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Even minimalists occasionally love to bring a bag of travel makeup with them for nights out or just for a simple look during the day. Keep reading to find out our tips for packing travel makeup.
Travel Makeup
Table Of Contents
Not every woman wears makeup, and some of us can’t live without it. The truth is that styled hair and fresh-faced makeup truly add the finishing touch to create a polished appearance.
That’s the real secret to chic style. It doesn’t matter how perfect your travel wardrobe looks if these other factors are missing.
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Now this doesn’t mean that you need to bring your entire beauty cabinet on a trip or start using makeup if that’s not your thing. It’s just a reminder not to skip out on it if you use it at home, and to bring along essential items that enhance your features for a natural, up-to-date look.
Let’s review some basic tips on how to minimize the amount of products you pack!
A few quick things to note:
- Products such as mascara, eyeliner, blush, and lip color are the most visually enhancing products, and therefore give you the biggest bang for your buck.
- Items you may want to consider skipping include multiple eye shadow palettes (choose just one), primers (for the eyes and face), lip liners, and false eyelashes.
- Alternatively, choose one feature and play it up! Use a bright lip color for instant femininity or focus on creating bright, flirty eyes.
Keep it simple!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Defines a Product as Travel Makeup?
- What Makeup Can I Take on a Plane?
- What’s the Best Travel Makeup Bag?
- How Do You Keep Your Liquid Makeup Products from Leaking?
- How to Choose and Pack Makeup for Travel
- Step 1: Make a Plan
- Step 2: Eliminate the Non-Essentials
- Step 3: Focus on Duplicates and Multi-Use Products
- Step 4: Focus on Quantity
- Step 5: Downsize
Now, let’s look at a few steps to take to nail down your travel makeup bag.
What Defines a Product as Travel Makeup?
While we can pack just about any makeup product in our suitcase, some items are more practical than others for travel. A few features that make a product ideal for travel is:
- It’s compact and smaller than 3 ounces. As proponents of carryon traveling, we recommend sticking to liquid makeup in reusable travel containers less than 3 ounces. Even if you’re traveling for several months, 3 ounces can go a long way, especially for foundation.
- It’s in a durable container. The last thing you want is your makeup crumbling or spilling onto your clothing. Your makeup for travel should be in a container that won’t easily open, leak, or shatter. These are the best containers for liquid beauty products.
- It’s easy to apply. The best travel makeup is easy to apply on the go. Having to pack sponges and brushes to apply foundation or concealer takes up more space in your toiletry bag.
- It doesn’t require touchups. When you’re exploring a new city, it’s no fun having to reapply your concealer or touch up your eyeliner. The best travel makeup is long-lasting so you can apply once and you’re set for the day.
What Makeup Can I Take on a Plane?
One of the most important things to know before you start planning for your trip is what you are allowed to bring in your suitcase. The makeup you can take on a plane depends on whether or not you are checking your luggage.
Image Source: US Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
For cabin or carryon makeup: Airlines require that liquid products be no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and all bottles must fit in a clear quart size ziplock bag when traveling with a carryon. Makeup products that need to be inside the quart size ziplock bag include liquids, gels, and creams. This is called the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
For checked toiletries: Items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters (regardless of amount) should be in checked baggage. Visit this TSA page to find out exactly what items are allowed in a checked bag.
These guidelines are for US-based airlines. However, these tend to be the general guidelines across all airlines. For specific items, always check the website of the airline or contact them and ask them directly.
Avoid using liquids by using solid toiletries, liquid-free makeup gloves, and these wipes instead of liquid makeup remover.
Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag
What’s the Best Travel Makeup Bag?
Along with choosing the best travel makeup, you’ll want a makeup bag to hold it all. We love Travel Smart’s travel cosmetic bags, which are made of clear vinyl material so you can quickly and easily locate a needed item, with a separate mesh compartment so you can organize your skincare and makeup. Alternatively, you can also try this makeup organizer from Ms. J.
For more suggestions, read our article rounding up the five best travel cosmetics bags.
Tip: make sure that you keep the quart size ziplock bag (storing your carryon toiletries) accessible when you get to the airport. Once you get through security, place them back into your toiletry bag.
These are the best toiletry bags and you can download a toiletry checklist here.
You can also wrap your makeup bag in clothing and add to your packing cube in your suitcase to better protect it.
How Do You Keep Your Liquid Makeup Products from Leaking?
Here’s a tip I shared on Oprah to help you prevent liquids from leaking in luggage: remove the cap from the bottle, place a small square of plastic wrap over the opening, and replace the cap.
The reason your bottles leak or explode on a flight is due to changes in air pressure. As the plane goes up, the pressure causes the bottle to compress (as if you were squeezing it with your hand). The plastic wrap acts as a seal to prevent leaks.
This is the reason why store bought travel size toiletries are never completely full. You need to allow a little bit of extra space so the liquids don’t get pushed out by the changes in pressure. (This is also the reason why your ears get plugged while flying.)
The solution: don’t fill your bottles all the way to the top. Instead, only fill them up 75%.
How to Choose and Pack Makeup for Travel
Follow the below step-by-step guide on how to pack toiletries to determine what you will and will not need to bring along with how to downsize items.
Step 1: Make a Plan
If you’re a makeup hoarder, chances are that your collection is bursting with foundations and blushes that you might not reach for often. Stripping down your collection to the key items you always count on can make more space and keep the clutter away. The first step to creating a capsule makeup collection is making a plan of what you need.
Lay out all your makeup products. Choose anything and everything you think you may need. What are your essentials? Go through the list and choose one of these options for each category.
Need, Want, Not required, Not applicable:
- Primer
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Highlighter
- Powder
- Blush
- Bronzer
- Eyebrow pencil
- Eyeshadows
- Eye liner
- Mascara
- Eyelash curler
- Lip liner
- Lipstick
- Lip gloss
- Oil absorbing wipes
- Makeup brushes
- And many more variations of the above!
TRAVEL BEAUTY TIP: Consider any additional makeup products you use or don’t use, and then you can add or remove them from this list.
These are some of the best makeup products for travel according to our readers:
- Best Longlasting Lipstick
- Best Longlasting Concealers
- Best Longlasting Foundation
- Best Non-Smudge Eye Liner
- Best Waterproof Mascara
Step 2: Eliminate the Non-Essentials
Now that you’ve gone through the entire list of every possible makeup product you own, create two piles: one for items you don’t need to take and one for items you absolutely do.
When simplifying your list, make sure you pack all of the most essential travel beauty products and leave out the ones you don’t need.
For example:
- Do you need three different eyeshadows or can you take along one small palette?
- Instead of packing mascara, could you get an eyelash lift before your trip?
- Do you need to bring tweezers and eyebrow pencil or can you have them threaded or waxed before your trip?
- Do you need a primer, foundation, and setting powder, or can you bring a mattifying, waterproof foundation?
TRAVEL BEAUTY TIP: Travel-size brushes are always an essential, but do you need to take all of them? Get creative with the way you apply your makeup! Use one brush for multiple products, or use your fingers, instead.
EcoTools Double-Sided Makeup Brushes
Step 3: Focus on Duplicates and Multi-Use Products
One of the best ways to minimize travel makeup is to choose multi-use products or items. Determine if there are any products you already own that that can work double-duty. Avoid makeup that’s similar in purpose or color and choose between two products that serve the same (or similar) purpose.
Depending on your coverage needs, your foundation could double as concealer. Or if you like brown eyeshadow, use your bronzer for dual purposes. For example:
- Full coverage powder vs. foundation
- Under eye highlighter vs. concealer
- Lipstick vs. lip gloss
- Bronzer vs. blush
- Eyelash curler vs. mascara
- Powder vs. oil absorbing wipes
- Primer vs. concealer
- Eye pencil vs. eyeshadow
- Eyebrow pencil vs. eyeshadow
There are various multi-use products on the market that are absolutely great for travel:
- Lip and cheek tints
- Creamy makeup bars for eyes, cheeks, and lips
- Powder foundation or full coverage foundation
- Wet/dry powders (double as foundation)
- Wet/dry eyeshadows (double as eye pencil)
- Bronzer/blush duo
- BB creams
- Tinted moisturizers with SPF
- Double-ended makeup brushes
Or you can use a few long-term travel hacks like I do, such as:
- Lip pencil as lipstick and blush
- Eyeliner for the eyes and eyebrows
- A moisturizer that works for day and night
- A sunscreen that doubles as a makeup primer
TRAVEL BEAUTY TIP: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Who says a bronzer can’t be used as eyeshadow?
Stila Stay All Day Foundation Kit
Step 4: Focus on Quantity
Now that you know what items you absolutely have to pack, it’s time to determine how much of them you actually need. Think about how much makeup you apply and how long you’ll be gone on your trip.
Have you ever paid attention to how much foundation you use? You may only need to take a few drops. Likewise, a travel-size lip gloss or mascara may suffice for the duration of your trip.
Start by looking at the length of your trip. Make note of how much product you use for the duration of that time. Now that you know what items you absolutely have to pack, it’s time to determine how much of them you actually need.
TRAVEL BEAUTY TIP: Instead of packing full-size eyebrow pencils or lip liners, see if you have any half-used products lying around. They’ll take up less space!
Step 5: Downsize
Now it’s time to start the downsizing process. Choose appropriate travel containers like these and these and look for travel-size makeup products. Holiday sets or “gifts with purchase” are perfect to save and use for travel!
Choose appropriate travel containers for your larger makeup products. Many times, 3 ounce bottles are too big for a one or two-week trip, so buy various sizes and take only the amount you will use.
Watch this video to learn how I downsize my makeup for travel!
Instead of immediately buying “travel-size” containers in 3oz or 100ml bottles, get a range of sizes including 1oz, 2oz, and smaller jars like these, too.
Aside from trimming down on the quantity of products you pack, also consider how you use it.
- Instead of packing an eye shadow palette featuring eight colors, take a smaller one that features two to four. You can take your look from day to night by playing with shading and depth of color.
- Get creative with your eye shadows. One color can transform into several if you apply more or less. Brown is my favorite way to accomplish this. Apply lightly over the lid, blend a bit more at the crease, then dot extra on the corner of your eye before a final blend. A three in one, who knew?
- Create a summer and winter eye shadow palette so you only take the one you need during the season.
- Instead of taking several eyeliners or lip colors, choose one that’s your favorite and neutral enough to match with several different looks.
- Choose one thin palette instead of several thick cases. Several eye shadow pots can be replaced by one single palette.
- Replace glass containers with plastic to lighten the load.
TRAVEL BEAUTY TIP: Go to department store counters and ask for free samples of makeup and skincare products. Sephora is also a great option!
And for every single trick in my packing book, read my full course “Stop Overpacking“. I created the STOP OVERPACKING program to teach you my exact packing process. Every secret, every detail, nothing is spared.
What are your ultimate guide to travel makeup? Share in the comments below!
For more travel makeup suggestions, please read:
- Best Makeup for Pictures
- 7 Clever Travel Makeup Hacks
- How to Make Your Makeup Last All Day
- Pack Lighter with a Capsule Makeup Collection
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Great checklist
I’m getting ready for a 10 day trip to Germany and Italy
I’m a minimalist anyway
For me facial cream with UV protection to protect my face is the most important item to bring
I recently bought a pallet by Seint Cosmetics and love how compact it is! The makeup itself is highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way. My foundation, concealer, blush/lip, contour, shadows are all in one compact.
Great post! I have started using contact lens cases for foundation they hold a lot! I use small bottles that have a spray end and a roller ball end for sprays and oil cleansers. I also keep my small containers(eye cream etc.) wash them and re-use for other products. It feels really good to cut down on the amount of products, to help travel light!
I’m loving the tips of using small round jars for my creams & decanting for my shampoo & conditioner! Thank you!
I am not a big makeup girl, but this was so helpful! For short trips and for creams I don’t need much of, I’ve been using contact lens cases – compact and leak proof!
Thank you for this post! I have had my capsule wardrobe down for years now, but this is an area I continue to struggle with. My latest improvement: the eye brightener line from Thrive Causemetics. Darker colors can double as eye liner and as a shadow if you’re trying to glam it up a bit. Two pencils is all I need!
Fabulous suggestions on packing my makeup for two week! Thanks for helping me come up with solutions to keep it smaller than I usually do.
It’s amazing how quickly the makeup bag can fill up! I’ve finally decided NO EYE SHADOW, I don’t wear it at home so why do I keep lugging around a palate of eye shadow 🙄
I Have been struggling to figure out how to pack some of my make up for an upcoming trip to Israel . . . this information is perfect!!! Thank you : )
This is one of the most informative articles on packing makeup and what to bring / what not to bring. Great information and tips!
Great ideas!
Great tips!!
I LOVE my round clear jars for my powder makeup! I just use my label baker to help identify everything.
Thanks for the great tips and lessons! I’m not a big makeup girl, but I still learned some great things to do to keep my bag light.
I never really thought about what to take in regards of make-up on vacation. This past vacation, my friend had a beautiful make-up bag and I was so impressed. I’m really tired of plastic zip lock bags, and my freind’s bag was soft, quilted, and held a load of items. My husband and I have stayed off of planes, as much as possible, however, we really want to get back to Europe. Perhaps Summer of 2023.
Thank you for your thorough list which is such a great guide. I will streamline my makeup items and be confident that I have everything that I need! Thank!
Thanks for the great tips! I used the Sea to Summit small bad per an earlier article and discussion. Now I have a few extra things to do (condense) for my next trip. Thanks!
I have been following TFG for over5 years. It has completely changed not only his I pack, but how I dress completely. Quality pieces not quantity. Items I wear over and over. This blog post really helped me think about the other things I pack. My p is almost completely sticks and creams now making it light weight, carry-on pack able and fat to apply. Another TFG win!
I love my makeup and find it’s so hard not to take a train case full of my products “just in case.” I’m going away in a month and I’m really going to try to do minimal packing. Clothes and makeup! I plan on using several of your tips for a light stress free trip. Thank you.
Rhonda M
It is so hard to leave my fave products but these are great tips!
I love the tips for decanting and also think that downsizing to go without full palate works best for travel. I spent years lugging around just in case I want to do my makeup or jewelry choices only to bring them back unused. Reading your blogs and personal experiences along with other women’s helpful tips about doing without, going easy-breezy is helping me to pare down more each trip Thank YOU!!!!
this is extremely useful, thank you
Great info. Will definitely be using some of these tops on my next trip.
I have been following you for some time now. Love all the tips you have from packing list to make up minimalistic endeavors
Love all of these tips.
I love your tips for decanting stuff into small containers. Thank you for providing links to Amazon for the small little clear jars and tubes. They work fantastic!
This is the one thing I struggle with the most! I know I don’t need three eyeshadow palettes, but I panic at the last minute and pack them all. These tips have really inspired me to pare down my makeup kit to what I really need! Thank you!
I love using contact lens cases for eye makeup remover.
Love all these ideas! Also, another tip I can recommend is to save and use the small containers that come as freebies or samples from Sephora or Clinique for example. They’re the perfect size and most were sent to me by mail. If they survived shipping w/o leaks, then they should be able to handle air travel too!
Thank you for all the travel tips. Love them all. I struggle with packing and downsizing and decision making. I love the makeup travel tips. Thank you!!
Thank you! This has always been a huge problem for me. We are traveling to Italy carry on only in a few weeks and I think this checklist will finally help me narrow down my makeup bag!
This is very helpful. I pack makeup but then rarely wear it. This is helpful to make me take a critical look at what I am packing. Thanks.
All of your posts are great! Since I haven’t traveled since before COVID I’m excited to be taking a big trip again. Discovering your posts has made such a difference in my planning. And makeup is just one of the issues for me when packing. Thank you.
Such great tips!
I have worked really hard at minimizing my makeup for travel! My essentials are tinted BB cream with SPF, mascara, eyeliner, blush and lip gloss. The Laura Mercier eyeshadow sticks are AMAZING – super blendable and creamy! I’m heading off to London in early September so working on my packing right now!
So many helpful tips here. Thanks so much!
Thanks so much. When I return from a trip I always reorganize/refill my personal items so I am ready to go—whether by car or plane. So great to have a checklist to follow. I have a great eyeshadow brush that is double ended. Also shop Sephora minis-particularly Benefit.
Saving this post for future travel. ALWAYS struggle with my makeup and toiletries!
Use old contact cases for small amounts of creams like foundation. I recently tried this when I had to fly for an interview while on vacation and didn’t have access to travel containers.
Will try this. Thx!
Have you tried any of the jones road beaury products? They seem pretty compact for travel, but I’m curious if they work for others. I don’t really wear a lot of makeup. Just a tinted spf moisturizer, concealer, & eyeliner or mascara.
Thank you so much for this! I always carry too much makeup – just in case. I will follow all this advice for my upcoming trip to Greece.
Love this information it’s so helpful as makeup is one of my travel challenges!
These are great tips. I will definitely use them in my future plans.
Looking forward to my 2 week Ireland golfing trip and taking only my golf bag and carry-on. Toiletries are always a stressor but this has some good ideas for downsizing without scrimping!
Great tips! Appreciate the additional links to other articles and to actual products.
My makeup/toiletry bag has been my biggest challenge. This is so helpful a& will change the way I pack my bag!
TFG rocks! Always really sensible and practical advice and tips. Thank you!
This was a great blog. Great tips and clarification on certain items. Was not sure if gels and creams came under the liquids rule.
Mac cosmetics makes palettes that hold 2,4,8,12 eyeshadow/powder/ etc products and they sell these products individually. So you could get a big palette to hold all your favorites then a 2 or 4 to take when you travel but still swap over time for spring vs winter looks.
I am getting ready for a two week trip to Portugal. The makeup tips are so helpful! Thanks.
Thanks for making traveling so much easier!
This is so helpful so I can downsize for my trip. Thank you!
This post really helped me decide my strategy for make up and organize my products. I love being prepared for anything, be able to look good, and not carry a million extra items. Thank you.
Great guide; thank you. When I travel, I always seem to need more room in my suitcase for all my toiletries than my clothes! This guide will help me minimize.
This was super helpful (as are all your blogs!). Thank you so much for all the information you provide.
I do t think I can go on a trip without checking out the TFG tips. This has been a great source of information for me. Thank you so much for helping us travel lighter.