Last Updated: August 25, 2022
Can You Bring Makeup On a Plane?
Packing for a trip and you’re wondering if you’re allowed to have makeup in your carry-on bag? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this detailed guide will tell you all you need to know about bringing makeup on a plane!
What are the rules for liquid makeup, can you bring brushes, and what to consider when packing powdered makeup is all included in this guide. We’ve covered everything you need to know about packing makeup in your carry-on, so you’ll get all the information you need right here!
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Can You Bring Makeup On A Plane?
The short answer is yes, you can bring makeup on the plane. The longer answer explains what kinds of makeup might be subject to extra scrutiny at TSA checkpoints, but you’re generally allowed to have makeup in your carry-on bag.
You will need to adhere to TSA’s powder and liquids rules though, otherwise, your makeup might get confiscated. If you’re packing makeup in your checked bag, there are no rules to follow – you’re allowed to pack an entire checked bag full of makeup if you want.
Just try to pack it in a way that it stays protected in case the baggage handlers throw your suitcase around like a ball – makeup is pretty fragile and it can easily break if it’s not properly packed.
What Are The Types of Makeup You Can Bring On A Plane?
You can bring any type of makeup on a plane, but the amount of makeup you can have in your carry-on bag depends on its composition. It’s not the same for liquid and solid makeup because of TSA’s restriction on liquids in carry-on luggage, so it’s generally best to pack as little liquid makeup as possible in your carry-on, and put the rest of it in your checked luggage.
TSA also has a rule for powdered products – if you have a powdered product larger than 12 oz it will be subject to additional screening at the security checkpoint. Leave your bigger palettes at home and consider replacing them with a travel makeup kit. These usually include just the basics, so pack one colorful palette and you’ll be able to create a variety of different looks.
Can You Bring Liquid Makeup On A Plane?
Yes, you can bring liquid makeup on a plane as long as you follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. That means that any liquid makeup must be 3.4 ounces max and that all your liquids must fit in a quart-size bag.
It’s worth noting that this toiletry bag must fit all your liquids, so consider which liquid makeup you absolutely need and what can be swapped for something in solid or powder form. Also, keep in mind that mascara is considered a liquid, so it must be packed in a quart-sized bag.
The same goes for liquid lipstick, liquid highlighters, liquid foundation, or any other type of makeup that isn’t solid or powder. Unless you want to use the liquids bag just for the makeup, it’s best to substitute whatever liquids you can with powder or solid alternatives.
Regular lipsticks are considered solids, so this rule doesn’t apply to them. The same goes for foundation sticks and bronzer/highlighter sticks – there’s really no rule that dictates the amount of solid makeup you can have, so it’s generally best to stick to solids whenever possible.
Can You Bring Powdered Makeup On A Plane?
You’re allowed to have powdered makeup on a plane, but the quantity of powder shouldn’t exceed 12 ounces. That’s the TSA powder rule – they likely won’t confiscate anything, but any powder products larger than 12 ounces will be subject to additional screening at TSA checkpoints.
The good news is that most powdered makeup is under 12 ounces, even the bigger eyeshadow palettes. TSA recommends packing any bigger powders in the checked bag if you want to avoid having any issues at the security checkpoints.
There are a few things to note about this rule. One is that TSA usually doesn’t confiscate powder makeup – they will inspect it further, but you’ll get it back if they determine it doesn’t pose a security issue. If you aren’t trying to smuggle anything, it’s unlikely you’ll get into any trouble.
Also, TSA doesn’t actually prohibit powders bigger than 12 ounces, but certain airlines do. If it turns out you’re flying with an airline that doesn’t allow powder products bigger than 12 ounces in carry-on bags, they might get confiscated even if the TSA doesn’t necessarily prohibit them.
Can You Bring Makeup Wipes On A Plane?
Yes! They’re not considered a liquid and you can bring as many as you need and you don’t even need to pack them in the liquids bag. Makeup wipes are treated the same way as baby wipes or antibacterial wipes, so you’re allowed to have them both in your carry-on and in your personal item.
Can You Bring A Makeup Mirror On A Plane?
You’re allowed to have a makeup mirror in a carry-on bag as long as it’s not bigger than 45 linear inches total. Most makeup mirrors are small and compact, so as long as you’re not bringing a huge mirror in your carry-on bags, you should be fine.
Also, consider if you need to pack a separate makeup mirror – if you’re packing a palette or a powder that already has a mirror, you can save some space in your makeup bag.
Can You Bring Makeup Brushes On A Plane?
There are no TSA restrictions on makeup brushes, so you’re allowed to pack as many of them as you need in your carry-on or personal bag. However, if it’s obvious that your makeup brushes contain other substances, they might be subject to additional inspection.
So, if you want to be certain you’re not going to waste time while TSA agents inspect your makeup brushes, just clean them before packing. Wash them with a makeup brush cleaner or give them a quick wipe down with micellar water to remove any visible traces of makeup from them.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the same goes for makeup sponges, eyeshadow applicators, and even eyelash curlers.
Can You Bring Nail Polish On A Plane?
You can bring both nail polish and nail polish remover on a plane, but they must be packed in the liquids bag. They’re both treated as liquids, so you must follow the 3-1-1 rule for packing liquids in a carry-on. You can’t have more than 3.4 oz of either nail polish or remover in a single bottle, and everything must fit in a clear plastic bag.
Nail files are also permitted in carry-on luggage, even glass and metal ones. It’s worth noting that any sharp objects must be properly sheathed in your carry-on – if you don’t want to waste a second at the security checkpoint, just pack a basic cardboard nail file.
Can You Bring Nail Clippers On A Plane?
You’re allowed to have nail clippers on a plane, but it’s not quite as simple with nail scissors. Nail scissors are allowed in your carry-on bag as long as they’re not longer than 4” from the pivot point. They also need to be sheathed, just like razors and any other sharp items in your carry-on.
It’s worth noting that the TSA agent inspecting your carry-on luggage has the ultimate say in what you can board the plane with. Even though you’re technically allowed to bring something inside an airplane, it could still get confiscated if the security agent deems it unsafe.
How To Pack Makeup in Your Carry-On Luggage
All your liquid makeup must be packed inside the quart-size toiletry bag. You can pack all your other makeup wherever you want, including makeup brushes, mirrors, and wipes. It’s best to place everything in a separate bag, so in case anything breaks or a powder comes loose, it won’t stain everything else in your carry-on.
The upside of packing makeup in a carry-on or personal bag is that you’re certain the bag won’t get thrown around a lot, so you don’t necessarily need to be extremely careful when packing. If you want to be on the safe side, it’s not a bad idea to wrap your palettes in clothes, for better impact resistance.
However, keep in mind you might be required to present your powdered makeup for additional screening, and wrapping it in clothing isn’t the best thing to do if you’re trying to get through security checkpoints quickly.
Summary
In conclusion, you are allowed to pack makeup in your carry-on and personal bags. All liquid makeup must be in containers that don’t exceed 3.4 oz, and all the containers must fit in a quart-size toiletry bag. It’s worth noting that anything that is not entirely solid is considered a liquid so your mascara, concealer, lipgloss, and anything similar need to be packed in the quart-size bag.
TSA doesn’t really have any rules for solid makeup, so most lipsticks and makeup sticks can be packed however and wherever in your carry-on luggage. They’re a bit stricter with powdered products though – if you have more than 12 ounces of a powdered product, it will be subject to additional screening at security.
Some airlines prohibit powdered products larger than 12 ounces entirely, but it ultimately depends on the security agent who is inspecting your luggage.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
