13 Best Travel Makeup Bags of 2024

Only the best for your most precious cargo!

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

There are two types of people in this world: Those who pack lightly, and those who overpack, and unfortunately, I fall into the latter category. Trying to figure out how to pack my sunscreen, moisturizer, skincare, and makeup in my luggage or weekender bag is no small task. The answer? Stocking up on the best travel makeup bags and toiletry cases to fit my 10-step skincare routine and an assortment of other toiletries.

But take it from someone who’s tried dozens of travel makeup bags—not all of ‘em are created equal. For traveling, you’ll want to make sure it’s light (to keep your suitcase under the weight limit) yet sturdy, without being too bulky to the point where TSA is like, “Who travels with that many bottles?”. Oh, and it can’t be too deep because digging around blindly is the worst, and of course, it MUST be easy to clean as lipstick and eyeliner will inevitably get smeared on the inside. Simple, right? Actually, as editors who have tried every type of travel makeup bag, yes! Here’s a peek at some of our top choices:

Without further ado, here are the best travel makeup bags because you deserve the best of the best, bb. Then, keep reading for everything you need to know to choose the best makeup bag for your specific needs.

The Beis Cosmetic Case is my current go-to, and lemme tell you—it’s one sexy makeup bag! It’s made of structured faux leather with a brush pocket and a sizable, removable mirror for doing your makeup on the go. It has enough space for my everyday products and my full glam routine, as well as a removable brush holder and a zip pocket I use to hold all of my eyeliners and lip pencils that usually get lost at the bottom of a bag. It’s lined with a water-resistant fabric that’s easy to wipe down (bc let’s be real, something ALWAYS spills) and comes in a bunch of neutral colors that feel so luxe.

Glowing customer review: “This is exactly the case that I have been looking for. I travel a lot, and organization is my love language. This cosmetic case is perfect and the features are stellar. The mirror, the brush holders, and the generous space are more than enough to hold everything I need, and then some. It also perfectly fits the jewelry case, which for someone like me is a dream. The color is gorgeous, it’s extremely well-built, and it will forever be a staple in my travel set. This is easily a 10/10 in my book!”

This woven travel makeup bag is an Amazon favorite that comes in medium and large sizes, both of which are shockingly spacious and hold much more than you’d expect, according to reviewers. The pouch opens up and lays flat (yep, even despite the baguette shape) and comes with dividers, side pockets, a brush board, and a partition with elastic to organize individual products that have a tendency to get thrown around in your bag en route!

Glowing customer review: “I’m a makeup bag junkie. I have a serious problem trying to find the right one for me and own so many makeup bags that have been tossed into the makeup bag junkyard. I purchased this one and it has literally cured me of my addiction. It holds everything and more. It’s sturdy, has a great lining, zips well, and packs well.”

If you see me using the large version of this pouch as a clutch IRL, keep walking! This makeup bag is stylish and roomy enough to fit that fourth or fifth lipstick you swear you need (relatable). It can also function as a toiletry bag, a tech pouch, or extra storage for your accessories. The soft, pleated vegan leather is obviously the standout feature, but the optional gold monogram is totally the cherry on top.

This soft (yet structured) makeup train case is actually super similar to the cases used by professional makeup artists. It has adjustable, removable dividers (so you can organize your products in the slots however you want), along with a zippered side pocket, four elastic pouches for your brushes (or mascaras, lipsticks, eyeliners, etc.), and a flap that flips over and velcros everything snugly in place.

Glowing customer review: “This makeup bag has so many different compartments, as well as a velcro pouch that fits all your brushes, tweezers, or lip liners. I love this bag because if you have certain eyeshadow palettes that don’t fit, you can move around the sections and rearrange it to your liking.”

If your travel makeup bags tend to look dingy and stained after a few trips, you’ll be happy to know this one is made with a faux leather exterior that is essentially the antithesis to all of that. First of all, it’s sturdy and structured, so it won’t get crushed and dinged up in your suitcase, but it can also easily be wiped down if it gets makeup or dust on the outside from traveling.

Glowing customer review: “The bag is incredibly stylish and comes in a variety of colors and patterns to suit anyone's taste. The material is high quality and easy to clean, so it always looks great no matter how often I use it. Another great thing about this makeup bag is that it's versatile enough to use for other purposes as well.”

Allow me to introduce you to my favorite travel makeup bag of all time: The Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag. Made of stretchy and durable neoprene, you can jam-pack a million and one things into this bb, and it'll zip right up. Take it from me, a beauty editor who has every beauty product in the book. Plus, two zip pouches are included, including one that's perfect for your makeup brushes.

Glowing customer review: "I wasn’t sure at first since it seemed like just another bag, but I was wrong. I use it literally every day and for travel. I love the feel of neoprene and it’s held up as I have tossed it from bag to bag, to luggage, to countertops, to car floors."

It’s no secret that a majority of travel bags on the market more or less have the same type of vibe (aka neutral colors). If you’re looking for a bit more oomph, Cuyana’s offering includes two pebbled leather pouches: one larger bag for storing toiletries and tools, and a smaller pouch for smaller items like hair ties or bobby pins. The set is available in 14 leather shades and can also be monogrammed.

Glowing customer review: "What can I say? I like a pop of color when it comes to my accessories, and the same goes for my travel makeup bags. I love that this pick from Cuyana has so many different shades to choose from, is made of leather, and comes in a set of two."

If you just want to throw your makeup into a bag and move on with your life, then you’ll prob appreciate this drawstring makeup pouch. It flattens out to act as a mat to lay out all of your products while you’re doing your makeup. Then, when you’re done, just pull the drawstring for the bag to close. And if there are any messes or spills, toss the pouch in the wash (ahem, this polyester material is easy af to clean).

Glowing customer review: “Such a great concept. Just throw your makeup and brushes in the bag, drawstring, and go! So easy to open, lay out, and organize at your destination and have everything right at your fingertips.”

I hate having to rummage through my travel makeup bag for eons to find what I’m looking for. So, obviously, I was elated when I saw this clear Calpak makeup case, which makes finding the one brown lip pencil you brought take only a few seconds. It’s quite spacious, thanks to the two transparent compartments that give you plenty of packing options (i.e., I love putting skincare on one side and makeup on the other). And because it’s made with a faux-leather lining around the edges, it doesn’t get misshapen from all the flopping around in your suitcase.

Glowing customer review: “I had no idea how convenient I’d find this bag. Now I need it in every size! Being able to see exactly what I’m hunting for before digging for it? Game changer.”

This hanging cosmetics bag is surprisingly spacious and honestly just excellent for organizing in a hotel or Airbnb bathroom. Just unzip the sides, and you’ll find a hook so that you can hang this portable organizer on the back of a door, towel hook, or in your closet. The middle opens up to four waterproof and transparent pockets for your toothbrush, foundations, face oil, etc.

Glowing customer review: "The toiletry bag is very spacious yet easily fits into most luggage. The removable plastic pouch lets you conveniently store liquids and carry them separately. Highly Recommend."

I like to travel ~in style~ and also make sure everyone knows which bag is mine on the girls’ trip, which is why I love this personalized makeup bag. You can add a custom monogram, including your initials or a cute little emoji, that’s hand-painted to the exterior or in gold or silver foil on the handle. But style aside, this bag is also A+ for travel, thanks to its semi-clear case that makes digging for your products way easier.

Glowing customer review: “This vanity is very well made and elegant looking. I love the see-through sides and the classic colored top. The carry handle works great and the case holds a lot. A nice travel staple.”

Glossier may be known for its dewy serum and moisturizing lip balms, but they ~did the thing~ with this massive makeup bag. I mean, I can fit all my brushes, curl creams, and skincare essentials sitting upright in this spacious tote, meaning less spilling and toppling over for my liquids. Plus, it’s got tons of compartments to tidily store all of my products, like the removable inner pouch where I tend to put lip glosses and eyeliners.

Glowing customer review: “This bag is perfect! I was a little worried it would be a bit too big because I wanted a nice little cute bag and I didn't have a lot of makeup. However, it turned out fine! I am so excited to use this bag and tote it around with me everywhere!”

My mom has been using this pouch for decades and for good reason: It’s petite enough to fit in your weekender bag or tote bag, but also large enough to fit your lipsticks and compact mirrors. And yup, it’s super durable, per the fact that my mom’s been using the same one (!) all this time since she just wipes down the water-resistant vinyl material.

Glowing customer review: “A classy classic statement clutch is what every fashionista needs. It’s waterproof and quickly identifiable in your purse or luggage. The downside to buying this item is that I have to replace it often because my daughter, sister, and friends keep taking mine! LOL.”

You don’t need a makeup bag, necessarily, but you might seriously appreciate it to help organize your stuff, especially while traveling. Instead of scattering your makeup, skincare, and hair products throughout your suitcase or weekender bag, compiling it all into an organized makeup pouch can save you a lot of time and energy. But you also might prefer to store your daily makeup or skincare favorites in a makeup bag even when you’re at home. Which brings us to…

If you’re an overpacker and tend to bring your entire makeup and skincare routine when you travel, look for a large makeup case that can fit everything (possibly even one that sits upright to save space for liquid products). But if you’re the type of person who can get by with a few swipes of mascara and concealer, you'll probably prefer a mini makeup bag or compact pouch that won’t take up as much space in your bag.

Luckily, there are a million and one different types of makeup bags, so it all depends on how you like to organize. If you don’t care about your things being all over the place, then you kinda don’t need a bajillion pockets. But if you like things to be neat and tiny, then a makeup bag with lots of compartments and dividers is a must. For those withs lots of products, compartments and zippers will be your new BFF—whereas, if you only have a few, a simple zip pouch will do the trick.

If you’re prone to spills and mess, you’ll def want a makeup bag that’s easy to clean, which means you should look for a water-resistant pouch that can be wiped down. But it all depends on your ~vibes~ from there. If you want something you can throw in the wash, try a canvas makeup bag. PVC, nylon, and vinyl makeup bags can be wiped down, along with leather and faux leather (which also have the benefit of looking cute in your hotel bathroom shelfie).

Also, consider if you want a soft or sturdy bag. If you travel with your whole vanity, then you should consider a soft bag, as they’re easier to stuff and overpack. A sturdy bag, however, is great if you travel a lot, don’t want your bag to be squished, or if you want your products to arrive as safely as possible. Bc arriving with a shattered highlighter is legit tragic.

Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.

Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.

12 Best Eyelash Serums for Long, Thick Lashes

Taylor Bejeweled Her Face in Glitter Freckles

Don't Panic, but GrandeLash is 50% Off Rn

PSA: You Can Ugly-Cry in These Gel Eyeliners

I'm Officially A BB Cream Convert, Thanks to These

Get a Flawless Base with These Stick Foundations

Umm, Your Vanity Needs a Cute Light-Up Mirror

13 Mascaras That Are Just as Good as Falsies (Rly)

S/O to These Primers for Giving Long-Lasting Glam

10 Editors on the New MAC Lipsticks

Found: Makeup Organizers to Upgrade Your Vanity

"No Makeup" Is the Coolest Trend Coming Outta NYFW