Can You Bring Eyeshadow Palettes On a Plane ? 2026 TSA Rules

Eyeshadow palettes come in different forms, and that will affect the regulations and where you can bring them on a plane.

Here is the short answer.

Yes, you can bring eyeshadow palettes on a plane in both carry-on and checked bags, as they are considered solid or powder makeup rather than liquids. There are no specific size restrictions for powders in carry-on bags, but you will need to take them out from your bag at the security checkpoint if they are 12 oz / 350 ml or more.

In this post I will cover every details you need to know about traveling with your eyeshadow palette collection and how to pack them neatly in your luggage in domestic (TSA) and international flights.

Let’s dive right in.

Can You Take Eyeshadow Palette Through The Security Checkpoint?

The TSA did not mention eyeshadow palettes on its website. 

But the first thing you need to know is that is not considered a liquid in the TSA eyes.

Its is a powder-like substance.

Solid and powdered makeup in general is allowed, but you need to take some precautions).

So I checked X (Formerly Twitter) to find if there any  stipulations when it comes to other types of eyeshadow palettes.

IG wanted to take this large eyeshadow palette in her carry-on bag.

The TSA customer service replied that there are no restrictions on solid or pressed powders in carry-on luggage, but eyeshadow in liquid form needs to be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less per container and must be placed in a single quart-sized bag.

Powder makeup like glitter has some restrictions through the security checkpoint.

Makeup powders that exceed 12 oz / 350 ml must be placed in a separate bin to be X-rayed separately.

That is why they recommend placing any unnecessary powder items larger than 12 oz / 350 ml in checked luggage to avoid any inconvenience at the airport.

You already now that some people are trying to sneak some types of illegal products in various ways, including powders.

Can You Take Eyeshadow Palettes In Carry-on Luggage?

Just as I mentioned above, solid eyeshadow palettes do not have any limits in carry-on.

So you can just place your makeup inside your carry-on or personal item, and you are good to go.

So whether you are flying United, American, Delta Airlines or even British Airways, you don’t need to place solid eyeshadow palettes inside a quart-size bag with your liquids; you can use a normal makeup bag instead and group all your non-liquid products.

Other types of eyeshadow palettes may need some additional inspection by security officers, but they won’t cause any issues with security or airline agents.

Again unless you wanted to take an excessive amount of eyeshadow palettes the only thing that you need to keep in mind is the security checkpoint not the airline size and weight rules.

This passenger is confused about whether face powder, Lipstick, and eyeshadow need to go in the 3-1-1 quart-sized bag.

The AskTSA replied that solid or powder makeup is allowed in carry-on bags. 

Even though that 65% of travelers prefer to use cosmetic bags to keep cosmetics organized for their trips according to this statistic from ZipDo, but only makeup in liquid form that needs to be 3.4 ounces / 100 ml or less and placed in a quart sized bag, so you can save space inside your baggies for other toiletries/

Can You Take Eyeshadow Palettes In Checked Luggage?

There are no limits to the amount of eyeshadow palettes you can bring in checked luggage.

The TSA and most airport security authorities recommend  (it is not mandatory) placing powders that are more than 12 oz / 350 ml in checked baggage.

But it is better to avoid placing any valuable items in a checked bag, like an expensive eyeshadow palette.

If you are taking powders in your carry-on, you can label them clearly and inform the security officer that you have them.

There is also a higher chance that they are in their original packaging, which identifies the nature or materials they contain.

Items can be damaged or misplaced in checked luggage at some airports. 

Even though losing items is not common, it is better to prevent any possibility of it happening.

Kelly already experienced something similar.

She lost her bags twice and decided to never sent any makeup or jewelry again in her checked baggage.

Final Thoughts

You can bring eyeshadow palettes on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage through the security checkpoints on most airlines.

Remember, solid eyeshadow palettes do not have to be a certain size or placed in a quart-sized bag.

Save the space inside your quart-sized bag for other toiletries.

The TSA or other airport securities may ask you to remove your eyeshadow palettes from your bag and place them in a separate bin to undergo the security screening.

You can also bring your makeup in checked luggage with no limits; however, it is better to avoid that.

Any expensive makeup and valuables need to be in your carry-on bag or personal item.

I hope this helps

Happy travels

Take Eyeshadow Palettes on planes FAQ

• Does eyeshadow need to go in a quart-sized bag?
  No, you don’t need to place solid or pressed eyeshadow palettes inside a quart-sized liquids bag. Only liquid or cream eyeshadow must follow the 3-1-1 rule and be placed in a quart-sized bag.
• Can powder eyeshadow trigger extra screening at the airport?
  Yes, powder eyeshadow may require additional screening if it exceeds 12 oz / 350 ml, you will need to remove it from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
• Do eyeshadow palettes usually exceed the 12 oz / 350 limit?
  The good news is that most eyeshadow palettes are well below the 12 oz / 350 ml limit. Typical palettes range between 0.25 oz and 1.7 oz, so they rarely need additional screening.
• Can you bring many eyeshadow palettes on a plane?
  Yes, you can bring multiple eyeshadow palettes in both carry-on and checked luggage, as long as they comply with general security rules. There is no specific limit on the number of palettes.
• Are eyeshadow palettes safe in checked luggage?
  You can pack eyeshadow palettes inside your checked bag, but it is not recommended to do so as valuable or fragile items can get damages or even lost during handling.
• How should you pack eyeshadow palettes for travel?
  To protect your eyeshadow palettes, place them in a padded makeup bag, wrap them in soft clothing, and keep them in your carry-on whenever possible. This helps prevent cracking or damage during transit.
• Are eyeshadow rules the same on international flights?
  In most cases the same rules are applied on airport securities worldwide, especially for solid makeup.
• Should you pack expensive makeup in checked luggage?
  No, it is better to keep expensive makeup in your carry-on bag or personal item. Checked luggage can sometimes be delayed, lost, or handled roughly, so they may get damaged or even lost.

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist 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. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.