Can You Bring Makeup On A Plane?

Can you bring makeup on a plane? if you are packing your bags with makeup or cosmetic products, you must read the specific rules. It is true that such items need to be taken for personal care. And, of course, who wouldn’t like to look good being on a trip? Leaving even one item out of a bag could make you feel upset or disappointed. Well, you could also be taking it as a present for your dear one. 

Or, tell us if it’s the other way around. You either purchased some beauty products from the destination you visited and now have to bring them back home. Hence, if you are considering carrying cosmetics with you, don’t forget to go further and read this article. As long as you follow the official travel limits, everything will be fine.

Can You Keep Makeup In Carry On?

TSA Rules For Taking Liquid Makeup In A Carry-On Bag

If you have liquid cosmetics like liquid lipstick, eyeliner, foundation, makeup remover, nail polish, hairspray etc., you will have to follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.

In light of this, you are permitted to pack makeup in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml), in accordance with TSA regulations for liquids. The containers must be kept in a clear quart-sized bag, which is then stored in your carry-on bag. If you feel the quantity of liquid makeup will be more, you must pack them in your checked luggage beforehand.

If you go above the limit, your belongings will be taken away, and there may be undesirable consequences. Hence, when you pack your baggage, take additional care.

Bringing Solid Makeup In A Carry-On

As long as the makeup is in solid form, TSA doesn’t have any restrictions or limitations on passengers carrying it in their carry-on luggage. This is as simple as the usual rule that goes for all types of solid items brought on a plane. So, get your bags ready with your favorite makeup items, be it foundation, lipstick, makeup wipes, mirror, and more.

How To Pack Makeup In Carry On?

Packing Liquid Makeup

You can easily pack your makeup or cosmetics in hand luggage. However, please make sure to follow the liquids rule, in case you carry such products in liquid or cream form. All liquid cosmetics such as liquid lipstick, liquid eyeliner, liquid foundation, mascara, and anything in the form of cream must be packed in containers whose total volume does not exceed 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. 

You should pack containers in a transparent quart-sized bag. Everything needs to be well-arranged so as to enable a clear view of items during X-ray screening. 

Packing Non-Liquid Makeup

All the other makeup products that are solids like foundation, lipstick, chapstick etc., can be packed in a separate bag or pouch. Then that pouch can be accommodated along with the quart-sized bag, containing liquid makeup products, in your carry-on bag.

Why Do You Need To Pack Liquid Makeup Separately?

Since there are regulations or limitations on taking liquid items in carry-on bags, TSA officers can ask you to take them out separately for X-ray screening. So, to avoid hassle and delays at the security checkpoint, it is better to keep the liquid makeup arranged beforehand.

Well, isn’t it also good for you? In any case, if the liquid makeup gets spilled inside the bag, at least your other makeup items will remain safe and the area inside the carry-on bag will remain tidy.

Can You Bring Makeup Through TSA In Checked Luggage?

TSA Rules For Taking Liquid Makeup In Checked Luggage

You are free to keep makeup in your checked bags without any limitations. However, there is a possibility that a person bringing makeup items can use them as explosives and cause harm to other passengers. So, the TSA has posed restrictions on some items like makeup remover, nail polish, nail polish remover, hairspray, hair texturizer containing aerosol etc., even in the checked luggage.

But, if you have such goods in your bags, it can be difficult for TSA agents to conduct an easy X-ray check. To make the screening procedure easier, travelers are recommended to arrange items in their bags and keep them free of clutter.

This also maintains the efficiency of the verification process at the security checkpoint. Hence, whether you bring makeup items in small packs or bottles, be sure to keep everything organized in advance.

Bringing Solid Makeup In Checked Luggage

Solid makeup items can be placed in checked luggage without any limitations on the quantity. But yes, if you take an airbrush makeup machine having lithium metal or lithium ion batteries, you will have to place the machine in your carry-on bag only. It won’t be allowed in the checked baggage due to safety reasons.

TSA Rules For Bringing Makeup Items On A Plane

TSA allows you to bring makeup on a plane. But, rules also depend on the type of makeup product. Here, we have tried to give you precise details related to makeup items.

What Types of Makeup Products Come Under Liquid Rules?

TSA Liquid Rules are implemented on the following makeup products that are in fluid or gel form.

• Makeup remover
• Liquid eyeliner
• Liquid foundation
• Mascara 
• Liquid lipstick
• Liquid highlighter 
• Moisturizer 
• Liquid lip balm
• Liquid concealer 
• Primer
• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover
• Deodorant
• Perfume
• Hairspray 
• Hair Texturizer (aerosol)
• Cologne

What Are The TSA Rules For Powder Makeup or Items?

As stated on the official website of TSA, rules for products in powder form, valid from 30th June 2018, are given as under:

• Powder items more than 12 ounces or 350 ml in your carry-on bag may undergo further screening at the central checkpoint, if you are on a flight to the USA from an international final point of departure.
• If powder items, as per above-mentioned criteria, can’t be cleared at the checkpoint, they will not be allowed to be taken ahead, and will be discarded. It is beneficial to put powder items in your checked baggage.

Therefore, keeping in view the above instructions, if you carry loose powder or any other powder makeup in a carry-on within the USA, you are good to go with 12 ounces or 350 ml of it. Still, TSA advises you to carry non-essential powders more than this quantity in checked baggage for your convenience. However, items like compact powders, or eyeshadow palettes are pressed powders. So, they can be taken in a carry-on without any restrictions.

Can You Apply/Use Makeup On A Plane?

You might be thinking about those last-minute touch ups when the plane is about to land at your destination airport. Well, there should be no harm in using a little bit of products, but it is always better to confirm the same with the airline crew. In addition, you must take care that the liquid or power product you use on a flight does not get spilled, otherwise it will be definitely annoying or uncomfortable for the passenger sitting next to you.

Can You Carry Makeup Remover On A Plane?

Bringing Makeup Remover In A Carry-On

You can certainly bring a makeup remover in your hand luggage, but the same TSA Liquid Rule applies here. Keep them in containers less than or up to 3.4 ounces or 100 ml, in a clear quart-sized bag.

Bringing Makeup Remover In Checked Baggage

Absolutely! You can keep a total of 2 kg, which means 70 ounces. It can also be 2 liters, which means 68 fluid ounces in your checked baggage. Also, the volume of one container of makeup remover must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces). These guidelines are mentioned on the official website of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Well, you need to comply with such restrictions while packing medicinal and toiletry items in checked luggage.

Concluding Lines

We have made a complete effort to provide you with all-inclusive details on taking makeup products through the TSA security checkpoint. These may be kept in your checked or carry-on luggage. But if the makeup is in liquid or cream form, remember to abide by the liquids rule. You may always reach TSA online through their Twitter and Facebook handles, AskTSA, with any questions or confusion. You will surely receive timely replies. Have a safe journey!

Frequently Asked Question