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16 Best Makeup Bags to Stash All Your Cosmetics

Take your vanity on the road with these travel cases.

By Abigail Whittington and
16 best makeup bags to stash all your cosmetics
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We updated this article in October 2022 to add information about each product, based on extensive research done by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Our original top-rated picks remain the same, with the addition of newer options.


Every minute spent rifling around your luggage for that eyeliner you swore you packed means precious vacay time lost. Rather, corral loose makeup brushes and stray hair ties with a handy makeup bag. Whether you're traveling or just trying to organize your vanity, cut through the clutter by investing in a cosmetic case that neatly stashes everything from your liquids to powders. Unlike standard toiletry bags, many makeup bags feature smart pockets specifically designed to fit eyeshadow palettes and mascaras while waterproof lining keeps messy mishaps minimal.

Our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab and Textiles Lab influenced our list of recommended makeup bags, which includes picks from top-tested brands like Calpak and Dagne Dover. Safeguard your makeup routine — from full-sized setting sprays to beauty sponges — as you travel. Below you'll find the best makeup bag that suits your need, no matter if you need a large makeup bag organizer to keep your cosmetics on deck or a small TSA-approved cosmetics bag that'll help you clear security in a wink.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    Clarity Jetset Case

    Best Overall Makeup Bag

    Truffle Clarity Jetset Case

    $88 at truffleco.com
    Read more
  • 2
    Toiletry Bag

    Best Value Makeup Bag

    Bopipa Toiletry Bag

    Read more
  • 3
    Clear Cosmetics Case

    Best Clear Makeup Bag

    Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case

    Read more
  • 4
    Mila Toiletry Organizer

    Best Makeup Bag for Skincare

    Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer

    Read more
  • 5
    Travel Makeup Cosmetic Case

    Best Printed Makeup Bag

    Vercord Travel Makeup Cosmetic Case

    Read more

Scroll on for more about how we chose the best (and cutest) makeup bags. If you're still stocking up on travel essentials, take a look at our guides to the best luggage brands to shop and the best luggage on Amazon.

1
Best Overall Makeup Bag

Truffle Clarity Jetset Case

Clarity Jetset Case
1
Best Overall Makeup Bag

Truffle Clarity Jetset Case

Now 10% Off
$88 at truffleco.com
Credit: Truffle
Pros
  • TSA-approved
  • Sturdy structure
Cons
  • No organization pockets

Retire the Ziploc and opt for a clear makeup bag you can entrust to hold your travel-sized liquids and then some. As frequent flyers ourselves, our beauty pros love this case's optimal sizing for both domestic and international trips — we found it carried our entire makeup routine without sacrifice. Its transparent paneling combined with its zippered compact leather frame makes for a hassle-free trip through TSA.

2
Best Value Makeup Bag

Bopipa Toiletry Bag

Toiletry Bag
2
Best Value Makeup Bag

Bopipa Toiletry Bag

Credit: Bopipa
Pros
  • Organizing pockets
  • Includes a hanging hook
Cons
  • Some online reviews say it's a little hard to zip if too full

Looks can be deceiving: This makeup bag is large enough to hold a full-sized bottle of shampoo with room to spare. Once unzipped, the bag unfolds into three separate compartments, with a hanging hook for easy access. While we haven't tested this option, our experts appreciate its polyester and nylon fabrics for their stain resistance and easy laundering. This one's not for over-packers as some Amazon reviewers say that when stocked full, it's more difficult to zip completely shut.

3
Best Clear Makeup Bag

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case

Clear Cosmetics Case
3
Best Clear Makeup Bag

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case

Credit: Calpak
Pros
  • TSA-approved
  • Roomy compartments
Cons
  • Pricey

Combine toiletries and makeup all in one go — Calpak's roomy compartments can fit everything from full-sized palettes to travel-sized liquids. Its clear design ensures an easy, breezy security check. Aside from its chic look, the bag earned high remarks (it's our best overall toiletry bag pick, too) from our own textiles experts who say the brand aces Lab durability tests.

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4
Best Makeup Bag for Skincare

Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer

Mila Toiletry Organizer
4
Best Makeup Bag for Skincare

Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer

Credit: Dagne Dover
Pros
  • Easy on-the-go access
  • Fits most travel-sized skincare
Cons
  • Not ideal for makeup palettes

Complete with six adjustable dividers for travel-sized cleansers and lotion, a mesh pocket for loose hair clips and four elastic bands for lip balm and mascara, this cylinder-shaped case totes it all with ease. Its accessible tower design and handle detail means you can skip unpacking when you reach your travel destination, says one Textiles Lab expert. Its round case and squared dividers don't leave much room for wider items like eyeshadow or contour palettes, however.

5
Best Printed Makeup Bag

Vercord Travel Makeup Cosmetic Case

On Sale
Travel Makeup Cosmetic Case
5
Best Printed Makeup Bag

Vercord Travel Makeup Cosmetic Case

Now 23% Off
Credit: Vercord
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Great number of inner pockets
Cons
  • Some online reviews say the material felt flimsier

This prickly pick is perfect for your desert vacation. With a removable partition that includes slots for your makeup brushes, this cosmetic bag can be customized to your specific storage needs. It also comes in seven more fun prints, including tropical flamingo to cheetah designs, all for under $15. It's ideal for light packers as some Amazon reviewers reported some tearing in the fabric, even more so if packed too full.

6
Best Large Makeup Bag

Glossier The Beauty Bag

The Beauty Bag
6
Best Large Makeup Bag

Glossier The Beauty Bag

Credit: Glossier
Pros
  • Smart pocket designs
  • Sturdy, durable structure
Cons
  • Bulkier

No need to leave any favorites behind: Glossier's cosmetic bag holds it all. Dressed in a Millenial pink outer, its interior stores a removable inner pouch that's lined with four smart pockets where eyeliners and lip glosses sit snugly. Its middle and wall spaces easily fit eyeshadow palettes and large bottles of foundation. What's more, the dimensions themselves are printed on the outside of the bag to remind you just how much you can store inside. Since it stores a ton of pockets and products, expect it to run bigger than other makeup bags on this list.

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7
Most Convenient Makeup Bag

Lay-n-Go Cosmo Cosmetic Bag

Amazon’s Choice
Cosmo Cosmetic Bag
7
Most Convenient Makeup Bag

Lay-n-Go Cosmo Cosmetic Bag

Credit: Lay-n-Go
Pros
  • Low-maintenance polyester
  • Comes in 27 designs
Cons
  • No organization pockets

For the makeup lover with an overflowing bag, this will take minutes off of your morning routine! When drawn up tight, this pouch carries makeup like any other bag, but when it's unwrapped, it becomes a totally flat surface that presents all of your products at once. Made of polyester, it's more durable than most.

8
Best Small Makeup Bag

Saie Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag

Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag
8
Best Small Makeup Bag

Saie Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag

Credit: Saie
Pros
  • Roomy
  • Soft, sturdy leather
Cons
  • Some online reviews says the inside lining can get dirty

Just 3-inches wide by 8-inches long, this leather pouch is a space saver but still offers enough room to house plenty of products (Saie's tinted moisturizer, included). Matching its lilac exterior, the light-colored interior also makes it easier to grab makeup products quickly. With that said, you're also more likely to notice excess makeup that rubs off on the inside.

9
Most Compact Makeup Bag

Jadyn B Cinch Top Compact Travel Makeup Bag

Cinch Top Compact Travel Makeup Bag
9
Most Compact Makeup Bag

Jadyn B Cinch Top Compact Travel Makeup Bag

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Made from durable materials
  • Includes seven mesh interior pockets
Cons
  • Some online reviews say it's not wide enough to see makeup deeper inside

Either store your makeup brushes in this floral bucket bag for a cute vanity organization solution or pull the drawstring to carry your makeup brushes with you wherever you go. We appreciate its polyester exterior designed for durability and its nylon interior for easy cleaning. Due to its compact design, it's a bit more difficult to eye objects laying inside.

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10
Best Makeup Bag for Spills

Away The Small Toiletry Bag

The Small Toiletry Bag
10
Best Makeup Bag for Spills

Away The Small Toiletry Bag

Credit: Away
Pros
  • Personalizable
  • Thoughtful exterior pocket
Cons
  • Some online reviewers say the optional embroidery was off-center

Taking notes from the brand's other perfectly sized travel gear, its zippered toiletry case with transparent and mesh interior pockets is suited for light packers who want more thoughtful organization. When an unfortunate, but perhaps inevitable, spill occurs, its wipeable nylon — the same as the brand's packing cubes — makes cleaning a snap.

11
Best Leather Makeup Bag for Brushes

Parker Clay Leather Pouch

Leather Pouch
11
Best Leather Makeup Bag for Brushes

Parker Clay Leather Pouch

Credit: Parker Clay
Pros
  • Brand offers other matching makeup bags
  • Great for a stashing in a purse or tote bag
Cons
  • Unlined

Crafted from premium Ethiopian full-grain leather, this pencil pouch adds a bit more sophistication to your usual travel gear. As a travel companion, its elongated size makes it ideal for holding tubes of makeup like mascara and brow gel, plus brushes. The brand also keeps sustainability in mind as just one single piece of leather is used to make each bag without any additional fabric used to line the interior. Keep that in mind if you prefer an extra layer of safety for makeup spills.

12
Best Makeup Bag Organizer

BAGSMART Hanging Makeup Bag

Hanging Makeup Bag
12
Best Makeup Bag Organizer

BAGSMART Hanging Makeup Bag

Credit: BAGSMART
Pros
  • Great organization system
  • Comes with carrying handles
Cons
  • Some online reviews say the lighter colors dirty easily

Makeup, skincare and haircare essentials keep tidy in this hanging toiletry bag. With many transparent zippered pockets, you can find exactly what you're looking for as it hangs sink side. What's more, the pocket's elastic bands keep your products in place as you move around. While we haven't tried this pick, we appreciate its polyester interior, which can resist water and stains. Though its light color options look aesthetically pleasing and make it easier to spot products, that also means you're more likely to see any makeup transfer.

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13
Most Cute Makeup Bag Set

Once Upon a Rose 3-Piece Cosmetic Bag Set

3-Piece Cosmetic Bag Set
13
Most Cute Makeup Bag Set

Once Upon a Rose 3-Piece Cosmetic Bag Set

Credit: Once Upon A Rose
Pros
  • Easy to wipe down
  • Great value
Cons
  • No interior organization pockets

We know one size doesn't fit all, so why should your cosmetic bags have to? Whether you need to carry a glam bag full of makeup or just a few items for your natural look, there's a bag in this set that's the perfect size for your needs. Though we haven't tried this exact one, our Lab pros appreciate its easy-to-clean nylon. Keep in mind there are no extra bells and whistles here as the bags lack organizational dividers or pockets inside.

14
Best Personalized Makeup Bag

Walker Valentine Milan Case

Milan Case
14
Best Personalized Makeup Bag

Walker Valentine Milan Case

Credit: Walker Valentine
Pros
  • Unique beauty gift
  • Roomy inside
Cons
  • Longer shipping time for custom orders

A great gift for bridal showers or birthdays, this linen makeup bag stamps on a custom monogram or appliqué of your choosing. Lined with a practical plastic coating, it kept one GH beauty pro's foundation spill contained before they cleaned it with a couple of quick wipes. Its offerings start at $6 but keep in mind that prices can vary. The brand will send a price quote after you fill out the order sheet.

15
Best Cosmetics Case for Makeup Artists

Joligrace Professional Makeup Case

Professional Makeup Case
15
Best Cosmetics Case for Makeup Artists

Joligrace Professional Makeup Case

Credit: Joligrace
Pros
  • Several adjustable organization trays
  • Includes a carrying strap and a lock
Cons
  • Heavier than others on this list

Hardcore makeup lovers need a hardcore case that can withstand scrapes and tumbles. This aluminum case does just that and also comes stocked with six tiered trays and adjustable dividers that separate each tray into three sections. After organizing, secure your products with the included lock and key, then transport it all with the travel-friendly shoulder strap. Its dimensions are 14 inches by 11 inches by 8.43 inches, so know that it runs bulkier and heavier than other options on this list.

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16
Best Designer Makeup Bag

Bloomingdale's Little Brown Cosmetics Case

Little Brown Cosmetics Case
16
Best Designer Makeup Bag

Bloomingdale's Little Brown Cosmetics Case

Credit: Bloomingdale's
Pros
  • Great size for just the essentials
  • Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
  • Material may be less durable

A take on the instantly recognizable Bloomingdale's little brown bag, this cosmetic case lets everyone know you take your shopping and your makeup very seriously in the cutest way. Its shiny vinyl material looks glossy and chic, but keep in mind that it may be more prone to scuffs.

How we chose the best makeup bags

line break

Our Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab experts regularly test travel bags across the map, from laptop backpacks to packing cubes to underseat luggage. We consider the materials to get a sense of whether the product will hold up over time. While the GH Beauty Lab hasn't tested this category specifically, our pros recommend looking for lined toiletry bags if you're packing liquids to prevent potential spills from seeping through or opt to store them in some sort of reusable bags. The makeup bags in this list includes picks from previous top-tested brands, personal favorites of our product experts or popular options with rave consumer reviews and ratings.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

line break

GH's Associate Editor of Product & Reviews Jacqueline Saguin regularly collaborates with the GH Institute and its wide breadth of experts. She sourced picks that our Beauty Lab pros and Textiles Lab pros alike have recommended in past roundups. Textiles Product Reviews Analyst Grace Wu contributed expertise on makeup bag materials as well as previous Lab tests, data and evaluations that informed these picks.

Headshot of Jacqueline Saguin
Jacqueline Saguin
Commerce Editor

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

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