Being able to bring makeup on a plane, and particularly in carry on luggage, is something that most women (and some men these days) are likely to need to do at some time or another. This is particularly true as so many only take carry on luggage these days for short trips.
If you are taking checked luggage with you then there are basically no restrictions as to the amount and type of makeup that you can take in those.
So any makeup you know you will not need to use on the flight is best placed in your suitcase.
The Quick Answer: Can you bring makeup on a plane? You can bring makeup on a plane in both your carry on bag or checked bag. But if taking makeup in your carry on luggage you must ensure, if it is considered a liquid under TSA rules, that it is 3.4 ounces or less (100ml). If so, it must be placed inside a one quart-sized clear ziplock bag with any other liquids you have.
Contents
What makeup counts as liquid on a plane?
TSA and the regulations of other governments state that any one liquid container cannot be larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml). That refers to the size of the container, not the amount of liquid in it. So, for example, you cannot take a 6oz container that is half full in hand luggage.
Most things are obvious. Perfume, eau de toilette, cologne, nail glue, makeup remover and anything else that is clearly a liquid.
What is less obvious are things such as:
- aerosols (deodorant, body spray, hairspray etc)
- mascara (yes this is considered liquid makeup)
- concealer
- Liquid, cream or gel eye shadow
- Gel lip balms
- Liquid foundation
Powder and solid makeup are allowed and do not fall within the TSA liquids rules. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states any “powder-like” substances that are larger than 12oz (350ml) must be placed separately in a bin to be screened by the X-ray machine during the screening process. You may also be asked to open them to show what they are.
I would say, if you are unsure whether an item counts as a liquid or not, then place whatever it is in your resealable quart-sized bag for liquids. It is better to be safe than sorry.
You can buy an approved liquids bag on Amazon quite cheaply – TSA 3-1-1 Approved Clear Airline Carry On Bag
How much makeup can you take on a plane?
As stated above. you are limited as to how much makeup that airport security considers a liquid in your carry on.
You can take as much non-liquid makeup as you wish in your carry on.
In checked bags there are no restrictions on the amount of makeup, liquid makeup included, that you can bring.
Can I take makeup on a plane in my purse?
You can take makeup in your purse but the same liquid makeup rules above apply.
But if you are carrying your purse as well as a separate carry on luggage then anything that is considered a liquid, in either of your bags, must be placed in just one clear plastic resealable liquids bag per passenger when passing through the security checkpoint. You cannot just leave it in a makeup bag
Can you bring powder makeup on a plane?
You can take powder makeup on a plane in either your carry on bag or your checked bags as it is non liquid makeup.
In theory there are no restrictions on the amount you can carry with you in your hand luggage through the security checkpoint. However, any powders over 12oz should be placed separately in one of the security trays for additional screening.
I cannot imagine that anyone would want to take this much powdered makeup with them in their carry on bag though.
Can you bring makeup wipes on a plane?
Yes you can take makeup wipes in both carry on and checked bags.
The TSA do not consider these a liquid, although they do obviously have liquid in them as they are wet.
Can you bring makeup brushes on a plane?
You can take as many makeup brushes in your carry on (or checked bags) as you wish without restriction as to size or type.
Can I take my makeup bag on a plane?
You can take your makeup bag on a plane on a plane.
This is provided any makeup that is considered a liquid is removed and placed in a quart-sized liquids bag when you pass through airport security.
Can you bring a mirror on a plane?
TSA regulations allow a makeup mirror in carry-on luggage. You are also permitted to pack a makeup mirror in checked luggage
I asked my wife which she thought was the best travel makeup mirror. Whether we have a checked bag, or only carry on bags, she says this one she takes with her is the best (well she would as she wouldn’t buy something that wasn’t the best would she!)
The CERSLIMO Rechargeable Travel Vanity Mirror with Lights.
It is 5.3 inches by 7 inches so it will fit in carry on baggage without a problem. It has LED lights and adjustable brightness.
The AskTSA service on Twitter confirms that these (and other makeup mirrors) are allowed in carry on baggage:
Other carry on airport security posts
Full article on the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule
What you cannot take in carry on
What you cannot take in checked bags
The complete guide to passing through airport security quickly
I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me
