The best travel makeup bags: compact, clear, hardshell, hanging, and more.
Packing can become a hassle, especially if you don’t have the right bags to stow away all of your belongings. So, when it comes to cosmetics, having a high-quality travel makeup bag is essential. If they aren’t securely put away, it’s easy for products to get tossed around in the car or on a plane, and the last thing you want is for your favorite $60 eyeshadow palette to shatter. There’s no worse feeling than getting to your hotel after a long travel day and opening your makeup bag to broken products.
Not only will a good bag keep your coveted products in pristine condition, but it will also keep them in one location so you don’t lose anything at your final destination. Even better, some cases are designed with different pockets or dividers so you can easily display your beauty products on a hotel vanity or have hooks and drop-down compartments so you can hang them on the back of a door. Whatever your needs, ahead we’ve rounded up the best travel makeup bags so you can easily pack for your next trip. Bon voyage!
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The Best Travel Makeup Bags
The best compact makeup bag: Kusshi Everyday Makeup Bag ($89; kusshi.com)
For everyday commuting or quick trips, pack your favorite makeup products in this stylish leather bag. It’s small enough to fit in your purse but holds more than you would think, thanks to inner mesh pockets and a roomy compartment that opens wide. Also nice: The nylon interior insert is machine washable.
The best double-compartment makeup bag: Sonia Kashuk Weekender Makeup Bag ($20; target.com)
The handle on this briefcase-style travel makeup bag makes it easy to carry while on the go. It features two zip compartments and a center organizer to keep products secure and separate. Plus, it has mesh lining and opens flat so you can easily see everything inside. You can use it to pack your skincare, makeup, and other personal care items.
The best clear cosmetic case: Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case ($65; calpak.com)
If you’re taking your beauty products with you on an airplane, consider using a clear travel bag to easily get through TSA without security having to finger through your belongings. This travel bag features interior pockets to keep things separated and a semi-hardshell lining for added protection.
The best caboodle-style cosmetic case: NISHEL Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag ($28; amazon.com)
When your travel makeup bag is this big, you can take all of your favorites with you. This caboodle-style case features two tiers with cushion separators to securely hold things in place, plus an inner zip compartment big enough to hold an eye shadow palette. There’s even a zip pocket on top with 20 slots for brushes of different sizes.
The best waterproof makeup bag: Herschel Chapter Travel Kit ($35; nordstrom.com)
This is for all adventurous travelers. The drop kit style bag is waterproof and easily wipes clean. It features one roomy compartment, plus an interior and exterior pocket. Depending on your needs, choose from one of two sizes but we find that the 9 1/2″ bag is perfect for packing beauty products.
The best eco-friendly cosmetic bag: Pulp Fusion Traveler Cosmetics Bag ($30; pulpfiction.com)
For those environmentally-conscious travelers, this biodegradable and renewable makeup bag can hold your favorite products. The main compartment is super spacious with an interior pocket, and the bottom zipper pouch provides extra storage. Plus, its waterproof construction safeguards those important makeup products you can’t be without, and it collapses flat when not in use.
The best multi-use makuep bag: Tarte Travel In Style Makeup Bag ($22; tartecosmetics.com)
This bag is reminiscent of a designer handbag with its luxurious quilted fabric and gold chain, so it can double as a clutch. It’s big enough to hold all of your makeup essentials when packed away, or you can toss in a lipstick, concealer, passport, and credit card while out to dinner or at the beach.
The best soft cosmetic case: Revolution Beauty Soft Glamour Cosmetic Case ($9; revolutionbeauty.com)
This standing pink cosmetic bag can hold brushes, lip glosses, makeup sponges and mascaras while you travel. Pack inside of your carry-on suitcase or hold it in your hand with the handle for easy transport.
The best hanging cosmetic bag: Parisian Stripe Hanging Weekender ($22; containerstore.com)
For those longer trips, take advantage of a hanging cosmetic case. With three drop down compartments, this bag can hold everything you need in an organized manner. The attached hook hangs on a door or a shower rod for easy access while the mesh pockets let you see what’s inside.
The best hardshell cosmetic case: Mark And Graham Terminal 1 Cosmetics Case ($99; markandgraham.com)
This lightweight polycarbonate hardshell makeup bag is perfect for any kind of travel, as it won’t collapse and crush your products. Designed to maximize space, it features four top open pockets, two side open pockets, two front open pockets, and six elastic straps to secure brushes. You can also choose to get it personalized if you’d like to make it uniquely your own.
The best flat cosmetic case: Stephanie Johnson Miami Claire Medium Makeup Case ($40; nordstrom.com)
Fill this colorful cosmetic case to the brim with lipsticks, complexion products, brushes, and more to take with you on your next trip. It’s spacious yet fits in any size bag, and the top-zip design opens all the way around so you can easily access your makeup. Plus, the material is transparent and water-resistant.
