creative travel makeup bag

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE

Our top pick is the Relavel Travel Makeup Case

L.A. Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE who specializes in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. She also regularly tests products for multiple digital outlets, including InStyle and Byrdie. When she's not window shopping online or creating pro and con lists, you'll find her drinking tea and talking about her feelings.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Tried
• What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why trust people.

• What Is PEOPLE Tested?

People / Brian Kopinski

There are many travel makeup bags designed to transport your beloved cosmetics for glam on the go. These products are made to keep your products intact and organized on your journey.

Beyond choosing a high-quality case, celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli suggests swapping out some of your usual products with multi-use alternatives. “Think of things like tinted moisturizers with sunscreen, lip, eye, and cheek products, and perhaps a palette that offers multiple colors that you can use across your trip,” says Scibelli. Another travel tip from Scibelli is to replace powder items with creams. “Items like powder bronzers and blushes can easily crack during travel, so if you can switch to cream bronzers and cream blush — that can be super helpful."

We tested 26 of the most popular travel makeup bags based on durability, design, portability, capacity, and price to see which held up the best. After the eyeshadow dust settled and liquid foundation explosions were cleaned up, we found our best overall picks.

Read on for the best travel makeup bags that PEOPLE tested and expert advice on how to pack your makeup for your next getaway.

Best Overall

Relavel travel makeup case.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5
• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

External padding keeps makeup from breaking

Zipper top opens fully so all products are visible

Easy to clean

Bulky shape is harder to pack

Backpack straps not super stable

This Train Case from Relavel blew us away during testing. We love how easy it is to store, organize, and access the makeup and brushes. The zipper top opens fully so you can see everything at a glance. We really appreciate the individual brush holders and easy-to-clean plastic protective cover, too.

This travel makeup bag is an organizational dream. The individual dividers can be moved around and customized to best fit and secure all your products. During testing, this case fits an impressive seven palettes, a whole makeup brush collection , two foundation bottles, five toiletry bottles, over 15 lipsticks, an eyelash curler, hair spray, and a travel-sized moisturizer bottle. The exterior and interior fabrics on this case feel high quality and durable, and the waterproof surfaces are easy to clean. 

The internal organization will keep your products securely in place, while the exterior padding will provide a safety cushion. In our drop and shake tests, none of the makeup products broke or spilled. The only possible drawback for us is that the bulkier, square shape would fit best in your checked luggage instead of a backpack.

How It's Held Up

After five months of use, this Relavel case has become our tester’s everyday makeup bag. She appreciates how it neatly stores her most-used makeup tools in pockets and a double-layer compartment. Even when she fills the case, it’s still easy to zip. She has packed the Relavel in a duffel bag, carry-on suitcase, and backpack, and it has adequately protected all her products during travel. After five months, the exterior still looks great, and the zippers operate smoothly.

Size: 10.3 x 9 x 3.6 inches | Weight: 1.52 lbs. | Material: Nylon, TPU | Closure: Zipper

People / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Béis the cosmetic case.

Faux leather exterior still looks new after multiple drop tests

Main storage compartment keeps products protected

Super easy to clean

Not much organization or separation of the main compartment

Takes up a lot of backpack space

Shay Mitchell's brand, Béis, is known for its beloved Weekender Bags — and its cosmetic case was also a front-runner in our tests, scoring high marks across the board. This case is super easy to open, close, and pack. We love the wide-open central compartment that makes tossing in all your hair and makeup essentials an absolute breeze.

We really like the removable compartment for storing brushes and the additional zip pocket for added storage. The bottom of the case has two smaller sleeve pockets but doesn’t offer any other organization. While it doesn’t have many compartments, this case can really pack in the products. The luxurious feel of the faux leather elevates this travel makeup bag. We also love that it is available in nine different colors to match your style and mood.

Overall, it feels sturdy and durable and is easy to clean. During our drop and shake tests, nothing broke or spilled, which really impressed us, considering the main cavity didn’t have any additional compartments to keep products in place. This Béis makeup case offers ample storage, so its bigger size fits best in suitcases or luggage.

This Béis case has come in handy during the three trips our tester has taken in the past five months. She previously traveled with two cases, one for skincare and another for makeup, but this spacious bag holds it all. Through all her travels, it has remained clean and sturdy, with no noticeable imperfections.

Size: 9.5 x 4 x 7 inches | Weight: 1.38 lbs. | Material: PU leather, PVC, lining: poly with water-resistant finish | Closure: Double U-zip

Best Budget

Narwey travel makeup bag.

• Design 2 /5

Impressive capacity but still easy to pack in a backpack or carry-on

Full zipper closure gives easy access to contents

Kept makeup secure during testing

No separate organization compartments or padding

For a super inexpensive price, this Narwey Travel Makeup Bag will get your makeup to and from your destination safely and with ease. This bag has a full zipper closure that is easy to open and provides full access to everything. The exterior fabric is water-resistant and easy to clean.

The main compartment of this travel makeup bag is 3.5 inches deep, which is generous compared to some other bags we tested. Separate brush pouches with a PVC protective cover and an additional smaller zipper pouch offer some organization. There isn’t any designated organization to the main compartment, but we still found it holds quite a bit. We were able to fit two full sets of face and eye brushes (19 brushes in total), two face palettes, a color-correcting palette, three eyeliners, four lipsticks, a mascara, and a lash curler . The capacity for the case is phenomenal, while still being compact enough to put into a day pack.

Size: 9 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 7.8 oz. | Material: Not listed | Closure: Full double zip

Best Organization Features

Dagne dover mila toiletry organizer.

• Capacity 4 /5

Dividers keep products organized and secure

Compartment dividers are removable for added space

Upright design is easy to pack and fit into smaller luggage and backpacks

Narrow, upright design couldn’t accommodate as many products

Dagne Dover bags are loved for being high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and eco-conscious. Their Mila Toiletry Organizer continues in that legacy and delivered an impressive organization throughout our testing process. Available in six colors, we love the upright design that proves much more spacious than it appears. The full zipper top opening makes packing, viewing, and accessing the products super easy. 

The separate compartments make organizing simple and keep the products securely in place. Even better, the compartment dividers are removable for easy cleaning and maximum storage. The padded exterior not only gives a hint of that trendy athleisure aesthetic but also offers added protection in transit.

During testing, we fit four makeup brushes, two makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, three lipsticks, four small toiletry bottles, and one hairspray in this bag. This is impressive, considering the size. We did note that the bag's narrower design didn’t hold quite as much as other larger bags we tested. (The brand does offer a larger size ).

During five months of use, our tester became more and more impressed with the Mila bag. While the bag isn’t very wide, its height and the removable and adjustable slots make organization a breeze. She appreciated the high-quality material and capacity of the bag, which fit more than expected. The bag is easy to pack and keeps all her products secure and protected during travel.

Size: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 6 oz. | Material: Repreve recycled polyester exterior and interior | Closure: Zip

Best Hanging

Béis hanging cosmetic case.

• Portability 4.5 /5

Fit more products than our standard packing list

Sturdy structure and shape kept all makeup secure during the shake and drop tests

Includes a removable clear zipper tote that's ideal for smaller toiletries

Bulky shape takes up a lot of room and isn't as malleable as others we tested

In vertical position, clear zipper pouch in main compartment doesn’t stay in place

It's not fun to do your hair and makeup in a tiny bathroom with no counter space for your stuff. The Béis Hanging Cosmetic case is our top pick to solve this common travel challenge. We love how easy this case is to open and pack. It unfolds and lays fully flat, which makes packing a cinch.

We were so impressed with how much we could fit in this bag. We packed four makeup brushes, six makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, five lipsticks, seven toiletry bottles, one hairspray, and four eyeliners.

The construction of this case feels sturdy and durable. The nylon fabric feels super easy to keep clean. During our shake and drop tests, all of the products remained intact and secure. This hanging case is on the bulkier side and would take up a lot of room in a carry-on backpack or tote. It’s probably best for larger suitcases. We appreciate the middle compartment came with a clear zipper tote you can remove and use as a TSA-friendly toiletry case for a smaller carry-on or underseat luggage . The only drawback is the clear zipper pouch can fall out when the back is stored vertically, so it’s best to store it elsewhere when hanging.

This hanging case has been ideal for longer trips our tester has taken because it holds a ton of products. She loves that it hangs on the back of a door, so it’s easy to access everything at once. The bag is very durable and easy to wipe clean, and she hasn’t noticed any damage during the past five months of use. Her favorite thing is the bag’s capacity and numerous organization pockets. Because it is bulky, she doesn’t take the entire case on short vacations, but she loves that it includes a removable makeup pouch that she can bring on weekend trips.

Size: 9.75 x 7.25 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 1.14 lbs. | Material: Nylon twill, vegan buffalo leather, polyester lining, pouch-clear TPU | Closure: Double U-zip

Best Hanging, Less Expensive

Boacay hanging travel toiletry bag.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5
• Quality 4 /5
• Capacity 3.5 /5
• Portability 4 /5

Products visible in plastic compartment pockets

Products stayed intact during shake and drop tests

Exterior fabric is not as luxurious as others

Bulkier silhouette is better for large checked suitcases

This hanging toiletry bag from Boacay offers the convenience of vertical storage for an affordable price. The fold-out design makes packing and viewing the products very easy. This bag includes four separate zipper compartments that stay securely closed when hanging.

We packed a lot into this hanging case. We were able to fit four makeup brushes, three makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, two lipsticks, four toiletry bottles, and two hairspray cans. We tested the medium size, however, this product also comes in a larger size for those who need even more space.

The structure of this bag provided protection throughout our multiple shake and drop tests. Some of the products moved around a bit, but the fold-up design helped keep most things in place. We also appreciate the elastic loops in the middle two compartments that can help secure items.

Our tester has been using this hanging travel bag every day for the past five months. This convenient bag has become her regular makeup case. The hanging bag is durable and hasn’t sustained rips or tears. A small amount of powder that spilled in one of the pockets was easy to clean. She also loves the elastic straps inside two of the pockets that keep tubes and bottles separated and upright. Her one issue with the bag is that the plastic pockets bend quite a bit when full, which sometimes allows items to fall out.

Size: 11.42 x 3.78 x 7.48 inches | Weight: 12.3 oz. | Material: Exterior fabric not listed, PVC inner pockets | Closure: Full zip

Best Compact

Lululemon go getter pouch.

• Design 4 /5

Fits easily in backpack and smaller carry-on

Pliable exterior is easier to pack and squeeze into a fuller backpack or suitcase

Water-repellent and easy to wipe clean

Needed to rummage at bottom to find items

Exterior is thin and less protective than others we tested

If you’re looking for a sleek and portable travel makeup case that you can throw in any bag, the Lululemon Go Getter Pouch is the one for you. Don’t let the compact silhouette fool you, we were able to fit quite a bit into this case. In the small front compartment, we fit four small/medium-sized brushes with room for more. We packed two palettes in the mesh pouch and five brushes, one more palette, two lipsticks, one foundation bottle, and three micellar travel bottles in the main pouch.

The outer water-repellent material made from recycled polyester looks stylish and, better yet, is also easy to clean. It feels thinner than other bags we tested — no extra padding here. After shaking and throwing the bag a few times during testing, a few caps came off some products, but thankfully, there were no spills or breaks. The tops of some lipsticks were a tad smushed. The design of this pouch is simple and straightforward without much internal organization. While the bag was able to fit many products, the lack of organized compartments made it difficult at times to find a specific product needed. 

The compact size of this big is a major highlight as it easily fits in a backpack, weekender bag , carry-on luggage, and a checked bag. We especially like the flexible fabric exterior, which makes squeezing it into an already full bag much easier. The price point is affordable for a well-known brand and makes it a great choice for those prioritizing portability in a travel makeup bag. 

Since she started using this pouch five months ago, our tester has taken the bag on a week-long trip. Because of its small size, she found it was a tight squeeze to fit her makeup and other items like an eyelash curler and brushes. While the bag is durable and didn’t rip during use, she found that her foundation left a stain on the fabric. Her least favorite thing about the bag is the lack of organizational features, which left her digging around or dumping everything out to find what she needed.

Size: 8.7 x 3.3 x 6.3 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Recycled polyester | Closure: Zip

Best Leather

Leatherology train case.

Square shape and deep main compartment hold a lot

Impressive internal organization

Water-resistant lining is easy to clean

Available in 12 colors and can be personalized

Not as sturdy feeling when empty

More expensive than others

Looking for luxury and durability? Leatherology’s classic, square-shaped train case will transport your makeup safely and in style. This bag’s full-grain leather exterior feels and looks like a dream. We appreciate the water-resistant lining that will be easy to keep clean. The full-zip-around closure allow for easy packing, access, and viewing of all the products. The main compartment is deep enough to pack some bottles standing up. We packed four makeup brushes, three makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, three lipsticks, seven small toiletry bottles, and one hairspray. 

Despite initially feeling less sturdy when empty, this bag feels very secure once packed with products. The thin padding between the exterior and interior layers also adds additional protection. It fared well in all our shake and drop tests. No makeup or toiletries were broken or spilled, and the leather still looked great. The price is higher than some of the other bags we tested, but the genuine leather exterior, easy-to-clean interior, and loads of pockets make it well worth the cost.

This small train case from Leatherology has been our tester’s go-to bag for weekend and week-long trips. It fits everything she needs and then some, including larger eye shadow palettes. The case is super durable, and the interior still looks practically new. The outside has a foundation stain, but since it’s made of leather, our tester expects to get it out with a little elbow grease. She loves the size for longer trips but feels like it takes up too much room in her weekender bag to make it feasible for short trips. 

Size: 7.5 x 5 x 5.2 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Full grain leather exterior, water-resistant synthetic interior | Closure: Zip-around

• People/Jhett Thompson

Best Makeup Case Set

Cuyana leather travel case set.

Wide opening easy to pack and access

Genuine leather is easy to clean

Sleek and elegant

Not as much padding as other bags we tested

This Travel Case Set from Cuyana is ideal for those wanting additional storage and the option of different sizes. The materials on these sleek, elegant leather cases feel durable and high quality. We learned the width of the opening can be a bit deceiving. We had to remove some products we initially packed in order to fully close the bag. In the larger bag alone we were still able to pack four makeup brushes, two makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, one lipstick, four toiletry bottles, and one hairspray and definitely had room for several more products. The second smaller case would be great for brushes, jewelry, or essential toiletries for your carry-on. 

At first, the soft leather exterior of these cases didn't feel as sturdy as the other ones we tested, but they still kept the products secure in our tests. A little bit of eyeshadow was the only makeup to spill during multiple drops and shake tests, but it was easily cleaned up. Getting two genuine leather travel makeup cases for this price is a great deal. We also like the option to choose which size feels most appropriate for different types of travel.

As a self-proclaimed overpacker, our tester was not able to store everything she needed in this set for a longer trip. For short, local trips, she found the small pouch to be ideal for carrying all of her essentials in a backpack. She appreciated the high-quality, durable material and how the two cases fit into one another for easy storage. After five months of use, the bags showed no signs of wear, and the few smudges that appeared were easy to wipe away.

Size: 7 x 12 x 3.5 inches (large), 5 x 8 x 2.5 inches (small) | Weight: 1 lb. | Material: 100% sustainable, Argentinian leather | Closure: Zip

Best Investment

Cuyana travel beauty case.

• Quality 4.5 /5

Removable leather pouch provides extra storage and protects fragile items

Opens fully and is easy to pack and access

Pockets and elastic loops for organization

Minor scuffs on exterior after drop tests

The Cuyana Travel Beauty Case is the epitome of fashion and function together in one beautiful bag. The Italian leather exterior elevates the classic design of this travel makeup bag. The rectangular case opens up fully (like a clamshell), and we found it was super easy to pack. 

The internal organization is both super functional and beautiful, thanks to the matching leather interior. We appreciate the designated elastic loops for makeup brushes along with the leather flap to secure the brushes in place. The bonus removable leather zipper pouch adds another level of organization. An additional pocket at the bottom of the main compartment secures even more products. We were able to fit eight makeup brushes, two makeup palettes, one bottle of foundation, one eyelash curler, one mascara, four lipsticks, four toiletry bottles, and one hairspray. 

The leather exterior and interior protected our makeup well during our shake and drop tests. Only a few items shook loose, but nothing broke or spilled. We noticed a few minor scuffs after dropping and throwing the bag a few times, but they were easily wiped away with our fingers. While the high price is certainly an investment, this travel case will be a beautiful piece to add to your travel collection for years to come. 

During the past five months, our tester has used this Cuyana case for every trip she has taken. She was able to fit a ton inside and found the smaller pouch to be ideal for bringing a couple of things along for touch-ups. She appreciates all the organizational touches, from brush straps to a large compartment with a sleeve, and how protective the case is. The case has kept her eye palettes damage-free on trips around the world. She generally checks the large case and keeps the small pouch with her. The exterior of the bag is durable, easy to wipe clean, and looks as good as new.

Size: 6.2 x 10.2 x 3.1 inches | Weight: 1.6 lbs. | Material: Italian pebbled leather | Closure: Metal zip, internal metal button clasps

Other Travel Makeup Bags We Tried

• Away The Cosmetics Bag : We love the sleek and low-profile design of this cosmetics bag, and the soft-molded cube shape fits nicely into a backpack and varied sizes of suitcases. While we were able to pack a substantial amount of makeup in this case, the caps came off several products during our shake and drop tests, leading us to fear some inevitable spills during travel. We also think the price tag is a bit steep compared to similar bags we tested.
• Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag : We love the durability of this bag’s material, not to mention its cute aesthetic. The compact size is super portable, and its ability to hang vertically makes it an all-around space-saver. While this hanging toiletry bag held ample products, several makeup items fell out during our shake and drop tests, which forebodes potential broken and spilled makeup. Plus, it is more expensive than similar and more secure bags we tested.
• Mark & Graham Concourse Cosmetics Case : We love the option to remove the smaller zipper pouch and use it on its own. While the larger case is easy to open and pack, we wish there were a few more organizational features to separate and secure items. Unfortunately, after a few shake and drop tests, several caps came off some bottles, and one compact even broke.

What to Know About Travel Makeup Bags

Functionality .

When shopping for a travel makeup bag, functionality is your friend. You want a bag that can easily store, organize, and protect your beauty products while traveling. Consider how much makeup and toiletries you usually travel with and what type of products. If you’ve got lots of brushes and smaller size items, you’ll want a bag with plenty of internal organizational options like the Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case , which has customizable dividers. Choose a bag that’ll easily fit everything, but be wary of a bag that’s too big because extra space will let your products get jostled around in transit.

Look for any special features in a travel makeup bag that are a good fit for your usual travel experience. Perhaps a hanging bag, such as the Béis The Hanging Cosmetic Case , will work best for small hotel bathrooms or tiny guest areas. Or maybe a removable pouch, like the Lululemon Go Getter Pouch , is something you’d prefer to keep essentials within reach in your carry-on. Consider other design elements like material and hardware finishes that can elevate your travel makeup bag from another utilitarian piece of luggage to a chic design piece.

Price Range

We tested travel makeup bags that range in price from around $12 to almost $300. You can find a quality makeup case at any price, including the budget-friendly Narwey Travel Makeup Bag , depending on the materials and features that are most important to you.

In our PEOPLE Tested Lab, 26 buzz-worthy makeup cases were tried, inspected, and evaluated for ease of use, quality, capacity, design, and portability. Each bag was packed with the same standard packing list, and additional products were added if possible.

• Packing List: Our standard packing list included the following: 4 makeup brushes, 2 makeup palettes, 1 bottle of foundation, 1 eyelash curler, 1 mascara, 1 lipstick, 2 toiletry bottles (pre-filled with micellar water and sunscreen), 2 toiletry bottles (pre-filled with lotion), and 1 hairspray bottle.
• Drop and Shake Tests: After each bag was fully packed, our testers vigorously shook and dropped each case multiple times. The condition of the makeup afterward was observed and documented.
• Portability: To test portability, each makeup case was then packed into three different-sized bags: a backpack, a carry-on suitcase, and checked luggage.
• Scoring: Combining considerations for the quality of materials and special organizational features, each case was given an overall score on a scale from one to five. The makeup cases with the highest average scores were selected for this article as our top picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

“For starters, I like to minimize the general bulk of my products so that I'm not overpacking,” shares Scibelli. “And, of course, keeping the sizes to 3.4 ounces and under, if I'm not checking a bag.” He also recommends using a padded cosmetics case that offers an additional layer of protection.

Pro travel tip: “Use your other items in your suitcase as armor for your makeup bag, and position it in the center or with softer items around it for protection," he says.

“A typical toiletry bag is pretty simple, consisting of a one-pocket zip pouch,” explains Scibelli. “Travel makeup cases have become so much more intricate now with multiple pockets and travel features like having detachable pockets, being water resistant, and added padding for safety.” Makeup cases will often have specific features to hold makeup brushes and easy-to-clean fabric in case of spills.

L.A Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer for PEOPLE and Brides.com. She specializes in lifestyle, fashion, and beauty content. Hubilla also frequently tests products for various digital outlets including Byrdie, InStyle, and Travel + Leisure, among others. For this article, she surveyed the data compiled by the PEOPLE Tested team and compared them with professional insights from celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli. Using Scibelli’s advice paired with tester observations, she selected the top-performing makeup cases for this roundup. 

Meet Our Expert

Neil Scibelli is a celebrity makeup artist.

What Is PEOPLE Tested? 

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

Related Articles

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Beauty Products & Tools

The 13 Best Makeup Bags to Keep Your Beauty Essentials Organized, Tested & Reviewed

You didn’t spend your paycheck on makeup just to have it squashed in your suitcase.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

What to Keep in Mind

Your questions, answered, why shop with us.

InStyle/Leticia Almeida

Imagine: You’ve spent months, maybe even years, trying out way too many makeup products to count, and you’ve finally curated your perfect collection of formulas, shades, and tools. You’ve lined them up across your vanity so beautifully that even a Sephora associate would envy the display. Then suddenly, you’re a week away from your vacation, and reality hits: How can I get my makeup stash there safely? There is a simple solution: Makeup bags.

Depending on your needs, beauty collection, and travel destination, the right makeup bag for you will differ from the next person. Destination bridal makeup artist, Tia Codrington , recommends having a clear makeup case. Not only “has it helped me with organization, but it’s useful during security checks in the airport because security officers have a clear view of what’s inside the bag without having to go through all your stuff,” she says.

For those who lack organizational acumen, we did our best Marie Kondo to see which of the buzziest bags out there were actually useful by filling them with bottles of lotions, creams, sprays, brushes, and powders. Then, we pretended each was a dodgeball and threw them around our NYC-based lab. The makeup bags that emerged victorious, with the fewest spills, breaks, or explosions, were then judged for material quality and compressive ability. And of course, we tested to see the amount of space it took up in a carry-on bag, design, usefulness of the compartments, and overall capacity. This list comprises our highest-ranking makeup bags we’d be happy to take with us for a long weekend or months-long adventure (we wish!).

Best Overall

Béis the cosmetic case.

What We Love: It comes with a mirror. What We Don’t Love: You can’t compartmentalize as much.

Out of all the makeup cases we tested, we found the Béis Cosmetic Case to be the most universally useful. It comes with a removable mirror that’s quite generous in size and stands upright to give us a view of our entire face so we could do our makeup on the go.

In terms of space, there’s a center section for brushes, which is removable, and we were able to get five brushes in comfortably without flattening the bristles. Then in the main compartment, we were able to fit all of our go-to makeup products with ease. There’s even a shallow zippered section attached to the top lid where we slid in our powder compacts and palettes. Even the hardware holding everything together felt luxe and sturdy, not to mention easy to wipe clean. We also loved how the case opened up completely, putting everything on full display and easy to access. That being said, there weren’t many compartments or straps to organize our products. When we tossed the bag around, the items remained protected and safe without spilling or coming loose.

Materials: Faux leather exterior, nylon lining interior | Compartments: None | Colors: 10 | Size: 9.5 x 4 x 7” inches

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Narwey travel makeup bag.

What We Love: The quality feels much more high-end than what the price suggests. What We Don’t Love: We wish it was slightly more cushioned.

We love a good budget option when the product feels much more high-end than what it’s priced at—that’s how we felt about this Narwey makeup case. The lightweight option doesn’t lack in space, compartments, or even aesthetic appeal, making it a phenomenal option for everyday use.

Much like the previous Beis option, this bag opens up fully, giving us complete access to all our goods. On the lid-side of the bag, we could squeeze 20 brushes in the eight brush pockets (ranging in size)—there’s even a flap to cover and protect the brush heads. The bag comes with a fully removable pouch, where we kept our face palettes , a color correcting palette, three eyeliners , four lipsticks , a mascara , and a lash curler . Then in the main compartment, we stored our foundations , moisturizers , makeup removers , favorite dry shampoo , and more. Needless to say, nothing needs to be left behind with this bag, and yet it didn’t feel completely bulky—we were able to store this in our backpack and carry-on cases sans-problem. 

Materials: Water-resistant fabric | Compartments: 3 | Colors: 15 | Size: 9 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches

InStyle / Leticia Almeida

Best Splurge

Cuyana travel beauty case.

What We Love: You can add a personalized monogram. What We Don’t Love: It’s only available in two colors.

Now onto something for the makeup gurus who don’t play about their beauty collection. The price of this travel case is on the higher side, but after thoroughly testing it we think it’s worth every penny. 

Let’s start with the luxurious material, stitch, and zips. This bag is about as sturdy as it gets without having a full-on hard-shell makeup case. The leather is strong and sturdy, while  the zippers glide smoothly all the way around and open in a clam-shell style. The lid portion features four loops for brushes and an elastic pocket to collect the ends. The leather divider in the middle helps to protect the brush heads from the items on the other side, where we placed our foundations, bronzers, blushes, and more. There was even a clippable pouch that we could remove and use on its own on a flight. Because of its sleek and long shape, we placed our waterproof mascaras , eyeliners, and brow products in there. We could even sneak in an eyeshadow brush as well. Knowing that it will last us well over a decade further makes this worth the investment. Slab on the fact that we could add a personalized monogram and it’s truly chef’s kiss.

Materials: Leather | Compartments: 4 | Colors: 2 | Size: 6.2 x 10.2 x 3.1 inches

Best Hanging

Béis hanging cosmetic case.

What We Love: There’s a removable pouch, making it easy to take essential items along during day excursions.  What We Don’t Love: It’s very bulky and large, making it harder to pack.

This is for the beauty guru who needs to bring their entire beauty routine with them on the go, even if it means sacrificing a sweater or two in their luggage space. The Beis Hanging Cosmetic Case was truly made for the expert—even professional makeup artists will find great usage out of all the space, compartments, and hanging ability. 

We first noticed how the outside has a stiffer material, making it absorb any drops and protecting the contents inside. Meanwhile, the interior is quite slick, so we would have no quarrels giving it a good clean should any powder or creams ever get spilled. The bag flaps open into three sections and has a little hook to hang for when we don’t have any counter space to lay it out flat. Thanks to all the zippers and netted pouches, nothing would fall out while being perfectly visible in its vertical position. We fit absolutely everything we could think of here—moisturizers, creams, foundations, makeup palettes, four eyeliners, five lipsticks and glosses, and still had room to spare. The pouch in the middle is also removable, which we found to be very useful when we wanted to head out for the day and bring a few essentials along. 

Materials: Nylon, vegan leather | Compartments: 5 | Colors: 2 | Size: 9.75 x 7.25 x 6.5 inches

Best for Bottles

Dagne dover mila toiletry organizer.

What We Love: It comes with removable dividers to keep bottles cushioned and separated. What We Don’t Love: We wish the handle could be opened and closed so that we may loop it on a towel rack and save counter space. 

Do you have any delicate perfume bottles , creams, or foundations you want to keep properly cushioned and separated? Then it truly does not get better than (or cuter than) this toiletry organizer from Dagne Dover. The circular and upright bag has a cushioned mesh fabric all throughout the interior, with six adjustable compartments to place individual items in securely. 

More than just the six main compartments, we were able to place pencils and brushes (which fit perfectly upright) in the side slits as well. Then on the opening flap, we placed sunscreens , hair ties, lipsticks, and other miscellaneous items in the zippered mesh bag. Of course, removing the dividers altogether created even more space, but we liked how our glass bottles were protected inside the dividers—not even throwing the bag across the room could affect the interior. Because of the flexible cushiony material, it was easy to squish the bag down and save space in our luggage as well.  

Materials: Recycled polyester | Compartments: 11 | Colors: 4 | Size: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches

Best Organizer

Away the cosmetics bag.

What We Love: There is a discreet hidden black pocket for anything you want to keep private.  What We Don’t Love: The makeup brush compartment clips off, but we’re not sure why as it does not conceal an extra compartment or save space this way.

A good makeup case for travel should be able to endure the rough handling of TSA, flight turbulence, and rolling over cobblestone streets. For this reason, the hard yet cushioned shell of the Away Cosmetics Bag is ideal. The neoprene exterior felt luscious and high-end, which is very on par with all of Away's products. Inside, there is a clear zippered main compartment, and underneath it hides a little black pouch, fit for eyeshadow palettes and medications. The clear compartment is spacious enough to hold just about anything, from creams to lash curlers to hydrating lipsticks . And because it’s made of plastic, it’s easy to wipe off any potential spills.

On the lid side of the bag is a detachable brush holder with five pockets. We will say, however, that we’re uncertain why they made the brush holder detachable, as it doesn’t conceal anything underneath or even save a bunch of space. The holder alone is of no use without the case either. 

Materials: Nylon, neoprene | Compartments: 3 | Colors: 2 | Size: 8.3 x 6.3 x 3.9 inches

Best With Compartments

Relavel travel makeup case.

What We Love: The internal dividers can be adjusted to your liking. What We Don’t Love: It's too big to fit into a backpack, and will take a lot of space in a suitcase. If you’re a professional makeup artist and have to travel to see your clients, then this is the makeup case to opt for. More than just large, this case has been expertly designed with makeup artists in mind, giving us adjustable compartments made of mesh, smooth, and easy-to-clean material. 

We consider ourselves on the higher end of neat and tidy, (Marie Kondo is our saving grace), and we can’t begin to describe how satisfying it is to have our un-shamefully large collection of foundations, eyeshadow palettes, lip kits and more, properly stashed in their own compartments. The brush compartment on the internal divider had scrunch pockets, and the flap that goes over the brushes sufficiently covered all of them for protection. Thankfully, the bag itself is very lightweight, as the weight of all our products is already heavy enough. The bag came with an adjustable strap, which we could wear as a crossbody or even turn into a backpack. That being said, it’s a little too large to comfortably fit into a backpack. 

Materials: Nylon | Compartments: 9 | Colors: 20 | Size: 10.3 x 9 x 3.6 inches

Best for Brushes

Relavel small makeup case.

What We Love: We could fit at least 15 brushes in the bag. What We Don’t Love: There is no pouch over the brushes to protect them. 

She may have small in the title, but this bag actually fits a ton of product—at least enough for your everyday makeup needs. The most notable feature of this bag however is how many slots there are for brushes. From big to small, there are two walls dedicated to just brushes, easily carrying at least 15 makeup brushes in various sizes. 

The interior divider features a row of brush holders on one side, and mesh pockets on the other. Once we flipped that over, we were met with a large (but not very deep) space for all of our creams and cases. It could fit plenty of mascaras and lip glosses for everyday wear, but if you wanted to go full glam you may feel it’s not spacious enough. For the average consumer, however, we believe the soft bag is perfectly sufficient for a casual week away. 

Materials: Nylon | Compartments: 5 | Colors: 21 | Size: 8.9 x 5.1 x 5.1 inches

Best Water-Repellent

Lululemon go getter pouch.

What We Love: It fits a lot more than it looks.  What We Don’t Love: There aren’t any compartments to organize specific items into.

Not only is this makeup pouch small, but soft-shelled as well, making it easy to compress for travel. It’s made of the same materials as Lululemon’s infamous belt bag , which is water-repellent and durable. 

The pouch consists of one main compartment, with a mesh interior pocket and an exterior zipped pocket. It didn’t seem like much at first, but once we started placing our foundations, creams, powders, and beyond in it, we realized just how much it could hold, which is a lot (two liters of stuff, to be exact). Thanks to the nylon material, it's easy to clean should anything ever spill—and spill it might, as there isn’t really a hardcover protecting any of the contents.  There aren’t a plethora of compartments, and we did get a little lost trying to find specific items in what feels like a Mary Poppins bag, but we’re happy with how discreetly it can fit a bunch of items in a small size.

Materials: Recycled polyester, nylon | Compartments: 3 | Colors: 3 | Size: 8.7 x 3.3 x 6.3 inches

MZ Wallace Mica Cosmetic Case

What We Love: The cushiony exterior kept everything safe and protected. What We Don’t Love: We wish there were one or two more compartments.

We selected this option as our best pouch pick not because of how much this bag can hold (although that is a big point), but because of its cushiony exterior. Instead of a hard shell, this quilted bag felt like a protective pillow around our valuables, while being flexible enough to press down in our suitcases.

The top zips open almost fully, making it easy to access all of our makeup. There are only two compartments—the main interior and a not so little side zip. We were flabbergasted at just how much could fit into this little black hole: three micellar waters , two travel-size shampoo bottles, a large liquid concealer, a bronzer , five lipsticks, and about seven brushes nestled next to each other, and the bag still didn’t feel like it was filled up. The bag was almost like a flexible fleece jacket to our goodies, easily accommodating our large collection of beauty products without taking too much luggage space. 

Materials: Leather, REC oxford | Compartments: 2 | Colors: 1 | Size: 9.49 x 4.02 x 5.98 inches

Best Train Set

Leatherology train case.

What We Love: There are organizational compartments on the interior side that don’t take up any space. What We Don’t Love: It’s very tall, so it may sit awkwardly in a suitcase.

A classic train case is a stylish way to hold all your beauty products on the go. We tested several, but found this full grain leather option the most practical. While at a first glance it looks like any other spacious rectangular box, a closer look revealed that each of the walls had a different organizational perk. Two sides had a pocket sleeve with an elastic strap, one side had a slip pocket, and the last had a zippered pocket. There was even a mesh zippered pocket on the lid, where we kept eyeshadow palettes and mascaras. We loved how these compartments didn’t take up any additional space (like a divider would), while still giving us the opportunity to organize a little. 

The box is quite deep, so even our travel-size shampoos could stand upright. Unless we packed everything snugly side by side, these items would fall to their sides and look a little messy after travel. Should anything spill, however, the water-resistant lining made it very easy to clean. 

Materials: Leather, nylon | Compartments: 3 | Colors: 14 | Size: 7.5 x 5 x 5.2 inches

Boacay Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag

What We Love: The pockets are all clear, giving us good visibility into the interior. What We Don’t Love: The cover is not that protective or sturdy.

It’s not enough for a bag to have great organizational capabilities, it needs to provide great visibility into our collection of products as well, and this bag does just that. It comes with a little rotating hook, which we used to hang the bag onto a towel rack.

Once fully folded open, it reveals four bagged compartments, all made of clear plastic. The two center pockets are larger than the outer ones, so we stored our hair spray, body lotions , and all other cream products in there. In the smaller pouches we hid our brushes, eye creams , and any other miscellaneous items in. Although it looked stuffed to the brim, once closed it did not bulk up any more than it did while empty. It still folded easily and zippered closed without putting up a fight. Celebrity makeup artist Katie Nova stresses how convenient it is to keep all her skin care and beauty products separate, but in the same container, “eliminating the need for a separate bag and simplifying my travel routine further.” With a water-repellent finish and light padding, it’s perfectly usable for everyday use.

Materials: Brushed, water-repellant | Compartments: 5 | Colors: 8 | Size: 11.4 x 3.8 x 7.5 inches

Best Makeup Pouch for Purse

Cuyana leather travel case set.

What We Love: It comes with two bags in one set. What We Don’t Love: The leather exterior and interior are difficult to clean.

If you want to have your beauty items close to you while on the go, then a pouch small enough to fit in your purse is the way to go. This Cuyana set, which yes, comes with two different sized pouches, was quick to steal our hearts with its beautiful pebbled leather design. The bag opened up so wide, it was easy to pack all our essentials in and get quick access to them. The larger pouch has one slit pocket on the side, although we have to admit, it’s more for the aesthetics than any functional purpose. 

The second pouch is merely a smaller version of the large one, without the slit interior pocket. At first, we wondered why we would need two of the same bag, but then came to realize how useful it is to keep one in our check-in luggage and the other in our backpacks and close to us on the plane. Together, we could easily bring our entire makeup routine with us wherever we go. Because it’s made of full leather on the exterior and interior, it was difficult to clean the bag. One of our eyeshadow palettes popped open and stained the bag slightly. Luckily, Cuyana gives detailed instructions on how to care for the pouch.

Materials: Leather  | Compartments: 2 | Colors: 16 | Size: Large pouch: 7 x 12 x 3.5 inches, small pouch: 5 x 8 x 2.5 inches

• Size: Before committing to a makeup case, take a look at your beauty products and consider how much you actually use on a daily basis. Next, consider the location you’re hoping to transport them to, and ask yourself what you need there. The answer to these questions will determine how large your makeup case should be. We tested a range of makeup bags, and found some big enough to suit a professional makeup artist, in need of carrying a bunch of products in various shades, and simple pouches fit to hold a good chunk of essentials for a weekend getaway. You also want to consider how you will be transporting your makeup case. Some bags are too large to fit in a backpack and take a ton of space in a carry-on, but will be great in a larger suitcase. 
• Material: Makeup isn’t cheap, so you probably want the case to properly cushion and protect your collection. That being said, harder shells or even cushioned bags take up a lot of space in your luggage, so finding something that compromises between protective yet lightweight can be difficult. Factor in the ability to wash the bag, and it can become downright mathematical. Codrington finds bags that have both a semi-hard lid or bottom with cushioned sides the most useful, saying the bag she always uses “has some soft, breathable areas and a hard shell in the back to protect the components inside.” Other options feature quality leather all throughout the pouch, which certainly helps to protect the interior but is also more difficult to clean. If you are worried about spillage, something with a clear plastic case would be much more efficient. Professional makeup artist J. Guerra remarks that “bags made of nylon or other materials that are easy to wipe down in case of makeup spills while traveling are essential.” 
• Compartments: Maybe you don’t care too much for compartments and just need a spacious pouch to throw all your things in, in which case, skip this section. For everyone else who gets a kick out of neatly separating your liquids from your powders, consider all the organizational capabilities of your future makeup case. Guerra says that a “space for brushes, separate compartments for liquids (to comply with airport regulations), and dividers to stay organized prevent delicate powders or eyeshadow palettes from breaking apart.” So not only do compartments make packing neater, but safer for your goods as well. “Some bags even have removable pouches or adjustable dividers for added safeguarding and flexibility, those are my favorite,” says Guerra.

What is the best way to pack makeup for travel?

On top of the above mentioned size, material, and compartments, you have to make sure you’re following TSA guidelines—like not including liquids that are more than 3.4 ounces and storing everything inside a clear container, if it’s coming with you in your carry-on luggage. Guerra, who frequently travels to meet his beauty clients, offers a few tips for traveling with makeup: “When flying, I’ll often wrap my powder palettes and compacts in bubble wrap or a small towel to prevent them from breaking en route.” If you’re absolutely worried about anything spilling, Guerra suggests “storing creams and liquids into Ziploc bags before placing them in your makeup case.”

What is the best professional makeup case?

Professional makeup artists are going to need a lot more space to accommodate their wide range of products and shades. They also require easy access to their products, so bags must open wide or offer a clear case. “I typically go for bags that have a wide opening and transparent compartments. This allows me to easily see and quickly access items for red carpet touch-ups or makeup adjustments on-set,” says Guerra.

Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle with three years of experience covering fashion and beauty stories. She’s a frequent traveler, having even traveled the world on her own for a year, and knows a thing or two about smart packing tricks. In order to write this story, she dove deep into the insights of the testers who each individually handled the makeup cases. She then consulted celebrity makeup artists J. Guerra and Katie Nova, as well as destination bridal makeup artist Tia Codrington, for further insight into what to look for when shopping for makeup cases.

Related Articles

These Travel Makeup Bags Will Keep Your Beauty Essentials Secure and Organized

By Shauna Beni and Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When it comes to packing beauty essentials, everyone has different preferences. Some focus on skincare, bringing along a haul of sunscreens , lotions, and serums. Others pack just about every compact, mascara , and cream they own (plus enough lipstick shades to match every outfit). Regardless of your must-haves, the right makeup bag is key to keeping cosmetics organized and safely stored away during your travels—and ensuring you don’t end up ruining all your things from spills and leaks in your suitcase .

Thankfully, there is an endless array of cosmetic bags to choose from. We've rounded up a list of the best travel makeup bags, which range in size from mini bags meant for an overnight stay to extra-large ones that will hold everything you need for an extended vacation. Wherever you're headed, they'll keep your most prized (and pricey) beauty essentials secure and safely tucked away. Keep scrolling to see a dozen-plus of our top travel makeup bags, and if you're looking for a new method for makeup removal, take a look at this editor-tested Grove Makeup Remover Towel .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

If you’d like your makeup bag to function as a place to store all your beauty products even when you're not on vacation, or like to travel with a lot of makeup, we recommend a large catch-all like this Calpak toiletry bag . It comes in neutral hues like pink sand, black, and moss, and has multiple interior compartments—plus an exterior back pocket—to organize your different cosmetics. There's also a side handle, making it easier to tote back and forth when you need to.

For travelers who have no desire to pack light, Calpak's oversized cosmetics case (closed, it's as big as a sheet of printer paper) will keep all your favorite products neat and visible. The clear makeup bag unzips fully so each side can lay flat, and has an extra mesh interior pocket to hold smaller items. Plus, a top handle makes for easy carrying or looping over a bathroom hook.

On the outside, this Béis bag looks like any other makeup bag; inside, it's obvious it was designed by someone who's traveled with a drugstore full of makeup once or twice. Inside, there's a larger-than-average compact mirror that slips out, a double-sided detachable brush holder to keep eye and lip brushes separate, and smaller compartments to store odds and ends, plus a spacious main compartment. Even better, the water-resistant lining makes it easy to wipe clean.

If you're a fan of traveling with a color-coordinated or monogrammed luggage set , this cosmetic case is the one for you. The vintage-inspired bag is designed with a durable but lightweight shell exterior and is the perfect mini-match to the other Terminal 1 suitcases in the collection . It’s also small enough to pack inside of a suitcase but spacious enough to fit all your essentials. The internal pockets are a plus for keeping things like brushes, blush compacts, and lipsticks organized, while the top leather handle makes it easy to carry around in a hotel or Airbnb. Thanks to the zip-around outside closure, you won’t have to worry about any leaks or spills.

Without an organized cosmetic case, doing your makeup often involves rummaging around in a bag trying to find everything. This Lay-n-Go bag, though, is a dream come true. Instead of having to dump out all your products, the bag opens up by way of drawstrings, and can be laid out as a circle on any surface, allowing every product to be on display. When finished, pull the drawstring back together and watch it transform into the size of a clutch. It also comes with a zip pocket for storage and elastic brush loops, so nothing goes rolling off the bathroom counter.

Available in a larger size as well, this small, sleek toiletry organizer with a carrying handle is ideal for quick one- to two-day getaways when you're packing the basics. The inside is completely lined with mesh and allows makeup products like foundation, setting spray, and serums to stand straight up in their own dividers, making them easier to find. There are also small loops on the side for mascara , lip gloss, or makeup brushes. 

Ideal for overnight or weekend stays, this Lululemon pouch is a bit smaller, providing you with just enough room to pack the essentials without being too heavy in your weekender bag . Made of water-repellent, recycled nylon, this pouch has a mesh interior pocket for items you want to keep separate, like your beauty sponge. Available in colors like raspberry, teal, pink, and black, all with the signature Lululemon logo, this is one makeup pouch you’ll have for years to come.

An affordable option that's great for long family vacations , this Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag will fit all of your makeup products and toiletries in one. Hang it on the back of the bathroom door when you arrive and you’ll stay organized the rest of the trip. There are four separate clear sections that make finding what you need easy and prevent liquid products like shampoo and conditioner from spilling onto your makeup. Plus, the case itself has a top handle to make carrying it on-the-go even easier.

Transparent bags are practical and efficient, allowing you to see what's inside while packing, and Paravel’s See-All vanity case offers all the style and space you need. This clear case makes finding the exact product you need easy, even smaller ones like eye creams or lip balm that typically fall to the bottom of the bag. Plus, the water-resistant (and eco-friendly) silicone coating means you don't have to worry about product spills.

If you’re already a fan of Away’s thoughtfully-designed luggage , the brand's makeup case definitely won’t disappoint. Not only does this one look chic sitting on your bathroom counter, it actually stores all of the makeup must-haves you'd need for an entire week's vacation. The main compartment is made of water-resistant nylon with transparent pockets that make finding what you need simple. My favorite part about this cosmetic bag is the detachable brush roll that snaps to the top lid to keep makeup brushes organized and give me easy access when I need them. The bag itself has a grab handle for easy carrying and a size that won't take up too much room in your suitcase .

This lightweight cosmetic bag from MZ Wallace is the perfect size for any getaway . It’s large enough to store all of the makeup products you’d need for a week and features an interior pocket and lining to protect it against any leaks. When you’re not using it to pack your favorite makeup products, use it as an emergency kit to store beauty essentials at the office or in your gym bag.

This roomy bag is machine washable, so there's no need to worry about the inevitable bronzer or powder that will appear inside—throw your makeup brushes right in. It’s easy to pile in extra products in there, too, making it an ideal bag for long weekend trips . It features two mesh side pockets inside for tweezers, a lipliner sharpener, or other small items you want to keep handy.

Sephora's cosmetic organizer really does let you pack it all. This spacious and sturdy organizer comes with two removable storage cubes ideal for products like eyeshadow, powder, and blushes. It also comes with a removable flat pouch for eyeliner or waterproof mascaras and small loops to keep your brushes in place. If you can never find what you’re looking for in your makeup bag, this one’s for you.

This leather travel case set from Cuyana comes with two chic cases, one large bag that fits foundation, eyeshadow palettes, and skincare essentials as well as a smaller bag ideal for makeup brushes or tools like an eyelash curler. Both bags feature a microsuede interior that you can easily wipe clean after any accidental makeup spills.

We love a hanging cosmetic bag, especially one that folds up as neatly as this Tumi travel case. With four separate compartments—three transparent, one detachable nylon pouch—it'll keep items separated and is roomy enough to act as both a Dopp kit and makeup bag. The case itself is made of easy-to-wipe-down nylon, and the handle is wrapped in leather trim.

This petite cosmetic bag is great for day trips when you only need to bring a few essentials with you, like sunscreen , setting powder, and concealer for touch-ups. It fits easily into a tote bag or backpack without taking up too much room. Plus, its a temperature-stable bag with insulation, so your products will be protected even if you spend the day walking around in the heat—meaning you don't have to worry about melted lipstick.

The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags for Organized Chaos

From brands like Away, Beis, and Calpak.

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

The best travel makeup bags of course come in many shapes and sizes, but our team of editors and experts came together to find the most incredible options for every type of makeup lover out there. Whether you only have a couple of staple products or have had to seriously consider bringing an additional carry-on to fit all of your beauty favorites during your travels, we've included options for you. Below, read on to find the best travel makeup bag for you.

The Best Travel Makeup Bags

• Best Overall: The Small Toiletry Bag
• Best Budget: Queboom Travel Makeup Bag
• Best Organizer: Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag
• Best Multi-Compartment: The Dopp Kit
• Best Bulk: Skkn by Kim Vanity Bag

What to Consider

When selecting the best travel makeup bag for yourself or for a giftee, you have a few things to consider before pressing "add to cart." First, you should check out how much space you really have in your travel backpack or carry-on to fit additional storage essentials. Then, you have to think about what you're putting in the bag. Will it only be small makeup items, or will you also want to throw in skincare essentials, small toiletries, and hair accessories? Once you have figured that out, consider the type of material your makeup bag should be. How important is it for you to be able to wash this? If it's a must, you'll obviously want something waterproof.

How much space do you have in your luggage to add a travel makeup bag? Will you mostly be throwing it into a weekender or a large suitcase that has miles of space inside? Consider what you're working with on the road (and in your perhaps very full closet), then peep at the travel makeup bag's dimensions to ensure it'll fit easily into your packing routine.

Laura Geller , a New York City-based makeup artist and entrepreneur who has her own namesake makeup brand filled with editor-loved products, says size is perhaps the most important factor shoppers should consider.

"I tend to travel with a lot of makeup so I can switch up my looks when I’m on my trips. I find a lot of the ones on the market are very small and only hold a few things, so I’m always on the hunt for one that can hold a lot," she explains. "Additionally, I like one that can lay flat ( hanging organizers work here, too) so that I can easily find everything, and I’m not rummaging for a product at the bottom of a bag."

Compartments

Are you a Type A traveler who needs everything divided into certain spaces? For example, will you want your blushes to stay in one pocket, your concealers to stay in another, and your brushes securely placed in built-in brush holders? Or, could you care less and just want something that'll fit everything?

"I love one where you don’t have to be worried about organizing all of your makeup, that holds a lot of product and is easy to find your items once it’s been opened," said Geller.

Either way is right, so long as it's what you or your giftee want. When looking for a travel makeup bag, make sure that it has enough compartments, pockets, and dividers to fulfill your needs.

Washable Material

If you or your giftee have experienced an exploded concealer or liquid blush from time to time, then you know how important a washable (specifically, a machine-washable) travel makeup bag is. Many of the best travel makeup bags on the market are made with at least wipeable material that makes for an easy clean-up.

How We Selected

Our product experts tested these travel makeup bags at home, on the road, and, of course, in the air and at hotels. We judged makeup bags for their organizational features, space, material, and giftability. Some of these selections have been used for years and years, while other newer ones have been put through the wringer for at least a few weeks. When we weren't traveling, we simulated the experience by bringing these travel makeup bags with us to the gym and to the office to determine how well they fit into commutes and luggage.

If we weren't able to test a bag, we conducted thorough research, vetted the brand, or took our expert's recommendations on what features a good travel makeup bag needs to be useful.

Why Trust Us

I have more than half a decade's worth of experience professionally testing and reviewing travel essentials and makeup. Additionally, I reached out to our beauty editor for her expert picks, as well as professional makeup artists who travel a lot to include their choices.

Away The Small Toiletry Bag

I wasn't at all shocked at the high quality of Away's Small Toiletry Bag — the beloved travel brand is known for its innovative creations that combine organization and aesthetics to create truly remarkable accessories, bags, and luggage .

What makes this travel makeup bag the best of the best is its sleek and useful features. The zip-up bag has two sections each with zip-up mesh enclosures that allow you to see your contents without having them spill on top of each other. One section is a deep pocket that is capable of fitting bigger items like hairbrushes, serums, or cleansers. The other side includes five brush holders as well as more open space for any additional items.

While the name says it's small, I found I was able to fit a lot of products inside, including several blushes, five brushes, cleansers, foundations, serums, and more.

The shape of the bag as well as the nylon material it's made with make for a sturdy traveler that can be smooshed a bit to fit into tight bags, but will keep its shape enough so that your items won't be crushed throughout your journey.

But, if any travel mishaps do occur and foundation spills or powder gets everywhere, you can easily wipe off smudges and stains since the interior is coated for easy wipe-downs.

This makeup bag comes in four chic and aesthetically-pleasing colorways. The white option would make a great gift for brides before they embark on honeymoons and the black would be a great gift for your boyfriend and his toiletries (he could use the brush holders for combs and other essentials).

When it comes to travel makeup bags, you'll be hard-pressed to find one more dependable than this.

Related: 44 Long-Flight Essentials to Make Traveling More Comfortable, Even If You’re Sitting in Coach

Queboom Queboom Travel Makeup Bag

If you're on a tight budget or are perhaps buying a bunch of travel makeup bags to gift your bachelorette party, or group of girlfriends before a trip, or are grabbing several as gifts for teens for your nieces or kids, you won't break the budget with this style.

Under $10, this Amazon favorite is similar to the Away bag in that it has a clamshell opening, a sturdy handle, and makeup brush holders (six to be exact). Though each side of this bag isn't sectioned off with zip-up closures, you will get a detachable zipped-up pouch with this buy. The addition comes in handy for hair ties, bobby pins, or jewelry that can easily be lost during travel.

Additionally, this bag is waterproof on the inside and outside, so you or your giftee can clean it up easily post-travel by simply tossing it in the washing machine.

There are a whopping 25 color options and patterns to choose from, but we're partial to this muted sage green or this bold yellow that would come in handy if you often lose things (nothing's easier to spot in a messy closet than a makeup bag that essentially glows in the dark).

Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag

This travel makeup bag comes with so many goodies inside, you'll feel like it's Christmas opening it up. In addition to the three makeup brush holders, and a built-in mesh pocket, the bag comes with two removable zip-up pouches (the small size only has one). One's long and narrow and is great for holding combs, additional brushes, and mascara, while the other bigger option is stellar for organizing flat products like highlighters and powders.

The washable bag comes in small and large sizes and has three different finishes: neoprene, air mesh, or seasonal. It also comes with a unique locking securing system. Once you zip it up, you can then take each side fold and button it down so it's more compact.

Also, when you buy this bag you'll get a free duster to keep it in while you store it. However, I like this bag so much that I use it as my daily makeup bag. It's big enough to fit the essentials — I have two sunscreens, concealer, foundation, two blushes, a mascara, and a few eyebrow products in now — but doesn't take up a lot of coveted bathroom or closet space.

The quality of this travel makeup bag is impressive. Though it's flexible, the thick fabric keeps glass products protected from breaking during transit while still fitting into tight quarters inside bags or luggage.

Beis The Dopp Kit

If you're looking for a travel makeup bag that will fit a lot of products, look no further. This dual-compartment design from Beis is a big boy with big storage capabilities.

"Even though Beis lists dimensions on their website, I was still surprised by how big the Dopp kit was," said Best Products tester and writer Lauren Gruber . "I was able to fit my daily makeup and brushes in the top compartment and my skincare and perfume in the bottom compartment, which claims to be spill-proof."

She says the separate sections made it easier to organize all of her cosmetics and additional toiletries — there are two interior slip pockets to keep your toothbrush and medications separate.

This travel makeup bag also features a loop at the top that you can use in your bathroom or hotel room on towel hooks. "The design is very attractive and I love how it comes in so many colors coordinate with the rest of your Beis luggage," Gruber continued. "I could also see myself using it to keep my portable chargers, cables, and pens organized for a longer trip. I was packing into the Beis Front Pocket Carry-On Roller and I did find that it was difficult to get the Dopp kit to lay flat inside of my luggage when packed to the brim. For that reason, I would suggest pairing it with a larger piece of luggage like the Check-In Roller. "

Skkn By Kim Vanity Bag

To be honest, at first glance, I was thoroughly unimpressed by this $70 travel makeup bag. The floppy construction and minimal pocket and compartment options seemed like proof that it was overpriced and overhyped.

However, after giving this bag a chance, I realized just how useful the XL holder can be — thanks to the elastic loop system inside. The nine loops are meant for the brand's entire skincare system but do a stellar job at holding everything from contact solutions, serums, cleansers, foundations, shampoos, and more essentials. I didn't realize how big of a game-changer this was until I loaded it up on my own for a five-day trip.

Usually, I throw toiletries into my suitcase and hope for the best, but this bag allows for everything I need to stay in one spot. From small concealer brushes to large bottles of lotion, I fit it all.

Will this bag take up a good chunk of space in carry-on bags? Yes. But you'd be using that space regardless, so you might as well do so in an organized fashion.

It only comes in one colorway because Kim Kardashian famously loves muted and matching aesthetics, so don't expect any patterns. It'd make a great luxury gift for somebody who loves to Keep Up and has a mini Sephora store in their home.

Lay-n-Go Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Organizer

Geller recommends a travel makeup bag that's a bit unique to the average consumer. "I love this one from Amazon," she said of the Lay-n-Go. "I love it so much I actually got it for my entire marketing team as a holiday gift one year."

The clever style cinches up into a pouch bag but once loosened, lies flat like a pancake so you can see all of your products easily. Thanks to the dozen+ makeup loops throughout the bag, your concealers, brow gels, and mascaras will remain in place no matter what position the bag's in.

In addition to these holders, the travel makeup bag also has a zip-up pocket to hold smaller items like rings, watches, or hair ties.

This is a great gift idea for makeup lovers who perhaps get a little messy in hotel bathrooms with all of their belongings. They'll be able to see all of their makeup while getting ready for the day without having to take everything out and leave it in the sink... not that this has ever happened.

It comes in 30 pattern options ranging from neutral blacks and blues to eye-catching leopard and camo. Choose whatever fits your giftee's style for a more customized element.

KUSSHI Washable Travel Makeup and Cosmetic Everyday Bag

The Best Products beauty editor Nicole Saunders has endless knowledge on all things makeup. Seriously. Ask her anything and she'll know the answer and give you 17 recommendations in 16 seconds. So, of course, we had to tap her for some of her most coveted travel makeup bag recommendations.

"I love my Kusshi makeup bags and highly recommend them as a beauty gift to yourself or a loved one," she said. "They're available in two types of materials — fabric and leather — but I prefer fabric because it's cheaper and easy to clean if makeup accidentally gets on the exterior or interior lining. Speaking of, the vast variety of colorways to select ensures it matches everyone's personal style. I'm personally obsessed with the Candy Apple Red fabric with leopard interior because it's easy to spot in my workbag or suitcase."

There are three sizes to chose from, including the Everyday which holds up to 10 products, Signature which fits up to 20 products, and Vacationer which carries up to 30 products.

She says she can fit a good amount of product in the Signature size option, including foundation, powders, blushes, brushes, and lipsticks. We also got our hands on the Vacationer, and wow. That thing will fit your entire makeup collection easily. It just might also take up half of the space in your weekender/ carry-on...

Stoney Clover Travel Large Pouch

If you're looking for a beauty gift for somebody who loves glitz, glamor, and personal touches, look no further than a Stoney Clover pouch. These have long been loved by the internet for their chic design that photographs super well. You can choose to customize pouches (monograms are an extra $24 and patches are an additional $15) or get pre-made designs like this travel one, which will likely ship faster.

While they're great for holding pretty much everything, from brushes to snacks, expect a bit of chaos inside since there aren't any pockets, pouches, or brush holders to utilize. However, if you're just looking for something cute that'll hold whatever you need, this is a great option.

I've had this travel makeup bag for years and it's so handy at keeping literally everything I own in one spot. I use it as bulk storage for when I'm traveling for a long amount of time and have found it to be great at fitting larger items, like contact lens solutions, serums, and fragrances.

My only major qualm about this bag is that there aren't any pockets, slots, or makeup brush holders that would organize my items. So, when I use it, I expect a bit of chaos and a bit of my time rummaging through it. It's hard to find another makeup bag out there as cute and as giftable, though.

In addition to being a stellar travel makeup bag, this pouch could also be a useful pencil pouch, accessories holder, or desk organizer.

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

Hanging toiletry bags are great options that double as travel makeup bags. This best-selling one from Amazon has four different compartments, a bunch of inner pockets, and elastic straps that hold everything from shampoo bottles to eyeshadow palettes. To top it all off (literally) a hanger head is attached so you or your giftee can easily hang the bag on racks at home or in hotels.

The different compartments have useful design features like elastic straps and double zippers to hold large bottles upright and in place. The transparent sides are also great because you can peak inside and note what you have without having to unzip the entire bag and search through it.

Choose from 2 size options and 8 colorways to match your luggage or aesthetic.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Makeup Bag

Another recommendation from Saunders, this travel makeup bag from celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is compact but chock-full of useful design elements.

"It's the perfect gift for someone like me who has a sizeable beauty collection and wants to keep everything as organized as possible," Saunders explained. "I have a compartment for eyeliners, brow pencils, and mascaras, another for eyeshadow quads and singles, and one solely for my lipsticks. It's a small detail, but I appreciate that the zipper never gets stuck, which has happened more often than not with other makeup bags I've tested. Not only is this bag functional, but it's stunning! The classic pillow talk pink faux leather exterior with the cheeky lip and lipstick print is gorgeous and lives proudly as a display piece on my shelf."

The accordion-style bag has five compartments, a zipper pouch, and a zipper closure. And, perhaps most importantly, it features a bold lip design that's the same color as the brand's iconic Pillow Talk lipstick .

Related: Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation Is Our Beauty Editor’s Biggest Makeup Secret

Summer Cartwright is senior editor for Best Products and FirstFinds and is based in New York. She has written and edited for sites including Cosmo , People , InStyle , Food & Wine , Real Simple , and StyleCaster . Her interests outside of work include running, eating dessert, and playing with her two cats, Peaky and Polly. She received her master’s degree in magazine writing from New York University, and her bachelor’s degree in public affairs journalism from The Ohio State University.

12 Natural Deodorants That Actually Work

Solawave’s New Mini Skincare Device Is Under $100

32 Celebrity Beauty Brands Beyond Fenty Beauty

Summer Beauty Gift Ideas for Your Besties

7 Best Sunscreens for Tattoos, Per Experts

Our Best Budget Eyelash Curler is Only $5

Our Beauty Editor's Nécessaire Body Serum Review

The Best Hair Dryers Our Editors Can't Stop Using

How to Safely Remove Your Acrylic Nails at Home

This TikTok-Viral Sunscreen Brand Is On Sale

CurrentBody’s Viral LED Masks Are on Rare Sale

The 25 Best Travel Makeup Bags to Take on Your Holiday Vacation

Have you ever opened up your suitcase after a long airplane ride only to find your pricey comestics—we're talking your lotions, foundations, face washes, etc.—have leaked and spilled onto your clothes? What a waste (and mess, of course). To avoid any such travel hiccups during your upcoming holiday travels, we suggest investing in a good travel makeup bag because not only does it prevent the aforementioned disasters, but it also keeps all of your go-to essentials in one organized place—and easily accessible once you reach your final destination.

Now, when shopping for a makeup bag safe for travel , we suggest making sure it has several key design elements. Does it have several different pockets and compartments? Great. Is it water-resistant? Awesome. And last but certainly not least, how is the size? Too large and it won't fit into your suitcase; too small and it won't hold much—but of course, the size also depends on your needs. If you consider yourself a makeup junkie, a bigger bag might be better suited for you. And if you really don't need much more than mascara and blush, then a more compact one should definitely suffice.

Ahead, we found all the best (and cutest) travel makeup bags for every budget. Read on to see and shop our picks ahead of your vacations, and say goodbye to any suitcase spills for good.

1. Scout Tolietry Bag

This one has a rating of 4.7 out of 5—pretty great.

2. RusticTown Genuine Leather Travel Cosmetic Bag

We love the leather design.

3. Ellis James Designs Large Travel Makeup Organizer Bag

There's so much space in this one!

4. Yoki Bags Marbleized Cosmetics Bag

A super-roomy cosmetics bag we can't wait to test out.

5. NiceEbag Makeup Case

A five-star-rated makeup bag we can't wait to try.

6. Cardinal Bag Supplies Vinyl Zipper Bag

A simple pick that holds just the essentials.

7. Huluwa Tolietry Bag

8. Yeiotsy Cosmetic Bag

How cute is this polka-dot pattern?

9. Stephanie Johnson Miami Medium Zip Closure Cosmetics Case

This one is so on trend.

10. Mossio Half Moon Cosmetic Beauty Bag

This cosmetics bag has rave reviews.

11. Scout Tolietry & Cosmetic Multi Compartment travel Organizer

A water-resistant material is a must.

12. Rownyeon Portable Travel Makeup Bag

This one means serious business.

13. Wuhua Makeup Bag

Store everything, from makeup to face creams, in this stylish pouch.

14. Chiceco Cosmetic Pouch

A simple pouch that can be used to store more than just makeup.

15. Lay-n-Go Cosmetic Bag

We haven't seen a makeup bag like this before.

16. Frebeauty Makeup Bag

A standout review? "LOVE everything about this bag. The quality, the color, the size. I bought this for a traveling makeup bag and it can hold that plus a lot more."

17. B&C Large Versatile Travel Cosmetic Bag

Just wait until you see the inside of this makeup bag.

18. Frebeauty Holographic Makeup Bag

Easily find all your essentials in this see-through bag.

19. Lily England Makeup Bag Organizer

We can't resist a rose gold bag.

20. Leatherology Small Cosmetic Bag

Small but mighty.

21. iAjudy 3-Piece Waterproof Cosmetic Bag

Why buy just one when you can get three?

22. Kebidi Multifunction Portable Travel Makeup Bag

Multiple compartments are a must in a great makeup bag—and this one has many!

23. Susu Travel Tolietry Bag

You won't have any problems fitting this one into your suitcase.

24. Ac.y.c Multifunction Cosmetic Bag

A sturdy and durable makeup bag worth the price.

25. 365park Cosmetic Bag

According to one review, this bag has "Great capacity! It is actually bigger than what I had expected." Now that's what we like to hear.

Next up, shop the best travel shoes , all in one place.

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.

Yes, really.

By Jess Kelham-Hohler

I'll always follow her lead.

By Natalie Munro

From designer styles to high-street hits.

By Yusra Siddiqui

I'm taking notes.

Untangling a complicated dress code.

By Avalon Afriyie

Exclusively for you.

By Bébhinn Campbell

Every brand, tried and tested

By Rebecca Rhys-Evans

A fashion editor's favourites.

By Remy Farrell

The Scandi style gods have spoken.

By Erin Fitzpatrick

Could this skirt complete your spring capsule?

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy
• Accessibility Statement
• Advertise with us

Who What Wear UK is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

15 Travel Makeup Bags To Keep Your Full Routine Organized

These are just plain—and plane—chic.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Travel is stressful, full stop. Add losing your eyelash curler or brand new lippies in your checked bag, and it's a disastrous tale. Take the unnecessary drama out of the situation and opt for an organized travel makeup bag that easily fits in your carry-on luggage— or will at the very least leave your checked back organized amidst the chaos.

Best for a long vacation

Calpak clear cosmetics case.

Best for airport

Truffle co clarity jetset case.

Turns into a purse!

F&w style violet vanity case.

Happy travels.

This two-sided makeup bag is exactly what you need for a long trip. The handled bag unzips into two separate clear compartments, so staying organized is a breeze. It’s large enough to fit full-sized products if you don’t have travel-sized versions of your favorites. Bonus: the individual sides minimizes damage from any accidental product explosions.

This see-through makeup bag makes security at the airport a breeze. The clear design allows for quick and easy access to your favorite products, ditching the endless dig-for-lipstick scene on the runway.

F&W Style Violet Vanity Case

For the fastest "get ready with me" routine, opt for this see-through makeup case. Perfect for travel, its structured shape and gold feet can stand upright on any surface. Bonus: If you’re heading to a sports game or festival, add the chain and it can do double-duty as a handbag.

Beis The Terry Cosmetic Clutch in Citron

This bright terry cloth makeup bag can double as a clutch (just remove the strap) so you can take it from the beach to a night out. It’s also waterproof and Shay Mitchell approved!

Dior Travel Vanity Case

Covered in the iconic designer print, this hard-shell vanity case has enough space to accommodate all your top shelf favorites. The interior pocket makes for convenient brush storage and the Italian crafted top handle makes it easy to take on the go!

Mossio Hanging Toiletry Bag

All the functions of your dad’s old school dopp kit but much cuter. The bag hangs from a hook (perfect for a shower rod or back of door) so you don’t have to dump out all of your makeup products into the hotel sink. There are also storage compartments, breathable mesh, and a ton of fun color options.

Kusshi Vacationer Makeup Bag

With 23 different prints to choose from, this vacationer makeup bag can match your suitcase. The nylon versions are machine-washable bag (and there are vegan leather versions, too)—all of them open wide enough for you to easily see each and every one of your products without having to dig!

Pattern Beauty Jumbo Zip Pouch

Pattern Beauty (and Tracee Ellis-Ross fans!) will love this oversized pouch with the brand's logo. Every sale supports organizations & programs that empower women & people of color.

Glossier Beauty Bag

Calling all Glossier stans—let the world know with this gorgeous pink and red cosmetic bag. The interior pouch and three side pockets allow you to store different products separately so you can stay organized. Bonus: coated cotton material makes it easy to wipe away any stains, even ones from the messiest of foundation spills.

Sarep and Rose Wash Bag

Handmade out of nubuck leather, this kit has a 4 interior pockets making it effortless to separate your various products and tools. And the neutral design vibes make it a great gift for you beau, too.

Away The Cosmetics Bag

Shaped just like a packing cube, this simple, yet stylish cosmetic bag has transparent pockets and neoprene compartments for all of your products! Our favorite feature is the detachable brush holder, which makes it easy to organize all of your beloved beauty tools.

OTM Cannes Bag

The first-to-market makeup bag with heat-protecting technology is here! Need a touch-up by the pool? Leave it directly in the sun and your makeup will never melt. This bag also has spacious storage compartments and a standout gold chain, making it both dashing and durable for even the hottest of summer days.

Saie Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag

This pastel bag is the perfect home for all your basics. The wraparound zipper, this roomy bag opens wide enough for you to see the full array.

Relavel Makeup Train Case

With removable dividers, this durable case can fit palettes, lipsticks, brushes, etc. in a comfortable and customizable way.

ami cole The Pouch

Looking for a mini pouch to throw in any summer tote? Here it is! This clear cosmetic bag comes with a large zipper tag to help you grab your necessities in a flash for any on-the-go touch ups.

How do I pick the best makeup bag for travel?

Finding a makeup bag that fulfills your long list of needs can be done. When on the hunt, prioritize space. If it can’t fit all of our products then what’s the point? It’s best to look for a bag that caters to your specific makeup and preferences. Bigger full-sized items can be easily thrown in a spacious bag, whereas smaller items such as lipsticks, liners, individual shadows, etc. beg for a bag with pockets and dividers as opposed to a catch-all. At the end of the day, a makeup bag should keep you organized, happy, and sane!

What’s the best makeup bag material?

Anything water resistant! Most makeup bags are lined with water-resistant or waterproof materials such as clear plastic, nylon, or polyester.

How should I clean my makeup bag?

Beauty lovers know the danger of a loose cap. Though spills may be unavoidable, cleaning them up is something we all must learn to master. Turns out the secret is not so secret: antibacterial household spray! Any Clorox, Microband, or Cleansmart spray, etc. will do the trick. Tip: Make sure to bring makeup pads on every expedition, in case a spill decides to attempt destruction. Shop our favorite antibacterial reusable cotton rounds here .

How should I organize my makeup bag for travel?

When organizing your makeup for a trip, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Try to leave full-sized products at home. If it's a short enough trip, go for the minis.
• If you can, pick the combined products (for example: A bronzer + blush compact rather than bringing both bronzer and blush).
• Check the amount of product you have left before packing. Arriving at your destination with only a drop left isn’t doing anyone any good!
• If you don’t have mini versions of your fav moisturizers, primers, setting spray, shampoo, or conditioner, don’t fret. You can find travel-sized bottles here , which can save you from a last minute trip to the drug store! Plus, they’re TSA approved.
• When packing, it’s helpful to do your full routine start-to-finish and place each beauty item in your makeup bag, and nothing else. This way, you can avoid the unnecessary-yet-tempting products!

The 7 Best Cellulite Massagers for Smoother Skin

I Tried a Microcurrent “Non-Invasive Face Lift”

The 11 Best Drugstore Tinted Moisturizers

The Viral, Skin-Tightening Neck Cream Editors Love

13 Keratin Shampoos for Stronger, Shinier Hair

These Anti-Aging Moisturizers Will Get You ID'd

The 10 Best Korean Eye Creams for a Youthful Glow

20 Summer Nail Designs to Try ASAP

ELLE’s First Class Beauty 2024

The 12 Best Face Masks for Beating Acne

The 10 Best Korean Vitamin C Serums

25 Makeup Bags That Are Perfect For Travel

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

The best makeup bag for travel really depends on your travel style. Are you a packing minimalist and only bring the bare essentials? Then a small and lightweight makeup bag is the right pick. Or maybe you want to bring the comforts of home, with the tools for your full glam beat, 12-step skincare routine, and all. In that case, a big bag with built-in organization might be ideal.

The right makeup bag will store everything you need and keep it organized at the same time. But since "everything you need" is different for every traveler, we've rounded up 25 of the best makeup bags for travel, from small and compact to large and spacious. These travel-friendly makeup bags are full of features that make them perfect for the on-the-go, like well-designed organization compartments, convenient hanging loops, mess- and water-resistant materials, and attention to style. Now, let's get into 25 top makeup bags for any type of traveler or trip.

How we selected the travel-friendly makeup bags

When choosing the best travel-friendly makeup bags, we considered a few key criteria. We looked at a wide variety of bags, selecting a range of types, from little to big and everything in between. To narrow down the top options, we considered each makeup bag's reviews, brand reputation, design features, and materials. We chose well-rated makeup bags, studying shopper reviews to make sure each bag lives up to its claims. We prioritized bags from reputable brands, though we also paid mind to cost, so we chose a few budget-friendly picks from lesser-known brands as well.

The design features we reviewed included storage space, organization compartments, and any handy features like a see-through design, fold-out sections, or a hanging loop. Some makeup bags made it on our list because of their convenient extras, which could include built-in mirrors, jewelry holders, or removable brush organizers. We also considered the bag's materials, choosing options that are sturdy and easy to clean. Lastly, it just feels nice to have a really cute makeup bag, so we paid attention to the overall style.

Best overall makeup bag for travel

Roomy and oh-so-practical, the Béis The Dopp Kit is the perfect travel companion. It's on the larger side for a makeup bag and has two compartments. A large main compartment stores the bulk of your goodies and features a dedicated toothbrush pouch. The smaller bottom compartment is ideal for holding makeup brushes, palettes, or mini toiletry bottles, especially since it's water-resistant and easy to clean. 

No counter space? No problem! This bag also has a hanging loop. And since it's made of canvas, it's both flexible and durable, so it's a no-brainer to stuff in your bag for any trip. 

Purchase  The Dopp Kit at Béis for $48.

Best budget makeup bag

Traveling can be expensive enough as it is, so sometimes there just isn't room in the budget for a pricey makeup bag. In that case, this affordable bag from Sonia Kushak is the right pick. It's made of plastic and is clear, which means it's both a breeze to clean and keeps everything in easy view. 

In fact, since it's small and clear, it can even go through most TSA checks without a problem. As one Target reviewer notes, "I bought this for vacation to put all my toiletry items in. I've used it twice in my carry-on and TSA has never said it's too big."

Purchase the Sonia Kashuk Square Clutch Makeup Bag  at Target for $9.99.

Best for carry-on travel

The Ethereal Clear Makeup Bag is another TSA-friendly choice, but it has an extra handy pocket. This makeup bag has a transparent top pouch for liquid products and other makeup. A bottom compartment features two pouches to hold your makeup brushes or other accessories. One Amazon reviewer of this affordable bag shared, "[I] love this makeup bag for traveling. [It's] easy to see [and] find items in the bag and the bottom portion is perfect for makeup brushes."

Purchase the Ethereal Clear Makeup Bag on Amazon for $11.99.

Best for weekend trips

For short weekend trips, sometimes you just want to throw everything into a bag and go. The Herschel Chapter Travel Kit is great for this purpose with its roomy main compartment. In terms of organization, it has an internal mesh storage sleeve and a small zippered front pocket. Its medium size and boxy design are perfect for squeezing in a few makeup products for a short getaway. A carry handle truly makes this a toss-and-go bag. It comes in a wide variety of fun colors and patterns as well.

Purchase the Herschel Chapter Travel Kit at Herschel for $38.

Best hanging bag

This hanging toiletry bag from Bagsmart eliminates the need to rummage through the depths of your makeup bag. This case has a convenient hanging hook: just hang it on a towel hook or doorknob, and it opens up into four sections. This large makeup bag is stellar in terms of space and organization, as one Amazon reviewer said, "[It] holds everything I need and much more. It's sturdy and is a perfect length for hotel hooks in bathrooms... It helps me stay organized with my makeup and toiletries."

Purchase the Bagsmart Travel Bag with Hanging Hook on Amazon for about $23.

Best small bag

With a no-frills design and simple look, the Away The Organizational Pouch is the perfect small pouch for a range of travel needs, including carrying makeup. It's made of nylon so it's water-resistant. The thin nylon material is super flexible, so you can fill it part way and squeeze it into your bag. It has a snap feature to attach to an exterior bag loop as well.

Purchase the Away The Organizational Pouch at Away for $20.

Best for full-sized products

With a tall and boxy design, the Glossier The Beauty Bag is designed to be a catch-all bag for your makeup products and toiletries. Its 7-inch height will fit most full-size products upright (which means fewer spills). The removable interior organizer pouch has four small pockets to keep items in place. A zippered front pocket has space for the items you want to keep in easy reach, like your tweezers or lip gloss. A reviewer on the Glossier website mentions that it's "sturdy and roomy... [and] it holds all I need and it keeps its shape so products don't pile on top of each other."

Purchase the Glossier The Beauty Bag  at Glossier for $35.

Best for makeup and jewelry

The Mark & Graham Dual Travel Organizer just makes sense: it organizes both your makeup and your jewelry in one nifty bag. The top section is a zippered pouch for makeup while the bottom section is more akin to a small jewelry box. The jewelry section features a spot to put your earrings and two small compartments to separate jewelry pieces. This makeup bag is made from lush vegan leather so it looks beautiful too. If you want to add a personal touch, Mark & Graham will monogram the bag for a small extra charge.

Purchase the  Dual Travel Organizer at Mark & Graham for $99.

Best with built-in mirror

A makeup bag with a built-in mirror is useful for doing your makeup on the go or when it's hard to get in front of a mirror, like in a busy hostel room. The Bagsmart Large Makeup Bag Organizer has a mirror attached to the inside of the lid, so you can lean the lid against a surface and peek in the mirror hands-free. Inside, it's spacious and has several organizer compartments. As an Amazon reviewer said, "I love that it has dividers so I can stay organized, slots for your makeup brushes, and even a mirror! It's got all the bells and whistles."

Purchase the Bagsmart Large Makeup Bag Organizer  on Amazon for $22.99.

Best bag with an adjustable organizer

With an adjustable organizer system, the Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case gives you plenty of options to keep your makeup protected. The interlocking dividers can be configured in several different ways to create smaller compartments for makeup or larger ones for skincare bottles and containers.

One Amazon fan wrote, "I love the dividers, [they] keep all my makeup from sliding around during travel. It's durable and protects my palettes from breaking". Beyond the convenient dividers, the inside of this case's lid is also lined with pockets, which are great for storing makeup brushes.

Purchase the Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case on Amazon for $29.99.

Best with packing cubes

Many travelers swear by packing cubes to keep items organized. If you want to apply the same idea to your makeup bag, the Sephora Collection Pack It All Organizer should be your pick. This makeup bag includes two mesh packing cubes and a flat mesh pouch. They're all removable and zippered, intended for extra organization within the larger bag.

As one reviewer notes, this system "keeps all of my brushes and go-to products organized and the compartments are a perfect size. Extra room allows you to store additional items like palettes underneath." The bag's lid is also lined with loops for makeup brushes, complete with a plastic screen to keep brushes protected.

Purchase the  Collection Pack It All Organizer at Sephora for $45.

Best with removable brush storage

A lot of attention was paid to Away's Cosmetics Bag design. Its organization system is well thought out, with a deep main pocket that has a small pouch inside and a clear zippered cover. The lid of the bag has a detachable brush roll that snaps into place. This brush organizer allows you to carry your brushes separately from the bag, like if you want to use it to store your brushes at home or to carry brushes on a trip with a different makeup bag.

Purchase  The Cosmetics Bag at Away for $75.

Best lay-flat

The Lay-n-Go Cosmo makeup bag turns chaos into order. Unlike other bags, which rely on compartments to keep things organized, this one opens completely flat. That's right: there's no need to dump out your entire makeup bag to find your lipstick; just lay the Lay-n-GO flat to see everything in your bag. To keep items from rolling away, it has a raised perimeter. And when it's time to pack up again, it's as easy as pulling the drawstring, which cinches the bag shut.

Purchase the Cosmo at Lay-N-Go for about $30.

Best cinch-top bag

This cinch-top makeup bag from Jadyn B does away with zippers, which can be finicky or difficult for some people to use. It has a drawstring closure instead, which cinches the pouch closed. Though this makeup bag looks simple, it has its fair share of organization features, with seven interior pockets to keep makeup organized and upright. As one Amazon reviewer writes, "[This bag is] perfect for travel and everyday use. It's now my everyday makeup bag because the pockets make it so convenient to store brushes and mascara. It can fit so much in such a compact space."

Purchase the Jadyn B Cinch Top Compact Travel Makeup Bag on Amazon for $14.99.

Best for makeup artists

If you're a makeup artist traveling for work — or any makeup lover with a serious collection — the Make Up for Ever Professional Bag should be your professional-grade pick. This makeup bag is designed for makeup artists, with an extra spacious size, three zippered pockets, and several removable mesh pouches. As one Sephora reviewer writes, this bag is "perfect for the girl who wants to bring it all." This makeup bag also has a carrying handle and cross-body strap for lugging your favorite beauty products around.

Purchase the Make Up for Ever Professional Bag at Sephora for $125.

Best vanity case

Carry your makeup in its own stylish standalone case with the Trnk Vanity Case from Calpak. This gorgeous case has a water-resistant and protective hard shell design with a few carrying features, including a cushioned top handle, removable shoulder strap, and a luggage trolley sleeve to slide it onto the top of your rolling suitcase. A deep interior with multiple pockets helps keep everything in place. As one fan notes, "I love this vanity case because while it is hard-sided, it is also very lightweight and has a shoulder strap [and] a luggage sleeve for travel."

Purchase the Trnk Vanity Case at Calpak for $105.

Best sustainable bag

This makeup bag from Terra Thread is made with sustainability and longevity in mind (after all, a sustainable bag is one that lasts). It's made from Fairtrade organic cotton, an eco-friendly material option, and put together in a Fair Trade Certified factory. The thick heavy-duty cotton paired with YKK zippers is made to last. As one reviewer notes, there's beauty in this bag's basic design, writing, "I love simple, elegant products and this bag is exactly that. All my makeup fits in it and it's perfect for travel."

Purchase the  Sustainable Toiletry Bag at Terra Thread for $19.95.

Best clear bag

Clear all the way through, this makeup bag is made for travelers who want to see what's in their bag at all times. It has two zippered compartments (clear, of course) and a see-through mesh pocket. There's no more rummaging for items in this bag, as you can see everything you need from the outside. As a bonus, since it's made of plastic, it's also water-resistant and easy to clean. One reviewer said this bag is "sturdy enough to handle rough travel, clear material for making TSA a breeze, [and has] multiple compartments to prevent major damage in the event of a spill or break."

Purchase the Clear Cosmetics Case at Calpak for $95.

Best for bottles

If you have a lot of liquid products in your makeup routine, this makeup organizer is your best bet. It keeps products right side up to help prevent annoying makeup bag spills while traveling. A cylindrical design, removable and adjustable compartments, and elastic loops give you space to put liquid foundations, blushes, lip products, and more, keeping them all upright. According to one happy reviewer, "the removable sections make it customizable and it can be different each time. The shape and style is different [from] anything I've seen and it's really functional. Love it!"

Purchase the  Mila Toiletry Organizer at Dagne Dover for $50.

Best machine-washable bag

There's no getting around it: makeup bags get dirty. Whether it's spilled foundation or stains picked up from your travels, the Kusshi Vacationer Makeup Bag can handle it all. Cleaning the fabric version of this bag is a breeze since it's machine-washable. The leather version has a machine-washable fabric lining. Kusshi sells this bag in a wide range of neutral and bright colors, so you can find one that suits your style. One reviewer writes, "I love everything about it. The size, the way it has a flat bottom, the zippers, the material, and washability."

Purchase the  Vacationer Makeup Bag at Kusshi for $94.

Best makeup bag set

Sometimes, one makeup bag just isn't enough. This makeup bag duo is a luxurious choice for travelers who need more than one makeup case. It comes with two bags: a big one for larger products and toiletries, and a smaller one for other bits and bobs. Each bag is handcrafted in Argentina, and the finished product has a real leather exterior and a microsuede lining. Simplistic but beautiful, this set comes in several elegant colors.

Purchase the  Leather Travel Case Set at Cuyana for $128.

Best waterproof bag

Maybe you're going on an exciting outdoor adventure, or maybe you just hate when your makeup bag gets wet from sitting next to the bathroom sink. Either way, the Rains Cosmetic Bag is the waterproof solution. This makeup bag is made from the brand's signature waterproof fabric. It's the same material as the brand uses in its famous rain jackets, so it's smooth to the touch, looks nice, and is long-lasting. And this bag is stylish, too, with a clean design in a few neutral colors.

Purchase the  Cosmetic Bag at Rains for $34.

Best snap-down bag

Rummaging through your makeup bag is easier with the Renew Transit Catch-All Case from Everlane. This makeup bag has a convenient snap-down design, where the sides of the bag fold down and snap in place. This makes it simpler to find what you need, but without sacrificing bag space. As one happy reviewer notes, "The hype is real because the pockets and snap feature of this Dopp kit really elevate the functionality. It's so simple but it's perfect."

Purchase  The Renew Transit Catch-All Case at Everlane for $35.

Best hard-case option

Bring a bit of 90's nostalgia on your trip with the Caboodles On the Go Girl. The major draw of this makeup case is its iconic retro design, with its auto-open tray and flip-up mirror. One Ulta reviewer wrote, "So this totally brought me back to the '90s. I used caboodles to hold everything and wondered how I could use it as an adult. Well, it fits my makeup perfectly!" This reviewer noted how nice it is to have a mirror inside, and we have to agree!

Purchase the Caboodles On the Go Girl at Ulta for $22.99.

Best easy-access bag

Designed to make your products easier to find, this makeup bag opens two ways. It can open from the top like a typical makeup pouch and from the side, so you can pull out products without all the usual rummaging. As one shopper shared, "I love this bag! Brushes stay organized in the lid, and it's easy to get into all the other essentials from either opening." It also has interior pockets to keep your brushes away from your mascaras from your lippies.

Purchase the Cubetastic Small Makeup Bag on Amazon for $12.99.

Recommended

25 Travel Makeup Bags for You to Slay Your Next Vacay

Did somebody say they're looking for a good travel makeup bag??

Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

The school year is *finally* coming to a close, and you know what that means...summer vacation! ☀️ After a semester full of homework and exams, it's time to go catch a flight and take a much-needed vacay. We understand how stressful packing can be, so to help make getting organized a breeze, we found the best travel makeup bags that'll ensure you have everything you need. Whether you're only packing just the essentials for a quick weekend getaway or your entire makeup drawer for a longer family road trip, we've got you covered with the best travel makeup bags for you to slay your next vacay.

Impressions Vanity Hello Kitty Faux Leather Makeup Bag

I mean, come on. It's Hello Kitty! This super cute little makeup bag is perfect to carry your brushes, or your fav everyday products.

Sonia Kashuk Double Zip Train Case

This case has one big compartment for your bigger items like foundation bottles and setting spray, a mesh pocket zip-up pocket for eyeshadow compacts, and brush holders. What more could you ask for?

Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer

Does it get any better than adjustable compartments?? You can easily move around and resize the inside of this makeup bag to fit all your beauty needs.

Dime Beauty Co. Travel Bag | Tan

She's simple, she's sleek, she's elegant. This bag opens up to two clear zippered compartments, one on each side, so you can easily see all of your things.

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with hanging hook

This travel toiletry bag unfolds to reveal four different compartments, and then folds up into a convenient carrying case that you can easily fit into your luggage.

Y1tvei Preppy Patch SKIN Varsity Letter Cosmetic Toiletry Bag

The perfect little bag to pack your skincare routine, and it's SO cute. 😍

Kaya Collection Medium Clear Cosmetics Case

This cosmetic case by Calpak travel is clear so you can easily see what you packed, it's spacious enough to carry a decent amount of product, plus, it's water resistant.

Lay-n-Go Drawstring Cosmetic & Makeup Bag Organizer

How convenient is this?! All you have to do is open up the makeup bag and lay it out flat, add all your makeup, and drawstring it closed. Your days of digging through a bag or dumping everything out are over!

Caboodles On The Go Girl Funfetti Case

Caboodles' iconic makeup case has a tray on the inside with a flip-lid mirror. Plus, it latches closed so you don't have to worry about it accidentally opening and spilling all your stuff.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Makeup Bag

Charlotte Tilbury makeup bag opens accordion style with a bunch of compartments for you to organize your favs by category.

H&M Toiletry Bag

This toiletry bag by H&M is two-tiered, and it has built-in brush holders.

Caboodles Envy "It" Bag

This beauty bag is *super* spacious, and it looks like a purse, so you can carry it around and it won't ruin your outfit. 💅

Mark and Graham Terminal 1 Cosmetic Case

These carrying cases by Mark and Graham can fit a lot of makeup, and they're super durable. Plus, for a few extra $$$ you can get yours personalized.

Impressions Vanity SlayCase® Vanity Travel Case

This one's for the hardcore makeup girlies. This makeup chest has LED bulbs around the mirror, glam vanity style, so you can comfortably pack all the makeup you need and then give yourself a flawless full beat while you're away from home.

Victoria's Secret 4-in-1 Train Case

Victoria's Secret's case comes with three smaller pouches that perfectly fit inside so you can separate and organize your products, or just throw everything into the main case and call it a day.

Beis The Cosmetic Case

The attachable mirror will come in handy for touching up your makeup on the go. Or you can give yourself a full face while your siblings hog the hotel bathroom.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Pack It All Organizer

Sephora's version comes with everything you need, including brush carriers, removable storage cubes, and a removable zipper pouch.

MOMIRA Travel Makeup Case with Large Lighted Mirror

A makeup case with an attached LED mirror will definitely come in handy when you're on the go. Not to mention it's waterproof and has several compartments and brush storage.

Sonia Kashuk Weekender Bag

This cosmetic bag has two zippered compartments, and it's super thin so it won't take up too much space in your suitcase.

Abiudeng Double Layer Cosmetic Bag

Keep your makeup in the top and your brushes in the bottom with this double layer makeup bag.

Bri is the editorial and social media assistant at ELLE.com. Before joining the team at ELLE, she worked as the editorial assistant for Seventeen.com and Cosmopolitan.com where she covered all things celebrity news and pop culture. You can probably find her sipping an oatmilk iced chai while searching for the best new makeup products or thrifting her entire wardrobe.

Makeup & Skin Care

10 Places to Buy "Euphoria"-Inspired Face Gems

18 Best Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals Under $20

Editor-Approved Sunscreens on Sale for Prime Day

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers with SPF

How to MakeThe Ultimate DIY Turmeric Face Mask

15 Best Self-Tanners to Achieve the Perfect Glow

12 of the Best Lotions for Tattoo Healing

Best Tinted Sunscreens, According to Experts

14 Best Beauty Subscription Boxes to Gift or Get

19 Best Sunscreens That Protect Skin From the Sun

15 Best Serums for Acne-Prone Skin

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Packing Light

How To Pack A Travel Makeup Bag: Top 10 Travel Makeup Bag Essentials

UPDATED March 28, 2022 by Elise Mahoney

If you love makeup just as much as traveling, then you would probably be familiar with the struggles of narrowing down your makeup items to pack when you travel.  This is especially true if you are traveling for a long time and want to sport a different look every day.  Packing your travel makeup bag essentials might be a challenge as you will most likely have limited space in your baggage. This does not mean that you should sacrifice your beauty routine!  Check out this article and learn how to pack a travel makeup bag so you can still look good on your travels.

What is a Travel Makeup Bag?

A travel makeup bag or a cosmetic bag comes in handy in keeping your makeup or cosmetics organized when traveling. It also protects your makeup, accessories, and products from getting smeared or from breaking when traveling.

Makeup bags come in different styles, designs, and materials – some are even fancier than others. You can invest in two or more makeup bags for your travels. When traveling, you can bring one for your carry-on luggage and another one for your check-in baggage.

Invest in a small, handy, and water-resistant makeup bag for your carry-on, with a good closure or seal to prevent your makeup from getting on your belongings.

Check-in makeup bags are usually bigger in size and have a hard exterior as they are often included or placed inside your check-in luggage. So your makeup products must be organized and protected from all the luggage’s movement in the airport.

What to Put in a Travel Makeup Bag

What to pack in your travel makeup bag greatly depends on your own personal makeup style and preference. A small makeup or cosmetic bag is enough if you prefer a “no-makeup – makeup look.” But if you plan on sporting various looks for your travels, you may need to bring more than the barely-there makeup products.

The rule of thumb is, tailor your makeup routine towards your activities each day. Here’s a list of makeup products that would go in your travel bags. One is very basic, and the other is if you are going for a glammed-up look. When you travel, remember that you may be meeting a lot of new people every day, so fixing yourself and putting on a bit of makeup enables you to put your best face forward. But this is a personal preference, and it greatly depends on your choice. Take what you need and leave the rest.

You can doll up a bit more if you’re going for  museum visits ,  shopping spree s, or going to a fine dining restaurant .

Minimalist Makeup Bag

For your tour days, we recommend an ultra-minimalist kit that contains the following:

• Your favorite sunscreen or a tinted moisturizer with SPF
• A small concealer
• Your favorite lip gloss with SPF
• An eyebrow kit (you might not need it) for a retouch.

You can also add in your mascara, blotting papers (if you have oily skin) or powder, and your favorite blush. You can use a creme blush stick as it can serve as a lip color as well, so you can save space in your bag.

Basic Makeup Bag

This basic makeup bag is for products that you would typically use to polish your look more. If you know how to pack a travel makeup bag You can add these beauty products to your kit when you have days for shopping, museum visits, and dinners. This makeup bag also contains all the items listed in the minimalist kit.

• Eyeliner pencil – colors to choose from: black, charcoal, or brown
• Cheek tint/blush – a two in one product can work as a cheek and lip tint
• Tinted lip balm

From the minimalist kit (listed above):

• Blotting paper

You can opt to bring and use all or some of these. But it’s always nice to have them all just in case. You can be more playful and creative with your look when traveling and look good whenever, wherever.

>> Find the best deals on makeup bags here.

10 Travel Makeup Bag Essentials

When packing your makeup bag for travel, you’ll most likely have limited space in your luggage. But, this shouldn’t mean sacrificing your beauty and makeup routine. Here are the ten travel makeup essentials that should be in your makeup bag.

While sunscreen isn’t technically a makeup product, it is very much essential when traveling. As there are various types of sunscreen out there, it matters where you are headed to. If you spend most of your time on white-sandy beaches , you’d probably need water resistance and high SPF. But, if you’re not going to spend a lot of time under the sun, then a moisturizer with 30 SPF will do the trick.

Tinted Moisturizer

Another essential product to bring while traveling is a tinted moisturizer. A thin layer will keep your face moisturized without feeling heavy and with a bit of coverage. It’s lightweight, easy to blend, and can be applied using your hands, so you don’t have to bring an extra brush in your bag.

You would want to have a concealer with long-lasting formula so you won’t have to retouch during the day. Pick a product that’s easy to blend even without a brush applicator.

If you are heading to a hot destination with a humid climate, say the  Caribbean , a good face powder is an essential product to bring. Just a light dusting layer of this powder will keep your look fresh and intact the whole day.

Bronzers are perfect for warming up your face and giving life to your skin. They come in various shades and colors to suit various skin tones. Sweep a bronzer using a fluffy brush across your cheekbones and jawline to highlight that area but do not go overboard. You can apply a bronzer for special occasions like having a romantic dinner  date with your partner.

Blushes are one of the favorite staples to bring when traveling. Cream blushes are especially useful as they also serve as a lip color. It’s easy to apply to your lips and cheeks, with just your fingertips. Plus, they come in cheap!

Brow Pencil

Have you ever heard of the phrase, “eyebrows on fleek?” A good eyebrow pencil is a must when traveling so you can quickly fill in your brows even without applying too much makeup. Get a brow pencil that has a spoolie (a makeup tool) at the end so you can brush your brows and blend any lines. We also recommend a long-lasting or water-proof formula, so you don’t have to worry about it during the day.

If you’re the type to wear eyeshadow, you might be tempted to pack multiple eyeshadow palettes in your bag. But, this can actually take up a lot of space. We recommend investing in a smaller palette with the basic colors or shades so you won’t have to sacrifice variety. Go for one with neutral hues that come in a sleek compact.

A staple among makeup essentials, mascara can very much transform any look. Part of knowing how to pack a travel makeup bag is to choose the right products. Make sure to pack the long-lasting and water-resistant mascara so you won’t worry about smudging or flaking, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outside.

Lip Balm with Tint/Color

A tinted lip balm is perfect for traveling and for women who are always on the go. You can just throw it in your bag and use it whenever, wherever. It keeps your lips moisturized while giving color to enhance your lips.

The Ultimate Travel Makeup Packing List

Here’s our packing list that should satisfy and keep you covered whether it’s an overnight stay or a one-week trip. You can mix and match these products to create a number of looks. From a simple no makeup, makeup looks to a smoky, glam, or even a bronzed-and-beachy look. Check out the ultimate travel makeup packing list.

• Tinted Moisturizer or BB Cream or Foundation
• Translucent Powder
• Blush Creme or Powder
• Nude Lipstick
• Bold Lipstick
• Neutral Eyeshadow Palette
• Smoky Eyeshadow Palette
• Waterproof Mascara
• Water-resistant eyeliner
• Beauty blender
• Brush for powders
• Eyeshadow brushes
• Makeup remover

Are Full-size Makeup Bags Allowed in Check-in Baggage?

If you’re planning to bring all your makeup collection with you, you’d be glad to know that full-sized makeup products can go in checked-in bags. You need not worry about regulations on liquids, creams, or gels. But you may have to pay a staggering amount for the luggage fee. You can bring as many as you want as long as it fits in your suitcase.

Are Full-size Makeup Bags Allowed in Carry-on Bags into the Plane?

Unfortunately, you are not allowed to do so. If you don’t have plans of checking in your luggage, this is where packing your makeup for travel needs a little more thought. Your gels, liquid, and cream-based makeup should follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. 

 It should be 3.4 ounces or less, one quart-sized transparent plastic or Ziplock bag per passenger. So, you will have to double-check your items and make sure they are TSA-compliant. If not, you may have to leave them or buy a travel-sized version.

Are You Packing Too Much? How To Cut It Down?

Most women overpack more products in the lip and eyeshadow department. One tip, when learning how to pack a travel makeup bag, is not pack too much; just bring some versatile and neutral colors with few bold options. You can challenge yourself to bring only two lipsticks and eyeshadows and create various looks by blending.

Pack Neutral Makeup Products

Ask yourself if you are comfortable and confident in wearing a neutral look every day for the whole duration of the trip. Choose a lip color that will give your face a bit of a boost but not too overpowering. Pair it with a shimmery eyeshadow for some highlight.

Pack Bold Makeup Products

If you want to paint the town red, bring something punchy like coral or hot pink. If you want something bold, sport a smoky eyeshadow and a bold pink or red lip color. Remember, you don’t have to sport bolds together. Use it individually to give more ‘oomph’ to your look and make it a bit fancier if you plan to go clubbing, dining, or museum-hopping.

When it comes to packing your favorite makeup and beauty essentials when traveling, every woman has their personal preference.  Some may pack a lot of skincare products like lotions and serums than actual makeup, while others may pack just about everything – from concealers to liners and lip tints.  Regardless of your basics and must-haves, knowing how to pack a travel makeup bag is vital to keep them organized and safe during long travels.  It might be a challenge to put all your favorites in one bag, but this doesn’t mean you should compromise your makeup routine!

Excited to start packing? Learn more travel tips here !  

• Top Destinations
• Best Trips In The World
• Best Vacation Spots
• Top Travel Destinations
• Most Exotic Places
• About Packing Light
• Dream Destinations
• Best Beach Vacations
• Five Star Destinations
• Luxury Summer
• Vacation With Friends
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Condition
• Family Vacations
• Outdoor Vacations
• Holidays For Kids
• Travelling With Toddlers
• Summer Family Vacations

You can send us a note too.

Read our Privacy & Cookie Policy

AWW Media [US]

What to pack in your travel makeup kit: A Makeup Artist Tells All

Posted: June 25, 2024 | Last updated: June 25, 2024

When it is time to go on vacation to do you stare at your makeup and wonder what to pack? Or do you throw everything you own in a big bag and take it all? Or maybe you are overwhelmed and take nothing? Maybe you have one makeup palette and you are sure that is all you need?

It’s hard to figure out exactly what you should pack in your travel makeup case, but I am here to help.

What a makeup artist packs on vacation

I’ll let you in on a secret, I am a jack of all trades and master of none! I was born for the gig generation because I want to do too many things (all of them creative).

But suffice it to say I am a freelance makeup artist. I work on TV shows, Netflix series, YouTube channels, and bridal.  I have been working on and off for the better part of 20 years, and I know makeup, what you really need, and what you just might want.

Just Here for the Tutorial?

If you want to see how I use the make up I take on vacation, here is a link to a tutorial and I show the actual things I have packed in my travel makeup.

Tutorial Number 1

Tutorial Number 2

How to organize your makeup and decide what to take on a trip

I actually have a dedicated makeup bag that I keep packed, clean, and ready for a trip at all times. That way I don’t have to go through my home stash to figure it out each time. I do rotate lipstick colors depending on the time of year and eyeshadows when I’m bored of the ones in there, but everything else lives in a little bag ready for fun.

(Granted we are traveling at least twice a month during our regular life, so if you travel less, this isn’t a great idea because makeup will go bad before it gets used.)

Makeup in Carry on luggage

The makeup I will list throughout this blog is the makeup I put in my carry-on luggage. (I mention de-potting products for travel in the video above.)

Here is the rule about liquids and travel:

Most makeup items you will bring with you are not liquid and, therefore, not an issue. The ones you need to watch out for are liquid foundation and sunscreen. (I personally travel with a stick foundation for that very reason!)

If I am flying I usually grab a travel sized sunscreen and add it to my liquids bag. If I want a liquid foundation I generally pump the amount I will need into a of these reusable jars.

Everything else….I just pop it in my carry on.

Drugstore Travel makeup

Before we get into the nitty gritty, I want to clear the air about the products that I will mention!

There are lots of options for drugstore travel makeup, and I know about some of them. The thing about being a pro makeup artist is that you want to spend money on products that make your job quicker and easier. Generally (though not always) that means a higher price tag.

I don’t want to spend the 15 minutes it will take me to build up a Morphe eyeshadow to a place where I like it. I want to pull out a Lorac palette, a Viseart, or a Natasha Denona palette and do the same look in 7 minutes.  That isn’t to say that Morphe is bad eyeshadow, I am saying that time is money when you are working on a film set.

If you want to save money by mixing high-end with drugstore makeup, spend money on eyeshadows and face powders . That is where you will see the biggest differences. Then, spend less on your other makeup. (My very favorite foundation in the world is a discontinued Physician’s Formula foundation.)

I use the same principle for my vacation makeup. I don’t want to waste time doing makeup when I could be seeing something amazing, so I tend to carry pro-type brands in my travel kit. I value my time over money in this case . You may feel differently and that is okay! If you have something you love and it makes sense to take it on your vacation, do it!!

How to pack skincare for travel

Everyone knows that good makeup requires good skincare. You can’t get a smooth paint finish on a bumpy wall! The problem with skincare is that it often comes in large packaging or tubes that explode as soon as you get off the plane. Most of these will require you to squeeze some into a travel tube.

Here are my go-to skincare choices broken down by dry, normal, and oily skin

Dry skin needs all the hydration it can get, and the best way to get that is with face oils. If you struggle with tight dry skin like I do this is seriously a game-changer! These are my two favorites, and the brand I use every day.

This is my favorite moisturizer for severely dry or menopausal skin

I love pumpkin seed oil as a moisturizer, followed by a light application of any face cream. Try it and thank me later.

This is my favorite for dehydrated or mildly dry skin

I love Aveno face cream for dehydrated skin. I also love Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream.

For normal skin, I love this as a light moisturizer that will hydrate skin for makeup

Every makeup artist I know uses Embryolisse face cream. It sinks in quickly and leaves skin plump and soft. I aslo like the Avene line of face cream.

The Neutrogena Hydroboost a must for oily skin! It provides a little moisture but helps your foundation stay on all day.

Best Sunscreen to take on your vacation

Here are two of my favorites:

Make Prem Sunscree n is what I personally use on a daily basis, I love that it is moisturizing as well as non stinging.

But my family’s favorite for swimming and general sun protection is Blue Lizard Sunscreen.

We love it for swimming as it is waterproof and non stinging. We have used it for years.

Best foundation to take on holiday

The best foundation to take with you when you travel is one that is small in size and that you will actually use. Don’t bring something fussy or that changes consistency easily. If you want a full face of makeup, you will need to bring foundation.

I only keep one in my travel kit and it is the Bare Minerals Foundation Stick. 

I love it because it is super easy to use, I don’t have to pack it in my liquids bag, and it is moisturizing and long lasting. It never spills or makes messes. In short it is perfect for travel. (It’s also a great foundation if you have dry skin, and I use it often in my everyday life. It is a medium coverage and super light weight.)

Update: this has been discontinued, bu you can still find it online. I have been using the Merit Stick Foundation and love it just as much!

If you have normal to oil-prone skin, I recommend the Maybelline Super Stay Foundation Stick.

I keep this in a million colors in my kit, and I rarely have drugstore options there. But this is just that good! It is a medium coverage and it will last from the time you get up in the morning until bedtime. If your skin is only a little bit dry you can get away with this too, but it is much too drying for most dry skin types.

Best eyeshadow to pack for travel

I pack very little eyeshadow with me, and I always use tiny travel palettes. I don’t see the point in hauling around a huge palette that will break and that you won’t use that much. I also recommend higher-end eyeshadow for travel. You can change the color payoff by how much pressure you use to apply it, so you can’t get tons of different looks from 4-6 shadows.

Here are the only 2 I keep in my travel kit:

Viseart Theory Palette in Minx

Natasha Denona Mini Palette in Nude

If I could only pick one to travel with it would be the Viseart palette. I have had that in my kit for 8 years, and it isn’t even half gone. Not to mention the pans have never broken, and the mirror makes applying the shadow a breeze. (This is hard to find these days, but the Viseart Minxette has the same colors and a few extra.)

I know what you are going to say: These are expensive palettes, and they are, I know. But these brands perform better than any other palettes I own (I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 70 different palettes), and they will last you for years.

I used to keep a more colorful palette in my bag, but I never used it!

Drug Store eyeshadow palette for travel

If I had to pick a cheaper option for eyeshadow palettes, I would steer you toward a color-pop eyeshadow palette.

They have a great variety of colors and textures and is a great collection that I use at home. It is not as small, nor is the quality as good, but it is a beautiful collection.

Face powder that is good for travel

I like to take pressed powder only when I travel because I don’t want the mess of loose powder when I am putting makeup on in unusual locations!

If you have oily skin or oily patches, this cheap powder is also pretty amazing!

Maybelline Fit Me Powder

I personally take this with me and only powder very loosely under my eyes.

Charlotte Tilburry Pressed Powder

Blush for travel makeup

Blush is one of those things that you either love or hate. There doesn’t seem to be an in-between for most people. I have learned to love it as I have gotten older and more washed out, but if you told me in my 20’s that I would ever wear blush I wouldn’t have believed you.

Pick a very neutral color when you are picking a blush for travel. You don’t want to take something that only works with certain eye looks or lipsticks. I find that peach-colored blushes are very flattering to all but the most olive-skinned complexions. (Olive skin looks beautiful with an orange-colored blush!)

Here are 2 of my favorite blushes for travel because they come in a small package and work without much fuss.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Travel Sized

I love this little mini sized blush! It works well, blends well and the lid snaps closed really well.

Or this Nudestix blush in the color “In The Nude”

This is my favorite blush at the moment, I wear it every single day. I just took a little slice off the top of the stick and put it in a little jar.

I don’t even need a brush to make this work, I just dab a bit on with my fingers and sheer it out!

Eyebrows for travel

You can’t get much smaller than an eyebrow pencil when you think about how to do your brows for travel.

My personal favorite brow pencil is a drugstore one, the Loreal True Match Eyebrow Pencil . It matches my eyebrows perfectly, and I don’t want to bring anything more fussy with me. (I wear it in soft black .)

Eyeliner for travel

I don’t take eyeliner with me in my travel case. I don’t see the need for it. If I want to do something like a small winged liner, I can use a dark brown shadow with a little angled brush, or I can use my soft black eyebrow pencil.

If you wear eyeliner every day and can’t be without it, these are a few I love to use in my daily life.

The Maybelline Tattoo Studios Liner

If you are new to liner and want something that is really easy to clean up if you ruin your line (and I ruin my own all the time!) this is the one for you.

The KVD Tattoo Liner

I love the brush head on this liner. It doesn’t feather into eye wrinkles and it stays put all day. (It does leak when it travels–all liquid liners do because of the change in pressure. If you really want a liquid liner, just pack some extra wipes to clean it up.)

Bronzer or contour?

Our makeup bag is getting heavy! Do you have a special occasion? A lot of pictures where you need to look more chiseled? Are you sure you really need it?

Bronzer and contour are different things that get lumped into the same category (I kind of hate that I am doing it right now!). Contour helps define face shape, and bronzer makes you look like you have some color from the sun.

In today’s makeup world, many people use them interchangeably. They really aren’t interchangeable, though. For example, someone may apply bronzer under the cheekbones, which looks like a weird orangey shadow, or apply contour on top of the cheekbones, which makes them disappear into the face. I’m going down a rabbit’s hole—that’s for a different article!

Bring each of them if you can’t live without them. I don’t unless we are planning on family pics at a certain time of the day that warrants them.

Benefit Hula Bronzer Travel Sized.

Is it my favorite bronzer? No.

Is it a good bronzer? If you have fair skin.

Is it the smallest one I know? Yes!

Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand

It isn’t cheap, but good contour never is. This one blends into your skin like a dream and never looks harsh or streaky. I don’t know much about drugstore contours because I always find them too warm and weird looking, so if you have one that you love let me know!

Mascara options for travel

Mascara is a place where you can save some money and get some great drugstore buys!

I keep these 2 in my pro kit:

Loreal Voluminous Mascara

This is an oldie but a goodie!  I like to use the waterproof because it helps keep lashes curled better than the original. This will make you look like you have 2 times the lash volume than you actually have.

Maybelline Lash Sensational

I like either the waterproof or the original in this one. The brush really separates lashes and lengthens them.

My personal everyday mascara is the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

My lashes have never looked better in my life than when I wear this mascara. It’s one of the few that looks the same at 10 at night as it did when I put it on in the morning. It is more expensive, but I find that I can generally get it for $10-$15 if I watch Ulta’s sales and Sephora’s Christmas sales.

Best lipstick for travel

I go one of two ways when I travel: I wear a long-wearing lipstick so I can forget about it all day (but I do pay the price the next day with really dry lips.) or I wear lip gloss or lip balm and keep it in my pocket. Generally I alternate depending on how dry it is and how well I am staying hydrated.

If I want to wear lipstick that will last 12 hours,use Maybelline Super Stay Ink

There is nothing that I have ever tried that stays on like Maybeline Superstay Lip Ink. I have fallen asleep with it on at night and it has worn through the next day. Honestly this stuff is insane. Plus it isn’t a very drying formula as long as you put on a thin layer. My 2 favorite colors are ringleader and lover. I haven’t found a red of theirs that stays as well as the pinks, but I keep hoping.

The Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink  is my favorite for summer

Like the Superstay Lip Ink it is a long lasting formula (though not as long) but it gives your lips some shine and is even more comfortable. I love the color Cheeky!

If I am wearing a gloss with some color : Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss

This is my holy grail gloss. There is something about it that is thick enough that I can eat with it on and it doesn’t come off. It isn’t sticky and it looks beautiful. I have 4-5 of these tucked in every purse and pocket I own, but the color vintage is my very favorite.

I sometimes wear it with a lip pencil, but it doesn’t need it, and I don’t take a lip pencil in my travel bag.

Best compact mirrors for travel

A compact mirror is a must when you travel. You can never be sure that you will have a mirror with decent light where you stay. I often take my mirror out into natural light or do it in the car if we are in a rush!

I have one compact mirror that take with me but it isn’t anything revolutionary. I would say that the best compact mirror is the one that comes with your pressed powder.

Best travel sized makeup brushes

When we first started traveling all the time, I tried dozens of different travel sized makeup brushes, trying to find the perfect ones. I have found that travel sized makeup brushes annoy me. They are too small, and I end up being heavy handed because I can’t hold them where I want to.

I’ve given up on tiny makeup brushes. I have just pared down brushes to what I absolutely need. Even the full sized brushes take up the same amount of room as the collection of travel sized ones I hated and didn’t use!

I take two eyeshadow brushes, a tapered brush for powder, a small blending/foundation brush and an eyelash curler. Nothing more.

I use my small blending brush for foundation, a fluffy shadow brush and a detailed shadow brush for my eyes, and a tapered/angled brush to tap on powder or add a bit of bronzer. I use my fingers to apply blush and the lipstick applicator for lipstick.

A word about eyelash curlers

Eyelash curlers are a hidden gem in any makeup kit. Curled eyelashes make you look awake, make your lashes look longer and help keep your mascara from clumping up.

Most people who don’t like them haven’t found the right curler. It is really important to consider your eye shape when you select and eyelash curler. I used to pinch my eyelids with the curler all the time before I found my favorite Shiseido curler.

You see, I have fairly large and rounded eyes, and curlers would always come in at the sides before my eyes did, and I’d pinch them every time.

Now I keep 3 curlers in my pro kit.

Shiseido for round or big eyes.

Tweezermen for Almond eyes

The Shu Umera for deeply set eyes or smaller eyes.

Other travel makeup essentials

I have used many different bags over the years, and they all have pluses and minuses. Right now I am using a bag that is padded.

It’s not particularly cute or special, but it is a good size and it wipes down for easy cleaning. Find something the right size and make it work for you.

Makeup wipes

In my everyday life, I use cold cream and wipe it off because I have very dry skin.

But when I am traveling I do what is easy and keep Neutrogena makeup wipes on hand. These are just the best! Nothing else comes anywhere close to being as gentle or as good.

Easy makeup for traveling

Now that I have told you every last thing you can pack in your makeup kit for travel, here is a word of advice. I tend to be very quick and easy on makeup when traveling. Don’t get me wrong, I love a full glam look, but travel is about the experience and leaving behind the daily grind.

Even though I love makeup it can be part of the daily grind. I tend to make sure I am wearing sun protection, mascara with curled lashes and something to moisturize my lips. Not a whole lot more. Of course, pictures do come up, but I want my kids to see that we were happy all together, not that their mom didn’t have an eyebrow out of place.

As my blog has grown, it has necessitated doing more makeup during travel than I did previously, but overall, I keep it under 10 minutes. Today, I’m going to show you my under 10 minute makeup routine with my actual travel makeup!( The video is more like 30 minutes because I talk about technique and products too much!)

Part 1 of the Makeup tutorial

Part 2 of the Makeup tutorial

I hope it helps all of you to gain some confidence, know where to wisely spend your money, and gain a couple of new tips along the way! Plus it will help you decide what to pack in your travel makeup kit.

More for You

Donald Trump Suffers Blow Before Presidential Debate

Supreme Court strikes serious blow against the administrative state

Exact date deadly asteroid could hit Earth as scientists warn 'we're not prepared' for damage

“Sometimes I’m just tired of words”: Yellowstone Star Has No Regrets Exchanging Blows With Taylor Sheridan Before Becoming a Fan-Favorite Among Women for His Role

Watch: Massive sinkhole swallows soccer field in Illinois

The Best Cheeseburgers in Every State

Moment Woman Realizes She Was 'Accidentally Poisoning' Herself for Months

I’m a CEO and 12 of my employees are in ‘flextirement.’ With boomers opting not to retire, the arrangement will become more common

Getting Rid of a Printer? Do This First—or Risk Getting Hacked

Check Out the Original Invoice on This 1928 Ford Model A

Clint Eastwood, 94, and 8 children reunite in photos for daughter Morgan's wedding at 22-acre ranch

A new restaurant won’t serve customers under 30. Could its policies catch on?

Garfield by Jim Davis

Scientists show that there is indeed an 'entropy' of quantum entanglement

How to Trace Emails Back to Their Source IP Address

🎁Cool adventure! A girl accidentally excavates a giant clam containing sparkling pearls

Donald Trump's Gag Order Upends Debate

A Sleeping Volcano in America is Coming to Life After 800 Years

A North Korean Missile Explodes in the Sky—and a Mystery Emerges

Essential retailer closing hundreds of stores, CEO sounds alarm

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Trends + Deals We Love

The 5 Flight Essentials I Swear by for Seamless Travel Are Up to 70% Off Right Now

Including a luggage set, packing cubes, and more.

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

As a frequent flier, I’ve slowly but surely mastered the art of seamless travel. Even as a natural-born overpacker, I have learned to prioritize the essentials and organize them accordingly with the help of good luggage and even better packing cubes . 

And while my travel skills evolve with practically every flight, there are a few essentials I swear by for an easy, breezy flight experience — including a good luggage set, a roomy weekender bag, and more. Keep scrolling to browse my top five must-haves from Walmart , which are currently up to 70 percent off.

Best Travel Essentials at Walmart

• TravelHouse Three-Piece Hardside Luggage Set , $91 (originally $400) 
• Bagsmart Weekender , $37 (originally $65) 
• Livhill Eight-Piece Packing Cube Set , $16 (originally $27) 
• Zalflex Travel Makeup Bag With LED Lighted Mirror , $30 (originally $100) 
• Zrsun Carry-On Garment Bag , from $43 

TravelHouse Three-Piece Hardside Luggage Set

This luggage set , which has 2,600+ glowing reviews, comes with three suitcases for even less than a single bag should typically cost. The 28-, 24-, and 20-inch spinners each have a TSA-approved lock to keep your belongings safe and a lightweight design that ensures effortless travel. Shoppers raved about the steal of a deal and said the luggage set is durable and built tough. They also praised its easy storage since the suitcases nest inside one another when not in use. 

Bagsmart Weekender

When it comes to selecting a weekender bag, it’s important to consider the space-to-size ratio. You want something that’s roomy and allows you to easily store your essentials without feeling so oversized it barely fits on your shoulder. This Bagsmart style , which includes a functional crossbody strap, is lightweight enough to comfortably carry and has plenty of compartments. According to one customer, the duffel bag can quickly be folded up when not in use and is well made for such a low price. 

Livhill Eight-Piece Packing Cube Set

Packing cubes have revolutionized the way I travel, so if you haven’t converted to the organization system just yet, now’s the time to do it. This eight-piece set includes three classic packing cubes (in different sizes), a bra and underwear bag, a shoe bag, a toiletry bag, a makeup bag, and a cable bag — each of which is made from a waterproof material with heavy-duty zippers and durable stitching. Shoppers said they are a great organization for packing, especially on long trips, and help prevent overpacking.

Zalflex Travel Makeup Bag With LED Lighted Mirror

It’s time to toss out your old, raggedy makeup bag for something more functional. This cosmetics case with an LED lighted mirror makes it so much easier to get ready while traveling — especially if your Airbnb is short on mirrors, or worse, has unflattering lights. The 70 percent-off design features convenient slots for your makeup, brushes, and other toiletries and even has a drip-proof protection layer to avoid leaks.

Zrsun Carry-On Garment Bag

If you’re heading to an important event, say a wedding, or just don’t want an outfit wrinkled from your cramped suitcase, this carry-on garment bag is the ultimate solution. And unlike typical garment bags, it easily folds up into a duffel-style bag so it’s easy to cart along with you. The design is made from a durable water-repellent polyester, which will keep your dress or suit dry no matter the conditions while ensuring your clothes stay wrinkle-free. Reviewers said the garment bag exceeded their expectations and greatly simplified travel. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Shop More T+L-Approved Picks

Related Articles

The 9 Best Beach Bags Of 2024, Tested By Style Editors

Our favorite is the Out Of The Woods KeepCool Nairobi Jute Market Cooler.

Best Beach Bags

Best Overall Beach Bag

Out of the woods keepcool nairobi jute market cooler.

Best Cooler Beach Bag

Cotopaxi hielo 12l cooler bag.

Best Tote Beach Bag

Charles & keith large kay canvas tote bag.

Yes, you can easily find an affordable beach bag on Amazon. However, after testing many different options, we discovered that spending a bit more money means getting better durability, which is essential for a beach bag (you want it to last through anything, right?). We have a solid mix of affordable and splurge-worthy options on this list, but we're recommending our absolute favorites that have stood the test of time. Keep reading to discover our nine picks as well as what to look for when shopping.

What to consider

Above all, we found that one of the most important things to look for in a beach bag is that it's water-resistant. After all, you will be by the water all day, so you want some extra protection just in case. While we found that few bags are totally waterproof, many on this list are water-resistant, including the Calpak Terra 35L Water Resistant Zippered Tote Bag and the Cotopaxi Cooler Bag , which is made with a fully waterproof lining that's 100 percent polyester. This helps make sure the interior doesn't get damaged if your liquids spill en route to the beach.

If you want to bring snacks to the beach, interior insulation, which is usually made of polyethylene, is also important so your drinks and food stay chilled throughout the day. Even though a bag is water-resistant doesn't mean it has insulation. We've outlined which bags are insulated, below.

Many bags on this list have a nylon exterior, which is also a great material for keeping your belongings dry. Nylon is super durable and strong, so opt for this material if you want your bag to last through anything. Polyester is also a great option if you're looking for durability. A few nylon bags on this list are the Baggu Crescent Bag , the State Bags Wellington Cabana Tote , and the Cotopaxi Cooler Bag , which has that waterproof lining for double protection from the outside-in.

Another key to a solid beach bag is size. During testing, we found that larger bags (around 20-plus liters) were the most convenient, as they can fit a lot. We also found that the bigger the bag, the more organization compartments there are, which is essential for those of you who like to bring a lot with you to the beach. There is one smaller option on this list, the Baggu Crescent Bag , which is perfect for the minimalists of the group. Despiteits smaller size, it's actually super roomie.

How we chose

For the past few months, style & commerce editor Lily Wohlner has vetted the bestselling, top-rated beach bags for women. Then, I tried them all during pool and beach days. I looked for bags that are big, have a lot of pockets, look and feel durable, and have a structured thickness. These bags made the cut across materials and size.

So, are you ready to finally discover the perfect beach bag that you can wear easily and effortlessly this summer? We've got you with this tried-and-tested list.

We tested many beach bags, but the KeepCool Market Cooler from Out Of The Woods won us over on the design front. It looks super cute with its jute weaving, but it also has an insulated interior. This addition comes in handy when you want to bring snacks, drinks, and other warm weather cravings to the beach. Even the outer pocket is insulated, which provides extra storage for snacks and beverages.

During testing, we found that this bag keeps our hot food feeling warm for about thirty minutes. And, we felt like our cold foods stayed chilled for many hours if our bag was kept out of the sun. We didn't even have to use ice packs! However, if you want your beverages to be extra cold, you can def throw an ice pack or two into the bag. Note: The brand does not recommend using ice cubes inside the bag, unless they're sealed inside a Ziplock bag.

We do wish this bag was easier to buy—the only way you can purchase it is through the website itself. Plus, there is no information on the materials and care for this bag on the website, besides the fact that it's made from recycled paper. Lastly, we wish this bag was water-resistant on the outside, as that's much easier to deal with at the beach. However, upon receiving this bag, we were impressed by the quality and how long it keeps our food cold.

Read More: Best Foods To Bring To The Beach

Another option if you're in need of a cooler at the beach, this bag las a longer crossbody strap than the Out Of The Woods option, but it's def on the smaller side if you don't need something as large. We like this bag for solo trips to the beach, long hikes, or even long drives where you need something to keep your food insulated for longer periods of time. Another pro? The lining is waterproof.

Although this bag is on the smaller side, it's def mighty. It features a side pocket for your water bottle, a side carry strap, and a roll top with buckle closure. And you don't only have to use it for insulation. One of our testers actually used this bag as their carry on when flying to a beach vacation and said it held all their in-flight essentials, but also worked great for insulating snacks on the beach.

Another fun aspect of this bag is that each pack in this collection is one of a kind, so you don't know which color pattern you're going to get. While we like to pick out our own colors, this was a nice little surprise.

FYI, one of our testers found that this bag tends to sweat at the bottom when used with ice packs, which knocked its score down a bit.

Charles & Keith Large Kay Canvas Tote Bag

This bag feels a bit more upscale than most picks on this list, and we attribute that to its tote-like feel. It's made from a lightweight canvas material, which feels super sturdy and durable, but also complements any vacation style (I mean, how cute is this colorway?).

Most beach bags we tested don't include a zipper, but we love that this one does. Not only does it keep our belongings safe and protected during travel or at the beach, but it also helps keep cold snacks chilled. However, this bag is not insulated like the Cotopaxi or Out Of The Woods ones.

Another pro is that this bag has a detachable crossbody strap, so you can wear it on your shoulder, sling it across your chest, or simply hold it.

We were most surprised when we opened this bag and discovered how big it was inside. It's not huge when you look at it, but when you open it up, you can immediately tell that this bag holds a lot . We packed a towel, a handful of skincare products, and snacks and found that we had plenty of room to spare.

This bag is not waterproof, so it shouldn't go in the water. However, it def sits pretty on your pool or beach chair.

Calpak Terra 35L Water Resistant Zippered Tote Bag

Everyone needs a water-resistant bag for the beach, and this one from Calpak is our favorite option. While it's not insulated like the first two options, a spill, some sand, or ocean water stands no chance against this bag.

Its larger size accommodates exterior side pockets for large water bottles, a front organization pocket, and even a phone pocket. It has a large interior, along with a side pocket that's big enough to fit a laptop.

We love that this bag is super sturdy, so it holds its shape and stands on its own. This makes it perfect for travel, too. Although it's on the bigger side, we find that it fits under the plane seat, even when stuffed to the brim. Take this with you on your next beach vacay and trust me when I say you'll fall in love with one use.

Our one qualm is that the shoulder straps are a bit uncomfortable. So, if this bag is totally full, the rough straps make it painful to carry longer distances.

Keep Reading: Best Gym Bags

Bagsmart Foldable Tote Bag with Drawstring Storage Bag

There are many other bags on this list that are awesome for travel, like the Calpak option and the Cotopaxi one. However, this water-resistant one comes out on top if you're looking for a beach bag that doubles as a take-with-you-anywhere bag.

I own a few travel bags from Bagsmart, and I'll be the first to tell you that they're some of the most coveted items in my closet. And, this one is no different. First of all, the design is so simple and cute. SecondLY, it never creases or gets wrinkly after being stored for long periods of time. The durable polyester fabric makes it bounce back into shape each time I prepare it for travel. Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, it’s packable and folds into a small pouch, making it easy to bring along as your beach bag without taking up extra space on the plane.

It's also super roomy with its 20L capacity, and features four separate pockets and a drawstring storage bag. The main zipper compartment can easily hold a laptop, beach necessities, and all the extra clothes you need, and the front pocket makes access to all your smaller necessities so easy.

For all of these amazing qualities, it's extremely affordable, making it an awesome gift that packs a punch. Before you buy it, though, know that this bag isn't as sturdy as others on this list.

Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

If I could own this bag in every color, I would. As a city dweller, it comes in handy during long days out and about because it's so compact, but its also large enough to hold more than just the essentials. Plus, it has two interior pockets to keep things organized.

I'll be the first to admit that this bag isn’t packed with extras (I mean, it is only 13 inches long) but we love having a smaller bag for the beach when we don't need a ton of stuff or if we're just stopping by the beach for a few hours.

It’s incredibly easy to clean due to its nylon material. It’s machine washable, making it perfect for sandy beach days, and it has an adjustable strap, allowing you to wear it over your shoulder or crossbody. While we wish there were a few more pockets on the inside of the bag to keep things organized, we love how simple it is.

Lands End Packable Beach Tote

Don't want a bulky beach bag? Opt for this Packable tote, which is super compact and fits in your car, suitcase, or duffle without a problem. We love how oversized this bag is, making it easy for us to fit all of our belongings. Plus, the inside has mesh pockets and zippered pockets, which helps with organization.

Our fave part about this bag is that it's packable, so it zips up into an easy-to-carry bundle, making it perfect for travel. And, when it needs a clean, just throw it right into the wash. However, it shouldn't need a clean too often, as it's sand- and water-resistant.

One downside is that the bag's raincoat-like material can be a bit loud and crinkly instead of soft. Additionally, it only comes in patterns or bright colors, which might clash with some of your fits, so we wish the brand offered more neutral tones.

State Bags Wellington Cabana Tote

Finding a pool or beach bag that's discreet and doesn't scream "mom bag" is no easy feat, but this sheer option from State Bags is different. Not only is it chic and stylish, it's also super durable, easy to clean (yay!), and can hold just about anything you need. It fits everything from a portable speaker and beach towels to sunscreen and beach toys.

Made of water-resistant fabric, you never have to worry about it getting wet, because that's the last thing you want to stress about during a day in the sun. If you have certain valuables you want to keep safe and sound, the bag comes with a detachable pouch that keeps your them safe and sound.

After testing, we found that this bag is also super comfortable to carry, thanks to its webbing straps. If you don't want to carry such a large bag, it also comes in an adorable mini version .

We do wish this bag had a few more interior pockets for better organization.

Mark & Graham Oversized Ribbon Straw Beach Tote

Mark & Graham's Oversized Straw Beach Tote is exactly what comes to mind when you think of a beach bag: woven and cute with pops of color. But this one also has the option to add a custom monogram of your choice, which is a welcome twist to the classic tote. Plus, the straps and monogram font come in tons of different colors.

And we don't only love this for the beach—it's awesome to throw over your shoulder for a casual farmer's market outing, a trip to the park, and more.

Like many other bags on this list, we wish there were more interior pockets, but we do love the interior size of this bag.

Shop other bags we love

Best Workout Bags | Best Pickleball Bags | Best Crossbody Bags | Best Makeup Bags | Best Weekender Bags | Best Carry-On Bags

Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram . 

The 8 Best Leggings With Pockets, Per Editors

The Best Pickleball Shoes Our Editors Love

Brooke Shields Just Wore Crocs To The Tony Awards

These ‘Bridgerton’-Inspired Dresses Are So Sweet

Best Dressed Guests at Duke of Westminster Wedding

Taylor Swift's Fave Top Is Under $50—And Restocked

How To Buy This Iconic Women's Sports T-Shirt

All About Jordan Chiles' Beyoncé-Inspired Leotards

You'll Forget You Have These Wireless Bras On

These Are The 10 Best V-Neck Pullover Sweaters

Amazon Has So Many Sports Bras On Sale RN

• Beauty & Personal Care
• Tools & Accessories
• Bags & Cases
• Cosmetic Bags

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Return this item for free

We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select your preferred free shipping option
• Drop off and leave!

Return instructions

This item has been tested to certify it can ship safely in its original box or bag to avoid unnecessary packaging. Since 2015, we have reduced the weight of outbound packaging per shipment by 41% on average, that’s over 2 million tons of packaging material.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Ethereal Travel Makeup Bag, Clear Cosmetic Bag Make Up Organizer TSA Approved Toiletry Bag, Waterproof Pouch for Women Purse for Toiletries Accessories Brushes

Small (Pack of 1)

Purchase options and add-ons

• 【Double-layer Design】The upper cosmetic bag can put lipstick, eye shadow, loose powder, liquid foundation, bb cream, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, etc.The lower layer can put make up brush, Eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, etc.It can meet the daily needs of going out.
• 【High Quality Material& Zippers】Made of upgraded PVC and vegan leather material, soft, comfortable, lightweight and tough.It is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about water splashing on the cosmetic bag when washing your hands.The small makeup bag uses SBS zipper, high-quality zipper is more durable.
• 【Convenient and Portable】The size is perfect, when you use it, it is not only convenient and practical, when traveling it can be put in the suitcase.When you are not using it, it doesn’t take up much space on the dressing table.
• 【OCCASION】Suitable for home, outdoor, travel,the multi-functional makeup bag makes your life more convenient and easy. It is the best gift for women, for yourself!
• 【Great Gift】High-quality clear makeup bag are suitable for mothers, wives, friends, and yourself.It’s a great gift for Christmas, Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving.

Frequently bought together

You might also like

From the brand

SMALL MAKEUP BAG

Small Makeup Bag

TRAVEL MAKEUP BAG

Travel Mkaeup Bag

MAKEUP POUCH

Makeup Pouch

• Ethereal is a new product launched in 2021, but extremely competitive.We focus on product innovation and quality, We have great product in the beauty category.
• At the core of Ethereal is that quality is worth the money that customers spend.
• In the future, we will produce more high-quality products to customers.

Product Description

Ethereal is dedicated to designing products specifically for women, and we understand women’s needs for product functions. We are constantly improving and innovating to create high-quality products.

TSA Approved Toiletry Travel Bag

Suitable for daily makeup travel, pass quickly.

• Our makeup pouch made of great PVC and vegan leather material, it's durable and waterproof.The high-quality lining is easy to clean, SBS zipper, it is more smooth and strong.
• Practical double-layer design, the upper layer can store daily cosmetics, and the lower layer can store commonly used makeup brushes, eyebrow pencils, eyeliners, etc.
• Packaged Included: 1 x makeup bag (No Accessories Included)
• Size : 8.7*3.5*6.3 inch(L*W*H)
• Weight : 5.4 oz
• Color: black

Product details

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.7 x 3.5 x 6.3 inches; 1 ounces
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ makeup bag
• Department ‏ : ‎ Women
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B098DWZ6S1
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ China
• #39 in Cosmetic Bags

Compare with similar items

Videos for this product.

Click to play video

I'll purchase again!

Dani Walker

Functional Makeup Bag

Gwen Peterson

Honest review of Ethereal makeup bag.

Customer Review: Travel Makeup Bag

Travel Makeup Bag for Women Small Makeup Bag for Purse

Ethereal Bag

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the ease of use, zippers, appearance and size of the cosmetic case. For example, they mention it's easy to find things, holds everything they need and is roomy. Some appreciate the ease cleaning.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the size of the cosmetic case. They say it's very roomy, perfect for their needs, and compact. The brush compartment is roomy and holds lots. The top has enough space for roughly four travel size bottles and a razor. It's the right size for traveling with the essentials.

"Awesome bag. Holds everything I need for on the go makeup. Brushes and other essentials go on the bottom. It is sturdy Actual makeup on top...." Read more

"There’s nothing to dislike. Great product just the right size for home or traveling ...." Read more

"...Live the little hidden brush compartment on the bottom. Perfect for small items ." Read more

"I like the compact but roomy design of this bag. It is a bit flimsy, but has never ripped or leaked so I believe it will last through many trips." Read more

Customers like the quality of the cosmetic case. They mention it's well-made, durable, and holds up well for traveling. The material is ok, but may get dirty easily. Overall, most are satisfied with the quality and functionality of the product.

"...Brushes and other essentials go on the bottom. It is sturdy Actual makeup on top. Easy to clean and find your fave makeup." Read more

"There’s nothing to dislike. Great product just the right size for home or traveling...." Read more

"...Great color with a gold zipper. Nice quality & great value for the money." Read more

" Quality is great , I feel like it has a lot of space and even the bottom compartment has a lot of room for things 🩵..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the makeup case. They mention that it is the nicest makeup bag they have owned, beautiful, classy, and perfect. They appreciate the silk look, cute color, and the pocket underneath for brushes. They also say that it's great for everyday makeup and recommend it for traveling.

" Awesome bag . Holds everything I need for on the go makeup. Brushes and other essentials go on the bottom. It is sturdy Actual makeup on top...." Read more

"... Great color with a gold zipper . Nice quality & great value for the money." Read more

"...Now everything is organized and easily placed under the sink... pretty too!" Read more

"... Cute color , love the pocket underneath for brushes. It’s slightly smaller than I expected so I had to ditch some eye palettes when traveling." Read more

Customers like the brush compartment in the cosmetic case. They say it holds brushes in the bottom compartment. Customers also like that the top is good for storing cosmetics.

"...What I like the most is your brushes are at the bottom and it’s see through" Read more

"I wanted a clear makeup bag for traveling. This fits the bill. It has 2 compartments . The bottom compartment is perfect for makeup brushes and tools...." Read more

"...The bottom compartment is great for brushes and blenders ." Read more

"It is perfect. No guessing and digging. Love the brush compartment . Quality bag. I love it and I will be using it for a very long time!" Read more

Customers find the cosmetic case perfect for travel, with its light weight and carry on size. They say it is great for business trips and short weekend travel. Customers also mention that it holds their necessities and is easy to access in their purse.

" Perfect for travel or to just throw in your bag. Live the little hidden brush compartment on the bottom. Perfect for small items." Read more

" Easy size to travel with and holds my necessities. The bottom compartment is great for brushes and blenders." Read more

"great small bag, amazing for travel , nice organization and quality, good zippers." Read more

"...that’s usually the first to go.The bag is light weight even with products and doesn’t take up a lot of room in the carryon bag I placed..." Read more

Customers like the zipper of the cosmetic case. They mention that it's heavy duty, smooth, and works perfectly. Some appreciate the bottom zipper enclosure that hides bottles.

"...This one is excellent. I especially like the feature of the zippered bottom compartment for my brushes or other items that I want to keep separate..." Read more

"great small bag, amazing for travel, nice organization and quality, good zippers ." Read more

"...I love the zipper enclosure on the bottom that hides my bottles. And the clear top that I can see through.Glad I didn't return it." Read more

"...Easy to wipe clean if needed. Zippers work smoothly ." Read more

Customers find the cosmetic case easy to clean. They say the material is easy to wipe down and prevents dirty brushes from getting all over the case. They also say the middle section opens up to allow easy cleaning of the brushes.

"...It is sturdy Actual makeup on top. Easy to clean and find your fave makeup." Read more

"...I like the style and color of the striped version. Easy to wipe clean if needed. Zippers work smoothly." Read more

"...So great for travel! It’s my new favorite make up and it’s easy to clean !" Read more

"...I love that this is dark on the outside so it doesn’t get dirty and then the middle opens up wide! Perfect amount of pockets and space...." Read more

Customers find the cosmetic case easy to use. They mention it's super convenient, and the top section is clear so they can find things quickly. They also appreciate the hidden bottom section for pencils, tooth brushes, and small things like tweezers.

"It is perfect. No guessing and digging . Love the brush compartment. Quality bag. I love it and I will be using it for a very long time!" Read more

"...Welll worth the money and very easy to use . Quality it good" Read more

"...The clear bag makes it easy to find things . Overall would purchase again if needed." Read more

"...Clear pouch lets you see everything and the separate bottom for small things like tweezers and your brushes is a must...." Read more

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Disclaimer : While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our Web site. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Amazon.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

What I Can't Live Without

• What Kylie Kelce Can’t Live Without What Kylie Kelce Can’t Live Without
• What Reem Assil Can’t Live Without What Reem Assil Can’t Live Without
• What Julianne Nicholson Can’t Live Without What Julianne Nicholson Can’t Live Witho…
• What Saïd M’Dahoma Can’t Live Without What Saïd M’Dahoma Can’t Live Without
• What Kathy Hilton Can’t Live Without What Kathy Hilton Can’t Live Without
• What Rick Steves Can’t Live Without What Rick Steves Can’t Live Without
• What Nikki Glaser Can’t Live Without What Nikki Glaser Can’t Live Without
• What Ben Van Leeuwen Can’t Live Without What Ben Van Leeuwen Can’t Live Without
• What Sasha Velour Can’t Live Without What Sasha Velour Can’t Live Without
• What Luka Sabbat Can’t Live Without What Luka Sabbat Can’t Live Without
• What Anthony Roth Costanzo Can’t Live Without What Anthony Roth Costanzo Can’t Live Wi…
• What Taylor Hill Can’t Live Without What Taylor Hill Can’t Live Without
• What Jessie Diggins Can’t Live Without What Jessie Diggins Can’t Live Without
• What Adam Scott (Still) Can’t Live Without What Adam Scott (Still) Can’t Live Witho…
• What Nick Viall Can’t Live Without What Nick Viall Can’t Live Without
• What Juliette Lewis Can’t Live Without What Juliette Lewis Can’t Live Without
• What Writer Rachel Khong Can’t Live Without What Writer Rachel Khong Can’t Live With…
• What Steve Madden Can’t Live Without What Steve Madden Can’t Live Without
• What Joey Fatone Can’t Live Without What Joey Fatone Can’t Live Without
• What Chanel Iman Can’t Live Without What Chanel Iman Can’t Live Without
• What Author Young Kim Can’t Live Without What Author Young Kim Can’t Live Without
• What Todd Selby Can’t Live Without What Todd Selby Can’t Live Without
• What Smokey Robinson Can’t Live Without What Smokey Robinson Can’t Live Without
• What DJ Khaled Can’t Live Without What DJ Khaled Can’t Live Without
• What Myha’la Herrold Can’t Live Without What Myha’la Herrold Can’t Live Without
• What Jimmy Butler Can’t Live Without What Jimmy Butler Can’t Live Without
• What Rachel Antonoff (Still) Can’t Live Without What Rachel Antonoff (Still) Can’t Live…
• What Simu Liu Can’t Live Without What Simu Liu Can’t Live Without
• What Jena Malone Can’t Live Without What Jena Malone Can’t Live Without
• What Waxahatchee Can’t Live Without What Waxahatchee Can’t Live Without
• What Steve Aoki (Still) Can’t Live Without What Steve Aoki (Still) Can’t Live Witho…
• What June Diane Raphael Can’t Live Without What June Diane Raphael Can’t Live Witho…
• What Leslie Bibb Can’t Live Without What Leslie Bibb Can’t Live Without
• What JJ Johnson Can’t Live Without What JJ Johnson Can’t Live Without
• What Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross Can’t Live Without What Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross Can’t…
• What Miss Fame Can’t Live Without What Miss Fame Can’t Live Without
• What Rapper Tierra Whack Can’t Live Without What Rapper Tierra Whack Can’t Live With…
• What Tailor Rich Fresh Can’t Live Without What Tailor Rich Fresh Can’t Live Withou…
• What Musician Andrew McMahon Can’t Live Without What Musician Andrew McMahon Can’t Live…
• What PIN-UP Magazine’s Felix Burrichter Can’t Live Without What PIN-UP Magazine’s Felix Burrichter…
• What Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards Can’t Live Without What Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizard…
• What Sean Paul Can’t Live Without What Sean Paul Can’t Live Without
• What Performer Todrick Hall Can’t Live Without What Performer Todrick Hall Can’t Live W…
• What Activist Dr. Akilah Cadet Can’t Live Without What Activist Dr. Akilah Cadet Can’t Liv…
• What Musician Angélique Kidjo Can’t Live Without What Musician Angélique Kidjo Can’t Live…
• What Photographer Catherine Opie Can’t Live Without What Photographer Catherine Opie Can’t L…
• What Ray McGuire Can’t Live Without What Ray McGuire Can’t Live Without
• What Curtis Sliwa Can’t Live Without What Curtis Sliwa Can’t Live Without
• What Kathryn Garcia Can’t Live Without What Kathryn Garcia Can’t Live Without
• What Dianne Morales Can’t Live Without What Dianne Morales Can’t Live Without
• What Kylie Kelce Can’t Live Without

If you’re like us, you’ve probably wondered what everyday stuff famous people add to their carts — like hair spray or an electric toothbrush . We asked autism activist and philanthropist Kylie Kelce, who has partnered with HP to introduce Print Pals, about the spacious belt bag , “top tier” mascara , and investment-worthy kids pajamas she can’t live without.

I’ve been using this since high school when I started wearing makeup. I’m not a makeup-every-day person, but I have to have mascara. I will not wear any other brand. If I forget to pack it, I can just run into any local pharmacy, and it’s usually there. The orange tube is my tried and true because it gives me volume. One time in a pinch I had to get the green one, which was just fine. I’m not being mean about that one, but the orange is top-tier.

I used to not be faithful to any one dry shampoo . Then I tried Living Proof. It goes on so lightly and doesn’t turn your hair that chalky white that a lot of other ones do. I was looking for all these tips and tricks on applying it, like spraying it in before bed so it’ll sort of sink in better. There was a whole laundry list of things I found, but I don’t need to do any of that with this. I just get up, spray it on my hair, and go. For someone like me who sometimes has approximately 45 seconds to get ready with kids standing by, this is the kind of support I need.

I used to always wear a lanyard with a little coin purse attached up until three or four years ago. Once I had kids, I realized I needed a bit more room, so I graduated to Lululemon’s belt bags. I test the limits of its capacity every day, but this goes unmatched. I have it in all different colors: mint green, a slightly larger one branded for the Eagles Autism Foundation , my standard black one, and one with the Lulu logo.

This Zoe Chicco necklace was a gift from my husband, Jason, as a reminder of our three greatest creations. He got me the W when Wyatt was born, and I didn’t take it off for four years until I updated it with the other two kids’ initials. It’s something I wear every single day. It’s part of their Itty Bitty collection and has these tiny initials of our girls on it. I’m really into understated, dainty jewelry over big pieces.

We lucked out because we had three girls. We’re rotating through clothes we bought for our first daughter now to our youngest, so we have gone through a lot of hand-me-downs. Sometimes they’ll get stained or start to unravel at the edges because kids wear them a million times and you wash them a million times. The Hanna Anderson PJs last forever. We still have some packed up, just in case there ends up being a fourth. It is the best investment, and they have the best, best sales.

I’ve wanted an Irish Wolfhound since I was itty bitty. We have one now that’s still with us that’s 180 pounds. He’s a big boy, and he requires a very large bed. The XXL version of this one can actually fit two Wolfhounds comfortably, which was a game changer. We could never find a dog bed that was that spacious. The covers on them are great, too. You just remove them like a bed sheet and wash them, and they’re super-durable.

We have the Sonos system in our house and recently got the Move speaker. It’s nice to be able to pick it up and take it with me in rooms that don’t normally have speakers. I also like it over headphones, because I can still hear our kids. Personally, I like listening to early-’90s R&B and hip-hop when I’m on my own. Missy Elliot, Ludacris, all that good stuff that speaks to your soul. When I’m with my girls, I get vetoed. We see eye-to-eye on some Beyoncé and Taylor, though.

It’s common knowledge that I have an obsession with the butter-pecan iced coffee. This drink is unreal. When it went out of season, I was very sad. I told the girls I coach for high-school field hockey about it, and they mourned with me over the loss. Then last year, when they announced it was coming back, the first thing the girls said to me when I showed up to practice was, “It’s coming back for good!” That was the first thing out of their mouths. I was like, These are my girls. They’ve got me.

It’s the best. I grew up on it. I think half of me is made of Wawa’s mac and cheese. One year for Lent, I gave it up because I was like, It’s getting a bit wrong how often I eat this.

I connected with HP over this outstanding resource for the neurodivergent community. They’re easy-to-make, free, printable puppets. You just go HP’s site , and there are so many options for different eyes, mouths, and other features you can pick from. I love that it encourages communication, enthusiasm, and expression. It’s for all ages. I’ll admit, I’m participating myself. My family’s so excited to do this at our home this summer on days it’s too hot to have a beach day.

The Strategist  is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about  here . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• celebrity shopping
• what i can't live without

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• The Best Early Prime Day Deals Under $50
• New Stuff Alert: Horse-Shaped Baggu and Salmon Gold Hoops
• The 11 Very Best Shampoos
• A Linen Shirtdress for $29 and Jeans for $33 at Everlane’s Summer Sale
• The Strategist Wedding Registry 100
• The 16 Very Best Protein Powders

Today’s Top Clicked

What to Pack for Russia in Summer: Day to Night Style

Europe Packing List , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Wondering what to pack for Russia in the summer? Our Russian-born author shares her tips and tricks on dressing for both day and night!

What to Pack for Russia: Summer

Written By: Julia K.

If you made it to Moscow, Russia during summer, you’re in luck. Moscow offers a plethora of beautifully landscaped parks and festivals all over the city. If you want to know how to visit all those locations in style, continue reading!

Traveling to Russia in the winter? Read this post instead.

Packing List for Russia in the Summer

White Top  | Blouse |  Tank | Top |  Shirt |  Pant |  Pants | Skirt | Dress |  Dress  | Jacket | Cardigan | Flats | Wedge | Bag  | Hat

Summers in Moscow can get hot. It can range between 77-86°F (25-30°C) and sometimes be humid. Dressing appropriately, comfortably, and accordingly will save you a headache and make your stay more enjoyable.

Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe , which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.

Must-see attractions during summer include many parks, such as VDNH, Chistyye Prudy, Izmaylovo and Izmailovsky Park, and of course the famous antique and flea market called Vernisaj.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

• Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
• Top Summer Dresses Perfect for Europe
• Lightweight Jackets for Easy Layers
• Best Walking Shoes for Europe’s Cobblestone Streets

One can see a range of different styles in Moscow. After all, it’s a hub for many travelers, businesspeople, and locals. However, if you’d like to be perceived and treated in a particular way, then pay attention to the way you dress.

You may attract unwanted attention if you wear clothing that’s inappropriate to the local culture. Observe what people are wearing around you and these tips should help point you in the right direction before you arrive.

The following suggestions are based on the perspective of a local born in Moscow.

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to any of the parks:

Blouse | Shorts |  Hat | Scarf | Watch | Sunglasses | Purse  | Flats

• Flat sandals or flats
• Dressy shorts or a midi skirt (no shorter than one hand above the knee)
• A nice blouse
• A crossbody bag
• A hat and sunglasses
• Jewelry and a watch

If you’ll be staying out all day into the evening, wearing layers is key. Pack a shawl or a cardigan for romantic walks next to the Moscow River.

Pro tip: Take a mosquito repellent just in case and apply sun protection wherever you go.

Read this post to find out our stylish strategies on how to layer clothes !

What not to wear:

As a local, I wouldn’t recommend wearing flip flops, short shorts, mini skirts, bright makeup, or see-through clothes. It’s a good idea not to show cleavage, unless you have a layer underneath. Choose understated jewelry instead of flashier pieces.

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to a festival:

Dress |  Hat  | Umbrella |  Crossbody  | Earrings | Lipstick | Watch |  Flats

• A nice day dress
• A pair of comfortable wedges
• A light purse
• A scarf for the evening
• Light jewelry
• Light makeup (bronzer, mascara, lip gloss, blush)

Find out the top ten wedges readers recommend!

Travel shoes:

Flats  |  Wedge |  Oxfords

If you’d like to explore Moscow, then comfortable shoes are a must!

The summer weather is pretty predictable. Based on that, you’ll need three pairs of shoes. One to explore the city, a pair to wear in your hotel room, and something for going out. Think: wedges, dressy flats with a thick sole, and flip-flops.

What are the most comfy shoes? These experts are giving you the inside scoop on their twenty-one top picks. Take a look !

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to enjoy dinner and a ferry ride along the Moscow River:

Top  | Skirt | Jacket |  Sunglasses  |  Wedge  |  Lipstick  | Clutch | Earrings

• A midi skirt or cropped dressy pants
• A dressy blouse
• Comfortable but dressy shoes
• An evening clutch
• A jacket for any unexpected chill

Make sure your clothes are clean and neat, and that there are no flashy colors or over-the-top prints.

Summer is also a perfect opportunity to take a short trip to St. Petersburg, one of the most iconic cities in the world. It’s full of heritage, architecture, galleries, and art, even for the most discerning travelers and art lovers. You can get there by train or plane. Whichever is in your budget, pack with comfort and style in mind!

Whether you’re spending a summer abroad or finally taking that vacation you’ve been dreaming about for years, TFG has the ultimate long term packing list for your European adventures !

What to pack for Russia for a 3-day getaway to St. Petersburg:

Dress  |  Earrings | Clutch | Wedge |  Cardigan  | Tank  | Pants |  Flats | Purse  |  Blouse  | Pants | Jacket |  Scarf | Hat | Flats

• Day/night dress that’s easy to dress up or down with some jewelry
• Comfortable flats to explore the city in
• A change of clothes that covers your knees and shoulders
• A scarf and sweater for when the city becomes cooler during the evening
• A windbreaker
• Everyday jewelry
• A hat to protect yourself from the sun
• A small umbrella

These are the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!

Some museums and churches might refuse service or admission if shoulders and knees are uncovered. I also recommend avoiding jean cutoffs and tank tops, as they may get unwanted attention.

When entering any religious building modesty should be considered, these tips will help you learn how to pack!

Shopping tips:

Moscow has every single store you could think of! From global luxury brands to everyday wear, it caters to many budgets.

If you want to arrive during sale season, then arrive one to two months before the end of the season. You can pick up European-made goods cheaper than in North America. Good shopping malls include Afimall located in Moscow City (another must see) and Evropeiskii located at Kievsky train station.

What are your tips on what to pack for Russia in the summer? Share in the comments below!

For more ideas on what to pack for Russia and Europe, please read:

• Ten-Step Packing Guide for Europe
• What to Wear in Russia in Winter
• Best Shoes for Europe
• What to Wear in Moscow in the Winter

Suggested Travel Resources:

• Lonely Planet Russia (Travel Guide)
• Lonely Planet Russian Phrasebook & Dictionary

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

We hope you liked this post on what to pack for Russia in summer. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Julia K is a travel blogger who believes in utilizing every item in her luggage 101%. When at home, she likes to explore what’s new in the world of travel fashion, food, and travel gadgets. Follow her on Instagram ,  Facebook , Twitter , and her blog .

I’m traveling to Moscow in five days and was wondering if I should really not wear shorts. I’ve been to Nizhny Novgorod in the summer and Moscow in the winter so I have a few ideas about what to wear, but I thought that shorts wouldn’t be so bad.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.