If you’re going to be traveling by plane, you’ll need to know how to pack your makeup for a flight properly. There are a few things to keep in mind, such as what kind of products you should use and how to make sure everything stays intact. Follow these simple tips and you’ll be able to travel with your makeup worry-free.
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Can You Bring Makeup on a Plane
You may want to bring your favorite makeup products with you on a plane. Whether it is to freshen up before landing or just in case your luggage doesn’t make it to your destination, an all too real reality since travel came back in full force in 2022. So can you bring makeup on a plane is the question that many of us have. The answer in short is yes, as long as you follow a few rules and regulations. Every traveler must follow the 3-1-1 rule, 3.4 oz containers, 1-quart max of liquid allowed per 1 person.
When going through TSA all liquids must be stored in 3.4-ounce containers or smaller. Each person gets one clear quart-sized bag to be filled with liquids. The classification of liquid also includes any gels and aerosols. By doing this you can ensure that your go-to products will be allowed through security and onto your flight! As you read further you’ll learn how to pack makeup for a flight so that security is no issue at all.
Liquid Makeup
Liquid makeup often comes in small containers that will make it through security with no problem. It is still best to know and understand all TSA rules to get through airport security with as few issues as possible.
Make sure to know what counts as a liquid and what doesn’t. Then pack it all so that it won’t spill or take up unnecessary space.
Is mascara a liquid?
One liquid that travelers commonly question is mascara. Mascara is in fact considered a liquid! This means it should be removed from any carry-on luggage while going through security and it will count against your liquid amount.
Powder Makeup
In order to avoid issues with going over the allotted limit of liquids allowed per person when traveling with makeup, try switching to solid makeup products or powders. For example, a pressed powder foundation as opposed to a liquid foundation. Or you can use powder blush instead of cream blush, an eyeliner pencil instead of liquid eyeliner, and a solid deodorant stick rather than an aerosol one.
Makeup and TSA Regulations
With the TSA liquid regulations, air travelers can bring containers that hold 3.4 ounces (or 100 ml) of liquid makeup in their carry-on bags. However, thanks to the 3-1-1 liquids rule its not just about if the individual liquid or cream bottles you bring are smaller than 3.4 ounces. They must all fit inside a single quart-sized resealable bag. You can read their complete liquid guidleines online.
Additionally, any powders should also be separated in a bag that does not exceed 350 ml/12 oz and placed in a bin for x-ray. If you are traveling with powders then the TSA website states that the traveler MAY be subject to additional screening. You should get to keep your products though. Powders over this amount should be placed in your checked luggage. When in doubt, it’s best to check your item online with the TSA website before boarding your flight. This will ensure that you and your travel items meet all the TSA’s regulations for liquid and powder makeup so that there are no surprises waiting at security!
Travel Tip: Some liquids are considered medically necessary and are allowed through in larger quantities than 3.4 oz such as contact lens solution. Simply declare this liquid to a TSA agent before going through security. The liquid will be inspected and then returned to you. This is not the case in all countries, so make sure you verify with each country you pass through before flying.
More Packing Tips and Tricks:
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Best Makeup Bag
Packing your makeup for travel comes down to the right supplies along with a few tricks. Whether you’re flying for a business trip or taking a mini-vacation, it all starts with the best travel makeup bag.
First thing, all liquid makeup and other liquid toiletries should be stored in a clear plastic bag. A ziplock bag works well or these very affordable, sturdy plastic bags are a sturdier option. This makes it easy to separate liquids and pull them out of your luggage as you go through security.
Read More: Product Review: Packism Clear Travel Bags
When looking for the perfect toiletry bag, be sure to get one with compartments and pockets. It should be spacious enough to store all your favorite products yet small enough that it doesn’t take up too much space in your carry-on bag. A sturdy zipper is important to ensure that your belongings are kept safe through the jostling of travel. With the right gear, traveling with makeup has never been easier!
Makeup Travel Containers
As an avid traveler and makeup lover, liquid travel containers are your best bet for carrying your go-to beauty supplies in the least amount of space possible. So, the next thing to consider when figuring out how to pack makeup for a flight while taking up less space is the containers you are using.
Travel liquid bottles are a great place to start. These liquid bottles can hold about 3 oz and can be filled with any liquid or lotion of your choice. The liquid bottles are small, lightweight, and leak-proof. Perfect for bringing along liquids you need large(r) quantities of like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, skincare products, etc.
Even smaller containers like glass or plastic jars are a great option when you only need a small amount of liquid or gel. Some examples are hair gel, face lotion, cream blush, or a lip mask. Consider making the switch from bulky makeup bottles to liquid travel containers–you won’t regret it!
Shop Gear for Packing Makeup for Travel
How to Pack Makeup Brushes for Travel
Packing your makeup brushes is actually very simple. This small silicone makeup brush case is easy to clean, stylish, and affordable. It has a small magnetic closure to keep the brushes from falling out and is a great design. Using a small brush case will keep the rest of your makeup bag clean and avoid damage to the brushes themselves.
You can also get creative and use an empty makeup case, an old sunglass container, or even a pencil pouch to store them in. The options are endless and don’t have to be pricey!
Read More: Feryes Silicone Travel Makeup Brush Holder Product Review
What to Pack in Your Makeup Travel Bag on the Plane
Whenever you’re traveling by plane, space is always a concern. How much makeup you need to bring is going to vary based on your destination and purpose for travel. For example, on a beach vacation, you may only need some foundation and mascara to get you through the day. For a business trip though you will more than likely need more for your daily makeup routine.
I have a fairly minimalist approach to my makeup look. My essentials are items like foundation, concealer, highlighter, bronzer, blush, brow pencil, eyeliner, mascara, lip balm, and maybe some eyeshadow.
In my personal item, I keep my foundation, mascara, and chapstick handy in case I want to apply some makeup before arriving at my destination. The rest of my makeup I keep packed in my carry-on or checked luggage depending on what I am traveling with.
Read More Travel Tips:
- Airplane Essentials You Need When You Travel by Plane
- 9 Hacks Travelers Use to Save Money on Travel
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How to Pack Makeup for Travel in Carry-on Luggage
Bringing makeup on a plane in a carry-on is perfectly fine, even if your carry-on is nothing but a backpack. You can even bring make-up on a plane in your purse or other hand luggage. You may be wondering about how to pack makeup for a flight in a carry-on for safe and easy travel.
Most airport securities limit the amount of liquid items allowed in carry-on bags to 1 quart per person in 3.4 ounces (100mL) containers. With the right packing strategies, you can bring along all of your favorite makeup essentials without worrying about having them confiscated at the airport!
If you’re hoping to bring along the most products possible your best bet is to switch to solid products which aren’t subject to liquid regulations and don’t have to be screened. So many beauty essentials come in powder form as an alternative. For example, you can use powder blush instead of cream blush, eyeliner pencils instead of liquid eyeliners, a solid deodorant stick rather than an aerosol one, and nail strips instead of nail polish.
Any liquid products you chose to bring should be placed into the smallest possible size container. If you have only half a bottle of lotion left, you can save precious space by putting it into a travel liquid bottle rather than bringing the original packaging. It can also be helpful to bring small containers of hair gel, toothpaste, or foundation rather than large bottles. Especially if you are only going for a couple of days.
Finally, make sure all your liquids are packed into a clear bag. This is easy to pull out for security AND prevents any leaks from getting on the rest of your luggage.
Can You Bring Makeup Wipes on a Plane
Bringing makeup remover wipes along can be a great way to freshen up on the plane, especially during a long-haul flight. Many people have asked if they can bring makeup wipes on a plane, and the answer is yes! In fact, all items in the wipes category are not considered liquids or gels at all. This means there are no size restrictions and the wipes do not have to fit in your one-quart clear bag allowance.
Travel Tip: All types of wipes do not count as a liquid. That means makeup wipes, wet wipes, disinfectant wipes, baby wipes, etc can all be brought along in whatever quantity you need to bring without having to worry about the 3.4 oz container size and they can stay in your bag as you go through security.
How to Pack Makeup for a Flight in Checked Luggage
If you have a checked bag, packing your makeup along should be a little easier. There are no size restrictions for liquids so if you need (or want) to bring a large amount of a liquid you can. Even full-size bottle of product is allowed.
No matter their size, I still recommend transporting all liquids inside a plastic bag or toiletry bags of some sort in case of leaks. Potentially even taping lids closed if you are worried about them opening when pressure changes happen during the flight.
There are some extra precautions you can do to make sure your makeup remains intact during your travels. For powder products like eyeshadow and blush, look for hard plastic cases. These will better protect them from cracking or breaking if anything should happen to your luggage. You can put small cotton pads or a cotton ball inside with the makeup to prevent the powder from cracking.
I still recommend traveling with travel-sized products and cosmetics to cut down on how much extra packaging you are bringing with you. Luggage space and weight are most likely a concern when you are flying. With these tips in mind, you can pack your makeup worry-free when traveling with checked luggage.
Packing Makeup for a Flight
There you go, everything you need to know on how to pack makeup for a flight. Including my favorite containers to save a lot of space! Air travel with makeup can pose a few challenges to consider, but by following the TSA regulations and packing your makeup in the right containers, you can make sure your beauty products don’t take up too much space and arrives at your destination safe and sound. What are your tips for packing makeup for a flight? Share them in the comments below!
