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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 .

Just like when looking for a travel backpack or a carryon, 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 beauty products and 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.

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• 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.

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