Health & Beauty / Guide
How to Pack a Carry-On Makeup Kit Around the Liquids Rule
Choose a travel makeup kit that fits your routine and leaves room for liquids, creams and gels at airport screening.
Write down the makeup you used on a normal morning. Choose the items from that list you expect to use on the trip. A compact or pencil can be easier to pack than several separate liquids, but keep the formulas you know work for you.
Check the screening rules before packing
For U.S. screening, the TSA liquids rule generally limits each container of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in a single quart-sized bag per passenger. Container capacity matters even if it’s only partly full. Check the current rules for every airport you’ll pass through and review TSA’s guidance for any relevant exceptions.
Pack for the bag you will carry
Keep small containers upright where practical and close the caps fully. Avoid unmarked containers that leave you guessing what’s inside. Give any liquid a separate place from a dry brush or powder compact if you want to contain leaks. Use a case with enough structure to protect fragile powder.
Leave room for the trip home
Keep a little space in your liquids bag if you plan to buy anything while away. If you need a larger product, check whether it can travel in checked baggage or buy it after arrival.