Carry-On Approved Makeup and Skincare for Your Next Trip

Skincare

Does the 3-1-1 rule ring a bell? This is what the TSA’s rule for packing liquids in your carry-on luggage is called. If not, here's a refresher: The 3-1-1 rule states that all liquids must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces or smaller, and all of your carry-on liquids must fit in one clear, quart-sized bag. It's another way of stating the rules we previously explained, just with a catchier name.

To organize your skincare routine in a travel-ready package, transfer your liquid skincare products into the Palette by Pak ($39) refillable container.

Makeup

When packing liquid makeup products, you'll want to stick to the liquid limits we previously mentioned. You're free to pack items like mascara, brow gel, and concealer in your carry-on, as long as they're smaller than 3.4 ounces.

You might assume you're in the clear to pack whatever solid makeup products you want, but this isn't always the case. Keep in mind that any powder or powder-like substances that are larger than 12 ounces may need to go in a separate bin when you go through X-ray screening. Most powder makeup products are smaller than 12 ounces, though, so don't stress this one too much.

Curious about lipstick and chapstick? TSA regulations allow you to pack both in your carry-on or checked baggage.

Nail Polish

If you want to make sure your mani and pedi stay on point during your travels, know that it's safe to bring your favorite nail polish on board with you. Since lacquers are much smaller than 3.4 ounces (for context, most essie nail polishes are 0.46 oz and OPI ones are 0.5 oz), it's no issue. With that said, you probably shouldn't bring your entire nail polish collection with you, instead focusing on just one or two shades for touch-ups.

Haircare

If you want to travel with your favorite shampoo, conditioner, leave-in treatment, and more, your best bet will be to purchase the existing travel-sized versions or to fill travel-sized silicone bottles with your go-to formulas—we like the LiquiSnugs Travel Bottles ($17) as they're leak-proof. Just remember, don't go over the 3.4 oz limit.

Alternatively, use solid shampoo and conditioners. Love Beauty and Planet's Coconut Water + Mimosa Flower 2-in1 Bar ($5) is great for traveling light and leaves hair feeling very soft.

Body Care

Most body lotions and washes come in sizes that way surpass the 3.4 oz limit, so you definitely need to transfer your favorites to a smaller bottle or purchase the travel-sized version of your go-to body products.

For on-the-go body cleansers, opt for a body wipe like MegaBabe's Megafresh Wipes ($10). Soap bars and solid body lotions, like Kate McLeod's Body Stones ($38), are other travel saviors.

Should you want to bring a regular-sized bottle, just know that it will have to go in your checked bag. And although you shouldn't have an issue if you have just a bottle or two of toiletries, there are lesser-known liquid guidelines for checked luggage as well. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limits people to bring 70 ounces of medicinal and/or toiletry items in their checked luggage. For most vacationing travelers, this isn't anything to worry about, but it's worth noting just in case.

Perfume

Perfume is permitted in carry-on luggage as long as the container is 3.4 ounces or smaller. To eliminate any confusion when packing or potential problems when going through security, consider buying a travel-sized bottle of your favorite scent that you reserve for travel days. Also look into solid perfumes, such as Diptyque's Solid Perfumes ($70-$75), which have a balm-like texture and easily fit in even your tiniest purses.

Medication

If you're traveling with medication, it's important to store it in your carry-on rather than your checked bag so you still have them on hand if your checked bag gets lost. This travel hack has potential to save you from a massive headache in the long run.

If you use any liquid medical products—like a prescription cream, shampoo, contact lens solution, or medication, you can pack these products even if they're larger than 3.4 ounces. However, it's important to let TSA know about these products in your bag. Here's what the TSA says about this: "TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection."