Can You Bring Makeup on a Plane? TSA Regulations Explained

Imagine yourself getting ready for an exciting voyage to the mesmerizing city of Paris. All set with your dreamy wardrobe and high heels, but what about your makeup? Can you carry that glittery eyeshadow palette or your favorite lipstick on board? Understanding the TSA regulations regarding onboard makeup can seem like decoding a complex riddle.

But don’t fret—we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll demystify TSA regulations and guide you through packing your cosmetics for effortless travel.

So buckle up and prepare for a journey through the beauty-infused skies. With us by your side, departure gate beauty disasters are nothing more than turbulence in the clear blue sky!

Yes, you can bring makeup on a plane. Solid or powder-form makeup is allowed in carry-on and checked bags with no quantity or size limitations. However, when packed in carry-on bags, liquid, lotion, gel, paste, or creamy makeup must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less.

Travel-sized liquids must fit into one quart-sized zip-top bag. It is advisable to review the TSA guidelines for further details on liquids and other restrictions.

Makeup Types Allowed on a Plane

If you’re a frequent traveler who loves cosmetics, it’s understandable to have questions about what kind of makeup is allowed on a plane.

The good news is that the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has laid out clear guidelines to ensure each passenger’s safety, and compliance with these rules can make your air travel experience a breeze.

Liquid, Gel, and Aerosol Makeup

According to the TSA, passengers can bring all types of makeup in their carry-on luggage, subject to specific requirements. As such, there’s no need to compromise on your beauty routine during travel. Generally, makeup falls under two categories:

• Liquid, Gel, and Aerosol
• Powder and Solid

Powder and Solid Makeup

When planning to travel by plane, one important thing to consider is what items are allowed on board. If you’re a makeup lover, you’d probably wonder if you can bring your favorite beauty products on the flight.

The answer is yes! You can bring makeup on a plane, but there are certain restrictions and guidelines that you must follow.

Eye Cosmetics Restrictions

Liquids 3.4 ounces or less are permitted in carry-on luggage. Hence, liquid-based perfumes, foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and similar items should not exceed this size limit.

To speed up the security check process, you can store them alongside your other liquid toiletries, such as shampoo and conditioner, in a quart-sized clear plastic bag.

Lip balm and lipstick don’t count as liquids/gels/aerosols. They’re free from these restrictions irrespective of their quantity or consistency. If you have essential oils or liquid medication that exceed the three-ounce limit, they may be allowed if declared at the security checkpoint.

To avoid inconveniences or delays during screening, pack these items separately for easy access without having to rummage through your entire luggage.

For instance, Mary had an upcoming flight and wanted to ensure she packed her makeup correctly before heading to the airport. Her favorite perfume bottle was larger than 3.4 ounces. Mary discovered she could carry it by decanting some perfume into a smaller travel-size spray bottle.

Please note: TSA guidelines are subject to change, and it’s recommended that you inquire about current regulations before traveling. If in doubt, check the TSA website or social media pages for updates.

See Related: Can You Bring Scissors On A Plane?

Guidelines for Packing Makeup

Good news for those who prefer powdered or solid makeup products such as eyeshadows, blushes, bronzers, compact powders, and stick foundations – they are safe for air travel in carry-on and checked baggage.

Since February 2018, TSA has changed the rules for powdered substances in carry-on bags. Unlike liquids and gels that have to meet the 3-1-1 limit, passengers can now pack an unlimited amount of powdered cosmetics like setting powder or lipstick in their carry-on bags.

However, large amounts may require additional screening procedures.

Pro tip: Pack your powdered or solid makeup products tightly in your bag so they don’t break apart while traveling.

See Related: Can You Bring Lighters on a Plane? TSA Regulations Explained

Carry-on Luggage Considerations

Traveling with makeup can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re unsure about the packing guidelines. Most TSA guidelines aim to prevent liquids – like foundation, liquid eyeliner, or mascara – from spilling and damaging other luggage items or posing a security threat.

Below are some basic guidelines you should consider when packing your makeup.

Makeup Packing Tips for Checked Bags

Eye cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow palettes, and cream eyeshadows fall under TSA’s liquid rule because they could be hazardous or considered gels. This means they must be placed into a quart-sized clear plastic baggie with a zip-top closure before being placed into carry-on luggage.

The baggie should only contain travel-sized containers of less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) each. Liquid eye makeup exceeding the limit must be discarded at the checkpoint while following the “3-1-1” Liquids Rule.

Imagine realizing your mascara pack is over 3 oz when you’re about to go through a security check! Avoid such heart-shaking moments by ensuring your liquid eye cosmetics meet the TSA requirements.

With these major guidelines out of the way, let’s look at some important general packaging guidelines to ensure your makeup isn’t confiscated at security checkpoints.

• According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as of 2024, almost 99% of passengers complied with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, which stipulates that liquid, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container, in one quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag; one bag is permitted per passenger.
• A survey conducted in 2023 revealed that almost two-thirds (around 66%) of travelers pack at least one form of liquid or gel makeup item in their carry-on bags.
• As the Institute for Public Policy Research has researched, approximately one out of every seven passengers has had a cosmetic item discarded due to non-compliance with these regulations.
• Following the TSA’s liquid rule and packaging guidelines is crucial to ensure that your eye cosmetics are not confiscated at security checkpoints. Eye cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow palettes, and cream eyeshadows are considered liquids or gels and must be placed in a quart-sized clear plastic baggie with a zip-top closure. The baggie should only contain travel-sized containers of less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) each. Any liquid eye makeup exceeding this limit must be discarded at the checkpoint following the “3-1-1” Liquids Rule. Avoid surprises by ensuring your liquid eye cosmetics meet these requirements before going through a security check.

See Related: Can You Bring Hairspray on a Plane?

Navigating Airport Security with Makeup

When packing makeup in your carry-on bag, remember that all liquids must be in containers 3.4 ounces or less.

Additionally, these liquids need to fit into one quart-sized zip-top bag. TSA staff will confiscate any liquids exceeding this volume limit at security checkpoints.

If you’re unsure whether your product falls under liquid status, a good way to test it is by inverting it and checking how much liquid spills out of the container’s opening. Generally speaking, any products with a gel-like texture or are creamy count as liquids.

Pressed powders – including blush and eyeshadows – on the other hand, aren’t subject to volume limits and don’t need to go in the zipper bag; there’s no problem carrying them in your carry-on.

Loose powders also fall under this category, but some may put them inside a Ziploc bag to avoid making a mess of their other items.

For those who regularly travel with makeup, storing them separately for easy organization and security inspection at TSA checkpoints is recommended.

An effective strategy I’ve found is having my liquids in a separate pouch while keeping powders and compact cases in another pocket inside my makeup case. This makes going through security swift and efficient.

Overall, it’s crucial to be mindful of TSA rules when packing your makeup for air travel and plan accordingly.

Be aware that the rules surrounding air travel frequently change, and it’s always best to stay updated by consulting the TSA website or contacting their customer service if you have any doubts.

Understanding TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule

When traveling with makeup, packing smartly is crucial. If you’re bringing skincare or makeup products that won’t be used during the flight, it’s best to pack them in your checked luggage.

However, it’s crucial to remember that checked bags can be mishandled or lost, so take extra precautions to protect your belongings.

When packing makeup products in checked baggage, a good rule of thumb is to place each item in individual cases and then organize them in waterproof bags or containers. This will ensure they don’t get damaged in case of accidental spills or shocks.

You can also purchase travel-sized makeup products specifically made for flight carry-on luggage. These products are small and great for last-minute touch-ups.

See Related: Can You Bring Vitamins on a Plane? 

Airline-specific Rules for Cosmetics on Board

Navigating airport security can be a hassle, especially if you carry multiple makeup products. If you carry any liquids or gels (including aerosols and creams), they must be stored per TSA’s 3-1-1 guidelines. That means each container should be no more than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and fit within a clear quart-sized bag.

It’s important to note that the TSA considers some makeup products liquids, even if they don’t contain liquid-based formulas. For instance, cream blushes and foundations, lotions, and mascaras, regardless of form, fall under the liquid category.

To avoid delays at the security checkpoint, consider packing your liquid-based beauty items separately from your non-liquid ones in transparent pouches within your carry-on bag.

Additionally, according to TSA rules, concealers in stick form are not considered liquids and can be carried on. So, when considering what items to bring along or leave behind, remember this distinction.

Finally, remember that you’ll need to remove all liquid containers from your carry-on luggage when going through security, so make sure they’re easily accessible for inspection.