These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage. Additionally, liquids, gels and lotions purchased beyond the checkpoint must be disposed of before boarding the aircraft. You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids.

Whether the TSA will throw away your lip gloss depends entirely on its consistency and volume. Under the 3-1-1 liquids rule, the TSA classifies liquid lip gloss, gels, and pastes as "liquids" because they can be poured, pumped, or spread. These must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and placed inside a single, quart-sized clear plastic bag. If you carry a large tube of liquid gloss that exceeds this limit in your carry-on, or if you have too many liquid items to fit in your one allotted bag, security officers may confiscate and discard them. Interestingly, solid lipsticks and wax-based lip balms (like Chapstick) are considered solids and are not subject to these restrictions. To avoid losing expensive cosmetics, it is best to pack large glosses in checked luggage or ensure your carry-on items are travel-sized and properly bagged. The final decision always rests with the individual TSA officer at the checkpoint, so following the guidelines strictly is the only way to guarantee your items won't be tossed.