As the founder of En Route to Rêverie travel atelier, it is safe to say I have mastered how to pack. One thing I am always packing with great care and efficiency are my beauty products. I am someone who doesn’t want to be without my favorite makeup for travel. And I think we should be able to maintain our beauty routine even when away from home.

I so often am sharing packing lists so it’s not surprise that one of my most frequently asked questions is about advice on packing. So today I am sharing some of my favorite travel makeup bags I rely on for my go-to beauty products.

Given I am quite sure we all want to look great in our vacation photos, I promise you that a good makeup bag for travel is absolutely worth the investment and below are my favorites.

12 Best Travel Makeup Bags

Large Travel Makeup Bags

Cuyana Cosmetics Case Duo

I’ve used this set for over a decade and it is still a favorite. It’s been a bestseller for the brand since 2013! The big bag is my preferred large cosmetics bag.

They recently updated it with an easy-to-clean leather interior. So the leather lining wipes clean to protect against makeup mishaps. Clean it by using a damp cloth with a touch of soft soap or micellar water on a cotton pad

These cases are 100% sustainable as certified by the Leather Working Group. This means they affirm that Cuyana leather is tanned in an environmentally responsible way.

It’s also made from a gorgeous, high quality, 100% Argentinian pebbled leather. The brand works with a small, family-owned workshop where each item is cut and assembled by artisans with two generations of experience. The result is truly beautiful makeup bags.

The Large case measures H 7 in. x W 12 in. x D 3.5 in and the Small case included measures H 5 in. x W 8 in. x H 2.5 in. I find they are perfect for travel and put my base makeup products in the small makeup pouch and the rest of everything in the Large.

Alternatively, I’ll put the large in my checked luggage and put some must have essentials for a travel day in the small. 

So many colors are available and it can be personalized! Which happens to make it one of my favorite gifts to give to others! 

This duo is without a doubt one of my most used travel essentials.

Away Cosmetics Bag

For short trips where I don’t need as many makeup products, I’ll reach for just one case and I recently got this Away Toiletries case and really like its size and functionality.

With thoughtfully designed interior organization, The Cosmetics Bag keeps essentials (think makeup, sunscreen, and more) in place along the way. A detachable brush roll snaps to the top lid to keep makeup brushes separate, while the bottom spill-proof compartment features neoprene and clear zip pockets for added storage and accessibility. Zipped closed, the compact makeup bag looks stylish when stored on bathroom counters around the world.

Away makes all my luggage (I’ve been loyal to them for 10+ years) and they also have loads of handy travel accessories I recommend you browse.

Small Travel Makeup Bags

Cuyana Travel Beauty Case

If you prefer a more compact case, consider the brand’s chic

A luxurious design to chicly store and transport your makeup and beauty necessities, crafted from luxurious Italian pebbled leather.

Beis On The Go Essential Case

Designed to stop the pre-flight dig with our two-faced travel companion. Designed to keep your beauty essentials organized from take-off to touch-down with an easy-to-carry handle and a mini-mirror. Tackle your travel beauty routine effortlessly.

Makeup Brush Case

I am so glad I started using these brush cases to carry my makeup brushes. They now no longer get lost in my cosmetic cases and it is a bit more sanitary, too. And they help me save space in my cosmetics cases.

They are under $10 and as they don’t fit more than a couple brushes, I would recommend you buy more than one.  For longer trips I pack two of them.

Clear Travel Makeup Bags

Truffle Clarity Clutches

This pouch may not look like much but it is a god-send for packing liquids. It fits so much and easily is wiped out if any liquids happen to leak. I also love that I can easily see what all is in there and find what I need right away.

These have been a toiletry game changer for my travels and I now have one in nearly every size they make. I use them to store cords, small electronics and other travel accessories. They fit far more than you might anticipate!

The mini is perfect for in-flight toiletry essentials, too or doing touch ups when you arrive to your destination. Bonus points for being TSA approved.

Truffle Jet Set Cases

These Jetset Cases are also so good. They fit so much more than you’d imagine! And are TSA approved.

The zipper closures secure everything and ensure easy access to what you need without having to hunt for it.

Beis In Flight Cosmetic Set

These TSA approved toiletry bags were made to nest within each other for easy storage and there’s even a little removable standing mirror for an in-flight touch ups if needed. 

Travel Makeup Bags with Compartments

Beis Cosmetic Case

I don’t own this one but it is similar to the Away one and well reviewed. I’ve seen a lot of frequent travels talk about loving this cosmetics case on social media.

It’s spill-proof and even comes with a mirror for en route touch-ups. Pretty brilliant. There’s a removable brush holder that pops out, too and truly just loads of helpful storage compartments.

Rare Beauty Puffy Toiletry Bag

I don’t own this one but I’ve heard great things on social media about how much it fits!

It features two roomy layers which means more space for all your makeup, toiletries, and related accessories.

The soft top compartment is made of lightweight nylon with a smooth-zip opening for grab-and-go items. The structured bottom compartment opens wide for easy packing, with an interior mesh zip pocket for smaller items.

It’s also got a collapsible handle for easy tote-ability; durable and was designed to be easy to wipe clean.

Hanging Cosmetics Bags

Away Hanging Cosmetics Case

I just bought this hanging cosmetic case to bring on longer trips! I saw a friend travel with one and was sold. 

The Away Hanging Toiletry Bag is made with water-resistant nylon and a coated spill-proof interior. It’s thoughtfully designed with a small hook so you can hang it on a door or wall and contains three mesh pouches that provide easy storage and convenient access to your favorite travel essentials.

There’s also a clear, removable pouch for smaller items or liquid products.

Designer Travel Makeup Bag

Celine Large Cosmetics Pouch

To be honest, I bought this as a carry-all to run out of the house but do end up using it for my makeup bag on short trips. That being said, I don’t think I’d recommend it because there’s no interior pocket which drives me crazy. It means there’s no place to stash things like hair ties or Q-tips.

It does fit well in my favorite carry on suitcase, however.

The RealReal has some good Celine cosmetics bags if you’d like one for less.

How To Pack A Travel Makeup Bag

Buy Minis

There’s really no need to be bringing full size products on a trip in my opinion. I buy minis of all my favorite go-to beauty products for both makeup and skincare so I am never without my favorite products but am not having to bring full size items with me which leaves more room in my travel makeup bags! 

Travel sized products should be your go-tos when packing makeup for travel. Sephora has an amazing selection of Minis to shop.

A few favorite minis I always, always travel with? This Saie primer I can’t be without + the Charlotte Tillbury Flawless Filter I love to layer over it before I apply my beloved Erborian BB Cream and/or my favorite Armani Luminous Foundation , the best One/Size setting spray that makes makeup last all day on long travel days spent out exploring, this bronzer/highlighter duo that does double duty, my favorite little contour stick, my favorite cream blush (+ this powder blush that layers well over it!), one of my go-to lip combos of this liner + lipstick, my favorite setting powder and this little eyeshadow palette that’s versatile. 

Consider Leak Proof Containers

You may want to pack hair products or skincare products in more leak proof containers you can find on Amazon. I like the Cadence sets, too.

Prioritize your Makeup Essentials

You can never bring your entire makeup collection of course so prioritize making your travel makeup your true makeup essentials and the products you truly can’t live without.

Pack Multi-Purpose Products

Similarly, prioritize multi-purpose products. To ensure you’re not overpacking and adding too much weight to your suitcase, prioritize bringing multi-purpose products such as items that work for both cheeks and lips. I particularly like this bronzer/highlighter duo that does double duty.

Consider Compartments

The reason I love the set so much is because they have pockets for smaller items I want to compartmentalize like Q-tips, hair ties, small travel size perfume bottles, etc. 

Make a Check List

After forgetting key things like mascara or eyeliner or setting spray one too many times, I created a little check list for myself on my iPhone in Notes that includes all the products I need to pack and don’t ever want to be without. 

If you’d like even more packing help, don’t miss my How to Pack Makeup for Travel guide, my Packing and Travel Hacks to Swear By and my Must-Haves for International Travel. And you can of course feel free to ask any questions in the Comments below.

If you’re looking for more affordable options, be sure to check out the selection of travel makeup bags on Amazon.

Shop the Travel Makeup Cases

 

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• How to Plan a Trip to France.

 

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