Traveling with makeup is a must for many passengers. The TSA allows most makeup items in carry-on and checked bags but with certain limitations.
Please note that this post is written with reference to TSA rules for carrying makeup items on domestic flights. The rules may vary for international flights. So, don’t forget to check with local authorities before packing. Moreover, the final decision to allow a certain item through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
Rules for Brining Makeup on a Plane
Let’s check out the TSA rules for common makeup items.
Powder & Solid Makeup
Powder and solid makeup are allowed in carry-on and checked bags. TSA recommends placing powder-like substances or solid makeup items greater than 12 ounces or 350 mL in a separate bin for x-ray scanning. Such items may require additional screening, or the container may need to be opened. TSA encourages all travelers to place non-essential powders in checked bags.
Lipsticks
Lipsticks fall under the umbrella of solid makeup. You can pack it in carry-on and checked luggage.
Concealer
You can take your concealer in carry-on bags up to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. There is no limit on how much concealer you can pack in checked bags.
Mascara
Mascara is allowed in carry-on and checked bags. However, the 3-1-1 liquids rule applies to carry-on bags.
Nail Polish & Nail Polish Remover
They are allowed in carry-on bags up to 3.4oz/100ml. You can pack up to 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces) in checked bags per person. This rule applies to restricted medicinal and toiletry items. Moreover, the capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
Eye Liners (liquid)
Eye liners are allowed in carry-on (less than or equal to 3.4 oz/100 ml) and checked bags.
Foundation
Foundation is allowed in checked and carry-on bags. However, the liquids rule is applicable while packing foundations in carry-on bags. You cannot take containers larger than 3.4 oz or 100 ml. The containers must be packed in a quart-sized zip-top bag.
Hair Spray, Gel, and Texturizer (aerosol)
You can take only 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters of these items in carry-on bags. The maximum amount is limited to 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The FAA mandates that the capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
Bobby Pins
They are allowed in checked and carry-on bags without any limitations.
Curling Iron (with cord)
They aren’t restricted in carry-on or checked bags.
Hair Clippers
There is no restriction on taking hair clippers in carry-on or checked bags.
Hair Dryers
Hair dryers are allowed in carry-on and checked bags.
Hair Straightener, flat iron (cordless)
You cannot pack them in checked bags. Cordless hair straighteners powered with lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries, gas, and butane are only allowed in carry-on bags. Please ensure that you protect the device from accidental activation.
Hair Straightener, flat iron (with cord)
Electric hair straighteners are not restricted unless they include batteries, gas, or fuel cartridges. You can pack them in carry-on and checked bags.
Laser Hair Remover
Laser hair removers are allowed in carry-on and checked bags without special instructions.
Makeup Remover
Makeup remover is allowed in carry-on bags (up to 3.4 ounces) and checked bags (maximum of 2 kg with each container not exceeding 0.5 kg).
Makeup Wipes (Wet Wipes)
You can pack makeup or wet wipes in carry-on and checked bags.
Airbrush Makeup Machine
Airbrush makeup machines are allowed in carry-on and checked bags but with special instructions. The devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries must be packed as carry-on items.
Chapsticks
Chapsticks are allowed in carry-on and checked bags.
Cologne & Perfume
You can pack a maximum of 3.4 ounces of colognes and perfumes in carry-on bags. The maximum quantity in checked bags is limited to 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). FAA directs that the quantity of each container must not be more than 0.5 kg or 500 ml.
Mirrors
Mirrors are allowed in carry-on and checked bags.
Liquids Rule
When carrying items like makeup or toiletries, it is important to be aware of the liquids rule. The liquids rule allows you to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, pastes, or liquids that pop out when squeezed.
All such items are limited to travel-sized containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
TSA recommends placing such items in a small bag, separate from your carry-on luggage, to facilitate the screening process. Medication, infant, and child nourishment items do not fall under this category, but you must tell the TSA officer before screening that you are carrying liquids over 3.4 ounces.
Can I take makeup brushes in carry-on luggage?
Yes. There is no restriction on packing makeup brushes in carry-on and checked luggage. However, the brushes must be clean. Any leftover substances on brush hair can be subject to additional screening.
Can I use my makeup during a flight?
Yes. You can apply makeup during a flight. You can carry a travel-size mirror with you too. However, try to avoid using anything with strong scents.
Missing something? TSA has mentioned all the items you can take on a plane on its web portal or mobile app. You can snap the item or send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter.