How do you pack makeup in a carry-on?

To pack makeup in a carry-on, follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids (3.4oz/100ml containers in a quart-sized bag), decant larger products, keep solids and frequently used items accessible, and secure containers to prevent spills, using cases for brushes to save space and keep things organized. Solid makeup, powders, and brushes don't count as liquids and can go directly in your bag.

What are the rules for makeup on a carry-on?

For carry-on makeup, solid/powder items (like eyeshadow, blush, pencils) have no limits, but liquids, creams, gels (foundation, mascara, lip gloss, sprays) must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller containers, all fitting into one clear, quart-sized bag, removed during screening. Pack essential liquids in this bag, and keep solids/powders separate for easier screening. 

Does makeup need to be 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 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. 

Is it better to pack makeup in a carry-on or checked bag?

Any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

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

Does mascara count as a liquid on a plane?

Yes, mascara counts as a liquid/gel for airline security (TSA), so it must follow the 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fit in one clear, quart-sized bag, with one bag per person for carry-on luggage. Even though it's a cream or gel, its consistency requires it to be grouped with liquids, but standard tubes are usually well under the size limit.
 

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.
 

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.

Do toiletries have to be in a clear bag?

Yes, for carry-on luggage in the U.S., all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must fit into a single, clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag, following the TSA's 3-1-1 rule (containers 3.4oz/100ml or less). While the bag itself doesn't have to be a special "TSA-approved" one (any clear, sealable quart bag works), it must be clear and meet the size requirements for smooth screening, with items removed for separate X-ray.
 

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 is not allowed in a personal item bag?

You can't pack weapons (guns, knives, bats), liquids over 3.4oz (100ml), certain sharp objects (axes, box cutters), explosives, large tools, and some hazardous materials in your personal item (or carry-on) bag, as the TSA prohibits anything that can be used as a weapon or cause harm, plus specific hazardous items like large flammable liquids or certain batteries. Always check the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool for specific items, as rules can vary and are ultimately up to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent. 

Do makeup wipes have to go in a clear bag?

Makeup wipes, baby wipes and other wet wipes do not count as liquids, so can be taken through security. However, makeup is one area that can be confusing because many types of makeup are liquid-like in nature.

Does foundation have to go in clear bag at airport?

Following the regulations, most airlines and airports allow passengers to bring small amounts of liquid, gel, or cream cosmetics in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Please, also keep in mind that all of these items must fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag.

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.
 

What makeup is not considered liquid?

However, makeup products that are not considered liquids include: traditional lipsticks in a tube, powder products (eyeshadow, powder foundation, blush, etc.), pencil eyeliners, brow pencils, solid stick foundations or concealers, makeup brushes, and makeup sponges.

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.
 

How do I pack makeup for air travel?

The 311 liquid rule applies to all liquid and semi-liquid items you pack in your carry-on luggage – including gels and thicker makeup liquids. Put small items in 3.4 ounce containers in a clear quart-sized bag. You can bring one of these bags in your carry-on.

What are red flags for TSA?

TSA red flags are behaviors or situations that can trigger extra security screening, including nervousness (fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, excessive yawning), inconsistent attire (wearing winter clothes in summer), carrying unusual items (lots of cash, prohibited liquids, peculiar objects like hockey sticks), travel patterns (one-way tickets, last-minute booking, cash payment), and disruptive actions (making jokes about weapons, being rude to agents). While some are normal anxiety, clusters of these behaviors or actions related to prohibited items and travel habits can lead to a secondary screening. 

Does toothpaste count as a liquid?

Yes, for air travel, toothpaste counts as a liquid, gel, or paste and must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fit in one clear, quart-sized bag, with only one bag per passenger. This rule applies because toothpaste is a cream or gel, similar to lotion, shampoo, or mascara, which can be squeezed or spread.
 

Do you have to take medication out of your bag at airport security?

Yes, for standard screening, you generally need to take liquid medications out of your carry-on to be screened separately, even if over the 3-1-1 limit, and you should inform the TSA officer, but solid pills in original labeled bottles can stay in your bag unless they alarm. It's highly recommended to keep all meds in your carry-on, have them in original labeled containers, and be ready for extra screening on liquids. 

What are you not allowed in hand luggage?

Not allowed in carry-on bags are firearms, ammunition, explosives, sharp objects (knives, large scissors), most tools, large liquids/gels/aerosols (over 3.4oz/100ml), and flammable items, as well as some sports equipment like baseball bats or ski poles, but always check the TSA website for specific rules. Items like power tools, drones, bear spray, and even some toy guns are also prohibited.
 

What toiletries need to be in a clear bag?

The Rules. Each passenger can carry liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes up to 3.4 ounces, or 100 milliliters, per container. These must be in a single, clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag.

What make-up can I take on a plane?

You can bring most makeup on a plane, but liquids/gels (like mascara, foundation, lip gloss) must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml containers in one quart-sized bag), while solids (powder, lipstick, palettes) have no size limit in carry-ons but may need extra screening if over 12oz. For checked bags, all makeup is fine without restrictions. 

How to organize toiletries for travel?

To organize toiletries for travel, use a multi-compartment or hanging bag, decant liquids into reusable 3.4oz (100ml) containers for carry-ons (in one clear quart bag per 3-1-1 rule). Minimize spills with plastic wrap under caps and waterproof pouches, swap liquids for solids (shampoo bars, deodorant sticks), and use pill organizers or small containers for items like Q-tips, making a pre-packed toiletry kit ready to go.