The TSA employs strict rules regarding how many liquids you can bring in your carry-on bag. All liquids are subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. This single rule determines what you can and can’t take with you. However, some items, like mascara, tend to fall in the middle. They aren’t solid, but they aren’t quite a liquid, either. We’ll go over everything you need to know.
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It’s Spreadable
An easy way to determine whether something counts as a liquid is whether it’s spreadable. Fingernail polish, foundation, certain cream products, and mascara are all spreadable products. That means they count as a liquid and are subject to the famous 3-1-1- rule.
The 3-1-1 Rule
This rule lets you know whether you can take something with you and how much. Mascara is allowed in checked and carry-on bags as long as it follows the rules. The mascara must be 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters per container. You can put your liquids in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is only allowed to have one baggie full of liquids.
Quart Sized Bag
This little quart-sized bag is supposed to hold all your liquids in your carry-on. Once you see how small the bag is, you’ll question what needs to go. It’s the main reason so many people are wondering if mascara is a liquid, according to the TSA. However, there are some things you can do to save space.
Trial Sized Products
If you’re going away for a weekend and don’t want to have a checked bag, trial or travel-sized beauty products are the way to go. Most brands sell trial-sized products, so you can try them before committing to a full version. These are so small you can easily take everything you need in your baggie.
Multi-Purpose Products
Investing in a few multi-purpose products is a great idea. Multi-tasking products that work for your eyes, cheeks, and lips are a great way to save space and time. You can also find a bronzer that doubles as a contour stick. Pick up an eyeshadow crayon that has a built-in sharpener. Multi-purpose products are a must-have if you’re flying somewhere.
What To Look For In A Mini Mascara
Finding a mini mascara to take with you in your liquids bag is easy. A quick search will return hundreds of options. However, it’s important to make sure you find the right one to ensure you look your best in all your vacation photos.
Destination Appropriate
Headed somewhere tropical? You want to make sure your mascara won’t flake away or give you raccoon eyes due to the humidity. Invest in a waterproof formula if you’re headed for the beach or booked a room in a hotel with a pool. Consider what you want in a mascara before buying one.
Desired Look
The no-mascara trend is always on trend, but you don’t need to forego mascara. Instead, many people are choosing mascara that looks natural to stay in style. However, there’s nothing wrong with dramatic, fluttering lashes, either. Consider the look you want to achieve, and find a mascara to help you pull it off.
Price Range
Travel-size mascaras are notorious for being cheaper than their full-size counterparts. A lot of people invest in travel-size makeup to be more budget-friendly, even if they aren’t going on vacation. However, you may still spend around $20 for some brands. Give yourself a budget before you go shopping to avoid overspending.
Our Picks
e.l.f. Big Mood Mascara Mini
e.l.f. Big Mood Mascara is the perfect way to achieve voluminous, dramatic lashes. Every swipe delivers intense pigment for a daring look that lasts. Infused with jojoba wax, this mascara helps visibly lift your lashes and keep them in place. All e.l.f. products are vegan and cruelty-free.
Why You’ll Love It
- Affordable
- Dramatic
- Waterproof formula available
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mini Mascara
Fine bristles coat every lash with this long-lasting formula. It’s sweat and humidity-resistant, making it the perfect travel companion to tropical destinations. You’ll love that it’s also smudge-resistant. It goes on evenly, and the tiny size is perfect to meet TSA guidelines.
Why You’ll Love It
- Coats lashes evenly
- A little goes a long way
- Doesn’t smudge or flake
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
This iconic mascara is available in the perfect travel size to throw in your bag. Omega oil moisturizes and conditions lashes while unique peptides deliver the blackest black. The formula is waterproof, and specially formulated to be long-lasting.
Why You’ll Love It
- Waterproof
- Unique brush coats every lash
- Intense black
- Long-lasting
Traveling is always fun, but it’s essential to understand that mascara is a liquid, according to the TSA, to ensure you don’t have to leave it behind when you get to the airport. The last thing you want to deal with is leaving behind your must-haves because you don’t have room in your quart-sized bag. Check out the rest of the blog for more tips and tricks.
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