Can You Bring Makeup On A Plane? Answers, Tips, & TSA Rules in 2025

Taking makeup on a plane is a common concern for travelers. Navigating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process with makeup in a carry-on requires some planning to ensure a smooth experience.

Can You Bring Makeup On A Plane?

The quick answer is yes, but there are some TSA regulations you need to follow, especially if you want to pack your makeup in a carry-on for a weekend getaway. These regulations will allow you to navigate the airport security checkpoint quicker than if you didn’t follow them.

The TSA 3-1-1 rule states that any liquid container in your carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and that all those containers must fit in one clear quart-size, zipped plastic bag. You can only have one of these clear plastic bags in your carry-on. With those stringent rules, how do you decide what makeup will make the trip? The trick is how you pack it and where.

What Makeup Can You Bring On A Plane?

Whether you’re a creative influencer or a tourist who enjoys a selfie to document your travels, there is no need to worry – your makeup will be allowed on the plane.

According to the TSA guidelines for carry-on luggage, if your toner, foundation, or blush is a liquid, lotion, cream, gel, or paste, it must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and packed in a clear plastic quart-sized bag.

Also included in that requirement are moisturizers, perfume, and lip gloss. TSA considers mascara a liquid, so it also must be placed in the same bag as your liquids.

Solid or powdered makeup, like bronzer, blush, and eyeshadow palettes, do not have to be in a clear bag. However, powders need to be easily identifiable and less than 12 ounces to be in a carry-on.

Lipstick depends on whether it is a solid or cream, so pack accordingly. The only makeup not allowed in a carry-on or checked bag is nail polish, which is flammable.

How Much Makeup Can You Bring On A Plane?

For longer vacations, you can pack all of your makeup in a checked bag with no limits to size or quantity.

If you plan on taking carry-on luggage only, you must downsize your makeup options. Bringing only the essentials, look for travel-sized options for your liquids, lotions, and creams, or transfer them to smaller containers since you have to put all of them in a single plastic quart-sized bag. And this bag will also have to hold your toothpaste and deodorant.

You can bring as much of your solid and powdered makeup as you can fit into your carry-on. There are no restrictions on size and fitting them into a quart size clear plastic bag.

How to Efficiently Pack Your Makeup in a Carry-on

To pack your makeup efficiently and prevent damage or spills, divide your makeup into three makeup bags.

• The first one is the clear plastic quart-sized bag for your liquids.
• The second would be one for your brushes to keep them clean. You can add nail clippers, nail files, and tweezers to this one, as they are all acceptable for carry-on bags; however, if you are worried, you can always put them in your checked bag.
• The third would be for your powdered-based makeup. Cover any compact powdered items with cotton balls or other padding to prevent cracking or breaking during flight.
• To streamline the process further, place your quart-sized bag containing liquids and any other makeup items in an easily accessible part of your carry-on. This makes it simple to remove and present to the security personnel during the screening if requested.

Taking makeup on a plane is allowed, but it’s crucial to be mindful of the TSA’s regulations, particularly regarding the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on luggage.

By packing your makeup items strategically and staying informed about airline-specific policies, you can enjoy a hassle-free journey through the airport without compromising your beauty routine.

More information on Airplane Travel

• Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airlines
• Can You Bring A Razor On A Plane?
• How Many Ounces Can You Take On A Plane?