The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule may sound confusing, especially when it comes to makeup products. If you’ve ever wondered whether your favorite face cream is considered a liquid and whether you can take it in your carry-on or checked baggage, you’re not alone.
Here is the short answer: Cream makeup, like face cream, is considered a liquid by the TSA and airlines. Even though it looks like a gel, it needs to follow the same liquid rules as serums and perfumes when transported in your carry-on bag.
In this post we will take look at what makeup the TSA consider as liquid and how to determine if any type of cream will be considered a liquid.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- Cream makeup is considered a liquid by the TSA, including foundation, BB cream, concealer, cream blush, bronzer, lip gloss, moisturizer, and face cream.
- In your carry-on, each cream or liquid makeup container must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or smaller and fit inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
- Full-size cream makeup is allowed in checked baggage without the 3.4 oz limit.
- Prescription or medically necessary creams can go over 3.4 oz / 100 ml in your carry-on (Tell the TSA officer before screening)
- Powder makeup, pressed powders, makeup pencils, and traditional lipstick do not count as liquids.
What Does TSA Consider a Liquid? And How To Know If a Product Is a Liquid
The TSA has a general rule that summarizes what they consider a liquid.
If you can pour it, pump it, squeeze it, spread it, smear it, spray it, or spill it, it’s subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
TSA
Since most types of cream makeup, like foundation, BB cream, concealer, and cream blush, fall under the “spread” category, they must comply with the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
However, there is another way to determine if your product will be counted as a liquid or not.
Just take a peek at the product label.
If it’s measured in fluid ounces (fl oz) or ml, then you can bet it will be considered a liquid.
This is because fluid ounces (fl oz) and ml are used to measure volume, while ounces (oz) and grams are used to measure weight.
Like in the image below.
Remember that some makeup companies may use grams for some liquid products, just as they do for powdered makeup, which may be confusing.
Like in the image below.
In this case, you can refer to the TSA rule above to determine if the liquid rule will apply or not.
Or you can just use common sense: if it is free-flowing, then it is a liquid.
If you are traveling with concealer or mascara, we already covered them in more detail.
What Are the Carry-On and Checked Baggage Rules for Cream Makeup?
Now that you know your cream makeup is considered a liquid, let’s find out how to pack it and where to place it.
Generally, the TSA and most airlines limit the amount of liquids you can take in your carry-on because of security measures introduced after the events of 9/11.
Liquids and toiletries need to be in containers of 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml or less, and all the containers must be placed inside a quart sized bag.
The good news is that most creams come in small containers and tubes, usually less than 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml.
But there are always exceptions.
If your makeup cream is medically necessary, you don’t have to worry about the TSA liquid rule.
However, the cream needs to be in a reasonable quantity.
You can take larger containers of cream makeup in your checked baggage without any issues.
How Do You Pack Cream For Travel?
Here are some simple tips to remember while packing your cream makeup for your next flight.
Place it inside your clear, resealable toiletry bag, and make sure your toiletry bag is easy to reach because you will need to take it out at the security checkpoint.
If you are flying with prescription cream makeup (for medical purposes) in a container larger than 3.4 oz / 100 ml, remember to notify the TSA officer and place it in a separate bin for additional screening.
If packing cream makeup in your checked bag, make sure to protect it to avoid possible breakage by placing it inside a sturdy bag in the middle of your suitcase, surrounded by other soft items.
If you are traveling with powdered cream, there is nothing to worry about. Just make sure to remove any powders exceeding 12 oz / 340 grams from your bag at the security checkpoint.
If you are traveling with powdered cream, there’s nothing to worry about. But make sure to remove any powders exceeding 12 oz / 340 grams from your bag at the security checkpoint.
Final Thoughts
So, does a cream count as a liquid?
Cream makeup, including products like foundation, BB cream, concealer, and cream blush, is considered a liquid by the TSA and most airlines, even though it may not be entirely in liquid form.
If you have another type of cream makeup, just use the techniques mentioned above, and you will easily figure out whether the TSA will count it as a liquid or not.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Makeup and TSA
What makeup does not count as a liquid?
Powder makeup, pressed eyeshadow, powder blush, makeup pencils, traditional lipstick, and makeup wipes will not be counted as liquids. You can pack them in your carry-on without putting them in your TSA liquids bag.
Do foundation sticks count as a liquid?
Usually not. Foundation sticks, blush sticks, and contour sticks are generally solid makeup, so they don’t normally count as liquids.
Will the TSA folks throw away my makeup?
Only if your cream or liquid makeup is in a container larger than 3.4 oz / 100 ml and you can’t pack it in your checked baggage, so always pack larger containers in your checked bag instead.
Can you bring full-size cream makeup in checked baggage?
Yes. You can pack large cream makeup in your checked bag without worrying about the TSA liquid limit. Just make sure it is well sealed to prevent any leaks.
Does moisturizer count as a liquid when flying?
Moisturizer, face cream, lotion, and similar skincare products all count as liquids. In your carry-on, each container or bottle need to be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or smaller.
Are prescription creams exempt from the TSA liquid rule?
You can bring medically necessary creams in larger containers. Just let the TSA officer know before your bag goes through screening.
Can you pack cream makeup in your personal item?
You can pack cream makeup in your personal item as long as it follows the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule and fits inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
Does lip gloss count as a liquid?
Lip gloss counts as a liquid, so it needs to go in your TSA liquids bag if you’re carrying it on the plane.
Does cream blush count as a liquid?
Cream blush counts as a liquid because you spread it on your skin. Pack it with your other carry-on liquids.
Does cream bronzer count as a liquid?
Cream bronzer follows the same TSA rules as other cream makeup. Keep it in your quart-sized liquids bag when flying with a carry-on.
