When traveling by air, most people prefer to carry their makeup and toiletries in hand luggage rather than checked luggage. This allows for easy access during the flight or upon arrival at your destination. However, there are restrictions on liquids, gels, aerosols, and pastes that can be brought in carry-on bags. Understanding these rules is key to knowing if your makeup can come onboard with you.
Liquid restrictions for hand luggage
Most major airlines follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on luggage:
- Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less
- Liquids must be in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
- 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin
This rule applies to all liquids, gels, aerosols, pastes, creams, lotions, and any other solutions. All makeup and toiletries must comply, including:
- Foundation, concealer, primer
- Setting spray, setting powder
- Mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow
- Lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm
- Blush, bronzer, highlighter
- Makeup remover, micellar water
As long as each container is 3.4 oz or smaller, it can go in your quart-sized bag in hand luggage. You are allowed one bag per passenger, so be strategic about what to include if you have a lot of makeup.
TSA exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the liquid rules. The TSA allows:
- Contact solution in containers up to 12 ounces
- Solid lipstick, chapstick
- Dry powder makeup like pressed or loose eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, face powder
So you can pack full-size powder products and lip colors in your hand luggage without limits. Contact solution larger than 3.4 oz is also permitted.
Creams vs liquids
The TSA makes a distinction between creams and liquids when it comes to the 3-1-1 policy. Creams are viewed as semi-solid and defined as spreadable without running. Examples include:
- Moisturizer, face cream
- Foundation and concealer sticks
- Cream blush, bronzer, highlight
- Lip balm, lipstick bullets
- Eyeshadow sticks, cream shadow pots
- Cream contour and highlight pots
As long as these cream products do not exceed 3.4 oz each, they can be packed normally in hand luggage without the quart bag. The same applies to gels like brow gel and hair gel. Everything must fit comfortably within the bag when stowed.
Tools and palettes
Makeup tools and palettes have no restrictions for carry-on luggage. This includes:
- Makeup brushes
- Sponges, blenders, puffs
- Eyelash curlers
- Eyeshadow, blush, contour palettes
- Mascara, lip gloss sets
You can pack full-size tools and palettes in your handbag or toiletry bag inside the cabin. Just be mindful of any sharp edges that could damage other items.
Limitations by airline
While most major airlines use the standard TSA liquid rules, some have additional restrictions for hand luggage makeup and toiletries:
| Airline | Hand Luggage Liquid Rules |
|---|---|
| RyanAir | Only 1 liquid bag permitted per passenger |
| EasyJet | Containers limited to 100ml max |
| British Airways | One see-through bag max size of 20x20cm |
Check your airline’s website when packing carry-on toiletries and makeup. Budget airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet tend to have more stringent rules.
Tips for packing makeup in hand luggage
Here are some tips for seamlessly getting your makeup onboard in hand luggage:
- Consolidate liquids – Use small travel containers to consolidate partially used liquid products into one bag.
- Opt for minis – Purchase mini sizes of favorite makeup items to comply with the 3.4 oz rule.
- Pack smartly – Group products by type in clear bags to stay organized.
- Check the rules – Always check your airline’s website for any hand luggage restrictions.
- Have spares – Keep extra quart bags, makeup bags, and empty travel bottles on hand.
- Arrive early – Give yourself extra time at security to properly unpack and repack liquids.
Following these tips along with the standard TSA rules allows you to bring necessary makeup items in your hand luggage for easy access when traveling.
Can you bring makeup in carry-on luggage?
Yes, you can bring most makeup in your carry-on luggage as long as it adheres to the TSA liquid rules. All liquid makeup items must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit in a single quart-sized bag with other liquids. Solid or powder makeup products can be packed as normal without restrictions.
Certain airlines beyond the TSA have additional limitations for hand luggage liquids. But in general, small liquid makeup items consolidated in one bag and powder or cream products can come onboard in a carry-on.
What makeup is not allowed in hand luggage?
These makeup and toiletry items are prohibited in carry-on luggage by the TSA:
- Liquid, gel, or aerosol products larger than 3.4 oz
- More than one quart-sized bag of liquids per passenger
- Liquid containers exceeding the acceptable quantity in the quart bag
Items not in compliance will need to be surrendered at the security checkpoint or packed in checked baggage. Certain airlines also do not allow large quantities of liquids even if TSA approved.
Can you bring full-size makeup in carry-on?
You cannot bring full-size liquid makeup items like foundation and mascara in your carry-on. Each container must adhere to the 3.4 oz (100ml) size restriction. However, these full-size makeup products are allowed:
- Pressed powder products
- Lipstick, lip balm, chapstick
- Makeup tools and brushes
- Palettes and makeup sets
Dry or solid makeup formulas have no size restrictions for carry-on luggage. Only liquids, gels, sprays, and pastes need to meet the 3.4 oz rule. But double check your airline as some have tighter limits than TSA.
Are makeup wipes allowed in hand luggage?
Yes, makeup remover wipes can be brought in carry-on bags under the following conditions:
- The package must be 3.4 oz or less if liquid formula
- Pre-moistened wipes must fit in a quart bag with other liquids
- Dry makeup wipes have no restrictions
A standard 20-30 count pack of liquid makeup wipes fits TSA requirements. But larger bulk packages may exceed the acceptable liquid volume. TSA allows unused, factory sealed liquid wipes in carry-on.
Can you bring nail polish in hand luggage?
Nail polish is restricted to 3.4 oz container size for carry-on luggage. Each bottle of polish must comply with the quantity limits. Options include:
- Pack polish bottles in your liquids bag
- Transfer polish into 3.4 oz travel bottles
- Bring nail polish pens under the limit
If possible, pack nail polish in checked baggage to avoid hassle. Some airlines like RyanAir ban polish outright. Verify rules with your airline before packing.
Conclusion
Most makeup can be brought onboard in carry-on luggage by adhering to TSA liquid regulations. The key requirements include:
- Liquid volume of 3.4 oz or less per container
- Liquids consolidated in one clear quart-sized bag
- No restrictions on solid or powder makeup items
Following the standard 3-1-1 rules for luggage allows you to access makeup during your flight. Some airlines have additional limitations, so always check before packing. With smart preparation, you can bring along the makeup you need in hand luggage.