of six months on our real-world trips, and we will continue to update this article based on the results.

When the bag was fully packed, we placed it inside a large weekender bag to get a sense of its weight by carrying it around our lab. We also checked how much space the bag took up inside the weekender bag to determine if there was ample room to store other items, such as clothing and accessories. We then determined whether the bag would be suitable for weekend trips and/or longer vacations.

After rating for all attributes, we checked each bag's price to rate the overall value.

Tips for Buying a Toiletry Bag

Look at the design of the bag.

Some toiletry bags are voids — they have one cavernous space to fit all your items. But others are separated into compartments with pockets and pouches to keep your items in place. Depending on what you're storing in your toiletry bag, you might prefer more organizational tools than a single open space. Also consider the material; more durable, water-resistant materials are ideal for toiletry bags, since they'll be getting quite a bit of use on the road.

Consider capacity and the items you pack

What do you plan on putting in a toiletry bag? If you're a minimalist who carries very few toiletries — say, just face wash and toothpaste — you might only need a small case But if you have an extensive skincare routine — including sunscreen and after-sun lotion — and you travel with all your makeup, you'll need a bag with enough space for everything.

Think about portability

If you plan on taking your toiletry bag in your carry-on, you'll want it to be as compact and lightweight as possible to save room for everything else in your bag. And if you're packing liquids, gels, or aerosols, make sure your items’ sizes comply with the TSA's 3-1-1 rule . If you're checking your toiletry bag, though, you might have more flexibility with size and weight.

While a clear bag is not explicitly stated on all sections of the TSA website , this is the common practice and can speed things up at the security checkpoint. Toiletry bags that don't hold any liquids, as well as toiletry bags that will be checked in your suitcase (regardless of their contents), do not need to be clear.

Since toiletry bags frequently come into contact with liquids — either from leaking products or from the bathroom counter — water-resistant or waterproof materials are best. Another factor to consider is durability. Toiletry bags are typically fairly heavily used when you travel, so it's best to look for tear-proof fabric that will hold up over time.

A TSA-approved toiletry bag is one that meets the TSA's requirements for the 3-1-1 rule regarding liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes packed in carry-ons. These products must be 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less, and they all must fit in " 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag ."

You can pack just about anything in a toiletry bag, from heatless hair curlers to body washes to makeup. Depending on what you plan on putting in your toiletry bag, you may want to look for ones with special pockets — many toiletry bags have designated spots for items like makeup brushes or palettes to keep them secure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer with a decade of experience. For this article, she incorporated tester feedback and used her own experience with toiletry bags.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

• Alternative Lodging
• Be An Outlier. Interviews
• Financial (FIRE)
• Budget/Expenses
• Digital Nomad
• House Sitting
• Lessons Learned

Jan 17 Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel Tips for Women | Makeup

The one bag (henceforth known as ‘onebag’) single carry-on travel scene is dominated by men. As the female half of a onebag travel backpack couple who’ve been traveling long term for over two years, I’ve picked up a few tips along the way. If you’re a woman looking for onebag travel tips, DIYs, and how-tos, keep on reading. This article is focused on makeup, but don’t miss the packing, clothing, accessories, feminine hygiene, and toiletry tips articles!

Don’t miss our OneBag travel tips for women. To fit in so much information we’ve made it a multi-part series!

Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel Tips for Women | Feminine Hygiene and Toiletries

Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel Tips for Women | Packing, Clothing, and Accessories

Disclosure: We may receive a commission for links on our blog. You don’t have to use our links, but we’re very appreciative when you do. Thanks again for your support, we hope you find our posts and information helpful! 

A Special Note

As the title indicates, this post is aimed mainly towards women. So we thought it fit to diverge from our normal post style and have Shannon write this one. Although, Sergio contributed occasionally. That being said, while this article is focused on tips specifically for women when traveling, we encourage the guys out there who are, will, or aspire to travel with a woman to read this as well. We think it’ll help give them a better appreciation for what the women in their lives go through when travelling, especially when it’s only out of a travel backpack (onebag)!

Quick Links

Don’t give up what makes you, you.

Storing Foundation

Travel Makeup Brushes

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Full Face Makeup Palette

DIY Makeup Palette (AKA Makeup Palette 2.0)

Touching Up Makeup

Makeup Removal

Makeup Travel Case

Before embarking on our travel adventure, I learned a lot from others. But over two-plus years of continuous long-term travel out of a single carry-on travel backpack ( Osprey Manta AG 36 ) I’ve figured out a packing list and style that works for me.

I’m big on DIY (do it yourself), frugality, and being a minimalist. I tend to shy away from the ‘off the shelf solutions’ and prefer being resourceful and creative. My style is bound to be different from yours, but take and adapt what you can!

Stereotypically men dominate the long-term, lightweight, and extreme traveling lifestyle. Therefore, much of the information out there on packing lists is male focused.

Don’t miss our Ultimate Gear and Packing Lists that’s full of tips for both his and hers ! On top of packing lists and tips, we discuss the gear we carry, plus explain what we don’t carry and why.

When doing research most of the information I found led me to believe that I needed to minimize my backpack down to the absolute bare minimum. This would mean ditching many of the things that made me feel like me. In other words, ditching some of my femininity.

“ I played with the idea of no makeup, the same three outfits over and over, no jewelry, and no hair products. However, this didn’t sit well with me. ”

When I focused my research on packing tips for female travelers, I mostly found tips for the average ‘vacation’ traveler who takes double, triple, or even quadruple the amount of luggage I was going to be carrying. The few tips I found from women travelers who travel with a single carry-on travel backpack were generally vague and unfortunately, not as informative as I would’ve liked. Plus, add to that that every woman has unique beauty concerns and needs, and I was getting nowhere fast!

Tip : I’ve since found the sub Reddit r/HerOneBag which is full of women that are eager and willing to provide plenty of advice and personal experience. It’s a great community for women who want to or actively travel with a single carry on travel backpack or bag.

What works for me is minimal (relative to the majority), but ultimately I refused to give up what I considered my bare essentials to still feel like me.

This post is focused on makeup, a huge part of my daily routine and appearance that I didn’t want to forego entirely!

Women’s Makeup Tips for Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel

Makeup is a personal preference. So whether you’re like me and always wear makeup or if it’s only for special occasions, it’s not something you have to give up if you’re traveling with only a carry-on bag.

Here are a few solutions to minimize your makeup’s weight and volume.

Storing Foundation Tips for Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel

Standard full-size foundation bottles only hold an ounce or so of makeup, but they’re usually large heavy glass bottles. Instead of carrying the glass bottle with you, use a small re-usable plastic container!

DIY Foundation Container Solution

I went to a local department store makeup counter, very kindly explained my travel plans, and asked for a few empty sample containers. I was turned down once but found success on my second try!

I filled four of the small containers with my foundation and found that, in my case each container lasts a couple of weeks. The containers are minimal and fit into my TSA sized liquids bag, easily nestling around the larger items. When I need more, I simply buy a new bottle of foundation on the road and refill my light weight sample containers.

Over time I’ve gathered a few different sizes and types of containers for my foundation, powders, moisturizers, and other creams. From left to right: 0.5 oz container purchased in a travel container pack, about a 0.5 oz sample container from Lush cosmetics, about 0.25 oz sample container from a department store, the last two on the right are very small sample containers from a department store.

Off the Shelf Foundation Container Solution

Most big-box stores carry travel sized containers, including two to three ounce jars with screw off lids. However, these are much bigger than needed. Instead you can purchase plastic sample containers on Amazon, usually in bulk. I prefer smaller half ounce (plus or minus) containers, because I can use more than one if needed and they fit more easily into my toiletry bag. If you prefer, you can purchase TSA approved containers that are larger and only use one for a month or more of foundation.

Tip : I also use a sample container for my setting powder. When applying, the opening is just large enough for my brush and the lid works as a place to tap the excess powder off.

I keep my foundation (0.5 oz and lasts about 3-4 weeks) and setting powder (about 0.25 oz and lasts 3-4 weeks) in sample sized containers to save space and weight.

Makeup Brush Tips for Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel

Makeup brushes are a must if you’re applying powders and preferable for applying foundation. However, standard makeup brushes tend to be too big and too heavy for single carry-on only travel.

“ Instead of spending money on an entirely new set of makeup brushes in travel size, I decided to use my own trusted and true full-size makeup brushes… just with a DIY twist! ”

DIY Travel Makeup Brush Set

To figure out how long my makeup brushes needed to be, I paid attention to where I placed my fingers while applying my makeup. After marking the spots, I handed the brushes over to Sergio and he used a Dremmel to cut off the long handles and sand the edges.

I would venture to say that I ended up shortening the handles by 75%. Plus, after using them for a bit and adjusting to the new lengths, I realized I could have gone even shorter. So, the next time we had access to a Dremmel I took matters into my own hands and cut off a little bit more for maximum weight and volume savings! They now measure in at less than three inches in length.

Top: My DIY travel makeup brush set is my favorite full sized brushes with a modified (cut) handle! This is the entire set, minus my foundation brush. Bottom: The ends of my travel makeup brush after cutting and sanding.

Frugal Travel Makeup Brush Solution

If you’re looking for a powder or foundation brush, there are a few makeup brands out there that will give them to you for free. For example, Bare Essentials has a powder brush they give out with powder samples. They’re short (under an inch!) stubby brushes and work well.

I have one for setting powder, one for foundation (later replaced with a branded stippling foundation brush), one for blush, and one for bronzer/contour.

“ I have yet to find an off the shelf set of brushes that are this compact and lightweight! ”

Tip : Since the brushes look identical, I used different colors of nail polish to paint the end of each handle. (Plain is for setting, silver for bronzer and contour, and pink for blush.)

Free brushes from Bare Minerals that are given with makeup samples are a great option for setting powder, contour, bronzer, blush, and even foundation. They aren’t contoured and they start to shed after 6-ish months (in my experience), but they’re incredibly compact and get the job done.

Off the Shelf Travel Makeup Brush Set

A simple ‘travel makeup brush’ search on Amazon brings up many thousands of choices. So to narrow your options to a few minimal (weight and volume) travel makeup brush sets, here are a some options.

4-in-1 makeup brush that has your eyes and lips covered!

Full-face travel makeup brush set that’s double sided! (I have one double sided brush and love it!)

Full-face travel makeup brush set that measure in at 3.5 inches in length!

Cleaning Makeup Brush Tips for Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel

It’s smart to clean your makeup brushes regularly. Instead of carrying makeup brush cleaner, I simply take the brushes in the shower with me and use shampoo and conditioner. Some would argue that this isn’t the most conditioning method for the brushes, but it gets the job done when traveling so minimally.

Of course, there’s no need to shower with your makeup brushes as they can also be cleaned just as well at the sink.

Cleaning my brushes on the road (in a hotel room)! Either in the shower or at the sink, use shampoo to wash your brushes. I wash them a few times, until the suds are clear of makeup, and then finish them up with a round of conditioner. With a napkin or paper towel, I press the brushes dry and then leave them out to dry. In this case, I was able to dry them on the hotel balcony (over looking Sighisoara, Romania’s citadel )!

Full Face Makeup Palette Tips for Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel

I searched high and low for a makeup palette that had everything I needed in one palette and wasn’t big and bulky.

I wanted something that included three to four eyeshadows, a bronzer, and a blush. Most of what I found at the time was just eye shadows or just face powders (bronzer, highlighter, blushes). It was a tall order but eventually I found a palette by Tarte that had everything I needed, in my ‘ideal’ colors.

After a few months of usage I realized a couple downsides to using my Tarte palette (After Dark, limited edition).

It Was Still Relatively Heavy

In terms of onebag lightweight travel, it was still pretty heavy. It came with a mirror that I never used and it was encased in a thick heavy plastic. While the heavy duty case was protective of my makeup (it never cracked or broke), I wasn’t convinced that the added weight was worth it.

I Don’t Use All Makeup at the Same Pace

I put more of some colors on and less of others. So, I would run out of the main shadows and highlighters well before I ran out of the contouring colors. I realized that when I ran out of the first color I’d have to purchase a new palette, which meant either throwing away the old one and wasting the remaining makeup, or carrying two palettes around.

Tarte Rainforest After Dark Colored Clay Eye & Cheek Palette *Limited Edition*

DIY Makeup Palette (AKA Makeup Palette 2.0) Tips for Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel

I decided the best option would be to make my own makeup palette. (Sergio here! She’s the female MacGyver I tell you!)

I could go with a commercial off the shelf method and use Makeup Geek’s or Inglot’s ‘make your own palettes’ and purchase the inserts I wanted (expensive). Or I could go the DIY path in one of two ways. One, I could de-pot my makeup and stick them to a magnetic makeup case like Z Palette (heating plastic and glue, and prying the tins out). Or two, I could de-palette my makeup completely, breakdown the powder, and then reconstitute it in the the palette of my choosing.

“ I did the later DIY option and it was easier than I expected! ”

Following Travel Fashion Girl’s DIY Tutorial I found a lightweight makeup palette at a drug store and emptied out all of the powders I didn’t need and replaced them with colors I wanted (alternatively, purchase an empty makeup palette ). When I was done, I used masking tape to reinforce the lid and make it more durable.

Ultimately, I ended up with two palettes, one with blush, highlighter, and bronzer, and one with everything else. Combined they’re still lighter than my Tarte palette!

Now, when I run out of a color I just replace it and not the entire palette!

Tip : Whether it’s a DIY palette or an off the shelf palette, I always protect my pressed powders with a layer or two of tissue. I’ve used sewing backing, tissues, and paper towels, cut to size and folded to the right thickness to fill the empty space between the powders and the lid.

My DIY makeup palette is so much lighter and more versatile than my off the shelf palette!

Touching Up Makeup Tips for Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel

I don’t know about you, but for some reason a day of travel wears my makeup a bit more than a ‘normal’ day.

My makeup bag is pretty minimal, but rather than have to take out everything to fix my makeup mid-day in an airport or train station restroom, I keep the essentials near the top of my bag and make sure my makeup brushes are within easy reach.

Before I pack my bag that morning, I leave a little extra powder on my setting, blush, and contour brushes. Since most of the time all I need is a touch-up, a small amount of powder on the brush is enough. Easy, quick, and efficient!

Makeup Removal Tips for Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel

When Sergio brought home this thrift store find that he thought I could make use of, I looked at him with disbelief (Sergio here! In my defense, it was new in box and had great reviews on Amazon!).

“ I thought that there was no way that the Makeup Eraser (a small pink towel) would remove all of my makeup! ”

But I entertained him and gave it a shot. In a side by side comparison (using a white cotton towel to dry my face), the Makeup Eraser removed as much, if not more makeup than my normal routine did!

I was a convert. I now carry this towel with me everywhere! Now, to clean my face all I need is the the Makeup Eraser and a bit of water!

The Makeup Eraser easily takes off all of my makeup, even my full coverage foundation and waterproof mascara!

Makeup Travel Case Tips for Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel

Rather than carry around a makeup bag and a travel case for my brushes, I store them in DIY reinforced Ziploc bags !

All of my accessories (jewlery, makeup, perfume, etc.) fit into a snack size Ziploc bag that then fits into my DIY makeup travel case!

My makeup is minimal enough to easily fit in a quart size bag and my brushes (cut to travel size) fit in a snack size bag. In fact, the snack size bag that holds my brushes fits inside my makeup bag along with another snack size bag of earrings (2), necklaces (2), bobby pins (5 or 6), hair ties (2), and perfume (2)!

Tip : We reinforce our Ziploc bags but we’re still often asked about the durability of our DIY packing cubes . In the case of my quart size makeup bag, it’s original and still going strong after 2+ years!

All of my makeup fits into a single quart size Ziploc bag! I’ve been using the same reinforced Ziploc bag as my DIY travel makeup case (our DIY packing cubes ) for over 2 years.

Final Thoughts

So many women I’ve met along the way comment on how they have too much makeup in their travel bag to even get close to traveling in a 36L travel backpack like we do. However, I wear more makeup than most and I refused to give it up.

With a bit of resourcefulness and creativity it wasn’t too hard to miniaturize my makeup to a quart size bag and still keep all of the functionality!

Jan 24 Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel Tips for Women | Feminine Hygiene and Toiletries

Jan 10 Traveling Australia on a Budget

Related posts.

Nov 1 DIY – How to Hack $30+ Travel Packing Cubes (2022 UPDATE)

Jan 31 Carry-On Only (Onebag) Travel Tips for Women | Packing, Clothing, and Accessories