Can You Take Makeup On a Plane 2024?

Makeup comes in different forms and sizes, and taking makeup on planes can be slightly tricky.

In general traveling with items like foundation, makeup palettes, mascara, etc is pretty straight forward. It’s nowhere near as complicated as traveling with sharp and dangerous items like some makeup tools.

Here is what to expect.

According to the TSA makeup in solid and powder forms are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage without any restrictions, however; any makeup in liquid form transported in carry-on need to be in containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, packed in a sealed quart size clear baggie, there are no restrictions for checked luggage. 

Keep reading to learn what makeup you can take on a plane and how to navigate through security screening with confidence.

Please note that this post will give references about the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) regulations in the US, other international airlines and countries may have slightly different rules (but mostly they are the same ), so make sure to review the rules for your exact country before start packing your makeup.

Tip: Check out this Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Carry-On Spinner, a sleek and versatile carry-on that is designed to fit within the limits of most airlines, to save you from the hassle of the airports and the pesky airline fees.

How Strict Is TSA On Makeup?

The TSA ( The Transportation Security Administration ) regulates what items you can take on flights within and from the United States.

They stated that solid makeup is good to go through the security checkpoint without any restrictions.

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

Makeup in liquid forms, like lotion or nail polish, mascara need to follow the TSA liquid rules when packed in carry-on.

Only 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less are allowed for each container and must be packed in a sealable transparent quart sized bag.

In case you are not familiar with the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule here is what it means:

• 3 : Each liquid container must be 3.4 ounces / 100 ml or less
• 1 : All toiletries must fit in one clear quart sized bag
• 1 : Each passenger is only allowed to bring one quart sized bag of toiletries

Always pack a reasonable amount of makeup when traveling whether it is a liquid or a powder. Put all your toiletries bag ( liquids bag) in your personal item so that it’s easy to remove when going through TSA.

Makeup Travel Tip

Can You Bring Powder Makeup On A Plane?

Powdered makeup products greater than 12 oz / 350 ml need to be removed from the carry-on bag and placed in a separate bin for X-ray for screening but they are not required to be packed in the quart sized bag.

Important: Please note that the final decision whether an item is allowed or not rest with the TSA officer at the security checkpoint , so ensure that you talk nicely with the security officer, some cookie agent may want to confiscate an item even even if they are within the allowed size like what happened to Ali from travel made simple when they confiscate her salt and pepper shakers without any reason.

Can You Take Makeup Palettes On A Plane?

There is no issue when traveling with makeup palettes on a plane, in either carry-on or checked baggage in any quantities you want.

However; you should be aware of the airline carry-on size and weight and that if your makeup palettes is more than 12 oz , 350 ml must be placed in a separate bin for screening in the checkpoint.

If you encounter a stickler agent he or she may ask you to open some containers for additional screening.

If you are traveling with powdered fragile items, you can place them inside your shoe, sides are great to protect small glass containers, foundation or other kinds of makeup, if you don’t travel with shoe socks are also a great choice.

Pro Tip

Pack Makeup For Your Flight

Before you start packing your makeup you should know that you don’t need to take all of it with you, travel size containers of products are easy to pack and to carry with you during your trip.

Shampoo or perfumes are available in travel sizes online or in local shops.

And sure when you get everything together you want to make sure that you don’t mix all your makeup in one bag and that any and all caps are screwed on tightly , also place liquid one in a sealable quart size clear travel bag, while powder makeup you can place it in other bag to avoid leaks in your suitcase.

Make sure that you do not place any of your makeup products in the bottom of your bag.

Consider Refillable Plastic Bottles

If you don’t want to take travel size products or your favorite product doesn’t have travel size forms, you can easily invest in refillable small containers, they will really help you put everything together in a small resealable bag.

Resealable ziplock bags are also a good protection for your belongings, if something happened you don’t want to find all your makeup spills over your clothing.

How Much Makeup Is Allowed In Checked Baggage ?

There are no limits on how much solid and powdered makeup you can take in checked baggage.

But some types of makeup aerosols need to follow certain limits when transported in checked baggage which is usually a total of 70 oz / 2000 ml ( 2 kg ) and each bottle must not exceed 18 oz / 532 ml.

Can I Put Makeup On A Plane In My Purse?

Yes, you can take solid makeup in your purse with no quantity or size limitation, any makeup that is liquid, paste or creamy must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less, one small bag is allowed per passenger in carry-on bags.

Final Thoughts

You can bring solid and powdered makeup on planes and on most airlines without any problem.

But if you are traveling with makeup in liquid from make sure that you are compliant with the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, That means you take only containers of 3.4 oz in clear quart size bag

Makeup that is solid like foundations, eye-shadow, blush, or other powders, are allowed without limits in carry on and checked baggage.

We hope this helps.

Happy travels.

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Lee, is passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Lee enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.