Does makeup have to follow the 311 rule?

TSA Rules for Makeup Are gels, creams, and other semi-fluid liquids counted, or are they exempt? The bottom line is that basically anything with moisture is considered a liquid and must abide by the 3-1-1 rule.



Yes, liquid, gel, and aerosol makeup must strictly follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage. This means items like foundation, mascara, lip gloss, and liquid eyeliner must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and all fit inside a single, quart-sized, clear plastic bag. However, solid makeup—such as powder blush, eyeshadow palettes, solid lipsticks, and eye pencils—does not count as a liquid and can be carried in your bag in any quantity without restriction. This is a common point of confusion; if you can pour it, pump it, or spread it (like a cream), it’s a liquid. Items like makeup wipes are also a "pro-traveler" loophole, as they are considered solids and do not need to go in your liquids bag. In 2026, while some airports with advanced CT scanners allow you to leave your liquids in your bag, the 100ml volume limit per container still applies globally. To save space in your one allowed clear bag, it is best to pack your "solid" cosmetics separately in a standard makeup bag.

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The 3-1-1 rule basically states that all liquids must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces or smaller, and all of your carry-on liquids must fit in one clear, quart-sized bag. This rule applies to all sorts of everyday items, like sunscreen, makeup, lotion, and shampoo.

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You've just gotta have it. Makeup in a solid or powder form is allowed in carry-on and checked bags with no quantity or size limitations. However, when packed in carry-on bags, makeup in a liquid, lotion, gel, paste or creamy form, must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less.

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Generally, any item that is in a liquid, gel, or aerosol form and is over 100ml/3.4 fl. oz is considered a liquid by the airport security. The list also includes other beauty products such as foundation, moisturiser, and hairspray.

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The Bottom Line. Chapstick, lipstick, and solid lip balms are not considered liquids by the TSA and can be thrown into your handbag or carry-on without any issues. Liquid lip gloss, jars of petroleum lip balm, and other lip care liquids must be placed in your clear liquids bag for security checkpoint screening.

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You've just gotta have it. Makeup in a solid or powder form is allowed in carry-on and checked bags with no quantity or size limitations. However, when packed in carry-on bags, makeup in a liquid, lotion, gel, paste or creamy form, must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less.

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TSA has a limit on the size of liquids, gels and aerosols that travelers can bring in their carry-on bags. It's called the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Each item must be 3.4 ounces or less and must be able to fit inside a one-quart size clear zip-top bag. The limit is one bag per person.

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However, when packed in carry-on bags, makeup in a liquid, lotion, gel, paste or creamy form, must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. You can take as many travel-sized liquids as you can comfortably fit into one quart-sized, zip-top bag. One liquids bag is allowed per passenger in carry-on bags.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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All liquids, including lipstick, must be placed in a clear, plastic quart-sized bag. Each passenger is allowed only one bag, which should be presented for inspection at the security checkpoint. If you're bringing your lipstick in your checked baggage, there are no restrictions on the size or quantity.

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TSA considers tweezers to be completely safe, so they're allowed on planes. You can pack tweezers in hand or checked baggage without any packing restrictions. But TSA doesn't allow packing sharp objects in hand baggage because some of them could be used as potential weapons.

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Safety Razors: Because the razor blades are so easy to remove, safety razors are not permitted in your carry-on luggage with the blade. They're fine to pack in your carry-on without the blade. The blades must be stored in your checked luggage. The same applies for straight razors.

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