Is pencil eyeliner considered a liquid?

No, pencil eyeliner is not considered a liquid; it's a solid makeup product, like a crayon, and doesn't have to follow the strict 3-1-1 rules for liquids, gels, and aerosols when traveling by air, unlike liquid or gel eyeliners. Solid pencil liners are generally fine in carry-ons without being placed in the clear bag, though security can sometimes be inconsistent with other solid-looking items.


Does pencil eyeliner count as liquid?

Is eyeliner considered a liquid when flying? Yes, a liquid or gel eyeliner is considered a liquid when flying, but a crayon, pencil, or other solid eyeliner format is not considered a liquid.

What is the difference between liquid eyeliner and pencil eyeliner?

Liquid eyeliner offers sharp, bold, long-lasting lines for dramatic looks, ideal for wings, but can be hard for beginners. Pencil eyeliner provides a softer, blendable, and more natural look, perfect for the waterline and smudged styles, making it great for easy, versatile application. The best choice depends on the desired outcome: precision and intensity (liquid) or softness and ease (pencil).
 


Can I bring an eyeliner pencil on a plane?

You should be fine to bring any eyeshadows or eyeliners through TSA- I've travelled with my entire makeup collection in my carry on before except for my setting spray since it's a liquid over 3.5 ounces.

Does eyeliner have to go in a clear bag at the airport?

3-1-1: TSA Rules for Makeup

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. The 3 1 1 rule for makeup is the same. You can take liquid makeup on a plane, but these items don't get their own bag, so know how to pack your toiletries like a pro.


Eyeliner 101: Gel vs Liquid vs. Pencil | Sephora



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 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 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 lipstick have to go 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 is the best eyeliner for older eyes?

For mature eyes, the best eyeliners are creamy, smooth gel pencils or waterproof formulas that glide without tugging, like Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline, Clinique High Impact Gel Tech, or Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil, offering soft definition with matte finishes and long wear for a lifted look without harshness, using colors like brown or gray for softness or navy/green to brighten.
 

What to use instead of liquid eyeliner?

If your lids have lots of folds, a pencil or gel may be a better bet than liquid. If you deal with sweaty or oily lids, a gel may help you out best. With any eyeliner, using a primer will help give you that all-day staying power.


What is the best rated liquid eyeliner?

The best liquid eyeliner depends on your needs, with top picks often being the Stila Stay All Day (overall, waterproof), NYX Epic Ink (drugstore, precise), Benefit Roller Liner (pigment, precise wing), and Ilia Clean Line (clean beauty, easy to use). For beginners, Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick and Maybelline Master Precise are praised for easy application, while L'Oréal Infallible Flash Cat Eye is a favorite for inky pigment and longevity.
 

Does roll-on deodorant count as a liquid when flying?

Yes, roll-on deodorant is considered a liquid/gel by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), so it must follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and fit in one clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag, separate from other toiletries. Solid sticks are fine outside this bag, but gels and roll-ons need to be in the liquids bag.
 

What is better, liquid eyeliner or pencil eyeliner?

Neither liquid nor pencil eyeliner is inherently "better"; they're suited for different looks and skill levels, with liquid providing sharp, dramatic, long-lasting lines (great for wings) but being harder to apply, while pencil offers easier blending for softer, natural looks, smudging, and tight-lining, though it's less durable. Choose liquid for precision and intensity (wings, graphic looks) and pencil for versatility and ease (smoky eyes, waterline), especially if you're a beginner.
 


What is the most confiscated item at airports?

The Most Frequently Detected Prohibited Items in Airport Baggage Checks
  1. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) ...
  2. Knives and Sharp Objects. ...
  3. Firearms. ...
  4. Explosives and Flammable Materials. ...
  5. Realistic Replicas and Novelty Items. ...
  6. Ammunition. ...
  7. Flammable Household Items. ...
  8. Restricted Powders.


Why is deodorant not allowed in hand luggage?

Pressurised containers such as large deodorant cans, hair sprays, or insect sprays are not allowed in hand luggage. They are seen as risky items due to the pressurisation inside the cabin. Small travel-size sprays of 100 ml may be allowed, but larger cans will be removed at security.

Can I take my phone charger in my carry-on?

Yes, you can take phone chargers (cables, wall adapters, and power banks) in your hand luggage, but portable power banks with lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on, never in checked bags, due to fire risks, with limits of 100Wh (around 20,000mAh) for standard travel and airline approval needed for larger ones (101-160Wh). Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on for security checks and convenience. 


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.

Does chapstick count as a liquid TSA?

No, chapstick (lip balm) is generally not considered a liquid by the TSA and is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags without needing to follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule, as it's a solid cosmetic. However, items like lip gloss, creamy lipsticks, or jars of lip balm are treated as liquids and must fit the 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml containers in a quart bag), so always check the consistency of similar products, as the final call is up to the screening officer. 

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 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 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 is TSA PreCheck and is it worth it?

With TSA PreCheck leave in your bag electronics and 3-1-1 liquids and leave on belts, light jackets, and shoes. TSA PreCheck® gives trusted travelers a speedier security experience in dedicated lanes across the U.S. Get five years of benefits for $85 or less.