Can You Bring Mascara on a Plane? What You Need to Know.

Packing for your next trip and what to know if you can bring mascara on a plane? Our expert travel guide has the answers you’re looking for.

Ever stood at the airport security line, fumbling through your makeup bag and wondering if your trusty mascara might trigger a bag check?

Is mascara actually considered a liquid? Can you bring your favourite tube in your carry-on luggage, or does it need to go in your checked bag? And just what is the difference between a liquid, paste and a gel?

In this guide, we’ll answer everything you need to know about travelling with mascara, from understanding airport security rules to tips on packing makeup for a stress-free journey.

For while I may not be one of the world’s premiere beauticians, I’ve travelled far enough and long enough to have realised how each TSA officer has their own interpretation of the screening process, regardless of the TSA guidelines.

So, whether you’re jetting off on a weekend city break or packing light for a long-haul adventure, here’s the scoop on flying with mascara.

Can You Bring Mascara on a Plane? – TSA & Airport Liquid Rules

Right, so, for many years, airports have restricted the amount of fluid you can take onto a flight. In America, this is known as the 3-1-1 rule. In countries with different measurement systems, this doesn’t quite work but the principle is the same. 

Now, recently, some airports have started to use a different type of scan, so that you don’t need to take liquids out of your carry-on bags and you don’t need to limit it.

However, such airports are few and far between and it’s really not worth relying on the change to a more modern security screening technology just yet. 

Instead, play it safe and follow the 3-1-1- rule.

The 3-1-1 Rule Explained

Most airports, especially in the U.S. and across Europe, follow what’s known as the “3-1-1 rule” for carry-on liquids. This rule limits each liquid item in your carry-on to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, which must fit within a single, quart-sized clear resealable bag. Each traveller is allowed only one bag, so space is at a premium!

Does Mascara Count as a Liquid?

Yes, it does! The final decision rests with the TSA agents but in my experience, the liquid rule applies to anything that isn’t rock solid. That includes gels, pastes, spreads, peanut butter, vaseline, the lot. Sometimes, you’ll get lucky, and you’ll find a contact lens case with fluid, for example, that they missed. At other times, even powder makeup needs to go in your liquid bag.

Since mascara counts as a liquid, it needs to be included in this quart-sized bag if you’re carrying it in your hand luggage. Though a standard mascara tube is usually small enough to comply with the 3-1-1 rule, fitting it alongside other liquids like foundation or moisturiser might be a squeeze. So we have some handy tips for that later on.

Common Security Confusion: Why Mascara is Considered a Liquid

It can seem strange that mascara falls under liquid restrictions when it’s applied as a solid layer. However, airport security classifies it as a liquid because it’s a gel-based product that could potentially leak or spill. The same rules apply to other gel or cream products, like lip gloss or cream eyeshadow, which also need to go in the quart-sized bag.

Is Mascara Allowed in Hand Luggage?

The good news is, yes – you can bring mascara in your hand luggage. However, like other liquid items, it must comply with airport security’s liquid rules if you want to keep it in your carry-on.

Preparing for Security Checks

When bringing mascara through airport security, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, it must go in your clear resealable bag along with any other liquids, gels, and creams. This means that all your cosmetics in this category – think lip gloss, foundation, and liquid eyeliner – need to fit comfortably within this single bag. To avoid delays, make sure your bag is easily accessible at the top of your carry-on so that you can quickly remove it during the security screening.

Waterproof Mascara and Gel-Based Products

It’s worth noting that certain mascaras, especially waterproof or gel-based varieties, are more likely to be flagged for extra inspection if they appear dense or unusual in an X-ray.

But as long as they’re in the resealable plastic bag, these products generally pass through security without issue. If you’re travelling with a few other makeup essentials, consider opting for travel-sized versions to make more room in your liquid allowance.

Tips for Travelling with Mascara and Other Makeup

Packing makeup for a flight can be tricky, especially when space in your liquids bag is limited. In all honesty? I’d advise packing almost all beauty products into your main suitcase instead. However, if you’re travelling hand luggage only and don’t have a separate bag then here are some helpful tips:

Opt for Travel-Sized or Mini Versions

Many brands offer travel-sized mascaras and other mini versions of popular products, which can save you space in your clear liquids bag. Not only are they easier to pack, but they’re often designed with travel in mind – compact and less likely to leak.

Use Multi-Use Products

Consider packing multi-use makeup items, like tinted balms or stick foundations, which can serve more than one purpose and don’t always need to go in the liquids bag. Solid makeup products, such as powder foundation, blush, or eyeshadow, are also great options since they’re generally exempt from liquid restrictions. Though, I can’t promise that an overeager official won’t decide that they do fall foul of TSA rules.

Keep Your Clear Bag Accessible

For a smooth experience at security, pack your clear liquids bag near the top of your carry-on so it’s easy to grab when you reach the checkpoint. Mascara and other liquid makeup should be pre-packed in this bag to avoid holding up the line or needing to reshuffle at the last moment. 

Consider Refillable Containers

If you’re a fan of a particular mascara or foundation, look into refillable travel containers. These let you bring just the amount you need without taking up too much room in your liquids bag. Just make sure they’re securely closed to avoid leaks. You can find refillable containers here.

Pack a Toiletry Bag

It’s still a good idea to have a small container to use as your makeup bag when you arrive at your destination. This can include eyelash curlers, brushes, makeup wipes and any other solid form beauty items as you clear security.

Use a Packing List

The best way to make sure that you have everything you need and nothing you don’t is to have a checklist designed with TSA regulations in mind. You can download a free copy of my ultimate packing list here.

Look Out for Travel-Friendly Makeup

This is more of a long-term game, but look to streamline your process and make your makeup count. Buy single shades instead of a whole palette, or find a lipstick that will work for both day and night. Trial a stick deodorant at home to see if works for you. Buy contact lens solution in small bottles and see if you can whittle down your list of favourite products.

Protect Fragile Items

To prevent breakage or leaks, wrap fragile makeup items – such as glass perfume bottles, compact powders, or mascara tubes – in soft items like socks or scarves. You can also use small pouches or makeup bags to keep everything organised and protected. A sturdy, padded makeup case is an excellent investment for frequent travellers.

Keep Makeup Brushes Separate

To avoid damage, pack your makeup brushes in a separate pouch. This keeps them protected from other items in your bag and prevents any potential contamination of your makeup. For extra convenience, consider brush rolls or cases that can hold brushes neatly and securely.

Limit the Amount You Pack

While it can be tempting to bring every product you own, remember that simplicity is key when it comes to travelling light. Stick to the basics that will get you through your trip and resist the urge to over-pack. A minimalist makeup kit not only saves space but also makes your air travel experience much easier.

Checked Luggage vs. Hand Luggage: Where to Pack Your Makeup?

When it comes to deciding whether to pack makeup in checked luggage or hand luggage, there are pros and cons to consider – especially with semi-liquid items like mascara.

Full-Sized Mascara in Checked Luggage

If you’re bringing full-sized bottles of foundation, or other liquid-based products, checked luggage is your best option. You won’t need to worry about the 100ml liquid limit or cramming everything into a small clear bag. Just be sure to pack them securely to prevent breakage or leaks, as checked bags are handled more roughly.

Convenience of Keeping Makeup in Your Hand Luggage

For hand luggage only business trips, then keeping those must-have items – like mascara for a quick freshen-up after a flight – in your hand luggage is a practical choice. This way, you’ll have your essentials with you even if your checked bag is delayed or lost. Just remember they’ll need to fit into the 100ml clear bag to get through the security checkpoint (I honestly can’t say this enough!)

• Recommended reading: the best carry-on luggage for women

Risks of Packing Makeup in Checked Bags

While checked luggage allows you to bring larger items, it does come with some risks. Checked bags are more prone to temperature changes, pressure differences, and the occasional rough handling, which can cause products to leak or even crack. To protect fragile items, wrap them in a soft cloth or place them in a sealable plastic bag. This particularly applies to liquid foundation bottles which, for some reason, seem especially prone to cracking and leaking. 

The Best of Both Worlds

For long-haul flights or trips where you’ll need a full makeup kit, consider packing a few essentials (like eye drops, lip balm, and hand sanitiser) in your hand luggage, with larger or less-used items in your checked luggage. This way, you have on-the-go access to touch-up essentials, while your complete kit arrives safely in your checked bag.

Other Makeup Items to Consider When Packing for a Flight

Mascara isn’t the only beauty product affected by liquid restrictions. Many other makeup items also fall under the liquid rules, so if you’re planning to bring a full beauty kit in your hand luggage, here’s what to keep in mind.

• Lip Gloss and Liquid Lipsticks: Similar to mascara, liquid lip products need to go in your clear plastic bag. If you have multiple shades, consider selecting one or two for your carry-on and placing the rest in your checked luggage to save space.
• Foundation and Concealer: Thicker makeup liquids like liquid foundations and concealers are also counted as liquids, so travel-sized versions or stick formulas can help conserve space. If you prefer a liquid foundation, make sure it’s in a bottle no larger than 100ml and sealed well to prevent spills.
• Liquid Eyeliner and Cream Eyeshadows: Any gel, cream, or liquid eye makeup, including liquid eyeliners and cream-based eyeshadows, must be included in your clear bag. Solid eyeliner pencils and powder eyeshadows, however, don’t count as liquids, making them excellent options for saving space in your liquids allowance.
• Nail Polish and Perfume: These items, though small, also fall under liquid restrictions, so be selective if you’re adding them to your carry-on. Many travellers find it helpful to pack perfume samples or rollerballs and avoid bringing nail polish unless absolutely necessary.
• Makeup Removers and Skincare: Remember that makeup removers, micellar water, and moisturisers also count as liquids. Opt for travel-sized bottles or use cleansing wipes to save space, as wipes don’t fall under the liquid rules and are great for quick makeup removal on the go.
• Medical Items: Medical items are usually exempt from the restrictions but you will need supporting documentation (like a prescription from your doctor) and may be subject to additional screening. 

Conclusion

Travelling with mascara and makeup doesn’t have to be a hassle. By understanding the liquid rules, packing smart, and choosing travel-friendly alternatives, you can ensure that your beauty essentials make it through security and stay safe during your journey. Whether you prefer the convenience of travel-sized products, solid makeup, or refilling your favourites into smaller containers, a little preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly your trip goes.

Safe travels and happy packing!

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