Taking makeup in your carry-on luggage when flying can be confusing due to the liquid restrictions enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Knowing what you can and cannot bring is key to avoiding problems at airport security. This article will provide quick answers about carrying on makeup, details on TSA liquid rules, tips for packing makeup in carry-on, and examples of makeup items that are allowed. Read on to learn everything you need to know about bringing makeup in your carry-on bag.
Quick Answers
Can I bring makeup in my carry-on?
Yes, you can bring makeup in your carry-on luggage. However, liquid makeup items over 3.4 oz/100 ml will need to be placed in checked baggage.
What makeup items can I put in my carry-on?
You can bring solid makeup items like powder, lipstick, eyeshadow palettes, mascara, and eyeliner pencils in your carry-on. Liquid makeup under 3.4 oz/100 ml is also allowed.
Do I have to pack my makeup a certain way?
Yes, liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 oz/100ml or smaller and fit in a quart-size plastic bag in your carry-on. Limit 1 bag per passenger.
Can I bring full-size makeup in my carry-on?
No, full-size liquid makeup over 3.4 oz/100 ml is too large to bring in a carry-on bag. These should be packed in checked luggage instead.
TSA Liquid Rules for Carry-Ons
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific rules regarding liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes that passengers can bring in their carry-on luggage. This impacts what makeup items you can bring aboard your flight in a carry-on bag.
3-1-1 Liquid Rule
The TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule states that liquid or gel makeup items must adhere to the following:
- Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less
- All containers must fit in one quart-sized plastic bag
- Only 1 plastic bag per passenger is permitted
Any liquid or gel makeup that follows these guidelines is allowed in carry-on luggage. This includes foundations, concealers, primers, makeup removers, and more.
Exceptions to the Liquid Rule
There are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 liquid rule:
- Medically necessary liquids can exceed 3.4 oz
- Baby formula/milk, breast milk, and juice for children under 3 can exceed 3.4 oz
- Duty-free liquids sealed at point of purchase in tamper-evident bags are allowed
Outside of these exceptions, all liquid or gel makeup brought in carry-ons must follow the 3-1-1 guidelines.
Tips for Packing Makeup in Carry-On
Follow these tips to smoothly pack makeup in your carry-on bag:
Stick to Limits
Only pack liquid or gel makeup that follows the 3-1-1 rule. Anything larger should go in checked bags.
Use Travel Bottles
Pour any makeup over 3.4 oz into empty travel bottles or containers that meet the size limits.
Pack Liquids in Plastic Bag
Place all liquid makeup items including foundations, primers, and makeup removers in a single quart-sized plastic bag.
Protect Makeup
Wrap makeup brushes and palettes in tissue or small pouches to prevent damage. Use cosmetic bags to separate types of makeup.
Accessibility is Key
Pack essential makeup for touch-ups like lipstick, powder, mascara, and eyeliner in an outer pocket for easy airport access.
Check Full-Size Makeup
Rather than paying to check a bag, only pack full-size or extra makeup in a checked bag. Carry on essential, multi-use items.
Makeup Items Allowed in Carry-On
Here are some common makeup items that can be brought in carry-on luggage:
Powder Makeup
- Powder foundation
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Powder eyeshadow
- Powder highlighter
As solids, powder makeup of any size is permitted.
Pencil Makeup
- Eyeliner pencils
- Eyebrow pencils
- Lip liner pencils
Pencils are solid, so no size restrictions apply.
Lip Makeup
- Lipstick tubes
- Lip glosses under 3.4 oz
- Liquid lipsticks under 3.4 oz
Lip items that are solid or meet liquid limits can be brought onboard.
Eye Makeup
- Mascara tubes under 3.4 oz
- Eyeshadow palettes
Mascara must adhere to liquid rules but palettes can be any size.
Tools
- Makeup brushes
- Eyelash curler
- Sponges
- Empty makeup bags
Makeup tools and bags have no restrictions in carry-on luggage.
Makeup to Put in Checked Luggage
The following makeup should be packed in checked luggage rather than carry-on bags:
- Foundations, tinted moisturizers, BB creams over 3.4 oz
- Concealers, color correctors over 3.4 oz
- Primers over 3.4 oz
- Setting sprays over 3.4 oz
- Makeup removers, cleansers over 3.4 oz
- Self-tanners over 3.4 oz
- Nail polish over 3.4 oz
- Perfumes over 3.4 oz
- Full-size hairspray, mousse, gel over 3.4 oz
Checking these larger liquid makeup and beauty items will prevent problems getting through airport security.
Flying with Makeup Checklist
Use this checklist to remember key things when packing makeup for your carry-on bag:
- All liquid or gel makeup must be 3.4 oz or less
- Group all liquid makeup in one quart-sized plastic bag
- Pack essential makeup like lipstick and powder in outer pockets
- Wrap palettes and brushes in tissue or pouches
- Check makeup over 3.4 oz in checked luggage
- Adhere to all TSA liquid rules for carry-ons
Following TSA guidelines and these tips will make getting through security fast and easy with your makeup!
Can I Use Makeup on My Flight?
Yes, you are allowed to use liquid makeup items that you brought in your carry-on once you’re on the airplane. Feel free to freshen up with some lipstick, powder, or concealer.
Some airlines even offer amenities kits with products to use in-flight. Just follow flight attendant instructions about when makeup use is permitted during take-off and landing.
Purchasing Makeup at Your Destination
If you don’t want to deal with liquid restrictions, another option is to purchase makeup once you arrive at your destination. Many drugstores and beauty retailers sell high-quality yet affordable makeup you can use while traveling.
Some top brands like Maybelline, L’Oreal, Covergirl, and NYX have broad availability for purchasing makeup on the go. This prevents you from having to pack bulky makeup bags in your luggage.
Travel Makeup Tips
In addition to knowing what you can pack, keep these tips in mind for easy travel beauty:
- Opt for makeup with multi-use potential like lip and cheek tints
- Bring makeup remover wipes for quick clean-up
- Use sunscreen and moisturizer with SPF
- Keep hands hydrated with travel-size creams
- Bring makeup setting spray to increase wear
- Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner
- Choose a natural eyeshadow palette for day and night
- Pack sheet masks for an in-flight pick-me-up
With the right tips and tricks, you can look great while traveling without the hassle of packing prohibited items!
Conclusion
Bringing makeup in your carry-on luggage is allowed by the TSA, but liquid and gel makeup items must follow the 3-1-1 rule. Know what is permitted in a carry-on vs checked bag and adhere to all size limits. Use organizational tools like makeup bags and plastic pouches to keep carry-on makeup neat.
Following the guidelines provided in this article will ensure you breeze through security with your beauty items. Safe travels with your makeup!