Traveling with makeup products and hair products can be a bit tricky. Liquids are subject to certain conditions. Everyone wants to ensure that aerosol cans, like hairspray, won’t explode. (They won’t, by the way. You can pack them in your luggage. Carry-ons have different rules, though.) What about makeup remover wipes, though? Are makeup remover wipes allowed on planes?
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Makeup remover wipes are not subject to the liquid rule, even though they are covered in liquid. Because of that, you can safely take them with you. You don’t have to limit your quantity of makeup remover wipes either.
Can You Take Makeup On A Plane

Yes, you can take your makeup with you on a plane. However, there are a few rules that you need to follow to travel with your makeup. That includes knowing how airport security will feel about makeup wipes and the 3-1-1 rules.
Understanding The 3-1-1 Rule
The 3-1-1 rule details what each person can bring on a carry-on regarding liquids, like makeup. You can store liquids in a one-quart bag, like a Ziploc bag. Each item can only be 3.4 ounces, 100 milliliters, or less. Thankfully, most makeup products are well below the 3.4 ounce limit. Most liquid foundations only have 1 ounce per jar. However, makeup wipes are not counted as a liquid. Neither are any wet wipes, such as baby wipes or disinfectant wipes.
How Does The 311 Rule Work With Makeup?
Liquid makeup often falls into the same category as other liquids regarding the 311 liquid rule for carry-on luggage. This includes liquid foundation, liquid eyeliner, and concealer. Mascara and liquid nail polish also count. To be on the safe side, consider any makeup that is not in powder form to be a liquid.
What Qualifies As A Liquid When Travelling
When traveling, any liquid or aerosol counts as a liquid. Almost any makeup you have that is not powder or pencil is usually considered a liquid. This means liquid eyeliner, waterproof makeup, liquid makeup remover, foundation, concealer, and other products.
Like powder eye makeup, eyeliner pencils, lipstick, and powder makeup are usually not considered liquid products. That’s because these types of makeup are solid makeup. Neither are makeup tools, such as makeup brushes. Wet wipes, including makeup remover wipes, do not count as liquid, so throwing a pack in your carry-on bag is safe. When it comes to powder makeup, it’s not considered a liquid. However, the TSA may want to X-ray it to ensure it’s safe and doesn’t contain harmful materials.
Do Makeup Removal Wipes Count As A Liquid When Traveling?
No, makeup wipes do not count as a liquid when traveling. Because of that, they are not subject to the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids. Instead, you can store them in your suitcase or carry-on bag and take as many as you want.
Powder Makeup Is Subject To X-Ray
If you have a powder above 12 oz., it must be placed in a separate bin to be X-rayed before you get on the plane. If you have a powder substance, officials might need to open it to check it.
Although you do have to let them check your makeup, usually, this isn’t a concern. Eyeshadow and other powder makeups are rarely in such large quantities. Even if you have something you must take, such as baby powder, you can still fly with it. They have to X-ray it.
There Is A Limit On Liquids In Carry On Bags
Regarding makeup that is not powder, it counts as a liquid. This includes your chapstick, mascara, lip gloss, and liquid highlighter. A liquids rule applies to all liquids you take on a plane, including your makeup.
First, all makeup has to be in a container that is not more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. It cannot be carried onto the plane if it is bigger than this. All your liquids, aerosols, and gases must fit in one quart-sized Ziploc bag. You can’t carry it onto the plane if it doesn’t fit. That means all of your makeup has to fit in that Ziploc bag.
You Can Put Larger Quantities In Checked Bags
The TSA will not stop you if you must take a full-sized can of hairspray or your entire makeup collection. However, those will need to go in a checked bag. That is the only way you can take makeup on a plane that doesn’t fit in the quart-sized bag that each passenger is allowed.
What Makeup Can I Bring On A Plane?
You can take any makeup on a plane as long as liquid makeup in a carry-on fits into your quart-size liquid bag in quantities less than 3.4 ounces. That means you’ll need to double-check how many ounces your jumbo-size setting spray is if you plan to take it.
Can I Take Makeup In A Carry On?
You can take makeup in a carry-on if you follow the 3-1-1 rule. It must be in a checked bag if you need to take larger quantities of makeup. Remember that all your liquids must fit in the bag, including shampoo and conditioner.
How Much Makeup Can You Take On A Plane?
You can take one quart of liquids with you on a plane. That means that whatever liquid makeup you can fit inside a quart-size bag is how much you can take. This doesn’t include powder makeup, lipstick, or makeup remover wipes.
The Ideal Makeup For Traveling
If you’re trying to cram everything into a carry-on, which is easier, it can be challenging to fit all your makeup into your carry-on suitcase or bag. That’s where travel-friendly makeup comes in handy. Most of your favorite liquid makeup is also available in a travel size to help you fit all the necessities into your quart-size liquid bag.
Makeup Eraser
Makeup Erasers are makeup removal cloths. They are washable and sustainable. One cloth can be used a few days in a row. To use a makeup eraser, wet it with warm water. Then, rub it in small circles on your face to remove makeup. These are a great way to remove makeup, and they take up less space than makeup remover wipes in your suitcase.
Travel Size Makeup Products
Travel-size makeup products are a must-have if you’re on the go. You won’t go through an entire mascara tube while on vacation for a week, so why take one? This takes up too much space in your liquids baggie, meaning you’ll have to leave a few things behind. Instead, opt for a full-size version of products that you’ll use a lot of, like liquid foundation, and travel-size versions for the rest of your makeup. Travel makeup is affordable and easier to pack.
Recommended Travel Makeup Products
Cushion Complexion Concealer+Corrector+Foundation with Turmeric ($16)

When it comes to saving space, multi-tasking products are a must-have for anyone on the go. That’s where this genius product comes in handy. It works as a concealer, corrector, and foundation all at the same time. Various pigments are available to ensure that you can find the perfect shade to match your skin tone.
Pack Up & Glow Priming Mineral SPF 40 By Wander Beauty ($36)

We can’t forget this one from Wander Beauty about multi-tasking makeup products. Wander Beauty products are designed to be easy for girls on the go. This product is in a travel-friendly size. It works as a moisturizer, primer, and sunscreen. Wear it by itself to protect your skin from environmental damage, including blue light, and give yourself a radiant glow. Or, enjoy how it creates a satin finish perfect for applying makeup.
Wander Beauty also offers all of its mascaras in travel-size versions.
Travel-Size Skincare By Algenist (Price Varies)

If you can’t live a week or two on vacation without your collagen cream, Algenist has got you covered. They offer almost all their products in a travel-size or mini version, including their complete liquid collagen collection. You can also find travel-size serums, eye creams, SPF, cleansers, moisturizers, and more! Some are priced as low as $8, with others closer to the $40 range.
Check out mini Algenist products here!
Other Travel Size Beauty Products
Macy’s offers a wide range of travel-size makeup from all your favorite brands. If you want makeup remover wipes in small packages, travel-size concealers from Tarte, setting spray from Urban Decay, Smashbox primer, or mini liquid lipsticks, they’ve got you covered.
e.l.f. Cosmetics also offers many mini-size makeup products that would be perfect for girls on the go! You can find travel-size skincare products, makeup products, and more on the e.l.f. website.
Final Thoughts
Traveling while taking all of your makeup with you can be challenging. Using multi-tasking makeup products and shopping for travel-size makeup will help you fit everything into a quart-size liquid bag for your carry-on. For more traveling information, check out the TSA website.
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