How to Pack Makeup for Travel + My Travel Makeup Essentials

Packing makeup for a trip can be a little tricky. You want to make sure you have everything you need, but you also don’t want to overdo it. After many trips, I’ve kinda found a system that works. So, I figured I would share with you my tips on how to pack makeup for travel.

I’ve also included my travel makeup essentials that come with me on every trip. My at home makeup bag is full of different blushes, liners, and what not but when I’m traveling I stick to my tried and trues.

All that said, let’s jump into my makeup packing tips.

How to Pack Makeup for Travel

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How to Pack Makeup for Travel – Bags + Accessories

If I’m bringing a bunch of luggage and I’m not worried about weight, I use this makeup case from Amazon. It’s not super heavy but it does take up space. One of my favorite parts about this case is that it also has a spot for brushes.

Otherwise, I was using the Merit makeup bag but I recently just bought this new makeup bag to replace it. I also picked up these silicon brush and sponge holders from Amazon.

My Travel Makeup Essentials

Tinted Moisturizer 

I keep a tinted moisturizer in my travel makeup bag for beach or adventure days for a little coverage. The Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer from Rare Beauty is one of my favs and it has SPF 20 in it. 

Estée Lauder Double Wear

For general sightseeing days I wear Double Wear. It’s my go-to foundation and stays in place all day. 

Packing Tip: If you’re traveling super light, get some containers like these off amazon to squeeze foundation and skincare products into.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

The nice thing about the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is that it acts as a primer and sunscreen.

Urban Decay All Nighter Spray

The Urban Decay All Nighter Spray is my favorite setting spray to travel with because it keeps my makeup locked and in place.

Inglot Liner

Inglot Liner is my favorite eyeliner, it’s super black and last. 

The Little One Palette

The Little One Palette by Lawless is the perfect everyday neutral palette. 

Rare Beauty Liquid Blush

Since discovering the Rare Beauty Liquid Blush, it’s practically all I wear, so of course it’s in my travel makeup bag.

Mascara

I’m not a die-hard for any mascara but a couple of my favs are the Rare Beauty mascara and L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise. 

Lip Gloss and Lipstick

For lips, I like to pack a couple of different products. The Summer Friday’s Lip Butter is super hydrating and great for the plane or when I just want a little something hydrating. For color, the Dose of Colors Lip Gloss provides a nice, subtle color and then I’m a long-time fan of Mac Lipsticks. 

Lancôme Concealer 

My go-to concealer right now is the Lancôme Teint Idole Concelear. If you let it sit for a bit, before blending it doesn’t settle into your fine lines which I love.

Huda Powder 

I use the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder to set my under eye concealer and any areas I use concealer. 

Charlotte Tilbury Powder

I like the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder to set my makeup and to help diminish shine throughout the day. 

Packing Tip: Check Sephora and Ulta for Travel Size Versions of your favorite beauty products to save space and weight.

Brow Gel

The last item I pack in my travel makeup bag is some brow gel. Since I got my ombre brows, all I need is a little gel to keep my eyebrows in place. I’m currently using the Kosas Air Brow.

My Go-To Makeup Brushes

Foundation – Morphe M439

Powder (they no longer sell my exact brush, but this one is similar) – Morphe M527

Crease – Morphe M433

Fluffy Brush – Morphe M504

Liner – Morphe M165

Bronzer – Morphe M405

Blush – Real Techniques RT100 (for liquid blush)

Beauty Blender – Real Techniques

FAQS

Can I pack makeup in my luggage?

Yes, you can pack your makeup in your luggage. Just know that if you’re packing it in your carry on any non-solid products must be under 3.4 oz. I personally bring my makeup with me on the plane just in case something happens to my checked luggage.

Does makeup have to be in a Clear Bag on the Plane?

Technically, yes. All liquids, makeup, skincare and etc. is meant to go in a quart sized clear bag if you’re bringing it on the plane. However, I’ve noticed more and more that it depends on what airport your flying from how strict the security is. I’ve flown with my makeup in a non-clear bag (see above) and have had no issues.

But, if you prefer to stick to the rules, you can find them here: Official TSA Regulations

Does mascara count as liquid TSA?

Weirdly, yes. Anything that is “spreadable” is considered a liquid. So, be wary if you’re trying to bring any fancy jams or butters back.