Quick Answer
✅ Yes. Makeup is allowed on planes, but some products count as liquids and must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml in quart bag).
✅ Solid makeup items (powder, lipstick, foundation sticks) have no size limits.
✈️ Powders over 12 oz (350 ml) may require extra screening at security.
Details
- Liquid makeup (mascara, liquid foundation, concealer, nail polish, lip gloss):
- Must be in containers ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml).
- Must fit in your quart-sized liquids bag.
- Solid makeup (lipstick, powder, pressed foundation, eye shadow palettes):
- Unlimited in both carry-on and checked.
- Not subject to liquids rule.
- Powders:
- Allowed, but if > 12 oz (350 ml), they may require extra screening.
- Aerosols (setting sprays, hair spray, etc.):
- Travel-size ≤ 3.4 oz allowed in carry-on.
- Larger aerosols only allowed in checked bags (with caps).
TSA Makeup Rules Summary
| Makeup Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid makeup ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Liquid makeup > 3.4 oz | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Solid makeup (lipstick, powders) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Powders > 12 oz | ✅ Allowed (extra screening) | ✅ Allowed |
| Aerosol sprays ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Aerosol sprays > 3.4 oz | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Lipstick ≠ liquid: Lipstick and solid balms don’t count toward your liquid allowance.
- ✈️ Mascara = liquid: Mascara is always considered a liquid under TSA rules.
- ✈️ Powder screening: Large powder containers may be flagged and screened separately.
- ✈️ International flights: Most countries mirror TSA’s 100 ml liquid limit and powder checks.