Makeup on Hand Luggage: Carry On Rules Explained

Posted by

February 14, 2026

On February 20, 2026

I remember standing in security at an airport, watching a woman right in front of me toss away half of her makeup bag. Foundation. Setting spray. An expensive serum. The entire bottle was gone.
She kept saying, “I didn’t know.”

That’s the real issue.

So many travelers don’t understand the rules around makeup on hand luggage until it’s already too late. By the time security steps in, there’s no arguing, no saving products, just regret and a plastic bin filling up fast.

If you’re packing your bag for a trip and wondering which beauty items are safe to carry, what belongs in checked luggage, and what might get taken away at the airport, this guide is here to save you stress, money, and maybe a little heartache too.

Let’s simplify it.

Table of Contents

Can You Take Makeup on Hand Luggage?

Absolutely, you can.

But not all makeup products are accepted at security checkpoints at airports.

Solid materials are typically of good quality.

Liquids must adhere to strict volume guidelines.

This is where people are confused.

When airlines discuss restrictions on liquids it’s not just about drinking water or other drinks. The security rules for liquid makeup at airports apply to numerous cosmetic items too.

Foundation? Liquid.

Mascara? Liquid.

Lip gloss? Liquid.

Setting spray? Liquid.

Certain creams fall into the category of liquid.

Knowing the difference is important.

Here is our carefully choosen All in one Portable Makeup Set, Cosmetic Kit With Storage Bag for your travel ease.

The 100ml Rule (This Is Where Most Mistakes Happen)

If you’re carrying your makeup on hand luggage, each liquid product you carry must:

be less than 100ml for each container
Fit inside a transparent 1-liter zip bag
Be shown separately during screening

It doesn’t matter whether your bottle is empty to the brim.

If the container is marked 150ml, it’s not permitted.

There was a time when I carried toner of 120ml that was empty of any remaining inside. Security didn’t even care. It was put in the garbage.

A painful lesson.

Now, I make sure to check the sizes prior to packing everything.

Worried about organizing your Make up kit, Try this Travel Makeup Bag with LED Mirror

Carry On Makeup Rules: What’s Allowed vs Restricted

Here’s a quick comparison table to help make things more clear.

Makeup Item	Allowed in Hand Luggage?	Notes
Powder foundation	Yes	No liquid restriction
Lipstick (solid)	Yes	No problems
Mascara	Yes	It is essential to follow the 100ml rule
Liquid foundation	Yes	Only 100ml under the limit.
Setting spray	Yes	Under 100ml
Nail polish	Yes	Under 100ml
Perfume	Yes	Under 100ml
Wipes to remove makeup	Yes	No liquid rule

The majority of products are permitted.

The issue is the size rather than the right to access.

How Much Makeup Should You Actually Pack?

This is where the makeup travel packing tips are useful.

Just that you have the ability to carry everything, does not mean that you have to.

I used to carry everything I needed for my daily routine. Complete palette. Multiple lip shades. Back-up foundation.

On the third visit I came to a conclusion.

You don’t often make use of all of the things.

For trips that are short I usually pack:

One foundation
One compact powder
One neutral palette
One mascara
One lipstick
Mini skincare essentials

It helps save space. Also, your cabin bag’s cosmetics allowance will be less messy.

Travel is about reducing. Even your routine for beauty.

Cabin Bag Cosmetics Allowance – What Airlines Expect

Airline companies don’t typically limit the quantity of cosmetics available.

They limit the volume of liquid.

The clear bag of your liquid must generally contain:

up to 1 liter in total
Individual containers under 100ml

In theory, you are able to carry several small bottles.

Space runs out quickly.

If your makeup bag bags is overstuffed security might request for you to unpack it.

It’s not fun when there’s a long line ahead of you.

A Must Read: Best Travel Essentials for International Trips from the UK

Organizing Makeup on Hand Luggage the Smart Way

Here’s how I organize it right now.

Liquids are placed in a transparent TSA-approved pouch.

All makeup products should be kept in a separate makeup bag.

Brushes are covered with soft cloths to protect the brushes.

This prevents delays.

It also prevents anxiety.

Since you’re digging through your bag while you wait in line? Stressful.

International Flights vs Domestic Flights

The positive side?

Liquid makeup airport security IS generally the same across the globe.

If you’re flying from London, Dubai, New York or Singapore the 100ml rule is applicable to all international airports.

Smaller airports within the United States can be a little sluggish.

But don’t assume.

Always pack your bags as if the regulations are very strict.

So you’re never amazed.

Makeup on Hand Luggage vs Checked Baggage

Sometimes it is sensible to divide your cosmetics.

Here’s an easy comparision:

Factor	Hand Luggage	Checked Luggage
Access During Flight	Yes	No
Risk of Spillage	Low (controlled)	Medium
Risk of Loss	Low	Higher
Liquid Limits	100ml rule	No limit on the number of people you can have
Fragile Items Safety	Safer	Could break

If you’re carrying expensive items store them in your bag.

Checked baggage gets dumped around more often than you imagine.

I discovered this the compact that was smashed inside my backpack once. There was a lot of powder everywhere.

Not the best.

Expensive Makeup – Where Should It Go?

If it’s important Keep it in your possession.

High-end palettes.

Serums of luxury.

Limited edition products.

Checked baggage may be delayed or even lost.

Your routine for makeup shouldn’t be based on the performance of an airline.

Common Mistakes With Makeup on Hand Luggage

The packing of full-size products.

The mistake of not realizing that mascara is considered liquid.

The transparent pouch should be filled to the top.

Aerosol sprays that you carry without consulting airline regulations.

In the assumption that “travel size” automatically means less than 100ml. Always read the label.

Little mistakes But costly mistakes.

FAQs

1. Can I bring makeup on hand luggage?

Yes, both solid and liquid makeup are allowed. Liquids must follow the 100ml rule.

2. Does mascara count as liquid at airport security?

Yes, mascara is considered liquid and must be under 100ml.

3. Is powder makeup allowed in cabin baggage?

Yes, powder products are generally unrestricted.

4. Can I take perfume in hand luggage?

Yes, if the bottle is 100ml or less.

5. Should I pack makeup in checked luggage instead?

You can, but expensive or essential items are safer in your cabin bag.

Final Thoughts

Makeup on hand luggage doesn’t have to be complicated.

It’s not about restricting your routine.

It’s about understanding simple carry on makeup rules and packing smarter.

Once you know the 100ml rule, separate solids from liquids, and organize your pouch properly, airport security becomes routine instead of stressful.

Travel should feel exciting.

Not like you’re saying goodbye to your favorite foundation at a security bin.