Does makeup have to be in a clear bag on a plane?

Yes, for carry-on bags, all liquid, gel, cream, and aerosol makeup (like foundation, mascara, lip gloss, setting spray) must fit into a single, clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag, with each container being 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, as part of the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids. Solid makeup items (powders, pencils, brushes) don't have these restrictions and can stay in your regular makeup bag, but it's easiest to keep all liquids together in the clear bag for quick screening.

How strict is TSA with makeup?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

What makeup can I not bring on a plane?

What makeup can I take on flights? You can bring solid and powder cosmetics without restriction. However, liquid products like foundation and mascara must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, and all liquids must fit into one quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag.

Does foundation have to go in a clear bag?

Tip 3: Pack Your Makeup

Some airports will require that all of your liquids fit in one clear plastic bag– TSA says that all of the liquids that you're traveling with in your carry-on must fit in 1 quart sized, clear, plastic, zipped bag– so it's smart to have that handled before departure.

Do you still need to put toiletries in a plastic bag in 2025?

Yes, in 2025, you still need to put travel-sized toiletries (liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, pastes) in a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag for carry-on luggage due to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, though some airports are testing advanced scanners that might ease this, it's not universal, so always be prepared to use the bag. Solid items (like lipstick, powders) and medically necessary liquids have different rules, but the quart-sized bag for liquids remains the standard.
 

How to Pack Toiletries & Makeup in a Carry On - TSA Approved

Does mascara count as a liquid?

Yes, for air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers mascara a liquid or gel, even though it seems thick, falling under the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags, meaning it must be in a container 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and fit in a single, clear, quart-sized bag with other liquids. This rule applies to other creamy makeup like foundation, concealer, and cream blush, as well as gels and pastes that could potentially leak or spill, requiring them to be packed with your other toiletries.
 

Does deodorant have to be in a Ziploc bag TSA?

Spray, gel, and liquid deodorants count as liquids. If you're packing them in your carry-on, they must be packed in a clear quart-sized bag and be 3.4 ounces or less.

Can I put my makeup in a Ziploc bag for a plane?

Yes, you can put makeup in a Ziploc bag for a plane, and for liquid/gel makeup in your carry-on, it's required to be in travel-sized containers (3.4oz/100ml or less) within one clear, quart-sized Ziploc bag for security screening (TSA's 3-1-1 rule). Solid makeup (like powders, lipsticks) goes in your carry-on or checked bags without the liquid bag restriction, but using a Ziploc for all makeup prevents leaks. 

Does lipstick need to be in a clear bag?

No, you usually don't have to put solid lipstick in the clear plastic liquids bag for air travel because the TSA considers it a solid, but it's often easier to put all makeup together in your carry-on and remove it for screening, especially if it's a gloss or cream formula that might look like a liquid, though some travelers put everything in the bag just to be safe. Lipstick (solid), powder makeup, and solid blush are okay outside the liquids bag, while lip gloss, mascara, and cream blush must follow the 3-1-1 rule (under 3.4oz/100ml in a quart-sized bag).
 

What happens if TSA flags my makeup?

What happens if my makeup items exceed the TSA's liquid limit? If your liquid makeup items in your carry-on exceed the 3.4-ounce limit per container, the TSA officer will confiscate them at the security checkpoint.

Where do I put my makeup when flying?

When flying, pack liquid makeup (foundation, mascara, gloss) in a clear, quart-sized bag, with containers 3.4oz (100ml) or less, in your carry-on for security. Solid makeup (powders, pencils, palettes, brushes) can go in your regular makeup bag in your carry-on or checked luggage, but keeping them in carry-on is best to avoid loss or damage, says Reddit users.
 

What are the new carry-on rules?

New carry-on rules for 2025/2026 focus on stricter enforcement of size (including wheels/handles, generally 22x14x9 inches for major airlines) and potential weight limits (especially internationally), with more gate-checking and fees for oversized bags, plus heightened scrutiny on electronics and medications, requiring chargers and original bottles for better compliance.
 

Do travel size makeup products need to be sealed?

Make sure your liquid products are sealed completely: Avoid makeup mishaps by ensuring all your liquid products are tightly sealed to prevent leaks. Adapt your makeup essentials to suit your destination's climate.

What kind of makeup is not allowed on a plane?

No makeup items are completely banned on planes, but liquids, gels, and aerosols (like liquid foundation, mascara, cream blush) in carry-ons must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers 3.4oz (100ml) or less, in one clear quart-sized bag, one bag per person. Sharp items like nail scissors or razors are generally prohibited in carry-ons but allowed in checked bags, while powder makeup is fine in either.
 

Do I have to put my makeup in a clear bag?

Yes, for carry-on luggage, all liquid, gel, cream, and aerosol makeup must fit into one clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag, following the TSA's 3-1-1 rule (3.4 ounces/100ml containers or smaller) for easy screening, while solid makeup doesn't have this restriction but may need extra screening if it's a large amount.
 

Can I bring deodorant on a plane?

Yes, you can bring deodorant on a plane, but rules depend on the type: solid sticks are allowed in any size in carry-ons, while sprays, gels, and roll-ons must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 liquid rule (3.4 oz/100ml containers in one quart-sized bag) for carry-ons. For checked bags, aerosols have limits but are generally fine if capped, and liquids/gels are easier to pack in larger containers. 

Will TSA throw away my makeup?

Yes, the TSA might throw away your makeup if liquid/cream items exceed the 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml containers in a quart-sized bag) in your carry-on, or if powders over 12oz/350mL need extra screening, but most solid makeup (lipstick, powder) is fine; pack large liquid items in checked bags to avoid confiscation, as security has final say.
 

What deodorant doesn't count as liquid?

Solid deodorants are, well, solid. No water. So they don't count as liquids or gels under the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, so you can bring any size you like. Gel deodorants, being semi-liquid, fall under the rule and must be 3.4 oz or less in a clear plastic bag.

Can I bring medication on a plane?

Yes, you can bring medication on a plane in your carry-on bag, and it's highly recommended to keep it with you, not in checked luggage, for safety and immediate access. You must declare medically necessary liquids (even over 3.4 oz) and solid meds at the checkpoint for inspection, keep them in original labeled containers, and carry a doctor's note or prescription copy, especially for injectables or controlled substances. 

Do airports check makeup bags?

Powder Makeup

Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz. in checked bags.

Can I bring snacks through TSA?

Yes, you can bring most snacks through TSA in your carry-on or checked bag, but solids (cookies, crackers, fruit, sandwiches) have no limit, while liquid/gel/creamy items (yogurt, hummus, peanut butter, dips) must follow the 3-1-1 rule (under 3.4 oz/100ml) in your carry-on. All food goes through X-ray screening, so keep bags organized and be prepared for extra checks, especially for messy or large items like whole cakes or pizzas. 

Is foundation makeup considered a liquid?

Yes, foundation comes in many forms, but liquid foundation is a very common type, alongside powders, creams, and serums, all designed to even skin tone and create a smooth base for makeup. If you're traveling, the TSA considers most liquid and cream foundations as liquids**, requiring them to be in containers 3.4oz/100ml or smaller and in a clear bag.
 

Is TSA strict about one quart size bag?

Yes, the TSA is strict about the quart-size bag rule (3-1-1) for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in carry-ons, requiring all containers 3.4oz (100ml) or less to fit into one clear, quart-sized bag per passenger, though enforcement can vary by airport and if you have TSA PreCheck. It's a literal rule: one bag, all liquids must fit inside, and items over 3.4oz must go in checked bags.
 

Why is deodorant not allowed on planes?

(As of 2025, some EU/UK airports that use certified CT scanners now allow liquids up to 2L per container). Spray deodorants are often subject to additional rules. They can be dangerous on planes because they are pressurised containers that might leak or burst under changing cabin pressure.

Do I still need to put my toiletries in a plastic bag?

Yes, for carry-on bags on flights, you still need to put all liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes (LAGs) in travel-sized containers (3.4oz/100ml or less) and fit them into one clear, quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag, which must be removed for screening, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules. This requirement is for U.S. domestic and international flights to help speed up security checks, though some newer airport scanners might eventually change this.