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Don’t @ us if you see us wearing some of these as clutches IRL. Aluminum Carrying Case
Don’t get me wrong: I love traveling, but what I don't love is figuring out how to pack my sunscreen, moisturizer, skincare, and makeup in my luggage without creating a mess. The answer? Stocking up on the best makeup bags and toiletry cases to fit my 10-step skincare routine and a pile of neutral eyeshadow palettes for a three-day vacay. I'm talkin' bags that not only have compartments for organizing, but are also roomy enough to fit everything I need, and are also easy to wipe down and clean.
But the best makeup bag for you definitely comes down to preference and what type of traveler you are—which is why I did the research for you and rounded up the 19 best makeup bags for every situation, from train cases that won’t leak perfume and nail polish everywhere to tiny bags to hold lipstick inside your purse to clear bags for the most organized travelers. Yup, seriously, every type of makeup bag. Here’s a peek:
✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in August 2023 to add new makeup bags, complete with specs and reviews, and delete outdated oldies, just for you.
Without further ado, here are the best travel makeup bags, because you deserve the best of the best, bb. Then, keep reading for everything you need to know to choose the best makeup bag for your needs.
If you see me using this clutch IRL, keep walking! This clutch is so stylish and roomy enough to fit even the third or fourth blush you swear you need (relatable). My favorite part is obvi the design, but the soft buttery feel, as per reviewers, is a testament to the quality of vegan leather used.
THE REVIEWS: “I’ve been eyeing this clutch for some time. I decided to purchase and I am so happy I did,” writes one reviewer. “The vegan leather is buttery soft while still holding its structure open and closed. It holds a fair amount. I store my skin care and makeup for the day. I also love the simple and elegant aesthetic. I’m so happy I found this brand. It’s a great quality bag and well worth the purchase!”
I’m a Rare Beauty stan first and a human second. That being said, this toiletry bag’s double-layer design is hard to beat. If there’s one thing you can always count on the brand to have, it’s good packaging, and this bag is no different. The top compartment has a smooth zipper, so you can easily access (or stuff in some last-minute goodies) while on-the-go. While it does have a soft exterior, it also has a durable structured bottom to ensure none of your items break while in transit.
THE REVIEWS: “I love the color of this bag, it has great space inside; with 3 different compartments, one side has a zipper bag attached great for brushes, eye liners, and lip liners,” writes one reviewer. “It's a sturdy bag with a nice handle but the puffiness gives it a smooth soft touch. Overall great quality and I really like the look.”
Here ye all last-minute packers, this portable makeup organizer will actually make you feel organized amidst the chaos. It has transparent mesh pouches, removable storage cubes, and multiple zippered compartments, so you can easily separate your liquids, powders, brushes, and more. And if you tend to just throw your makeup bag into your luggage with no abandon, you'll love how durable this is, thanks to a faux-leather exterior that helps prevent your products from getting crushed.
THE REVIEWS: “I have a TON of makeup—seriously, a ton—and I was able to fit my entire collection, including makeup brushes, into this bag without anything breaking,” a tester writes. “I've also grabbed one of the smaller square cases for short trips, and it holds more than what you need. I'm just always in awe of how much product this holds and how cute, chic, and simple it is.”
I hate opening my makeup bag after a six-hour flight and seeing my products in a complete disarray, which is why I switched to this travel makeup bag. It has removable velcro dividers, slots for makeup brushes, and elastic holders for tweezers and nail clippers, which helps to keep everything tidy. And surprisingly, it's pretty spacious too—like, I was even able to fit a whole Dyson Airwrap inside when I pulled out the compartments.
THE REVIEWS: "I love this makeup caddy,” one tester writes. “The only bad thing —which is also a good thing—is that it’s HUGE! It fits all of my makeup in it without a problem. I like the dividers and that they are movable, because I like to keep things organized.”
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the gazillion makeup bags on amazon, check out this best-seller with more than 3,800+ five-star reviews rave reviews. And it makes sense: The bag has three layers, complete with pockets on each side and elastic brush slots, all of which allows you to easily fit a medium-size eyeshadow palette, a couple of makeup brushes, and the rest of your go-to products. It’s also water-resistant and easy to clean, thanks to its faux-leather finish, which means this bb will last you a few trips before you’ll have to throw it in the wash.
THE REVIEWS: “Fits everything I need,” writes one tester. “Small enough to fit nicely into my bag. Not sure if it's waterproof but great material and is super durable. It's also just damn pretty. Top shelf bag. Will buy again and give as a gift.”
If your travel makeup bags tend to look dingy and stained after a few trips, you’ll be happy to know this one is made with a faux leather exterior that is essentially the antithesis to all of that. First of all, it’s sturdy and structured, so it won’t get crushed and dinged up in your suitcase, but it can also easily be wiped down if it gets makeup or dust on the outside from traveling.
THE REVIEWS: “The bag is incredibly stylish and comes in a variety of colors and patterns to suit anyone's taste,” writes one tester. “The material is high quality and easy to clean, so it always looks great no matter how often I use it. Another great thing about this makeup bag is that it's versatile enough to use for other purposes as well.”
This soft (yet structured) makeup train case is actually super similar to the cases used by professional makeup artists. It has adjustable, removable dividers (so you can organize your products in the slots however you want), along with a zippered side pocket, four elastic pouches for your brushes (or mascaras, lipsticks, eyeliners, etc.), and a flap that flips over and velcros everything snugly in place.
THE REVIEWS: “This makeup bag has so many different compartments, as well as a velcro pouch that fits all your brushes, tweezers, or lip liners,” writes one tester in a review. “I love this bag because if you have certain eyeshadow palettes that don’t fit, you can move around the sections and rearrange it to your liking.”
I saw the Beis Weekender bag go viral on TikTok, so obvi, I had to then try out its cousin, The Dopp Kit, when I needed a new makeup bag. First of all, this zippered toiletry bag is deceptively large. The top opens up like a bucket, allowing you to stuff a full bottle of dry shampoo, multiple concealers, and three or four lipsticks inside, and then still have more space. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a flat bottom compartment that can fit your skincare products, eyeshadow palettes, and contour kits.
THE REVIEWS: “My mind is blown!” one reviewer writes. “The Dopp Kit is brilliant! I never knew how much I needed a bag that has this style opening—until now. I love the design, features, space, and overall quality. This went above and beyond my expectations.”
I love a compact and large makeup bag as the next traveler, but sometimes I like to have both options, okay? Which is why this three-piece cosmetic set from Amazon is a must when traveling because it comes with two large bags that’ll easily fit into my carry on, along with a small-sized bag that I can snugly tuck away in my purse or tote bag. Inside the larger bags are two small pouches that fit the small-sized bag inside by attaching it with the velcro backing, along with multiple compartments and brush slots. Essentially, this whole set is an organizer’s dream.
THE REVIEWS: “These are constructed well and are the perfect size for my travel-sized shower products,” writes one tester. “The two small rose-gold pouches come inside the two larger green bags and can be attached to the inside with velcro—pretty cool!”
Glossier may be known for their dewy serum and moisturizing lip balms, but they ~did the thing~ with this massive makeup bag. I mean, I can fit all my brushes, curl creams, and skincare essentials sitting upright in this spacious tote, meaning less spilling and toppling over for my liquids. Plus, it’s got tons of compartments to tidily store all of my products, like the removable inner pouch where I tend to put lip glosses and eyeliners.
THE REVIEWS: “This bag is perfect!,” one reviewer notes. “I was a little worried it would be a bit too big, because I wanted a nice little cute bag and I don't have a lot of make-up. However, it turned out fine! I am so excited to use this bag and tote it around with me everywhere!”
Wait, we had the right idea organizing our makeup with Caboodles as kids, because this travel makeup bag is super durable for kid and adult-size makeup alike. It has a hard shell that keeps everything safe (see: my many cracked blushes from TSA getting rough with my checked bag), and inside, there’s a flip-lid mirror to help you do your makeup on the go. And if you’ve got a lot of tiny little accessories (hi, me), the tray that slides out is perfect for storing bobby pins, earrings, and hair ties that normally get lost in your makeup bag.
THE REVIEWS: “I needed something to organize my makeup, and this perfectly fits the bill,” a tester notes. “It's a great size, way bigger than I expected, and there's tons of room too. Neatly folds up and takes up very little counter space.”
The best makeup bag for me is one that’ll stand my products up so they don’t spill in transit (rip to all the liquid foundations I’ve lost over the years). Enter: This collapsible padded makeup bag, which is lined with elastic pockets to keep all your makeup products in place and standing upright. And on the off chance that there is spillage, the bag is thankfully lined with plastic to make clean-up super quick.
THE REVIEWS: “I got this to put my hairspray, makeup, shampoo, etc. in for travel, and it has worked so well!” one reviewer writes. “It stays closed in my suitcase and comes with a couple smaller pouches for makeup brushes and other small items.”
This hanging cosmetics bag is surprisingly spacious and honestly just excellent for organizing in a hotel or Airbnb bathroom. Just unzip the sides, and you’ll find a hook so that you can hang this portable organizer on the back of a door, towel hook, or in your closet. The middle opens up to four waterproof and transparent pockets for your toothbrush, foundations, face oil, etc.
THE REVIEWS: "The toiletry bag is vary spacious yet easily fits into most luggage," writes one reviewer. "The removable plastic pouch lets you conveniently store liquids and carry separately. Highly Recommend"
If you just want to throw your makeup into a bag and move on with your life, then you’ll prob appreciate this drawstring makeup pouch. It flattens out to act as a mat to lay out all of your products while you’re doing your makeup. Then, when you’re done, just pull the drawstring for the bag to close. And if there are any messes or spills, toss the pouch in the wash (ahem, this polyester material is easy af to clean).
THE REVIEWS: “Such a great concept,” a tester writes. “Just throw your makeup and brushes in the bag, drawstring, and go! So easy to open, lay out, and organize at your destination and have everything right at your fingertips.”
It’s no secret that a major amount of travel bags on the market more or less have the same type of vibe (aka neutral colors). If you’re looking for a bit more oomph, Cuyana’s offering include two pebbled leather pouches: one larger bag for storing toiletries and tools, and a smaller pouch for smaller items like hair ties or bobby-pins. The set is available in 14 leather shades and can even be monogrammed.
I hate having to rummage through my travel makeup bag for eons to find what I’m looking for. So, obviously, I was elated when I saw this clear Calpak makeup case, which makes finding the one brown lip pencil you brought take only a few seconds. It’s quite spacious, thanks to the two transparent compartments that give you plenty of packing options (i.e., I love putting skincare on one side and makeup on the other). And because it’s made with a faux-leather lining around the edges, it doesn’t get misshapen from all the flopping around in your suitcase.
THE REVIEWS: “I had no idea how convenient I’d find this bag,” one reviewer writes. “Now I need it in every size! Being able to see exactly what I’m hunting for before digging for it? Game changer.”
I like to travel ~in style~ and also make sure everyone knows which bag is mine on the girls’ trip, which is why I love this personalized makeup bag. You can add a custom monogram, including your initials or a cute little emoji, that’s hand-painted to the exterior or in gold or silver foil on the handle. But style aside, this bag is also A+ for travel, thanks to its semi-clear case that makes digging for your products way easier.
THE REVIEWS: “This vanity is very well made and elegant looking,” a tester writes. “I love the see-through sides and the classic colored top. The carry handle works great and the case holds a lot. A nice travel staple.”
Sry to fellow beauty eds everywhere, but I've lost multiple Fenty Gloss Bombs because they got lost in my purse. Enter: This teeny makeup bag that fits inside my bag and keeps my makeup from collecting dust at the bottom. I also love that it's made of canvas, which means I can throw it in the wash every few weeks when it needs a lil ~refresh~.
THE REVIEWS: “I don’t wear much makeup; however, having this beautiful bag is perfect,” one reviewer writes. “I am enjoying every moment. Small enough for my bag and just right for taking my makeup with me.”
My mom has been using this pouch for decades and for good reason: It’s petite enough to fit in your weekender bag or tote bag, but also large enough to fit your lipsticks and compact mirrors. And yup, it’s super durable, per the fact that my mom’s been using the same one (!) all this time, since she just wipes down the water-resistant vinyl material.
THE REVIEWS: “A classy classic statement clutch is what every fashionista needs,” writes one tester. “It’s waterproof and quickly identifiable in your purse or luggage. The downside to buying this item is that I have to replace it often, because my daughter, sister, and friends keep taking mine! LOL.”
You don’t need a makeup bag, necessarily, but you might seriously appreciate it to help organize your stuff, especially while traveling. Instead of scattering your makeup, skincare, and hair products throughout your suitcase or weekender bag, compiling it all into an organized makeup pouch can save you a lot of time and energy. But you also might prefer to store your daily makeup or skincare favorites in a makeup bag even when you’re at home. Which brings us to…
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC's newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you'll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
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