The Best Travel Makeup Bags I Recommend As A Beauty Writer

Talia Ergas

The pouch can hold over 20 full-size beauty products with room to spare, which is plenty for a week-long trip or more. But what truly sets this versatile bag apart is its ample organization and customization options. Inside, there are:

• Two mesh slip pockets, for small or oddly shaped items like lipstick or a makeup sponge
• A zippered pocket, where I kept cotton swabs and eyeshadow tape
• A detachable brush holder with four extra-large slots that can each hold multiple brushes 
• A zip pocket with plenty of room for lay-flat items like blushes and compacts.

The exterior zipper also opens wide on three sides, allowing the bag to be laid flat while you apply makeup. I found this convenient for locating and removing each of the cosmetics. 

I also love that the bag can be used with or without the brush holder. The interior nylon lining can be unzipped and removed, leaving you with a large, single-compartment clamshell case.

As far as aesthetics, this bag comes in a machine-washable fabric (with 15 color options) or a leather version (available in eight hues), which has a removable, machine-washable nylon interior lining. 

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The downside to too many pockets in your makeup bag is that sometimes it's tough to remember where you stashed everything.

With a lay-flat design when open, this budget-friendly makeup bag makes it easy to see all its contents at once. Still, it has convenient organizational features including a large clear compartment that's perfect for makeup brushes (I was able to fit six large ones without issue), two elastic side pockets that are great for fragile compacts, and a center zip pocket for small items like lipsticks.

A top handle makes the 9.75 x 4.68 x 4.68-inch bag easy to tote. When not in use, it folds flat.

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While duffle bags and soft-sided weekenders can accommodate an oddly-shaped makeup bag, a rectangular case is easier in carry-on suitcase. Cult-favorite luggage brand Away designed an ultra convenient makeup bag with exactly that in mind.

The 8.3 x 6.3 x 3.9-inch zip case stacks perfectly with Away's luggage organizers like packing cubes and a toiletry bag. Inside is a detachable five-slot makeup brush organizer. The main compartment is a large spill-proof clear zippered pocket, and inside that compartment is a second neoprene zip pocket. 

I was able to fit between 10 and 15 full-size beauty products, though overpackers might find the space limited. I recommend loading this case with travel-size products or using it on shorter trips.

My only gripe with this bag (and the one detail that kept it out of the top spot on this list) is that the neoprene zip pocket can't be removed. Depending on which products I packed, the neoprene pocket was either convenient or took away limited real estate from bulkier items. If the pocket were detachable, this bag would be perfect.

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I'm the type to carry a few emergency makeup items (think: lipstick or concealer) in my daily handbag. Kusshi's Everyday Makeup Bag, the same brand little sister of my favorite Signature Makeup Bag, is the perfect daily companion for on-the-go cosmetics.

At 5 x 7.5 x 3.25 inches, it's a smaller version of the Signature bag, except it doesn't include a detachable brush holder/zip compartment (although I was able to fit a medium-size brush in the main compartment).

I got eight full-size makeup items inside, although I had to maneuver a bit to zip it shut. I'd probably recommend using travel-size makeup items in this bag.

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As a beauty editor, I've accumulated quite the makeup collection — and even I had trouble filling this clear cosmetics case.

The 11.5 x 5.25 x 9-inch zip case has a whopping 9.5-liter capacity, in which I toted three eyeshadow palettes, four foundations, 10 blush sticks, six makeup brushes, five blush compacts, four concealers, three highlighters, three contour sticks, and a full-size aerosol makeup spray. I could have easily fit more. 

This makes the wipe-down case perfect for long trips or traveling for weddings where you may want to load up your entire makeup stash. Another idea: use one side of the case for toiletries and the other for cosmetics.

Since the bag has two huge compartments with one flat zip pocket, I would probably put items like lipsticks or eyeliners in smaller cases first and stow those smaller cases inside this bag. If you like the design of this bag but find the size daunting, Calpak also makes a 6-liter medium version.

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Quince continues to impress with high-quality fabrics (like washable silk, plush cashmere, and even diamond jewelry) at prices about 50-80% off traditional retail costs. The brand's leather bags are no exception.

This 100% top-grain Italian leather makeup bag set is stunning. There are six colors to choose from (I picked olive), and each is outfitted with gold-tone zippers. At $79 for the set, it makes a timeless gift that can be used for years to come. 

It's pretty basic in the way of organizational features (the larger bag has one flush slip pocket), but being able to divide items between two cases is advantageous. If you're trying to maximize packing space, this is a solid bet.

I used the 6.5 x 11 x 3.5-inch bag to stow larger full-size makeup items, and I was able to fit two foundations, a tinted moisturizer, two blushes, five blush/contour/highlight sticks, three lipsticks, a makeup setting spray, and an eyeshadow palette — with room to spare.

In the 5 x 9 x 3-inch clamshell, I carried full-size makeup brushes and a concealer. On shorter trips, you could also use the larger bag for travel-size toiletries (the water-resistant microfiber interior can be wiped clean) and the smaller pouch for makeup. I love that the smaller bag can be nested inside the larger one to save space when it's not in use. 

Learn more about our favorite products in our Quince brand review.

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A set of leather clamshell pouches is a timeless staple that can last for decades — and an excellent gift idea. They can be used to store a variety of items from toiletries and cosmetics to pens and small tech accessories. 

Leatherology's Clamshell Bag Set in black croc leather is superiorly stunning thanks to gold-tone hardware and tassled zippers. But it's more than a pretty face.

Measuring 6 x 8.75 x 4.7 inches and 5.2 x 7.25 x 3.75 inches, the cases both have a wide and deep interior great for over-filling. The larger bag, with a convenient interior zip pocket, could easily accommodate 15+ full-size beauty products including brushes. The smaller bag is perfect for lipsticks, nail polishes and concealers. When not in use, the smaller bag nests inside the larger one for easy storage.