Makeup bags require special consideration while traveling due to the delicacy of the items they carry, not to mention the potential mess that awaits you inside the makeup bag when you reach your destination.
Don’t worry, though, we’ll guide you through some of the best travel makeup bags out there so you’ll be prepared for your next trip.
Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Makeup Bag
Consider the factors below before deciding on a makeup bag. The best choice has a lot to do with the adjustments you can make, the size of the bag itself, and its materials and design. Of course, having a wide choice of colors isn’t a bad thing either.
Most importantly, the bag needs to maintain its structure throughout your journey, as it’s likely to be packed in tight with the rest of your luggage. To prevent your makeup from jostling and spilling, consider the following factors.
Bag Material
Some of the best makeup bag materials are canvas, nylon, and leather, but you can also pick a bag made of softer plastic blends. The chances are that you will be using the bag a lot while traveling, so an aesthetically-pleasing material couldn’t hurt.
Hot Tip: You can also match the material and design to your purse if you want to carry the makeup bag along when going out.
Separate Compartments
Having several compartments in your makeup bag will minimize messes due to items spilling and mixing with other items. Throwing your liquid blush, foundation, and mascara together in a makeup bag with 1 common compartment is asking for trouble.
If you combine a number of compartments in a bag with a framework that the rest of your luggage can’t crush, you will ensure that your makeup remains intact.
Compact Size
You’d be surprised how much makeup you can fit into a 9 x 6-inch bag. It all comes down to the design of the bag, particularly its pockets and compartments.
When traveling, it’s important to optimize your space, which is why a compact makeup bag is so crucial. The right makeup bag for you will be a compact bag that still offers plenty of room for all the makeup you might want to bring.
Design and Color
Let’s face it, practicality isn’t everything. We’d all rather have a stylish makeup bag than a purely functional one. You can get the best of both worlds with a beautifully designed bag that has a sturdy construction and plenty of space.
Many leather bags, in particular, come with beautiful patterns, providing the perfect blend of usability and style.
Hot Tip: Consider our additional guides to the best travel toiletry bags and travel Dopp kits to help decide which may be best for your next journey!
The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s find you the travel makeup bag of your dreams. There are many options to consider, but we are confident that this list includes some of the best options for every taste.
1. Double-layer Zipped Makeup Bag
9,408 Reviews
BEST OVERALL: MKPCW Makeup Bags
This makeup bag has 2 layers to help keep you organized. The zippers are strong, and the case has some structure to add a little padding of protection for your products.
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MKPCW Makeup Bags Double-layer Travel Cosmetic Cases
This makeup bag is one of the best ones on the market, thanks to its compact size and outstanding use of space. At first glance, it may not seem incredibly roomy, but don’t let its compact size fool you. It can hold all your makeup and more.
The design looks luxe, and the size of 9 x 6 inches will fit into any travel bag. It is able to maintain its form under pressure, for the most part.
It features a transparent top compartment with a zipper and another larger compartment under it. The upper compartment is perfect for placing small items like lipstick, concealer, and eyeliner. The bottom compartment has elastic bands for makeup brushes and space for larger items such as face cream, but it doesn’t feature any smaller compartments.
What We Like
- Compact yet spacious
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have any inner compartments
2. Classy Leather Looks
3,407 Reviews
UPGRADE PICK: LACATTURA Travel Makeup Bag
This stylish makeup bag has multiple compartments designed specifically for brushes, pencils, and mascara, and it has cubicle compartments for other products as well to keep them safe and organized.
LACATTURA Travel Makeup Bag Leather Train Case
This portable leather makeup bag keeps all of your makeup items safe while traveling and features a classic design, including a detachable strap in a coordinating color. The leather handle and durable strap will ensure that you always have a full grip on the bag, and it can even be carried over the shoulder like a purse.
This is a multipurpose bag that offers more than just looks. You can use the inner compartments to store all of your makeup in an organized fashion.
The standout feature of this bag is that it has customizable dividers. From having just 1 larger compartment to having up to 7 smaller compartments inside, you can adjust the setup to suit your needs.
What We Like
- Customizable space dividers
What We Don’t Like
- Might be slightly larger than other makeup bags
Hot Tip: If your makeup is liquid, gel, or cream, it will need to comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 requirements. Check our guide to the items you can and cannot bring through TSA security for more details.
3. Ultimate Train Case for Everything
DISCOUNT: 33%
24,322 Reviews
Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case
This bag is customizable to fit whatever products you need for your trip. There's a reusable organizational insert you can use in different ways to change the compartment shapes and sizes.
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Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case
This large, multipurpose makeup travel bag is suitable not only for carrying makeup but also for carrying jewelry and toiletries. It has a vast space inside of the large compartment that can be divided into smaller inner compartments with removable dividers.
It’s a classic train case made of high-quality oxford fabric, making it a durable travel bag. The adjustable compartments are not the only advantage of this bag, as it also comes with an anti-wear and waterproof outer layer.
Because of this, you can rest assured that all your items are safe and in the same place you left them. It weighs 24 ounces, and the 10 x 9-inch size is not as bulky as you might expect, given its capacity.
What We Like
- Superb capacity and adjustable compartments
What We Don’t Like
- Sensitive zipper handles
4. Extra-large Yet Portable
6,591 Reviews
Relavel Makeup Bag Travel Makeup Train Case
This bag is spacious enough to hold all the products you might need. In fact, it's even a great option for makeup artists who don't need their full kit with them.
Relavel Makeup Bag Travel Makeup Train Case
Yet another bag by Relavel on this list is the extra-large, 13-inch-long makeup train case. It also has adjustable dividers just like the regular-size train case, but this one features several additional benefits beyond the larger size.
It comes with several brush holders, more than 10 customizable compartments, and double-layer makeup brush slots. It’s the ultimate travel option, with a shoulder strap in addition to a durable handle, but it comes with increased weight and size. Still, this premium makeup bag is durable and waterproof, and it’s easy to maintain and clean, thanks to the high-quality fabric.
The thing that’s so impressive about this bag is the ability to professionally pack your items inside of it, with all your brushes tucked securely into place.
What We Like
- Extra-large makeup bag with a dozen compartments
What We Don’t Like
- Might not fit into travel backpacks
5. Soft Material With Inner Compartments
3,213 Reviews
Portable Travel Makeup Cosmetic Bags
This case is fully lined, so even if you have an unfortunate spill, you'll be able to clean it up quickly. You can also use its removable inserts for extra organization.
MKPCW Store Portable Makeup Cosmetic Bag
Coming in at 9 inches in length and 7 inches wide, this cosmetic travel makeup bag is the go-to option for compact solutions. It has a soft inner material with adjustable dividers for up to 4 smaller compartments inside.
It also has a zipped net pocket on the underside of the lid for holding smaller items in place. It only weighs 6 ounces, making it a good lightweight option for travel.
This bag, which can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth, comes in 3 fun patterns to suit your tastes.
What We Like
- Zipped net pocket for smaller items
What We Don’t Like
- May not be able to withstand serious pressure
6. Ultimate Makeup Travel Case
DISCOUNT: 33%
4,558 Reviews
FINDCOZY Toiletry Bag Travel Bag
With its quilted stitching, the bag has a little extra padding which helps keep your products from getting damaged while you travel. It also has foldable compartments to keep your products separated.
FINDCOZY Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook
Don’t be deceived by the compact size of this bag, which measures 12 x 9 inches — it’s a superb spacious option. This travel makeup bag unfolds into 4 different sections with 8 large compartments suitable for both makeup and toiletries.
You also get 10 slots for makeup brushes in the bottom compartment, with a cover to protect them from damage. There are several clear plastic pockets to protect your items in the event of spillage, as well as a mesh pocket for ventilation.
The hook enables you to hang the bag in your hotel bathroom and keep everything locked in place.
What We Like
- Offers incredible functionality
What We Don’t Like
- It might seem complex at first with all the folded sections
» Related: The 10 Best Travel-size Bottles for Your Next Vacation [2023]
7. Small and Waterproof for Makeup Essentials
DISCOUNT: 41%
4,020 Reviews
This case may look small, but internally it can hold a lot. It has an elastic compartment that's perfect for bottles and brushes, and the main compartment is deep and spacious.
OCHEAL Store Portable Cute Travel Bag for Women and Girls
This makeup bag offers a great blend of compact size and storage space. It comes with mesh pockets, elastic brush slots, and 1 large compartment at the bottom. There are no dividers in the main compartment, but there is plenty of space for larger items.
The flat mesh pockets will secure your makeup pencils and other small items, while the brush slots feature a protective water-deflective cover, locking your brushes in place.
It comes in a variety of designs, from black to transparent, and all of them feature waterproof and anti-collision material.
What We Like
- Mesh pockets and brush space
What We Don’t Like
- Sensitive metal zippers
8. 2-in-1 Makeup and Jewelry Bag for Travel
DISCOUNT: 26%
2,270 Reviews
You can use this bag for your makeup and your jewelry. Though it's made for 2 different purposes, it doesn't sacrifice either. Your jewels won't get lost or tangled, and your products will stay intact.
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DIMJ Makeup Bag and Jewelry Bag for Women
This large-size makeup and jewelry organizer makes one of the best options for travel with a sturdy anti-crush design. It will hold everything in place for you, and the 11 x 8-inch size is not even that bulky.
It has an incredible capacity for both jewelry and makeup, with specific brush slots and a lower compartment for jewelry. The jewelry compartment has a specific means of storing each type of jewelry so that nothing gets tangled or lost.
For instance, buckle bands will hold your rings in place while your necklaces lie flat with the help of straps and pouches. The internal double-layer pouch is detachable, so you can remove it according to your preference.
What We Like
- Double-layered makeup and jewelry bag
What We Don’t Like
- Could have more compartments in the makeup zone
9. Versatile Small Purse Makeup Bag
DISCOUNT: 13%
4,092 Reviews
This makeup bag is large enough to fit a full face-worth of products, but it's also small enough that you can fit it in different bags and totes without it taking up too much room.
MAANGE Store Small Makeup Bag for Purse
If you don’t want a large-scale makeup case and are looking for something more compact, this is the choice for you. This small makeup bag fits into any purse and is only 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. Still, that’s plenty big to meet most people’s storage needs.
It’s a water-repellent PU leather bag with a large capacity for its size, and it is extremely lightweight. It’s available in various charming pastel colors and includes several interior side pockets for both visual appeal and functionality.
What We Like
- Multiple compartments and side pockets
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have an integrated brush slot
10. Big Makeup Bag With 5 Dividers
612 Reviews
This makeup bag is secure enough that you can pack glass packages in it without having to worry too much that they will shatter. It also has a zippered compartment for jewelry or small products.
Stagiant Store Travel Makeup Bag
With adjustable dividers and smart space consumption, this toiletry and makeup travel bag is a great choice for traveling. Thanks to the flexible Velcro compartments, you can arrange the storage space as you please.
It features brush slots and a protective cover, as well as 2-way zippers to secure your makeup in place. Inner padding will protect your items during travel. Despite the fact that this bag is on the larger side, it will fit into any travel bag and weighs in at only 0.6 pounds.
What We Like
- Thoughtfully-designed makeup bag
What We Don’t Like
- Extra-large size might not suit all
Final Thoughts
With a spectrum of sizes to suit anyone’s needs, this list will provide you with a great range of choices. All of them feature a soft interior and water-resistant, durable fabric on the outside.
Choose the option that provides the right amount of space and versatility to successfully transport your items.
