The best makeup bags for travel, tested by editors

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A three-panel collage of open travel makeup bags: on the left, a cream zip case with brush holders and compartments filled with cosmetics; in the center, a beige organizer with clear zip pockets holding makeup and brushes on a white bedspread; on the right, a red-and-navy striped toiletry case with a navy lining packed with beauty products, a brush, a glasses case, and accessories. — From left to right: Étoile Mini Vanity Case, Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case, Clare V. Vacances.
Samantha Crozier, Rebecca Strong/Business Insider

The best makeup bags for travel need to pull off a tricky balancing act: They should be slim enough that you don't resent them for taking up half your suitcase, but spacious enough to fit everything you actually use.

That might mean a few travel minis, several full-size products, or, realistically, a chaotic mix of both. I'm especially drawn to thoughtful details like detachable compartments, collapsible designs, and wipe-clean materials, because spills are less of an "if" and more of a "when."

A quick look at our favorite travel makeup bags and what they're best for

For most needs, the KUSSHI Washable Travel Makeup & Cosmetic Bag is a great choice with a wide opening, a brush insert, and a simple pouch silhouette.
If you're looking for a small touch-up bag that fits in your purse, consider the Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer.
For the most bang for your buck, the under-$20 Bagsmart Travel Makeup Bag fits everything you need and more and opens flat for easy access.
If you travel a lot on different airlines, the Large Clear Cosmetics Case is a safe bet since certain airlines are stricter than others about the clear bag rule.
For the most elegant choice, the Etoile Mini Vanity Case seamlessly blends vintage glamour with modern practicality.

How we tested the best toiletry and makeup bags

We tested more than 20 toiletry and makeup bags, evaluating each one for capacity, organization, durability, portability, and leak resistance.

To test capacity, I packed each bag with a realistic mix of skincare, makeup, hair care, and shower products, including brushes, lip products, compacts, full-size bottles, and small hair tools. I looked beyond whether everything technically fit and assessed how the bag performed when full. The best options held a complete routine without bulging, straining at the seams, tipping over, or becoming difficult to zip.

I also evaluated how easy each bag was to organize and use. I looked for practical features such as clear or mesh compartments, elastic loops, brush holders, removable inserts, zippered pockets, and separate sections for wet or spill-prone products. Bags scored higher when I could quickly see and reach what I needed without digging through one large compartment.

For portability, I considered how easily each bag fit into a carry-on or checked suitcase, how comfortable it was to carry, and how convenient it was to use at a hotel or in a small bathroom. Sturdy handles, hanging hooks, lay-flat openings, and collapsible designs all earned extra points.

I also examined the materials and construction, prioritizing toiletry bags that felt durable and were easy to wipe clean. Structured bags were assessed on how well they protected fragile items like palettes and glass bottles, while softer pouches were tested for how easily they compressed without crushing the products inside.

Finally, I sealed and squeezed each bag to check for air leaks, which helped indicate how well it might contain a spill. No toiletry bag is completely leakproof, but the strongest performers offered an extra layer of protection between a leaking bottle and the rest of my luggage.

Best overall: Kusshi Signature Makeup Bag

pink travel makeup case next to picture of open makeup case — Talia Ergas

This pouch can hold over 20 full-size beauty products with room to spare, which is plenty for a week-long trip or more. But what truly sets this versatile bag apart is its ample organization and customization options.

Inside the Kusshi Signature Makeup Bag, there are:

Two mesh slip pockets, for small or oddly shaped items like lipstick or a makeup sponge
A zippered pocket, where I kept cotton swabs and eyeshadow tape
A detachable brush holder with four extra-large slots that can each hold multiple brushes
A zip pocket with plenty of room for lay-flat items like blushes and compacts.

The exterior zipper also opens wide on three sides, allowing the bag to be laid flat while you apply makeup. I found this convenient for locating and removing each of the cosmetics.

I also love that the bag can be used with or without the brush holder. The interior nylon lining can be unzipped and removed, leaving you with a large, single-compartment clamshell case.

As far as aesthetics, this bag comes in a machine-washable fabric (with 15 color options) or a leather version (available in eight hues), which has a removable, machine-washable nylon interior lining.

Best budget: BAGSMART Open Flat Makeup Organizer

black makeup bag exterior next to shot of interior — Talia Ergas/Business Insider

With a lay-flat design when open, this budget-friendly Bagsmart Travel Makeup Bag makes it easy to see everything you packed at a glance — no digging around for a tiny lipstick or eyeliner at the bottom of a pouch. The full-zip opening gives you clear access to each section, which is especially helpful when you're doing your makeup in a hotel bathroom or sharing counter space with someone else.

It also has several convenient organizational features that make it feel more thoughtful than its under-$20 price tag suggests. A clear compartment is ideal for makeup brushes, since you can quickly spot the one you need and keep bristles separate from the rest of your products. I was able to fit six large brushes without issue. Two elastic side pockets are great for fragile compacts, blushes, or palettes you want to keep snugly in place, while the center zip pocket works well for smaller items like lipsticks, liners, cotton swabs, or travel-size tools.

A top handle makes the bag easy to grab from a suitcase, carry to the bathroom, or hang from your wrist while moving between rooms. And when you're not using it, the bag folds flat, so it won't take up much storage space at home.

Best vanity case: Étoile Mini Vanity Case

Side-by-side images of a light purple zippered travel makeup bag. The left image shows the bag closed, with a structured rectangular shape, pebbled texture, and a top handle. The right image shows the bag open and organized with compartments: the top section holds three makeup brushes secured by elastic bands, and the bottom section contains various makeup items including a Laura Mercier tube, a lipstick, eyelash curler, compact, mascara, and more, neatly stored in divided sections. — Samantha Crozier/Business Insider

While makeup pouches are convenient and portable, they don't always protect your delicate palettes. More than once, I've been on vacation and opened my makeup bag to find my eyeshadows cracked. They are delicate and can get smashed in soft-sided bags.

The Mini Vanity Case from Étoile addresses this issue with its structured sides and clever pockets, which keep your makeup in place. Made of leather and reinforced to keep its shape, this case is a great choice for those who have invested a lot in their makeup stash and want to keep it pristine.

In fact, I highly recommend the brand's larger Duo Vanity Case for brides who want to tote all their makeup from hotels to bridal suites. It's pretty big and has an extra pocket on the top, specially made for big palettes.

The organizational insert has lots of clever pockets that perfectly fit mini pallets, brushes, lipsticks, and blushes. I appreciate how organized it keeps everything and how many little nooks and crannies there are for me to fill with various tubes and pots.

However, a structured makeup bag does come with downsides. It takes up more room than other picks on this list, so be aware of that when you're packing. — Samantha Crozier, style editor.

Best waterproof: Portland Gear Cascade Kit

Side-by-side images of a black travel makeup bag. On the left, the bag is shown open with mesh pockets and elastic loops holding makeup brushes, foundation, and perfume. On the right, a top-down view displays the interior packed with travel-sized bottles, toiletries, and beauty essentials, organized in divided compartments. — Portland Gear, Rebecca Strong/Business Insider

Portland Gear really thought of everything when constructing this lightweight, durable toiletry bag. The structured frame around the top allows the bag to stay open when I need it to, there are plenty of pockets to organize all my essentials, and there's even a wet pocket to store anything damp (like, say, a makeup brush I just cleaned).

Not only does the weatherproof material protect my other belongings from any potential spills, but it's also a cinch to wipe down when necessary.

My favorite feature, though, is the exterior zipper pocket. Inside is a sheer mesh zipper pouch that offers total visibility of any items stored inside, plus elastic loop holders to secure smaller items, such as a toothbrush, nail clipper, or comb.

Best clear: Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case

open makeup bag — Talia Ergas/Business Insider

As a beauty editor, I've accumulated quite the makeup collection — and even I had trouble filling this clear cosmetics case from Calpak.

The Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case has a whopping 9.5-liter capacity, in which I toted three eyeshadow palettes, four foundations, 10 blush sticks, six makeup brushes, five blush compacts, four concealers, three highlighters, three contour sticks, and a full-size aerosol makeup spray. I could have easily fit more.

This makes the wipe-down case perfect for long trips or traveling for weddings where you may want to load up your entire makeup stash. Another idea: use one side of the case for toiletries and the other for cosmetics.

Since the bag has two huge compartments with one flat zip pocket, I would probably put items like lipsticks or eyeliners in smaller cases first and stow those smaller cases inside this bag. If you like the design of this bag but find the size daunting, Calpak also makes a 6-liter medium version.

Best designer: Clare V. Vacances

Two side-by-side product photos of a red-and-navy striped toiletry case with a tan leather handle and gold zipper; the left image shows the navy-lined interior filled with makeup, a brush, glasses case, claw clip, and small accessories, while the right shows the case closed against a dark background. — Samantha Crozier/Business Insider

I took this Clare V. cosmetics case on a bachelorette trip to Florida, and it was perfect for the occasion. On one side, I stored my makeup and skincare products, and on the other, I kept all my hair accessories. Since I had lots of cute outfits planned, I naturally had to bring the right accessories — and this case was a godsend for packing them.

The Vacances case is big enough to fit multiple claw clips at once, which I was incredibly grateful for. I love claw clips as a cute, hot-weather hair solution, but they're a pain to pack because they're so breakable and irregularly shaped. This case, however, kept them safe.

I also love how the case opens flat. When you're in front of a mirror doing your makeup, digging through a pouch to locate eyeliner can be incredibly annoying. But it's easy to see what you've packed in this case.

With lots of slip pockets, a center-zippered pouch, and a lay-flat design, this case is just as practical as it is stylish. — Samantha Crozier, style editor.

Best oversized: Caraa Large Vanity Kit

Side-by-side views of the Caraa Vanity Kit toiletry bag. The left image shows the compact, black, zippered exterior of the bag on a wood floor. The right image displays the interior of the bag fully opened and organized — multiple compartments are filled with skincare products, bottles, and other toiletries, including Byoma serum and Air Optix wipes. — Rebecca Strong/Business Insider

If you're packing for a long trip — or simply require a lot of products while traveling (no judgment here) — this oversized toiletry bag is a godsend. There are a whopping nine total pockets and compartments, and each is designed to accommodate different kinds of items.

For example, the dedicated side pocket is well-suited to jewelry, with posts for earrings and hooks for necklaces. The exterior zipper pocket is ideal for grooming accessories and makeup brushes. The main compartment can fit a remarkable number of travel-sized toiletry bottles. It's helpful that a lot of the interior pockets are made with transparent plastic, too, making it easy to find whatever I'm looking for.

I love that I have the option to carry this bag by the top handle, or sling it over my shoulder with the longer strap — and because there's a handy little metal hook on top, I can also hang it in the bathroom or closet.

Best leather: Quince Italian Leather Pouch Travel Set

two green makeup cases next to interior — Talia Ergas/Business Insider

Quince continues to impress with high-quality fabrics (like washable silk, plush cashmere, and even diamond jewelry) at prices about 50-80% off traditional retail costs. The brand's leather bags are no exception.

This 100% top-grain Italian leather makeup bag set is stunning. There are six colors to choose from (I picked olive), and each is outfitted with gold-tone zippers. At $79 for the set, it makes a timeless gift that can be used for years to come.

The Quince makeup pouch set is pretty basic in terms of organizational features (the larger bag has one flush slip pocket), but being able to divide items between two cases is advantageous. If you're trying to maximize packing space, this is a solid bet.

I used the 6.5 x 11 x 3.5-inch bag to stow larger full-size makeup items, and I was able to fit two foundations, a tinted moisturizer, two blushes, five blush/contour/highlight sticks, three lipsticks, a makeup setting spray, and an eyeshadow palette — with room to spare.

In the 5 x 9 x 3-inch clamshell, I carried full-size makeup brushes and a concealer. On shorter trips, you could also use the larger bag for travel-size toiletries (the water-resistant microfiber interior can be wiped clean) and the smaller pouch for makeup. I love that the smaller bag can be nested inside the larger one to save space when it's not in use.

Learn more about our favorite products in our Quince brand review.

Best for a purse: Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer

Two views of a black Dagne Dover makeup bag: the left image shows the bag zipped up with a top handle; the right image shows it open and filled with makeup products, including lipsticks, a blush brush, and other beauty essentials. — Rebecca Strong/Business Insider

If you'd rather not lay your toiletries down flat — say, for fear of spillage — consider this minimalistic toiletry bag. The shape allows you to store even taller bottles upright. Honestly, I plan to use this on my countertop even when I'm not traveling — to make some of my most frequently-used serums, brushes, and other products easy to grab while getting ready.

I like that I can either cram products in loose, or use the removable insert with six different compartments to keep things organized. The elastic loops don't hurt either — there are two shorter ones and two taller ones — for securing items like a toothbrush, travel-sized fragrance bottle, or nail file. There's only one interior zipper pocket, and it's somewhat small, but it is made of mesh for maximum visibility.

As an added bonus, the material couldn't possibly be easier to wipe down and clean.

Read more about our thoughts on the rest of this line in our full Dagne Dover review.

Best mini: Kusshi Everyday Makeup Bag

pink makeup bag next to interior of bag — Talia Ergas/Business Insider

I'm the type to carry a few emergency makeup items (think: lipstick or concealer) in my daily handbag. Kusshi's Everyday Makeup Bag, the same brand little sister of my favorite Signature Makeup Bag, is the perfect daily companion for on-the-go cosmetics.

At 5 x 7.5 x 3.25 inches, it's a smaller version of the Signature bag, except it doesn't include a detachable brush holder/zip compartment (although I was able to fit a medium-size brush in the main compartment).

I got eight full-size makeup items inside, although I had to maneuver a bit to zip it shut. I'd probably recommend using travel-size makeup items in this bag.

Best luxury: Leatherology Clamshell Makeup Bag Set

interior and exterior of two black makeup bags — Talia Ergas/Business Insdier

A set of leather clamshell pouches is a timeless staple that can last for decades — and an excellent gift idea. They can be used to store a variety of items from toiletries and cosmetics to pens and small tech accessories.

Leatherology's Clamshell Bag Set in black croc leather is superiorly stunning thanks to gold-tone hardware and tassled zippers. But it's more than a pretty face.

Measuring 6 x 8.75 x 4.7 inches and 5.2 x 7.25 x 3.75 inches, the cases both have a wide and deep interior great for over-filling. The larger bag, with a convenient interior zip pocket, could easily accommodate 15+ full-size beauty products including brushes. The smaller bag is perfect for lipsticks, nail polishes and concealers. When not in use, the smaller bag nests inside the larger one for easy storage.

FAQs

Can a toiletry bag go in a carry-on?

Yes, you can pack a toiletry bag in your carry-on. TSA does not restrict the size or design of the toiletry bag itself, but liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols must follow the 3-1-1 rule: Each container must hold 3.4 ounces, or 100 milliliters, or less, and all containers must fit inside one clear, quart-size, zip-top bag. Solid toiletries, makeup brushes, and other nonliquid products can be packed separately in a larger toiletry or makeup bag.

What size toiletry bag is TSA-approved?

TSA does not restrict the size of your toiletry bag itself, but liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols in a carry-on must fit inside one clear, quart-size, zip-top bag.

Each container can hold no more than 3.4 ounces, or 100 milliliters, under the TSA's 3-1-1 rule. Solid products, brushes, and other nonliquid toiletries can be packed separately in a larger makeup or toiletry bag. Larger liquid containers should go in checked luggage unless they qualify for an exemption, such as medically necessary products.

Are the rules about carrying liquids different if I'm traveling internationally?

Rules are similar on most international flights, but the required liquids bag may be described as a clear, resealable 1-liter bag rather than a quart-size bag.

The European Union and Canada also generally limit each liquid container to 100 milliliters. Because requirements can vary by country and airport, especially on connecting or return flights, check the rules for every airport you'll pass through before packing.

What material should I choose?

Water-resistant nylon or coated fabrics are travel favorites because they're easy to wipe clean and handle spills well. Leather bags are stylish and more elevated, but they are often heavier and more difficult to clean.

How to care for travel makeup bags

First, always check the care tag on your specific bag to see if there are any specific instructions. After emptying the bag completely, wipe away any excess globs of spilled product with a paper towel, and shake off any debris (like lip pencil shavings) into the trash.

Moisten a washcloth and add a drop or two of mild hand soap or fabric-safe stain remover, and then gently rub any discolored spots with the washcloth. Follow up by dabbing at those same spots with a wet washcloth — no soap this time — to eliminate any residue.

Depending on the material of the exterior, you can also wipe that down with a damp washcloth (if, for example, it's leather), or with a fabric-safe stain remover the same way you spot cleaned the interior.

Let your bag air dry with the top open, upside-down, on top of a towel. If you need to speed up the process — say, because you're packing for another trip — you can use a hairdryer on high speed and warm setting to help dry it out.

Are makeup bags, toiletry bags, and Dopp kits different?

Functionally, yes — though the distinctions have blurred considerably.

Cosmetic or makeup bags are traditionally designed for beauty products. They tend to be smaller, more structured, and more compartmentalized, with features like brush slots, clear panels, and rigid sides that help protect powders and palettes.

Toiletry bags are generally larger and designed to hold a broader mix of bathroom essentials, including skincare, hair care, shower products, and makeup. They often include wipe-clean linings, multiple compartments, and space for both travel-size and full-size bottles.

Dopp kits — a term that originated as a brand name and later became shorthand for a men's toiletry bag — are typically designed for grooming essentials. They're often larger, more flexible in shape, and made from water-resistant materials that can handle liquids and spills.

That said, many modern travel bags blur these lines. Cosmetic bags now often have waterproof linings, while toiletry bags and Dopp kits may include brush holders, clear pockets, and other beauty-focused organization. In practice, the best option comes down to what you pack and how much structure or organization you prefer.

Tips for packing a makeup bag efficiently

Decant full-size products when possible.

Many popular products are available in TSA-approved sizes of 3.4 ounces or less. If a smaller version of any product isn't available, though, you can buy reusable empty travel-sized bottles and dispense a small amount of product into those. This is especially helpful for products you only need a little bit of, like cleanser, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, body wash, or styling cream.

Decanting can also help you save space and avoid bringing bulky full-size bottles you won't come close to finishing on a short trip. Just make sure to label each container clearly — especially if you're packing multiple similar-looking liquids, creams, or gels. It's surprisingly easy to mix up face wash and lotion when they're in identical silicone tubes.

Opt for leak-proof containers

Who wants to deal with spilled body wash — or worse, a pigmented foundation — all over their vacation outfits? That's why it's important to make sure all toiletry containers are leak-proof. Test the closures and ensure they're secure by turning them upside down, shaking them, and checking to see if they might be snapped open during transit. Be careful not to overfill bottles, and if you want some added reassurance for preventing leakage, place your toiletries inside a Ziploc storage bag before storing them inside the toiletry bag.

Use compartments wisely

Be strategic about how you pack your toiletries. Save the more spacious compartments for larger products, and take advantage of smaller pockets for more compact items that might easily get lost (like tweezers or an eye pencil sharpener). Use zip pockets for anything more fragile or delicate, like a travel-sized perfume or cologne in a glass bottle.

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