It can be confusing to know what type of makeup you can and can’t take on a plane these days and what needs to be in a resealable bag. Is lipstick ok? What about foundation or creamy eyeshadow? The last thing you want is to get stopped in security for having items that are not allowed to be taken on the plane. It’s totally embarrassing, a waste of time, and you may end up having to throw things away!
Yes, you can bring makeup on the plane in your carry-on or purse. Powder or solid makeup is allowed without size limitations. Examples include:
- Blush (Powder or Stick)
- Concealer (Stick)
- Eye Shadow (Powder)
- Eyeliner (Pencil)
- Foundation (Powder)
- Lipstick
Liquid items are limited to 3.4 oz each and must be placed in a clear, quart-size resealable bag, per the TSA rules. Examples include:
- Concealer (liquid)
- Eye Shadow (Cream)
- Eyeliner (Liquid)
- Foundation (Liquid)
- Mascara
This article not only answers the question “can you bring makeup on a plane?” it provides a complete list of items we ladies need to pack when heading to the Caribbean where sunscreen is a must.
The TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule
If only it were as simple as tossing your makeup in your purse or carry-on and be done. Nowadays it’s not that simple because some items are considered “liquid” and are subject to the TSA”s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
According to TSA’s website, regarding the 3-1-1 rule:
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
The rule is pretty clear. Yet, people still ask:
Can I have more than one quart-sized resealable bag?
No. You can have one quart-size resealable bag.
Can I use a gallon-size resealable bag?
No. You can have one quart-size resealable bag.
My friend travels business all the time and regularly packs two quart-sized resealable bags Why can’t I?
I don’t know. The rule clearly states you can have only one quart-size Ziploc.
I’m not sure how or why your friend got through security, but I personally wouldn’t risk it and I don’t recommend you try either. If you get stopped by security they may require you to throw your stuff away.
Do I have to put my favorite [insert name of your favorite makeup product] in the quart-size resealable bag?
If it’s liquid or cream, yes, it needs to be less than 3.4 oz and fit in the single, clear, quart-size resealable bag. If it’s not liquid or cream, no, it doesn’t need to be in the resealable bag.
Why Does TSA Have All These Rules?
According to the TSA website:
TSA and our security partners conducted extensive explosives testing since August 10, 2006 and determined that liquids, aerosols and gels, in limited quantities, are safe to bring aboard an aircraft. The one bag limit per traveler limits the total amount each traveler can bring. Consolidating the bottles into one bag and X-raying them separately from the carry-on bag enables security officers to quickly clear the items.
What Can You NOT Bring On A Plane
- Alcohol & Wine: more than 70% alcohol (140 proof)
- Corkscrew (with blade)
- Insecticide (Aerosol) (non-HAZMAT type)
- Lighters (Arc, Plasma, Electronic, E-lighters)
- Razor (Safety Razor with Blades)
- Scissors (more than 4” in length)
- Swiss Army Knife
- Firearms (duh!)
What about other female toiletries? Can I bring them on a plane?
For women, makeup is just one part of the equation. Most of us have other lady-stuff on our list and wonder if they are allowed on the plane. Maybe they fall into a gray area such as sorta-kinda liquid or could be considered “weapony”.
Can I take contact lens solution on a plane?
Yes, but it’s subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
Can I take medication on a plane?
Pills: Yes.
Liquid: Yes. Do not include these in your 3-1-1 Resealable bags. Keep them separate for security.
Also: TSA wants you to clearly label your medications. They also allow larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
Can I take scissors on a plane?
Yes, but it must be less than 4” in length. Longer than 4” must be placed in checked luggage and sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
Can I take tweezers on a plane?
Yes, you can take your tweezers on the plane. Sometimes those annoying chin hairs or stray eyebrow hairs appear at the most inopportune time. We need to be ready for those demons!
Can I take a makeup mirror on a plane?
Yes, you can take your makeup mirror on the plane. Makeup doesn’t do much good when you can’t see your face! For me personally, my makeup mirror is essential.
Can I take a curling iron or flattening iron on a plane?
Yes. Be aware that cordless curling irons containing a gas cartridge and butane fueled curling irons are allowed in carry-on bags only. A safety cover must be securely fitted over the heating element. The device must be protected from accidental activation. Gas refills (spare cartridges) are not allowed in either checked or carry-on bags
Can I take sunscreen on a plane?
When we arrive at our destination, sometimes our room isn’t ready yet so we want to whip out our sunscreen and get out in the warmth ASAP. Good news! Yes, you can pack your sunscreen in your carry-on bag on the plane, but it is subject to the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Can I take lip balm on a plane?
Yes.
Can I take perfume on a plane?
Yes. It’s subject to the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Can I take shampoo on a plane?
Yes. It’s subject to the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Can I take hair gel on a plane?
Yes. It’s subject to the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Can I take nail polish on a plane?
Yes. It’s subject to the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Can I take deodorant on a plane?
Yes. A solid deodorant is no problem. Roll on or aerosol is subject to the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Can I Take An Electric Toothbrush On A Plane?
Yep.
Can I take toothpaste on a plane?
Yes. It’s subject to the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Can I take eye drops on a plane?
Yes. It’s subject to the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Can I take makeup remover wipes on a plane?
Yes. Wipes are NOT subject to 3-1-1 Liquids Rule but the liquid is.
Can I take an ice pack on a plane?
Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.
Can I take nail clippers on a plane?
Yes.
Can I take baby powder or talcum powder on a plane?
Yes. However, be aware that powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. TSA encourages travelers to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz in checked bags.
What about miscellaneous things like booze or eCigarettes.
Can I take a bottle of wine on a plane?
Booze or wine under 140 proof is allowed but subject to the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule. I’m not sure it’s worth it for wine but might be for booze. By the way, when checking booze or wine you are limited to 1.3 gallons and it must be unopened in retail packaging. Over 140 proof is not allowed at all.
Can I take (Tobacco) cigarettes on a plane?
Yes.
Can I take E-Cigarettes or vaping devices on a plane?
Yes. In fact, they cannot be placed in your checked luggage so if you have them you must take them with you on the plane.
Can I take a lighter on a plane?
Disposable and Zippo lighters without fuel are allowed in checked bags. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked bags unless they adhere to the Department of Transportation exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. Lighters (Arc, Plasma, Electronic, E-lighters) are NOT allowed at all.
The Ultimate Carry-On Packing List Guide for Women
Below I’ve compiled the ultimate carry-on packing list guide for women. It includes the most common items we ladies bring with us on Caribbean getaways. Unless otherwise noted, all items can be taken on the plane in your carry-on or purse. I also noted if the item is subject to the TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
Makeup Items You Can Take on a Plane
| Item | Subject to TSA 3-1-1 Rule |
| Blush (Powder or Stick) | No |
| Concealer (Stick) | No |
| Eye Shadow (Powder) | No |
| Eyeliner (Pencil) | No |
| Foundation (Powder) | No |
| Lipstick | No |
| Eye Shadow (Cream) | Yes |
| Eyeliner (Liquid) | Yes |
| Foundation (Liquid) | Yes |
| Mascara | Yes |
Beauty Products You can take on a plane
| Item | Subject to TSA 3-1-1 Rule |
| Atomizer | No |
| Makeup mirror | No |
| Makeup Remover Wipes | No |
| Pencil sharpener | No |
| Tweezers | No |
| Lotions & Creams | Yes |
| Makeup Remover (liquid) | Yes |
| Nail polish | Yes |
| Nail polish remover | Yes |
| Perfume | Yes |
Hair Items you can take on a plane
| Item | Subject to TSA 3-1-1 Rule |
| Atomizer | No |
| Makeup mirror | No |
| Makeup Remover Wipes | No |
| Bobby Pins | No |
| Hairbrush / Comb | No |
| Hairdryer | No |
| Curling / Flat iron (electric or butane. Butane is not allowed to be placed in checked bags) | No |
| Conditioner | Yes |
| Dry Shampoo | Yes |
| Hair gel | Yes |
| Hair Texturizer | Yes |
| Hairspray | Yes |
| Shampoo | Yes |
Health Items allowed on a plane
| Item | Subject to TSA 3-1-1 Rule |
| Blood Sugar Test Kit | No |
| Contact Lenses | No |
| EpiPen | No |
| Lip Balm | No |
| Medication (Pills) | No |
| Protein or Energy Powders | No |
| Vitamins / Supplements (Pill) | No |
| Medication (Liquid). TSA provides the following special instructions for the medication (liquid) • Clearly label medications • TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. • Do not include them in your 3-1-1 ziplock bags; keep them separate for security. | No |
| Contact Lens Solution | Yes |
| Eye Drops | Yes |
| Sunscreen (Lotion & sprays) | Yes |
| Vitamins / Supplements (Liquid) | Yes |
Hygiene Items Allowed on a Plane
| Item | Subject to TSA 3-1-1 Rule |
| Deodorant (Solid) | No |
| Nail File (Including Metal) | No |
| Nail Clippers | No |
| Razor (Disposable or Electric) | No |
| Tampons | No |
| Toothbrush (Electric or Manual) | No |
| Soap (Bar) | No |
| Scissors (less than 4” in length) | No |
| Body Wash | Yes |
| Deodorant (Aerosol & Liquid) | Yes |
| Hand Sanitizer | Yes |
| Shaving Cream | Yes |
| Soap (Liquid) | Yes |
| Toothpaste | Yes |
Food Items allowed on a plane
| Item | Subject to TSA 3-1-1 Rule |
| Candy | No |
| Cookies | No |
| Crackers | No |
| Nuts | No |
| Other solid food | No |
| Water & Beverages (excluding Alcohol) | Yes |
| Peanut Butter | Yes |
| Yogurt | Yes |
| Dip | Yes |
| Soft Cheese | Yes |
| Salsa | Yes |
| Other liquid or soft food | Yes |
Alcohol Items Allowed on a plane
| Item | Subject to TSA 3-1-1 Rule |
| Bottle opener | No |
| Corkscrew (with no blade) | No |
| Alcohol & Wine: less than 70% alcohol (140 proof) Note: Alcohol & wine more than 70% alcohol must be placed in checked bags not to exceed 1.3 gallons. | No |
Misc Items Allowed on a Plane
| Item | Subject to TSA 3-1-1 Rule |
| Baby Powder | No |
| Baby Wipes / Wet wipes | No |
| Coat Hanger | No |
| Crochet Hooks / Knitting Needles | No |
| Detergent (Pellets or Powder) | No |
| eCigarettes / Vaping devices (Cannot be placed in checked bags) | No |
| Extension cord | No |
| Fork | No |
| Jewelry | No |
| Lighters (Disposable and Zippo only) | No |
| Pen | No |
| Safety Pin | No |
| Sewing Needles | No |
| Tobacco (cigarettes) | No |
| Bug Repellant (not insecticide) | Yes |
| Detergent (liquid) | Yes |
| Ice / Ice packs / Freezer packs / Gel packs • Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements. | Yes |
If you’re like me and want a paper list to check things off as they get packed, I got you covered. Download a free PDF of The Ultimate Carry-On Packing List Guide for Women.
Carry-On Packing Tips
Whether your goal is to not check any bags or it’s just to pack your carry-on more efficiently so you can get more of your essential liquids into the quart-size resealable bag, here are a few tips:
- Get with the gal pals you’re traveling with and decide if there are products you can share shampoo & conditioner, lotions, pain medication, etc.
- Find out what the hotel provides for you so you don’t have to pack those items. Oftentimes the hotel provides soap, shampoo & conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste, lotions, and a hairdryer.
- Take a pencil eyeliner instead of liquid since it doesn’t need to be in the resealable bag.
- Take powder foundation instead of liquid since it doesn’t need to be in the resealable bag.
- Take makeup remover wipes instead of makeup remover liquid since they don’t need to be in the resealable bag.
- Take bar soap instead of liquid or body wash since it doesn’t need to be in the resealable bag. Better yet, use the soap the hotel provides.
- Take solid deodorant instead of roll-on or aerosol since it doesn’t need to be in the resealable bag.
- Use bar soap in place of shaving cream. Some hotels even provide shaving cream for you.
Conclusion
It’s so convenient to carry everything in your carry-on bag if you can. Skip right past the baggage claim and zip over to the hotel and start your vacation sooner!
The only caveat is knowing what items are subject to the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule and what must be placed in the checked bag. I hope this article has helped answer your questions regarding the typical girly-stuff you can and can’t take on the plane.
Leave a comment below if you have other suggestions for your fellow female travelers heading to the Caribbean.
