What type of makeup can I take on a plane?

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.



In 2026, the type of makeup you can take on a plane depends strictly on its physical state (solid vs. liquid) and your choice of bag. Solid makeup—such as pressed powder, blush cakes, standard lipsticks, and eye pencils—can be packed in any quantity in both carry-on and checked luggage with no restrictions. However, "liquid" makeup—which the TSA defines as anything "spreadable, squeezable, or sprayable"—is subject to the 3-1-1 rule. This includes items like liquid foundation, mascara, lip gloss, nail polish, and creams. Each of these must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, and all must fit inside a single, quart-sized clear plastic bag. If you have full-sized bottles of luxury skin creams or foundations, they must go in your checked luggage. A popular "travel hack" for 2026 is switching to solid versions of beauty products, such as "stick" foundations or "shampoo bars," to save space in your liquids bag. Remember that even if a bottle is only half-full, the TSA bases the rule on the container size; a 5oz bottle with only 1oz of cream left will still be confiscated at security.

People Also Ask

TSA counts mascara as a liquid, so the 3-1-1 rule for packing it in hand luggage applies. It states that all liquids have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller and packed in a 1-quart bag. Mascara usually isn't above 3.4 oz, so you're free to pack it in your hand luggage.

MORE DETAILS

TSA explicitly states anything in liquid form—from mascara to nail polish—must be packed into a clear quart bag.

MORE DETAILS

You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

If you want to take perfume on a plane, you need to keep in mind that perfume is considered a liquid and is subject to TSA regulations. The perfume must be in a container that holds no more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres), and it should be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag for screening.

MORE DETAILS

Traveling with cleaning or disinfecting #wipes? Pre-moistened wipes are allowed in carry-on luggage. They do not need to be placed in your travel-size liquids bag.

MORE DETAILS

Stick deodorant is fine in any size. Well, almost any size… Powders and crystals are good to go as well. Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

MORE DETAILS

The TSA prohibits containers with more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in carry-on luggage, so if you have a liquid or semi-liquid antiperspirant, be sure to check the quantity on the container. For example, many stick deodorants and antiperspirants come in sizes under 3.4 ounces, so it's fine to bring in your carry-on bag.

MORE DETAILS

Know the Rules, Keep Liquids Under 100ml Don't risk it. Always check your moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation bottles to see how much the container holds. If it's over 100ml you'll either need to pack it in your checked bag or decant some of it into a 100ml (3.4 ounce) container.

MORE DETAILS

TSA counts mascara as a liquid, so the 3-1-1 rule for packing it in hand luggage applies. It states that all liquids have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller and packed in a 1-quart bag. Mascara usually isn't above 3.4 oz, so you're free to pack it in your hand luggage.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

But what are they, and is deodorant considered a liquid when flying? Deodorant can be considered a liquid when flying if it is in a gel or aerosol form. If your deodorant is solid, though, the TSA will let you bring a standard stick of solid deodorant with you in your carry-on luggage.

MORE DETAILS