The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags

travel makeup bag

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Something about tossing your travel makeup bag in your carry-on luggage or weekender backpack just makes you feel excited about vacation. Whether you’re going on a quick overnight trip to have dinner with friends or heading off on your honeymoon, travel makeup bags help you stay organized and keep sunscreen, moisturizers, contact lens solution, foundation, and the like from exploding on your favorite linen shirt (oops), and they can also double to hold your jewelry, too.

But as all chapstick enthusiasts know, not all travel makeup bags are created equal. Personal preference matters, and while some opt for a hard-sided, extra-large case, others love a tiny cloth pouch that stashes just a few essentials.

Below are our picks for the best travel makeup bags currently available.

  • What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, mark & graham concourse vegan leather cosmetic case.

Mark & Graham

Interior compartments

Fashion-forward

White shows stains

Personalization costs extra

Vegan leather. We repeat: Vegan leather. This imitation leather looks like the real deal, and the case is equal parts practical and stylish. Two interior zippered pockets with see-through lining allow you to view all of your sundries at a glance when you hang the roomy case over a hook in the bathroom. We love that you can monogram the creamy white case with a gold or silver monogram, though it will cost you extra. To clean, you can just run a damp cloth over the exterior, which means you’ll save money on leather purse cleaner without compromising the refined allure of the material.

Dimensions: 12.25 x 3 x 8.25 inches | Material: Polyurethane

Best Budget

Monstina makeup brush bags travel kit organizer cosmetic bag.

Multiple compartments

Not all brushes fit, and not all reviewers love the interior zipper for a bigger storage area

Choose from black, rose gold, gold, pink, a flower design, a marble design, and more in this affordable option with an elastic brush slot, ample storage space, and a mesh pocket to keep things tidy. The exterior is waterproof, easy to wipe clean, and ideal for a makeup junkie who can’t travel without her eyelash curler, a favorite set of makeup travel brushes, and a few lip glosses. There’s also a built-in mirror. Buy two, and use the second for other travel essentials if you’re looking for a functional vessel to stash medications, vitamins, contact lens solution, and more.

Dimensions: 7.08 x 3.9 x 1.9 inches | Material: Nylon

Best Luxury

Burberry vintage check wash bag.

Bloomingdale's

High fashion

Can show stains

Can you argue with Burberry? We didn’t think so. Featuring the fashion house’s classic check pattern, this makeup bag has room for razors, sunscreen, moisturizers, and more, organized with an interior zip pocket and two interior slip pockets. Accented with leather detailing and a leather handle, the price tag may give you a bit of sticker shock, but if you want to go the designer route, it doesn’t get much better than this sturdy accessory. P.S.: We hear it pairs well with splurging on this Burberry Mini Vintage Check Two Handle Title Bag . 

Dimensions: 9.75 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Materials: Polyurethane, cotton, leather

Best Lightweight

Minted dopp kit.

Minted / Iveta Angelova

Fun designs

No interior pockets

Stains noticeable on lighter-colored designs

Minted is a marketplace for independent artists, so you can expect stylish and fun designs ranging from botanical cascade to line wrap to suit every kind of aesthetic. Crafted from 100 percent cotton, each dopp kit has a leather handle and a custom foil-pressed leather tag that you can emboss with your monogram or name for free. The liner is water-repellent, and you can use the pouch as a fashionable clutch when you are in a pinch and realize that you forgot to pack your favorite purse, too.

Dimensions: 9.5 x 6 x 4.5 inches | Materials: Cotton, leather

Best for Organizational Gurus

Away the cosmetics bag.

Great layout

Detachable makeup brush roll

Water-resistant nylon body

Structured design means it doesn’t collapse

If you consider yourself a makeup-centric Marie Kondo, this cosmetics bag is for you. From luggage favorite AWAY, this case comes with a detachable brush roll to store your makeup brushes that snaps to the top lid. The bottom compartment also includes neoprene and clear zip pockets, the latter of which let you locate your favorite lipstick in a second. The sturdy carrier zips closed and has a carry handle; you can choose from pink or black. For an additional fee, personalize it with up to three letters in various colors, from metallic gold to berry.

Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.3 x 3.9 inches | Materials: Nylon, neoprene

Truffle Clarity Mini Jetset Case

Truffle Co.

Pretty design

Eco-friendly

On the pricey side for its size

No interior compartments

There are carrying straps, a double pull zip closure, and four dreamy colors, from blush pink to slate gray. This makeup case has a clear top so you can see the contents and is also available in standard and jumbo sizes if you’re looking for bigger options but similar designs. Throw in a few bobby pins, deodorant, and a sunscreen stick, and you’re ready for the road, friends.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 2 x 2.5 inches | Materials: Biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane, leather

Best Metallic

Janeke large quilted flat metallic pouch.

Janeke 1830

Easy to clean

 Rather pricey

Choose from bronze or gold (order gold on janeke-usa.com ) to bring your glitzy makeup case dreams to life, and you’ll be glad you did. The zippered pouch has plenty of real estate to hold your favorite sunscreen, hand sanitizer, makeup, creams, and more, and the quilted design helps to cushion the contents. Made in Italy, the water-resistant vegan leather showcases the brand’s signature “j” on the exterior.

Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.7 x 0.25 inches | Materials: Polyurethane

Best Hardshell

Wellinsulated travel beauty case.

WELLinsulated

Shoulder strap

Only available in silver

WELLInsulated’s award-winning bags are go-to's of celebrity makeup artists, including Dick Page, Christine Nelli, Matin Maulawizada, and Kyra Panchenko. This smartly designed bag is soon to be your go-to, too. The Travel Beauty Case offers high-performance insulation, a vegan leather exterior, and a removable shoulder strap for easy transport. The brand worked with aerospace engineers and technical designers for over two years to design the products, so you can also rest assured that their products are built to last and that they will keep your makeup safeguarded against damage from temperature changes and humidity.

Dimensions: 9 x 6.25 x 6.25 inches | Material: Polyurethane

Best Hanging

Tumi voyageur madina cosmetics case.

Helps you save bathroom countertop real estate

Lots of pockets

On the bigger side

Not ideal if you’re looking for something with a smaller footprint

You trust Tumi for your luggage ; trust them with your makeup case, too. There’s much to swoon for here, like a front zippered pocket, three transparent zip pockets, a metal hanger, a detachable zippered pouch, and the option to be monogrammed at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street store free of charge. Choose from black or dark turquoise, and get to packing your favorite makeup, toiletries, and jewelry. (The zippered transparent pocket with three dividers is particularly nice for sorting rings, bracelets, and necklaces.)

Dimensions: 8 x 11 x 3 inches | Materials: Nylon, leather

Best Oversized

Bagsmart toiletry bag travel bag (large).

Not the most visually attractive

Might be too big for some people’s needs

For another great hanging option, we love this cosmetic bag organizer that’s an Amazon best-seller. Choose from large (12.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inches) or medium (11 x 7.4 x 3 inches), and pack plenty of goodies next time you head out of town. The medium and large sizes feature the same layout and include multiple pouches and elastic straps to secure bottles. We also appreciate that the case’s polyester exterior is water-resistant and that you can use a two-way zipper closure to open and close your bag in a hurry.

Dimensions: 12.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inches | Material: Polyester 

What to Look for in a Travel Makeup Bag

Buying a makeup case comes down to what you value most in the purchase. Do you want plenty of space to hold a dizzying collection of lipsticks, or a bare-bones vessel to hold your toothpaste, concealer, and sunscreen? Are you looking for a soft case that can be compressed into a jam-packed duffel bag or an insulated hardshell case? Are you all about monograms? 

You’ve mastered the art of packing your carry-on bag ; now it’s time to perfect the art of packing makeup. If you’re flying, be sure that any liquids, gels, or creams meet TSA requirements and that you pack all of these items in a quart-sized resealable bag for checkpoint security at the airport. When you can, pack multi-use products like foundation and sunscreen built into one, especially if you’ve got limited suitcase space. Pack similar items together (like a chapstick with lip gloss) so you can find things quickly.

To avoid spilling fiascos, you may want to wrap your powders in a zip-top bag or put tape around the top. For makeup compacts with mirrors, place a piece of tissue or a cotton ball between the makeup and the mirror to keep anything from breaking in transit. Try to pack your makeup in the middle of your suitcase, so your clothes will be wrapped around the case to provide extra cushioning.

Instructions for cleaning a makeup bag vary based on the material. Cloth makeup bags can be put in the washing machine, but in most cases you’ll want to hand wash with a cloth.

Perri Ormont Blumberg is a travel and lifestyle writer who has written countless product reviews. In the luggage category, she’s written reviews of everything from Delsey luggage to the AWAY Everywhere Bag . In addition to reviewing a stream of user comments on makeup bags, she worked with public relations pros to find the greatest options on the market.

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These Travel Makeup Bags Will Keep Your Beauty Essentials Secure and Organized

By Shauna Beni and Meaghan Kenny

16 Travel Makeup Bags That Will Keep Your Beauty Essentials Secure and Organized

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When it comes to packing beauty essentials, everyone has different preferences. Some focus on skincare, bringing along a haul of sunscreens , lotions, and serums. Others pack just about every compact, mascara , and cream they own (plus enough lipstick shades to match every outfit). Regardless of your must-haves, the right makeup bag is key to keeping cosmetics organized and safely stored away during your travels—and ensuring you don’t end up ruining all your things from spills and leaks in your suitcase .

Thankfully, there is an endless array of cosmetic bags to choose from. We've rounded up a list of the best travel makeup bags, which range in size from mini bags meant for an overnight stay to extra-large ones that will hold everything you need for an extended vacation. Wherever you're headed, they'll keep your most prized (and pricey) beauty essentials secure and safely tucked away. Keep scrolling to see a dozen-plus of our top travel makeup bags, and if you're looking for a new method for makeup removal, take a look at this editor-tested Grove Makeup Remover Towel .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

If you’d like your makeup bag to function as a place to store all your beauty products even when you're not on vacation, or like to travel with a lot of makeup, we recommend a large catch-all like this Calpak toiletry bag . It comes in neutral hues like pink sand, black, and moss, and has multiple interior compartments—plus an exterior back pocket—to organize your different cosmetics. There's also a side handle, making it easier to tote back and forth when you need to.

Image may contain: Bag, and Canvas

For travelers who have no desire to pack light, Calpak's oversized cosmetics case (closed, it's as big as a sheet of printer paper) will keep all your favorite products neat and visible. The clear makeup bag unzips fully so each side can lay flat, and has an extra mesh interior pocket to hold smaller items. Plus, a top handle makes for easy carrying or looping over a bathroom hook.

travel makeup bag

On the outside, this Béis bag looks like any other makeup bag; inside, it's obvious it was designed by someone who's traveled with a drugstore full of makeup once or twice. Inside, there's a larger-than-average compact mirror that slips out, a double-sided detachable brush holder to keep eye and lip brushes separate, and smaller compartments to store odds and ends, plus a spacious main compartment. Even better, the water-resistant lining makes it easy to wipe clean.

Image may contain: Bag

If you're a fan of traveling with a color-coordinated or monogrammed luggage set , this cosmetic case is the one for you. The vintage-inspired bag is designed with a durable but lightweight shell exterior and is the perfect mini-match to the other Terminal 1 suitcases in the collection . It’s also small enough to pack inside of a suitcase but spacious enough to fit all your essentials. The internal pockets are a plus for keeping things like brushes, blush compacts, and lipsticks organized, while the top leather handle makes it easy to carry around in a hotel or Airbnb. Thanks to the zip-around outside closure, you won’t have to worry about any leaks or spills.

travel makeup bag

Without an organized cosmetic case, doing your makeup often involves rummaging around in a bag trying to find everything. This Lay-n-Go bag, though, is a dream come true. Instead of having to dump out all your products, the bag opens up by way of drawstrings, and can be laid out as a circle on any surface, allowing every product to be on display. When finished, pull the drawstring back together and watch it transform into the size of a clutch. It also comes with a zip pocket for storage and elastic brush loops, so nothing goes rolling off the bathroom counter.

Image may contain: Furniture

Available in a larger size as well, this small, sleek toiletry organizer with a carrying handle is ideal for quick one- to two-day getaways when you're packing the basics. The inside is completely lined with mesh and allows makeup products like foundation, setting spray, and serums to stand straight up in their own dividers, making them easier to find. There are also small loops on the side for mascara , lip gloss, or makeup brushes. 

travel makeup bag

Ideal for overnight or weekend stays, this Lululemon pouch is a bit smaller, providing you with just enough room to pack the essentials without being too heavy in your weekender bag . Made of water-repellent, recycled nylon, this pouch has a mesh interior pocket for items you want to keep separate, like your beauty sponge. Available in colors like raspberry, teal, pink, and black, all with the signature Lululemon logo, this is one makeup pouch you’ll have for years to come.

Image may contain: Bag, Handbag, Accessories, Purse, and Accessory

An affordable option that's great for long family vacations , this Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag will fit all of your makeup products and toiletries in one. Hang it on the back of the bathroom door when you arrive and you’ll stay organized the rest of the trip. There are four separate clear sections that make finding what you need easy and prevent liquid products like shampoo and conditioner from spilling onto your makeup. Plus, the case itself has a top handle to make carrying it on-the-go even easier.

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Purse, Accessory, Bag, and Luggage

Transparent bags are practical and efficient, allowing you to see what's inside while packing, and Paravel’s See-All vanity case offers all the style and space you need. This clear case makes finding the exact product you need easy, even smaller ones like eye creams or lip balm that typically fall to the bottom of the bag. Plus, the water-resistant (and eco-friendly) silicone coating means you don't have to worry about product spills.

travel makeup bag

If you’re already a fan of Away’s thoughtfully-designed luggage , the brand's makeup case definitely won’t disappoint. Not only does this one look chic sitting on your bathroom counter, it actually stores all of the makeup must-haves you'd need for an entire week's vacation. The main compartment is made of water-resistant nylon with transparent pockets that make finding what you need simple. My favorite part about this cosmetic bag is the detachable brush roll that snaps to the top lid to keep makeup brushes organized and give me easy access when I need them. The bag itself has a grab handle for easy carrying and a size that won't take up too much room in your suitcase .

Image may contain: Accessories, Accessory, and Rug

This lightweight cosmetic bag from MZ Wallace is the perfect size for any getaway . It’s large enough to store all of the makeup products you’d need for a week and features an interior pocket and lining to protect it against any leaks. When you’re not using it to pack your favorite makeup products, use it as an emergency kit to store beauty essentials at the office or in your gym bag.

Image may contain: Cushion, Wallet, Accessories, and Accessory

This roomy bag is machine washable, so there's no need to worry about the inevitable bronzer or powder that will appear inside—throw your makeup brushes right in. It’s easy to pile in extra products in there, too, making it an ideal bag for long weekend trips . It features two mesh side pockets inside for tweezers, a lipliner sharpener, or other small items you want to keep handy.

travel makeup bag

Sephora's cosmetic organizer really does let you pack it all. This spacious and sturdy organizer comes with two removable storage cubes ideal for products like eyeshadow, powder, and blushes. It also comes with a removable flat pouch for eyeliner or waterproof mascaras and small loops to keep your brushes in place. If you can never find what you’re looking for in your makeup bag, this one’s for you.

Image may contain: Furniture, and Cushion

This leather travel case set from Cuyana comes with two chic cases, one large bag that fits foundation, eyeshadow palettes, and skincare essentials as well as a smaller bag ideal for makeup brushes or tools like an eyelash curler. Both bags feature a microsuede interior that you can easily wipe clean after any accidental makeup spills.

Image may contain: Bag, and Briefcase

We love a hanging cosmetic bag, especially one that folds up as neatly as this Tumi travel case. With four separate compartments—three transparent, one detachable nylon pouch—it'll keep items separated and is roomy enough to act as both a Dopp kit and makeup bag. The case itself is made of easy-to-wipe-down nylon, and the handle is wrapped in leather trim.

Image may contain: Wallet, Accessories, and Accessory

This petite cosmetic bag is great for day trips when you only need to bring a few essentials with you, like sunscreen , setting powder, and concealer for touch-ups. It fits easily into a tote bag or backpack without taking up too much room. Plus, its a temperature-stable bag with insulation, so your products will be protected even if you spend the day walking around in the heat—meaning you don't have to worry about melted lipstick.

14 Best Makeup Bags for All Your Beauty Organization Needs

By Jennifer Hussein , Angela Trakoshis , and Sarah Han

Best Makeup Bags a collage of Dagne Dover Everlane and Saie cosmetic cases on a pink background

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Owning an intense beauty collection requires practical organization , so grab one (or three) of the best makeup bags . If you've got a serious makeup, hair-care, and/or skin-care collection, why would you stuff all of your beautiful, hard-earned eye shadow palettes , eyeliners, and favorite brushes into just any old boring cosmetic bag?

Our Top Picks:

  • Best for Last-Minute Packers: Vlando Travel Cosmetic Case , $26
  • Best for Light Travelers: Lululemon Go Getter Pouch , $38
  • Best Clear Makeup Bag: Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case , $95
  • Best for Getting Ready On the Go: Béis The Cosmetic Case , $68
  • Best Large Makeup Case: Étoile Collective Duo Vanity Case , $100
  • Best for the Organized Traveler: Everlane The Renew Transit Catch-All Case , $35
  • Cutest Carry-All: Saie Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag , $35
  • For the Budding Makeup Artist: Tartan + Twine Basics Black Train Case , $30
  • Most Innovative Design: Lay-n-Go Cosmo , $30

Beauty bags, makeup train cases, and roll-out organizers come in all sorts of colors, sizes, and fun patterns, but aesthetically pleasing designs aren't the only thing they offer. The most important aspect is storage, which you'll find in abundance, considering most of these picks (including the smaller ones) have quite a few compartments, slots, and pockets for your items.

We scoured the internet to find the best makeup bags, pouches, cases, and carriers money can buy — including compact clutches to stash in your purse or carry-on, and oversized cases perfect for packing on your travels. Find the best makeup pouch for your budget and beauty needs below.

Best for Last-Minute Packers (who need a bag, like, yesterday): Vlando Travel Cosmetic Case

Vlando Travel Makeup Cosmetic Case blue makeup case with brushes and cream lining on light grey background

Vlando Travel Makeup Cosmetic Case

Why It's Worth It: We love the Vlando Travel Makeup Cosmetic Case because it was made with our makeup brushes in mind. Inside the makeup organizer are four spacious slots for all of your essential brushes and tools so bristles don't get ruined in transit. Plus, there are ample (and adjustable!) separate compartment dividers to organize everything exactly how you like it. Since this travel makeup bag features waterproof materials, you won't have to worry about any liquids coming in or out.

Dimensions: 3.9 inches x 9.8 inches x 8.6 inches | Material: synthetic leather (outer shell), polyurethane (inner lining) | Color Options: Four

Best for Light Travelers: Lululemon Go Getter Pouch

Lululemon Go Getter Pouch black bag on light grey background

Lululemon Go Getter Pouch

Why It's Worth It: Whether you're packing light or a makeup minimalist, Lululemon's Go Getter Pouch is one of the best travel makeup bags for carrying your beauty essentials. It's made of a water-repellent fabric to handle any spills that come its way. Though this compact makeup bag looks small at first glance, it has a spacious main compartment that can easily fit an eye shadow palette (and then some). This multitasking pouch can be used as your day-to-day makeup bag, a toiletry organizer for travel-friendly skin care, or even as a replacement for your bulkier tote bags on light traveling days.

Dimensions: 8.7 inches x 3.3 inches x 6.3 inches | Material: Nylon (outer shell), polyester (mesh and lining) | Color Options: One

Best Clear Makeup Bag: Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case

Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case clear and tan bag on light grey background

Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case

Anthropologie

Why It's Worth It: Trust us, grabbing a PVC-lined makeup bag like the Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case is a total game-changer. It's the roomiest cosmetics case from the viral travel brand, and its transparent walls mean you can easily find your tiniest tubes of lip gloss , mascara, concealer, you name it. Oh, and did we mention that this bag has two large compartments and a small mesh pocket? It's like the Mary Poppins bag of cosmetic cases.

Dimensions: 11.5 inches x 5.25 inches x 9 inches | Material: PVC and polyurethane (exterior), polyester (interior) | Color Options: 15

Best for Getting Ready On the Go: Béis The Cosmetic Case

Béis The Cosmetic Case black bag on light grey background

Béis The Cosmetic Case

Why It's Worth It: Trying to do your makeup while riding a train, plane, or automobile should be considered an Olympic sport, but thankfully Béis's The Cosmetic Case can make things easier. On top of its spacious, organized design and pockets galore, this pick also comes with its own makeup mirror for effortless touch-ups in business class (or the A train). It's also totally spill-proof, so don't fret about making a mess.

Dimensions: 10 inches x 7 inches x 3.8 inches | Material: Faux leather (exterior), polyester and PVC (interior) | Color Options: 10

Best Large Makeup Case: Étoile Collective Duo Vanity Case

Étoile Collective Duo Vanity Case beige bag on light grey background

Étoile Collective Duo Vanity Case

Why It's Worth It: So, you've got a lot of stuff. Well, your beauty shopping habit isn't a problem for Étoile's Collective Duo Vanity Case. This double-decker cosmetics case has a deep main compartment equipped with a detachable flexible divider insert and pockets for fitting all of your full-size bottles and tools upright. Its slimmer compartment is perfect for stashing away palettes and also comes with a fold-out travel mirror for styling on the run.

Dimensions: 9.4 inches x 6.7 inches x 7.1 inches | Material: Faux leather (exterior), nylon (interior) | Color Options: Three

Best for the Organized Traveler: Everlane The Renew Transit Catch-All Case

Everlane The Renew Transit Catch-All Case grey bag on light grey background

Everlane The Renew Transit Catch-All Case

Why It's Worth It: Available in four neutral color options, Everlane's The Renew Transit Catch-All Case features five interior pockets and one exterior for organized travel. This chic cosmetic bag snaps down or rolls back for easy access and compactness, so it doesn't take up precious cargo space. Plus, it's made of recycled polyester, which is super easy to clean.

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Dimensions: 9 inches x 6.5 inches x 4.75 inches | Material: Polyester | Color Options: Four

Cutest Carry-All: Saie Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag

Saie Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag purple bag on light grey background

Saie Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag

Why It's Worth It: We're in love with the Saie Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag for more reasons than just its spring-ready color. There's one easy zipper all around the side of the vegan leather makeup bag, which makes it easy to locate all of your products — even if they're stuck somewhere at the bottom. Plus, it's so roomy, that you can easily fit your entire beauty routine inside.

Dimensions: 6 inches x 8 inches x 3 inches | Material: Faux leather | Color Options: One

For the Budding Makeup Artist: Tartan + Twine Basics Black Train Case

Tartan + Twine Basics Black Train Case black bag with gold zipper

Tartan + Twine

Tartan + Twine Basics Black Train Case

Ulta Beauty

Why It's Worth It: This classic, no-frills makeup case from Tartan + Twine keeps things simple. Its boxy shape makes storage a breeze and the top handle makes it easy to tote around. Inside, you'll find four nylon straps that'll keep fragile glass bottles in place. (Hello, expensive skin-care products.) The Basics Black Train Case also features a zipper-lined pocket to store your brushes, liners, and other slim products.

Dimensions: 7.75 inches x 7.5 inches x 5.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Color Options: One

Most Innovative: Lay-n-Go Cosmo

Lay-n-Go Cosmo black toiletries bag open and closed on light grey background

Lay-n-Go Cosmo

Why It's Worth It: For the person who can't stand endlessly digging through their makeup bag in search of that one, tiny eye pencil, there's this genius invention: the Lay-n-Go Cosmo. When you're on the move, a simple drawstring transforms this into a travel sack that keeps all your things contained, but when you reach your destination, it unfolds into a 20-inch mat so you can see everything all at once. There's even a raised lip to avoid rolling, a zippered pocket for safe storage, and a built-in elastic strap that acts as a handy brush holder. Oh, and it's machine-washable in case of spills.

Dimensions: 20 inches | Material: Polyester | Color Options: 28

Best Vegan Leather: Rose Inc Structured Beauty Clutch

Rose Inc Structured Beauty Clutch beige bag on light grey background

Rose Inc Structured Beauty Clutch

Why It's Worth It: Made of faux leather, the Rose Inc Structured Beauty Clutch is so chic, that we would even consider using it as an evening purse. This muted beige bag only has one main zippered compartment but it keeps its shape whether it's open or closed, no matter how much you stuff it.

Dimensions: 8.88 inches x 4.44 inches x 6.66 inches | Material: Faux leather (exterior), polyester (interior) | Color Options: One

For the Bougie Globetrotter: Cuyana Travel Beauty Roll

Cuyana Travel Beauty Roll salmon colored bag on light

Cuyana Travel Beauty Roll

Why It's Worth It: Crafted from high-quality Italian leather (certified by the Leather Working Group, which means the leather is tanned in "an environmentally responsible way"), Cuyana's Travel Beauty Roll is not a budget pick in the slightest. This chic, Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning travel case is designed with four sections — one zipped, one large slip pocket, one brush compartment, and one detachable pouch — so all your makeup essentials stay in place. In case anything does spill or leave marks, you can easily clean the leather lining using a damp cloth with a teensy bit of soap or micellar water on a cotton pad.

Dimensions (flat): 9.5 inches x 14.5 inches x 0.5 inches | Material: Pebbled leather | Color Options: Three

Barbiecore Chic: Glossier The Beauty Bag

Glossier The Beauty Bag pink bag on light grey background

Glossier The Beauty Bag

Why It's Worth It: This Barbie keeps her beauty essentials organized and looking cute. There are plenty of pockets and compartments to store smaller items, such as lip balms — never again will you lose them to the depths of your purses. You can also easily fit full-size skin-care bottles which, as a bonus, will stand upright so you don't have to worry about any unfortunate spills.

P.S. Make it a Glossier party by nabbing the brand-new Glossier Duffle as your go-to weekender bag.

Dimensions: 9.5 inches x 7 inches x 3 inches | Material: Cotton (exterior), polyester, and rayon (interior) | Color Options: One

Best Water-Resistant: Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag

Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag black bag on light grey background

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag

Why It's Worth It: Constructed from easy-to-clean neoprene, Dagne Dover's multitasking Hunter Toiletry Bag might just be the most durable of the bunch, with room for essentials like a razor, a full-size fragrance bottle, or even your favorite hot tool . Plus, the high-tech, water-resistant fabric is both breathable and hand-washable, making it the perfect addition to your prone-to-clutter gym bag. In addition to an interior slip pocket with organization-friendly elastic loops, the self-cushioning kit also has two fully removable mesh pouches with zip closures, so everything will be right where you need it post-workout.

P.S. It also comes in a larger size for $65 .

Dimensions: 7.5 inches x 4 inches x 4.5 inches | Material: Neoprene, zinc alloy | Color Options: Nine

For the Hotel Frequenters: Away The Hanging Toiletry Bag

Away The Hanging Toiletry Bag black hanging toiletry bag on light grey background

Away The Hanging Toiletry Bag

Why It's Worth It: Away's The Hanging Toiletry Bag is great for those who want to keep all their beauty products in one place — yet neatly separated and organized. With three mesh pockets and one removable clear pouch, you can have all your makeup, skin-care, and hair-care products with you at all times. Not to mention, this bag is ready to be hung up in any bathroom you travel to.

Dimensions: 9.6 inches x 3.74 inches x 6.6 inches | Material: Nylon | Color Options: Three

Need more shopping inspo? Here are a few makeup products we've been loving:

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  • 15 Best Eye Shadow Sticks That Even Beginners Can Master

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The 14 Best Makeup Bags to Keep Your Beauty Essentials Organized, Tested & Reviewed

You didn’t spend your paycheck on makeup just to have it squashed in your suitcase.

travel makeup bag

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InStyle/Leticia Almeida

Imagine: You’ve spent months, maybe even years, trying out way too many makeup products to count, and you’ve finally curated your perfect collection of formulas, shades, and tools. You’ve lined them all up across your vanity so beautifully that even a Sephora associate would envy the display. Then suddenly, you’re a week away from your vacation and reality hits: How can I get my makeup stash there safely? There is a simple solution: Makeup bags.

  • lululemon Feeling Ready Mini Pouch Fleece is 24% off at lululemon.com
  • Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer is 25% off at dagnedover.com
  • Sephora Collection Hanging Makeup Organizer Bag is 50% off at sephora.com
  • Relavel Travel Large Makeup Train Case is 20% off at amazon.com
  • Relavel Travel Small Makeup Train Case is 15% off at amazon.com
  • Boacay Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag is 15% off at amazon.com

Shop more makeup bags

By giving all your holy grail go-tos their own proper storage space within a designated makeup bag, you’ll be able to find what you need exactly when you need it. For those who lack organizational acumen, we did our best Marie Kondo to see which of the buzziest bags out there were actually useful by filling them with bottles of lotions, creams, sprays, brushes, and powders. Then, we pretended each one was a dodgeball and threw them all around our NYC-based lab. The makeup bags who emerged victorious, with the fewest number of spills, breaks, or explosions, were then judged for material quality and compressive ability. Plus, the amount of space it took up in a carry-on bag, design, usefulness of the compartments, and overall capacity. This list is composed of our highest-ranking makeup bags that we’d be happy to take with us for a long weekend or monthslong adventure (we wish!).

Best Overall

Béis the cosmetic case.

What We Love: It comes with a mirror.

What We Don’t Love: You can’t compartmentalize as much.

Out of all the makeup cases we tested, we found the Béis Cosmetic Case to be the most universally useful. It comes with a removable mirror that’s quite generous in size, unlike some of those itty bitty mirrors you often see that are big enough to reflect one eyelash. That’s definitely not the case here—this one stands upright to give us a view of our entire face so we could do our makeup on the go.

In terms of space, there’s a center section for brushes, which is removable, and we were able to get five brushes in comfortably without flattening the bristles. Then in the main compartment, we were able to fit all of our go-to makeup products with ease, never forcing us to leave anything behind for the sake of space. There’s even a shallow zippered section attached to the top lid where we slid in our powder compacts and palettes. Even the hardware holding everything together felt luxe and sturdy, not to mention easy to wipe clean, so we had peace of mind knowing our precious (not to mention expensive) makeup collection was well protected.

We also loved how the case opened up completely, putting everything on full display and easy to access. That being said, there weren’t many compartments or straps to organize our products—everything needed to be thrown in together. When we tossed the bag around, the items remained protected and safe without spilling or coming loose, and still, we wish we could compartmentalize a little better. 

Materials: Faux leather exterior, nylon lining interior | Compartments : None | Colors: 10 | Size: 9.5 inches x 4 inches x 7 inches

InStyle / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Narwey travel makeup bag.

What We Love: The quality feels much more high-end than what it’s priced at. 

What We Don’t Love: We wish it was slightly more cushioned.

We love a good budget option when the product feels much more high-end than what it’s priced at. That’s how we felt about this Narwey makeup case, available on Amazon. The lightweight option doesn’t lack in space, compartments, or even aesthetic appeal, making it a phenomenal option for everyday use.

Much like the previous Beis option, this bag opens up fully, giving us complete access to all our goods. On the lid-side of the bag, we could squeeze 20 brushes in the eight brush pockets (ranging in size) — there’s even a flap to cover and protect the brush heads. The bag comes with a fully removable pouch, where we kept our face palettes , a color correcting palette, three eyeliners, four lipsticks, a mascara, and a lash curler . Then in the main compartment, we stored our foundations, moisturizers, makeup removers, favorite dry shampoo , and more. Needless to say, nothing needs to be left behind with this bag, and yet it didn’t feel completely bulky—we were able to store this in our backpack and carry-on cases sans-problem. 

If we could tweak just one element, it would be to make the bag more cushioned. Although none of the makeup pieces weathered any damage during our rigorous throw test, we would feel more at ease knowing there was an additional layer of protection.

Materials: Water-resistant fabric | Compartments : 3 | Colors: 15 | Size: 9” x 6.7” x 3.5”

InStyle / Leticia Almeida

Best Hanging

Béis hanging cosmetic case.

What We Love: There’s a removable pouch, making it easy to take essential items along during day excursions. 

What We Don’t Love: It’s very bulky and large, making it harder to pack.

This is for the beauty guru who needs to bring their entire beauty routine with them on the go, even if it means sacrificing a sweater or two in their luggage space. The Beis Hanging Cosmetic Case was truly made for the expert—even professional makeup artists will find great usage out of all the space, compartments, and hanging ability.

We first noticed how the outside has a stiffer material, making it absorb any drops and protecting the contents inside. Meanwhile, the interior is quite slick, so we would have no quarrels giving it a good clean should any powder or creams ever get spilled. The bag flaps open into three sections and has a little hook to hang for when we don’t have any counter space to lay it out flat. Thanks to all the zippers and netted pouches, nothing would fall out while being perfectly visible in its vertical position. We fit absolutely everything we could think of here — moisturizers, creams, foundations, makeup palettes, four eyeliners, five lipsticks and glosses, and still had room to spare. The pouch in the middle is also removable, which we found to be very useful when we wanted to head out for the day and bring a few essentials along.

The biggest con was just how bulky it was. This definitely takes up a good chunk of space, and because of its semi-hard case, we couldn’t quite fold it or squish it down to save space.

Materials: Nylon, vegan leather | Compartments : 5 | Colors: 2 | Size: 9.75” x 7.25” x 6.5”

Best for Bottles

Dagne dover mila toiletry organizer.

Dagne Dover

What We Love: It comes with removable dividers to keep bottles cushioned and separated.

What We Don’t Love: We wish the handle could be opened and closed so that we may loop it on a towel rack and save counter space.

Do you have any delicate perfume bottles, creams, or foundations you want to keep properly cushioned and separated? Then it truly does not get better than (or cuter than) this toiletry organizer from Dagne Dover. The circular and upright bag has a cushioned mesh fabric all throughout the interior, with six adjustable compartments for you to place your individual items in securely. 

We found that the bag was much more spacious than it first appeared. More than just the six main compartments, we were able to place pencils and brushes (which fit perfectly upright) in the side slits as well. Then on the opening flap, we placed sunscreens , hair ties, lipsticks, and other miscellaneous items in the zippered mesh bag. Of course, removing the dividers altogether created even more space, but we liked how our glass bottles were protected inside the dividers — not even throwing the bag across the room could affect the interior. 

Because of the flexible cushiony material, it was easy to squish the bag down and save space in our luggage as well. This could easily fit in a backpack, carry-on, and check-in suitcase all the same. We wish the handle could clasp open and close so that we could hook it on a drying rack at the hotel to save counter space. 

Materials: Recycled polyester | Compartments : 11 | Colors: 4 | Size: 5.5” x 5.5” x 5.5”

Best for Travel

Away the cosmetics bag.

What We Love: There is a discreet hidden black pocket for anything you want to keep private. 

What We Don’t Love: The makeup brush compartment clips off, but we’re not sure why as it does not conceal an extra compartment or save space this way.

A good makeup case for travel should be able to endure the rough handling of TSA, flight turbulence, and rolling over cobblestone streets. For this reason, the hard yet cushioned shell of the Away Cosmetics Bag is ideal. The neoprene exterior felt luscious and high-end, which is very on par with all of Away's products. 

We loved the no-fuss simplicity of this option — there is a clear zippered main compartment, and underneath it hides a little black pouch, fit for eyeshadow palettes and medications. The clear compartment is spacious enough to hold just about anything, from creams to lash curlers to hydrating lipsticks . And because it’s made of plastic, it’s easy to wipe off any potential spills.

On the lid side of the bag is a detachable brush holder with five pockets, although we found we could squeeze at least two brushes in each pocket. We will say, however, that we’re uncertain why they made the brush holder detachable, as it doesn’t conceal anything underneath or even save a bunch of space. The holder alone is of no use without the case either. 

Materials: Nylon, neoprene | Compartments : 3 | Colors: 2 | Size: 8.3” x 6.3” x 3.9”

Relavel Travel Makeup Case

What We Love: The internal dividers can be adjusted to your liking.

What We Don’t Love: It's too big to fit into a backpack, and will take a lot of space in a suitcase.

If you’re a professional makeup artist and have to travel to see your clients, then this is the makeup case to opt for. More than just large, this case has been expertly designed with makeup artists in mind, giving us adjustable compartments made of mesh, smooth, and easy-to-clean material. 

We’re somewhat of organizational freaks (Marie Kondo is our saving grace), and we can’t begin to describe how satisfying it is to have our un-shamefully large collection of foundations, eyeshadow palettes, lip kits and more, properly stashed in their own compartments. The brush compartment on the internal divider had scrunch pockets, and the flap that goes over the brushes sufficiently covered all of them for protection. Whatever item of makeup we had, there was a slot for it here, requiring us to leave nothing behind. Thankfully, the bag itself is very lightweight, as the weight of all our products is already heavy enough. 

The bag came with an adjustable strap, which we could wear as a crossbody or even turn into a backpack, which makes this one of the most portable cases on the list. That being said, it’s a little too large to comfortably fit into a backpack. It can easily fit into a carry-on or checked luggage but be prepared for it to take up a good chunk of space.

Materials: Nylon | Compartments : 9 | Colors: 20 | Size: 10.3” x 9” x 3.6”

Best for Brushes

Relavel small makeup case.

What We Love: We could fit at least 15 brushes in the bag.

What We Don’t Love: There is no pouch over the brushes to protect them.

She may have small in the title, but this bag actually fits a ton of product — at least enough for your everyday makeup needs. The most notable feature of this bag however is how many slots there are for brushes. From big to small, there are two walls dedicated to just brushes, easily carrying at least 15 makeup brushes in various sizes . 

The interior divider features a row of brush holders on one side, and mesh pockets on the other. Once we flipped that over, we were met with a large (but not very deep) space for all of our creams and cases. It could fit plenty of mascaras and lip glosses for everyday wear, but if you wanted to go full glam you may feel it’s not spacious enough. For the average consumer, however, we believe the soft bag is perfectly sufficient for a casual week away. 

If there’s one thing we could alter, it would be to add a little flap over the brushes in order to protect them. 

Materials: Nylon | Compartments : 5 | Colors: 21 | Size: 8.9” x 5.1” x 5.1”

Lululemon Go Getter Pouch

What We Love: It fits a lot more than it looks. 

What We Don’t Love: There aren’t any compartments to organize specific items into.

Not only is this makeup pouch small, but soft-shelled as well, making it easy to compress for travel. It’s made of the same materials as Lululemon’s infamous belt bag , which is water-repellent and durable. 

The pouch consists of one main compartment, with a mesh interior pocket and an exterior zipped pocket. It didn’t seem like much at first, but once we started placing our foundations, creams, powders, and beyond in it, we realized just how much it could hold, which is a lot (two liters of stuff, to be exact). Thanks to the nylon material, it's easy to clean should anything ever spill — and spill it might, as there isn’t really a hardcover protecting any of the contents. We advise against throwing this against any hard surfaces as the thin pouch didn’t do a great job at protecting our contents (RIP our favorite lipstick cap). This factor simultaneously does make it easier to pack, and should we not want to fill it up all the way, we could press out any air and make it more compact. There aren’t a plethora of compartments, and we did get a little lost trying to find specific items in what feels like a Mary Poppins bag, but we’re happy with how discreetly it can fit a bunch of items in a small size.

Materials: Recycled polyester, nylon | Compartments : 3 | Colors: 3 | Size: 8.7” x 3.3” x 6.3”

MZ Wallace Mica Cosmetic Case

What We Love: The cushiony exterior kept everything safe and protected.

What We Don’t Love: We wish there were one or two more compartments.

We selected this option as our best pouch pick not because of how much this bag can hold (although that is a big point), but because of its cushiony exterior. Instead of a hard shell, this quilted bag felt like a protective pillow around our valuables, while being flexible enough to press down in our suitcases.

The top zips open almost fully, making it easy to access all of our makeup. There are only two compartments — the main interior and a not so little side zip. We were flabbergasted at just how much could fit into this little black hole: three micellar waters , two travel-size shampoo bottles, a large liquid concealer, a bronzer, five lipsticks, and about seven brushes nestled next to each other, and the bag still didn’t feel like it was filled up. The bag was almost like a flexible fleece jacket to our goodies, easily accommodating our large collection of beauty products without taking too much luggage space. 

We only wish there were one or two more compartments in the pouch. Because the bag wasn't clear, we had to go on a hunt to find the creams and foundations that were sitting at the bottom. 

Materials: Leather, REC oxford | Compartments : 2 | Colors: 1 | Size: 9.49” x 4.02” x 5.98”

Best with Compartments

Sephora collection pack it all organizer.

What We Love: It’s big enough to carry both your toiletries and makeup.

What We Don’t Love: It’s too big to fit in a backpack comfortably.

With this option, you get two bags inside of one, a removable pouch, zippered compartments, and various brush holders. Needless to say, us neat-obsessives had a field day organizing all of our makeup products. And thanks to its large size, we couldn’t imagine a scenario where we wouldn’t be able to fit absolutely all of our makeup.

The top lid zips open completely, making it easy to access the various compartments. There were eight brush straps (five smaller and three larger) and a plastic flap to cover the brush heads. For celebrity makeup artist Katie Nova, having such a cover is vital, explaining that ”this separate case prevents bacterial growth, which can lead to skin irritation and inflammation.” 

Then we were met with two cubes where we separated our toiletries from our makeup products. Around the cubes we still had ample amount of space to store makeup wipes, supplements, eyeshadow palletes and more. When we threw it around, we were surprised to find everything pretty much unshaken on the inside, minus one cap that fell off. The top and the bottom of the bag is pretty solid, but the sides were softer, giving us the best of both worlds in protection and flexibility.

Be mindful that the bag is capital-L-Large. She may not fit well into a backpack, but she’ll do great at bringing absolutely all of your beauty needs on your two week trip to Italy, so long as she’s kept in a suitcase.

Materials: Nylon | Compartments : 3 | Colors: 1| Size: 10.25" x 8" x 5"

Best Train Set

Leatherology train case.

Leatherology

What We Love: There are organizational compartments on the interior side that don’t take up any space.

What We Don’t Love: It’s very tall, so it may sit awkwardly in a suitcase.

A classic train case is a stylish way to hold all your beauty products on the go. We tested several, but found this full grain leather option the most practical. While at a first glance it looks like any other spacious rectangular box, a closer look revealed that each of the walls had a different organizational perk. Two sides had a pocket sleeve with an elastic strap, one side had a slip pocket, and the last had a zippered pocket. There was even a mesh zippered pocket on the lid, where we kept eyeshadow palettes and mascaras. We loved how these compartments didn’t take up any additional space (like a divider would), while still giving us the opportunity to organize a little. 

The box is quite deep, so even our travel-size shampoos could stand upright. Unless we packed everything snugly side by side, these items would fall to their sides and look a little messy after travel. Not in a way that they would break, but simply look more disheveled than when we first packed it. Should anything spill, however, the water-resistant lining made it very easy to clean. And because the exterior is made of leather, it’s extremely sturdy and high-quality as well.

Materials: Leather, nylon | Compartments : 3 | Colors: 14 | Size: 7.5” x 5” x 5.2”

Best Organizer

Boacay hanging travel toiletry bag.

What We Love: The pockets are all clear, giving us good visibility into the interior.

What We Don’t Love: The cover is not that protective or sturdy.

It’s not enough for a bag to have great organizational capabilities, it needs to provide great visibility into our collection of products as well, and this bag does just that. It comes with a little rotating hook, which we used to hang the bag onto a towel rack.

Once fully folded open, it reveals four bagged compartments, all made of clear plastic (which by the way is easy to clean). The two center pockets are larger than the outer ones, so we stored our hair spray, body lotions , and all other cream products in there. In the smaller pouches we hid our brushes, eye creams , and any other miscellaneous items in. We had absolutely no problem storing all of our beauty products, leaving nothing behind. Although it looked stuffed to the brim, once closed it did not bulk up any more than it did while empty. It still folded easily and zippered closed without putting up a fight. Nova stresses how convenient it is to keep all her skincare and beauty products separate, but in the same container, “eliminating the need for a separate bag and simplifying my travel routine further.”

When we dropped the bag, none of the products broke due to the lightly cushioned exterior. That being said, we’d be apprehensive to do any aggressive tosses of the bag, as it’s not made of any durable or made of a hearty material. Still, with a water-repellent finish and light padding, it’s perfectly usable for everyday use.

Materials: Brushed, water-repellant | Compartments : 5 | Colors: 8 | Size: 11.4” x 3.8” x 7.5”

Best for Purses

Cuyana leather travel case set.

What We Love: It comes with two bags in one set.

What We Don’t Love: The leather exterior and interior are difficult to clean.

If you want to have your beauty items close to you while on the go, then a pouch small enough to fit in your purse is the way to go. This Cuyana set, which yes, comes with two different sized pouches, was quick to steal our hearts with its beautiful pebbled leather design. The bag opened up so wide, it was easy to pack all our essentials in and get quick access to them. The larger pouch has one slit pocket on the side, although we have to admit, it’s more for the aesthetics than any functional purpose. At most, it could fit a single palette (which to be fair, if you pick the best eyeshadow palette , that may be plenty.

The second pouch is merely a smaller version of the large one, without the slit interior pocket. At first, we wondered why we would need two of the same bag, but then came to realize how useful it is to keep one in our check-in luggage and the other in our backpacks and close to us on the plane. Together, we could easily bring our entire makeup routine with us wherever we go.

Because it’s made of full leather on the exterior and interior, it was difficult to clean the bag. One of our eyeshadow palettes popped open and stained the bag slightly. Luckily, Cuyana gives detailed instructions on how to care for the pouch .

Materials: Leather | Compartments : 2 | Colors: 16 | Size: Large pouch: 7” x 12” x 3.5”, small pouch: 5” x 8” x 2.5”

Best Customizable

Cuyana travel beauty case.

What We Love: You can add a personalized monogram.

What We Don’t Love: It’s only available in two colors.

Now onto something for the makeup gurus who don’t play about their beauty collection. The price of this travel case is on the higher side, but after thoroughly testing it we think it’s worth every penny. 

Let’s start with the luxurious material, stitch, and zips. This bag is about as sturdy as it gets without having a full-on hardshell makeup case. The leather is strong and sturdy, proving to us it would protect without taking on much damage itself. The zippers glide smoothly all the way around and open in a clam-shell style, which makes it easy to access all of our products in an organized manner. 

The lid portion features four loops for brushes and an elastic pocket to collect the ends. The leather divider in the middle helps to protect the brush heads from the items on the other side, where we placed our foundations, bronzers, blushes, and more. There was even a clippable pouch that we could remove and use on its own on a flight. Because of its sleek and long shape, we placed our waterproof mascaras , eyeliners, and brow products in there. We could even sneak in an eyeshadow brush as well.

Without going overboard, Cuyana managed to deliver a well-organized yet minimalistic makeup bag in superior design and quality. Knowing that it will last us well over a decade further makes this worth the investment. Slab on the fact that we could add a personalized monogram and it’s truly *chef’s kiss*. Now we only wonder why it’s only available in two colors.

Materials: Leather | Compartments : 4 | Colors: 2 | Size: 6.2” x 10.2” x 3.1”

First, we started by researching the most popular makeup cases, ranging from small hand held pouches to larger scale professional makeup cases. After honing our selection down to 26 pieces, we called each product into our testing site where our group of beauty editors and experts assessed each individual product. Each case had to hold at least four makeup brushes, two makeup palettes, a bottle of foundation, an eyelash curler, one mascara wand, a lipstick, four toiletry bottles, and a hairspray. All bags that could contain even more were given preferential treatment. 

We also took note of how many compartments were inside each of the bags, and whether or not they were useful and/or adjustable. We then threw the bag onto the ground to see whether any pieces came undone on the inside or broke on the journey. We then debated whether each bag was travel friendly, fitting into either a backpack, carry-on, and checked suitcase. From there, we selected the best 13 makeup cases that passed all our tests with flying colors.

Before committing to a makeup case, take a look at your beauty products and consider how much you actually use on a daily basis. Next, consider the location you’re hoping to transport them to, and ask yourself what you need there. The answer to these questions will determine how large your makeup case should be. We tested a range of makeup bags, and found some big enough to suit a professional makeup artist, in need of carrying a bunch of products in various shades (we’re looking at you Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case ), and simple pouches fit to hold a good chunk of essentials for a weekend getaway (hey MZ Wallace Mica Cosmetic Case ). 

You also want to consider how you will be transporting your makeup case. Some bags, including the Leatherology Small Train Case , are too large to fit in a backpack and take a ton of space in a carry-on, but will be great in a larger suitcase. Others were so small you could bring them onboard with you in a purse, like the Cuyana Travel Case Set , and they still fit an impressive amount of products in.

Makeup isn’t cheap, so you probably want the case to properly cushion and protect your collection. That being said, harder shells or even cushioned bags take up a lot of space in your luggage, so finding something that compromises between protective yet lightweight can be difficult. Factor in the ability to wash the bag, and it can become downright mathematical. The Beis The Cosmetic Case is made with a vegan leather exterior with a semi-hard lid and bottom. If needed, the sides were flexible enough to be pressed down, so that the bag could decompress inside a suitcase a little. It’s this type of bag that destination bridal makeup artist, Tia Codrington, finds the most useful. “The bag I use has some soft breathable areas and a hard shell in the back to protect the components inside.” 

The Cuyana Travel Case Set features quality leather all throughout the pouch, which certainly helps to protect the interior but is also more difficult to clean. If you are worried about spillage, something with a clear plastic case, like the BOACAY Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag would be much more efficient. Professional makeup artists J. Guerra remarks that “Bags made of nylon or other materials that are easy to wipe down in case of makeup spills while traveling are essential.” The Beis The Hanging Cosmetic Case , Away The Cosmetics Bag , and Relavel Small Makeup Bag are all made with Nylon in the interior.

Compartments

If you don’t care too much for compartments and just need a spacious pouch to throw all your things in, look no further than the Cuyana Travel Case Set or Lululemon Go Getter Pouch . For everyone else who gets a kick out of neatly separating your liquids from your powders, consider all the organizational capabilities of your future makeup case. Guerra says that a “space for brushes, separate compartments for liquids (to comply with airport regulations), and dividers to stay organized prevent delicate powders or eyeshadow palettes from breaking apart.” So not only do compartments make packing neater, but safer for your goods as well. 

The bags that offer phenomenal compartmentalization are the Cuyana Travel Beauty Case , Beis The Hanging Cosmetic Case , and Sephora Collection Pack It All Organizer . “Some bags even have removable pouches or adjustable dividers for added safeguarding and flexibility, those are my favorite,” continues Guerra, and we have to agree. The Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer and Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case offered us just that, and we really appreciated how we could change the bag’s construction to match our situational needs.

What is the best way to pack makeup for travel?

There’s a lot to consider when traveling with makeup. On top of the above mentioned size, material, and compartments, you have to make sure you’re following TSA guidelines — like not including liquids that are more than 3.4 ounces and storing everything inside a clear container, if it’s coming with you in your carry-on luggage. Guerra, who frequently travels to meet his beauty clients, offers a few tips for traveling with makeup: “When flying, I’ll often wrap my powder palettes and compacts in bubble wrap or a small towel to prevent them from breaking en route.” If you’re absolutely worried about anything spilling, Guerra suggests “storing creams and liquids into Ziploc bags before placing them in your makeup case.” 

Codrington brings up the importance of having clear makeup cases again. Not only “has it helped me with organization, but it’s useful during security checks in the airport because security officers have a clear view of what’s inside the bag without having to go through all your stuff.” And we can all agree, there is nothing more horrifying than watching all the contents of your bag being spewed out by TSA. 

What is the best professional makeup case?

Professional makeup artists are going to need a lot more space to accommodate their wide range of products and shades. They also require easy access to their products, so bags must open wide or offer a clear case. “I typically go for bags that have a wide opening and transparent compartments. This allows me to easily see and quickly access items for red carpet touchups or makeup adjustments on-set,” says Guerra. We found that the Beis The Hanging Cosmetic Case , Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case , and Sephora Collection Pack It All Organizer , with their large size, ample amounts of compartments, and decent cushioning to be the best makeup cases for professional makeup artists. 

Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle with three years of experience covering fashion and beauty stories. In order to write this story, she dove deep into the insights of the testers who each individually handled the makeup cases. She then consulted celebrity makeup artists J. Guerra and Katie Nova , as well as destination bridal makeup artist Tia Codrington , for further insight into what to look for when shopping for makeup cases. 

15 Travel Makeup Bags To Keep Your Full Routine Organized

These are just plain—and plane—chic.

9 travel makeup bags

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Travel is stressful, full stop. Add losing your eyelash curler or brand new lippies in your checked bag, and it's a disastrous tale. Take the unnecessary drama out of the situation and opt for an organized travel makeup bag that easily fits in your carry-on luggage— or will at the very least leave your checked back organized amidst the chaos.

Clear Cosmetics Case

Best for a long vacation

Calpak clear cosmetics case.

Clarity Jetset Case

Best for airport

Truffle co clarity jetset case.

Violet Vanity Case

Turns into a purse!

F&w style violet vanity case.

The Terry Cosmetic Clutch in Citron

Best for pool day

Beis the terry cosmetic clutch in citron.

Travel Vanity Case

Dior Travel Vanity Case

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Best for Small Bathrooms

Mossio hanging toiletry bag.

Vacationer Makeup Bag

Kusshi Vacationer Makeup Bag

Jumbo Zip Pouch

Proceeds go to charity

Pattern beauty jumbo zip pouch.

Beauty Bag

Best for full sized products

Glossier beauty bag.

Wash Bag

Best for Traveling Couples

Sarep and rose wash bag.

Happy travels.

This two-sided makeup bag is exactly what you need for a long trip. The handled bag unzips into two separate clear compartments, so staying organized is a breeze. It’s large enough to fit full-sized products if you don’t have travel-sized versions of your favorites. Bonus: the individual sides minimizes damage from any accidental product explosions.

This see-through makeup bag makes security at the airport a breeze. The clear design allows for quick and easy access to your favorite products, ditching the endless dig-for-lipstick scene on the runway.

F&W Style Violet Vanity Case

For the fastest "get ready with me" routine, opt for this see-through makeup case. Perfect for travel, its structured shape and gold feet can stand upright on any surface. Bonus: If you’re heading to a sports game or festival, add the chain and it can do double-duty as a handbag.

This bright terry cloth makeup bag can double as a clutch (just remove the strap) so you can take it from the beach to a night out. It’s also waterproof and Shay Mitchell approved!

Covered in the iconic designer print, this hard-shell vanity case has enough space to accommodate all your top shelf favorites. The interior pocket makes for convenient brush storage and the Italian crafted top handle makes it easy to take on the go!

All the functions of your dad’s old school dopp kit but much cuter. The bag hangs from a hook (perfect for a shower rod or back of door) so you don’t have to dump out all of your makeup products into the hotel sink. There are also storage compartments, breathable mesh, and a ton of fun color options.

With 23 different prints to choose from, this vacationer makeup bag can match your suitcase. The nylon versions are machine-washable bag (and there are vegan leather versions, too)—all of them open wide enough for you to easily see each and every one of your products without having to dig!

Pattern Beauty (and Tracee Ellis-Ross fans!) will love this oversized pouch with the brand's logo. Every sale supports organizations & programs that empower women & people of color.

Calling all Glossier stans—let the world know with this gorgeous pink and red cosmetic bag. The interior pouch and three side pockets allow you to store different products separately so you can stay organized. Bonus: coated cotton material makes it easy to wipe away any stains, even ones from the messiest of foundation spills.

Handmade out of nubuck leather, this kit has a 4 interior pockets making it effortless to separate your various products and tools. And the neutral design vibes make it a great gift for you beau, too.

Away The Cosmetics Bag

The Cosmetics Bag

Shaped just like a packing cube, this simple, yet stylish cosmetic bag has transparent pockets and neoprene compartments for all of your products! Our favorite feature is the detachable brush holder, which makes it easy to organize all of your beloved beauty tools.

OTM Cannes Bag

Cannes Bag

The first-to-market makeup bag with heat-protecting technology is here! Need a touch-up by the pool? Leave it directly in the sun and your makeup will never melt. This bag also has spacious storage compartments and a standout gold chain, making it both dashing and durable for even the hottest of summer days.

Saie Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag

Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag

This pastel bag is the perfect home for all your basics. The wraparound zipper, this roomy bag opens wide enough for you to see the full array.

Relavel Makeup Train Case

Makeup Train Case

With removable dividers, this durable case can fit palettes, lipsticks, brushes, etc. in a comfortable and customizable way.

ami cole The Pouch

The Pouch

Looking for a mini pouch to throw in any summer tote? Here it is! This clear cosmetic bag comes with a large zipper tag to help you grab your necessities in a flash for any on-the-go touch ups.

hearst owned

How do I pick the best makeup bag for travel?

hearst owned

Finding a makeup bag that fulfills your long list of needs can be done. When on the hunt, prioritize space. If it can’t fit all of our products then what’s the point? It’s best to look for a bag that caters to your specific makeup and preferences. Bigger full-sized items can be easily thrown in a spacious bag, whereas smaller items such as lipsticks, liners, individual shadows, etc. beg for a bag with pockets and dividers as opposed to a catch-all. At the end of the day, a makeup bag should keep you organized, happy, and sane!

What’s the best makeup bag material?

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Anything water resistant! Most makeup bags are lined with water-resistant or waterproof materials such as clear plastic, nylon, or polyester.

How should I clean my makeup bag?

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Beauty lovers know the danger of a loose cap. Though spills may be unavoidable, cleaning them up is something we all must learn to master. Turns out the secret is not so secret: antibacterial household spray! Any Clorox, Microband, or Cleansmart spray, etc. will do the trick. Tip: Make sure to bring makeup pads on every expedition, in case a spill decides to attempt destruction. Shop our favorite antibacterial reusable cotton rounds here .

How should I organize my makeup bag for travel?

hearst owned

When organizing your makeup for a trip, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Try to leave full-sized products at home. If it's a short enough trip, go for the minis.
  • If you can, pick the combined products (for example: A bronzer + blush compact rather than bringing both bronzer and blush).
  • Check the amount of product you have left before packing. Arriving at your destination with only a drop left isn’t doing anyone any good!
  • If you don’t have mini versions of your fav moisturizers, primers, setting spray, shampoo, or conditioner, don’t fret. You can find travel-sized bottles here , which can save you from a last minute trip to the drug store! Plus, they’re TSA approved.
  • When packing, it’s helpful to do your full routine start-to-finish and place each beauty item in your makeup bag, and nothing else. This way, you can avoid the unnecessary-yet-tempting products!

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14 Best Makeup Bags to Keep Your Beauty Stash Organized

A place for all your go-to makeup, from blushes to brushes.

travel makeup bag

Byrdie / Alexander Huang

Every makeup wearer should have a designated cosmetic bag. Not only are they cute, but they're designed to keep beauty products organized and hygienic . There are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from everyday kits to on-the-go pouches .

Although there’s no one-size-fits-all option, there are certain features of a makeup bag that make it a worthy investment. "Ideally, the bag will be resilient, waterproof, and easy to wipe down ," says New York makeup artist Jamie Dorman . "This makes it easy to keep makeup sanitary and clean up any products that have made it out of their containers.

We conducted hours of research on the best makeup bags , evaluating them on quality, design, capacity, and extra features . Our team then combined these results with our research of fan favorites plus makeup artist-recommended picks to create this list of top-rated choices. From hard-shell cases and catch-alls to hanging satchels and TSA-approved transparent pouches, you've got lots to choose from.

Where We Stand

How we researched.

  • What To Look For

Why Trust Byrdie

Best overall, beis the cosmetics case.

Compact yet spacious

Magnetized brush holder

Water-resistant

Limited colors

We absolutely adore this simple yet chic number from Béis. Measuring 9.5 x 7 x 4 inches, The Cosmetics Case is conveniently compact but more spacious than it looks . Inside, there's a magnetized removable brush holder with a pouch-style enclosure and a sizable zipper pocket on the back. Then there are three suitcase-style pockets in the main compartment and a slip pocket on the lid with a removable mirror for on-the-go application . 

This spill-proof makeup carrier has a faux leather exterior that resists crushing, and the lining is easy-to-clean , water-resistant polyester. We only wish it came in a wider variety of colors. 

Who It’s For

This spacious bag has pockets and compartments to stash all your makeup securely. It’s our top pick for virtually everyone. 

Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 4 inches | Material: Polyurethane | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, Beige

Best Splurge

Royce new york double zip leather toiletry bag.

Saksfifth Avenue

Waterproof lining

Too small for some

If you're willing to shell out a little more for the perfect carrier, you won't regret investing in Royce's Double Zip Toiletry Bag. It's made of buttery-soft yet durable, genuine leather with a waterproof, stain-resistant lining . It'll fit effortlessly in any suitcase or overnight bag, but it still offers plenty of room for your must-haves . Our only complaint is that it might be a little on the small side, depending on the size of your makeup collection. 

Chic and durable, this leather toiletry bag is worth the money if your beauty budget can afford it. 

Dimensions: 7.75 x 4.5 x 5 inches | Material: Leather | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, Blush Pink, Navy Blue

Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag

Dagne Dover

High-quality design

Great color selection

Doesn't resist crushing

For more modest makeup collections (or when you’re just looking to take some of the key players on a trip), we recommend the small size of Dagne Dover's Hunter Bag. This thoughtfully designed pouch measures just 7.5 x 4.5 x 4 inches . It's made of water-resistant neoprene and has a removable zipper pocket, a dust bag, and three elastic loops for securing your brushes or lip products. The color options are something to admire too. 

Commerce Associate Editorial Director Jill Di Donato loves this makeup bag. She gushes often about its neoprene material—which makes it easy to clean (and keep clean) —and its zip compartments that are ingeniously designed for travel . This one doesn’t resist crushing , though, so don’t pack it in your checked luggage. 

If a petite pouch is perfect for your needs, we highly recommend this one. 

Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.5 x 4 inches | Material: Neoprene | Closure: Zipper, snap

Best Budget

Narwey makeup bag.

Most affordable on our list

Not the most durable

This water-resistant cosmetics bag has room for all the essentials and won't break the bank. Available in two sizes and several colors , it's got a main compartment, two side pockets, and three narrower sleeves for makeup brushes , eyeliner, mascara, lipstick—you name it. It’s not the most durable, but that’s to be expected given the affordable price point. 

If you’re looking for a makeup bag that will do the job for less money, this budget option fits the bill. 

Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 4 inches for large | Material: Polyurethane | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, Grey, Purple, Red +more

Best Waterproof

Meiyuuo waterproof makeup bag.

Made from waterproof materials

Holds its shape

No compartments

Need something that'll stand up to all spills, splashes, and maybe even a little rainfall ? This waterproof makeup bag is our colorful, cute pick. Made of smooth vegan leather with a wipeable nylon lining , it's lightweight yet durable and holds its shape well . It comes in several chic colors , too, ranging from millennial pink to mint green to marigold. The only downside is that there are no compartments to keep items organized inside. 

If you know your makeup bag will get messy, this waterproof option is for you. However, if like having compartments, it might let you down.

Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 4.5 inches | Material: Faux leather | Closure: Zipper

Best Hanging

Bosidu hanging travel toiletry bag.

Has lots of transparent compartments

Resists crushing

Zipper can be finicky

It’s always nice to have a makeup bag that you can unfold without taking up precious counter space. This handy cosmetics bag can be hung from the back of a door, on a towel hook , or really anywhere with a knob. Made of sturdy canvas with a thermoplastic interior and vegan leather accents , it's also crush-resistant and waterproof . Inside, there are multiple compartments and zippered pockets , all transparent so you can easily see all your products . The zipper can be a little finicky , so patience is key with this one. 

This hanging toiletry organizer is a must-have for frequent travelers–or anyone who prefers to keep their makeup collection hung up and out of the way.

Dimensions: 11.5 x 10 x 4.5 inches | Material: Canvas, faux leather, thermoplastic | Closure: Zipper

Best Standing

Glossier the beauty bag.

Glossier 

Multiple pockets

Removable inner pouch

Stands upright

Only one color

Glossier's take on the makeup bag is this cleverly designed catch-all. At 9.5 x 7 x 3 inches, it's tall enough to fit your brushes, pencils, and full-size skincare products yet wide enough to stand upright without support. However, it’s still somehow conveniently compact . 

There are various pockets and compartments to help you stay organized on the go, and thanks to the coated cotton exterior , you won't have to worry about spills, splashes, or stains. It only comes in Glossier’s signature color, so you need to be a pink fan for this one. 

If a standing bag with space for all your skincare and makeup essentials suits your needs best (and you like pink) then look no further. 

Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 3 inches | Material: Coated cotton | Closure: Zipper

MAC Cosmetics Carry All

MAC Cosmetics

Great size for home or travel

Strap for easy transport

Made from durable nylon

Reviewers say it looks cheap

If your makeup stash desperately needs a new home, the MAC Carry All Case is a sound investment. It’s roomy, with plenty of space for the average cosmetics collection, and comes complete with brush compartments, a mirror, and a strap for easy transportation. Reviewers complained that the bag looked cheap but it’s durable and easy to clean , so if you’re just looking for something simple that’ll hold everything, you can’t go wrong with this one. 

This spacious carry-all bag has space for your entire makeup collection–perfect if you’re looking for an everyday organizer.

Dimensions: 11.5 x 5 x 6 inches | Material: Nylon | Closure: Zipper

Best for Makeup Artists

Make up for ever professional bag.

Multiple compartments

Transparent mesh pouches

This generously sized carrier was designed with makeup artists in mind . Measuring roughly 16 x 11 x 6 inches, it's got multiple compartments, pockets, and zip-up mesh pouches so you can keep your collection organized and in full view while working on clients (or yourself). You can tote it around by the handles or use the cross-body strap when you need your hands free. Though it only comes in one color, black is an undeniably professional choice.

Oversized and equipped with a myriad of compartments, this bag is best for professional makeup artists––or those with an oversized collection of makeup. 

Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 6 inches | Material: Polyester | Closure: Zipper

Paravel See-All Vanity Case

Stylish design

Easy to clean

Lined in case of spills

Can be personalized with a monogram

No compartments for organization

This Paravel option is perfect for those with a penchant for luxury brands or showing off their beauty wares (we’re sure you know a few). Made from a sturdy, wipeable eco-canvas and wrap-around clear window , this clear train case is as practical as it is aesthetic . You can see exactly what you’ve packed , so there’s no digging around aimlessly searching for a hair tie or lip balm . This also makes it perfect for traveling by plane (hi, TSA agents). Plus, you can personalize it with a monogram so it’s easy for people to know who it belongs to. 

This transparent case makes packing and finding all your essentials easy. We love it as a stylish and convenient travel option.

Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 3.75 inches | Material: PVC and leather | Closure: Zipper

Best for Travel

Stephanie johnson belize blue stellar martha large cosmetics case.

Carry-all handles

Comes with four clear zip pouches

Suitcase style design

Only two color options

This suitcase-style cosmetics case comes with four removable clear pouches and a clear zipper compartment to make traveling with cosmetics easy and organized. It might look like a suitcase, but it’s compact enough to easily fit in your carry-on. Zip everything away when you're on the go with a top zip-around closure that will keep your stash in place . We just wish it came in more than two colorways. 

Although most of the makeup bags on our list work for travel, this one is the ultimate on-to-go option thanks to its abundance of compartments and pouches. 

Dimensions: 6.5 x 8.75 x 4 inches | Material: PVC and leather | Closure: Zipper

Best Tiered

Caboodles on-the-go girl makeup organizer.

Tiered level organization

Hard plastic is durable and easy to clean

Trays make for easy access

Bulky when traveling

A Caboodle is a nostalgic way to organize your stash , and hey, we could always use a dose of nostalgia. we're fans of this model, which offers spacious storage with an auto-open tray and secure latch for no-spill travel (although, the bulky size of this one means it won’t fit in your luggage easily). The bottom of the cosmetic case has storage space to hold larger items like brushes, while the top of the organizer contains a tray divided into three compartments for makeup items. The best part: it’s available in 30 different color combinations to suit your (or a young makeup artist you love) style.

We like this tiered option for at-home use (especially if you’ve got a soft spot for the 90s). The handy trays separate and store items effortlessly. 

Dimensions: 6.5 x 8.75 x 4 inches | Material: Plastic | Closure: Flip lid

Calpak Mini Cosmetics Case

Similar to a packing cube

TSA-friendly

Transparent so you can find items more easily

Large size is very big

If you enjoy packing your clothes in packing cubes , you'll especially love these clear makeup bags from the luggage brand Calpak. The bags come in three sizes —small, medium, and large—and a variety of colorways . Each bag features a clear PVC exterior , making it TSA-friendly and easier to find items while you're getting ready. We also love that the bags have top handles for easy handling .

Simple and effective, these clear makeup cubes make it easy to organize and transport your essentials.

Size: Small, Medium, Large | Material: Faux Leather, transparent PVC | Closure: Zipper

Best Lightweight

Vera bradley featherweight hanging organizer.

Vera Bradley

Lightweight design

Water-wicking fabric 

Easy hanging design

Lots of compartments 

Design isn’t crush-proof

There's nothing quite like the organization of a hanging cosmetic case like this one, but it’s especially nice if it’s on the lighter side. Not only does it hang nicely on a towel rack or shower curtain (leaving you tons of counter space to work with), but it has separate compartments for everything you could ever need. Staying true to its name, the bag is incredibly lightweight and features a nylon fabric that wicks away water . The only downside is that this one isn't crush-proof , so be careful how you transport it. 

Makeup can be heavy enough as it is. This lightweight case will ensure you’re not carrying any extra weight. 

Size: Medium | Material: Recycled nylon | Closure: Zipper

Overall, our favorite makeup bag is the Béis The Cosmetics Case , which is water-resistant and compact yet spacious, and comes with a magnetized removable brush holder . We also loved our budget pick, Narwey’s Zipper Makeup Bag , which is water-resistan t as well and has plenty of storage space, with a main compartment, two side pockets, and three narrower sleeves .

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best makeup bags on the market, evaluating their key features—like quality, design, capacity, and extra features —in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list and consulted with a professional makeup artist before naming these our favorites. 

What to Look for in a Makeup Bag

  • Size : When it comes to the best makeup bag for your needs, size definitely comes into play . Are you after something that will fit your entire makeup routine or just weekend essentials ? Are you a maximalist who needs to travel with her entire makeup collection, in which case, the Make Up For Ever Professional Bag might be ideal, or are you a mascara, clear balm, and concealer kind of person who would love the compact Royce New York Double Zip Leather Toiletry Bag ? You can always keep more than one makeup bag on hand—one for night-out essentials and another for getaways or work trips.
  • Material : According to Dorman, your best bet when it comes to makeup bags is to go for something durable and waterproof to protect you from spills and accidental leaks. She likes nylon, PVC, thick canvas materials, and leather . The Calpak Clear Cosmetic Case , for example, features clear PVC, which allows for easy navigation (we've all lost something at the bottom of our makeup bags!) and is TSA-compliant . You can also choose something more eco-friendly if that appeals to you more, such as bags made from recycled plastics or sustainably sourced leather or hemp.
  • Compartments : Another personal preference worth thinking about is the number of compartments , whether that’s zero or multiple. Compartments are great for high-risk products (think foundation, liquid blush, and the like) or smaller items like lip balm and bobby pins that are otherwise easily lost. Makeup bags with longer slots for brushes and a protective brush cover are also helpful if you take your brushes with you. We love the Glossier Beauty Bag for this reason.

If you are traveling and want to take your makeup stash , you should make sure your makeup bag is padded and sturdy. There should be a zipper closure and slots to safely and securely hold your brushes and liquid products. Using magnetic palettes can help you save space, but be sure to store them as securely as you can, so powders don't crack or crumble.

When packing your makeup bag with pressed powders, try adding a cotton ball or small makeup puff inside the case to prevent movement and secure the product.

Packing your makeup bag for trips takes some planning to prevent spilling or cracking. Try wrapping products in plastic wrap and cushioning with cotton balls or powder puffs. For liquids, open the cap and place some plastic wrap over the opening. Screw the cap back on, and add more plastic wrap around the top. You can also place things in spillproof reusable bags or smaller travel-size sealed containers.

Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in beauty, travel, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed a makeup artist, who offered product recommendations and pointers on what to look for in a cosmetics carrier, and then she considered dozens of models and reviewed third-party sources as well as our own testing insights to find today's best options. Since 2020, Theresa has been writing for Byrdie, where she covers makeup, skincare, and wellness gadgets.

Put it this way: Team Byrdie owns and subsequently transports A LOT of beauty products, especially makeup. Half the issue is culling down to essentials only, but the other half is finding the ideal makeup bag—a pursuit we’ve spent years perfecting. 

Additional guidance was provided by Jamie Dorman , an NYC-based celebrity makeup artist.

Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in December 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list.

According to our  Diversity Pledge , 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any makeup bags from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at  [email protected]  and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags [2024]

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Erin Miller

Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 44 U.S. States Visited: 28

The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags [2024]

Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Makeup Bag

1. double-layer zipped makeup bag, 2. classy leather looks, 4. extra-large yet portable, 5. soft material with inner compartments, 6. ultimate makeup travel case, 7. small and waterproof for makeup essentials, 8. 2-in-1 makeup and jewelry bag for travel, 9. versatile small purse makeup bag, 10. big makeup bag with 5 dividers, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Makeup bags require special consideration while traveling due to the delicacy of the items they carry, not to mention the potential mess that awaits you inside the makeup bag when you reach your destination.

Don’t worry, though, we’ll guide you through some of the best travel makeup bags out there so you’ll be prepared for your next trip.

Consider the factors below before deciding on a makeup bag. The best choice has a lot to do with the adjustments you can make, the size of the bag itself, and its materials and design. Of course, having a wide choice of colors isn’t a bad thing either.

Most importantly, the bag needs to maintain its structure throughout your journey, as it’s likely to be packed in tight with the rest of your luggage. To prevent your makeup from jostling and spilling, consider the following factors.

Bag Material

Makeup bag material 2

Some of the best makeup bag materials are canvas, nylon, and leather , but you can also pick a bag made of softer plastic blends. The chances are that you will be using the bag a lot while traveling, so an aesthetically-pleasing material couldn’t hurt.

Hot Tip: You can also match the material and design to your purse if you want to carry the makeup bag along when going out.

Separate Compartments

Makeup bag compartments

Having several compartments in your makeup bag will minimize messes due to items spilling and mixing with other items. Throwing your liquid blush, foundation, and mascara together in a makeup bag with 1 common compartment is asking for trouble.

If you combine a number of compartments in a bag with a framework that the rest of your luggage can’t crush, you will ensure that your makeup remains intact.

Compact Size

Makeup bag compact size

You’d be surprised how much makeup you can fit into a 9 x 6-inch bag . It all comes down to the design of the bag, particularly its pockets and compartments.

When traveling, it’s important to optimize your space, which is why a compact makeup bag is so crucial. The right makeup bag for you will be a compact bag that still offers plenty of room for all the makeup you might want to bring.

Design and Color

Let’s face it, practicality isn’t everything. We’d all rather have a stylish makeup bag than a purely functional one. You can get the best of both worlds with a beautifully designed bag that has a sturdy construction and plenty of space.

Many leather bags, in particular, come with beautiful patterns, providing the perfect blend of usability and style.

Hot Tip: Consider our additional guides to the best travel toiletry bags and travel Dopp kits to help decide which may be best for your next journey!

The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s find you the travel makeup bag of your dreams. There are many options to consider, but we are confident that this list includes some of the best options for every taste.

BEST OVERALL: MKPCW Makeup Bags

MKPCW Makeup Bags Double-layer Travel Cosmetic Cases

This makeup bag is one of the best ones on the market, thanks to its compact size and outstanding use of space. At first glance, it may not seem incredibly roomy, but don’t let its compact size fool you. It can hold all your makeup and more.

The design looks luxe, and the size of 9 x 6 inches will fit into any travel bag. It is able to maintain its form under pressure, for the most part.

It features a transparent top compartment with a zipper and another larger compartment under it . The upper compartment is perfect for placing small items like lipstick, concealer, and eyeliner. The bottom compartment has elastic bands for makeup brushes and space for larger items such as face cream, but it doesn’t feature any smaller compartments.

What We Like

  • Compact yet spacious

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t have any inner compartments

UPGRADE PICK: LACATTURA Travel Makeup Bag

LACATTURA Travel Makeup Bag Leather Train Case

This portable leather makeup bag keeps all of your makeup items safe while traveling and features a classic design, including a detachable strap in a coordinating color. The leather handle and durable strap will ensure that you always have a full grip on the bag, and it can even be carried over the shoulder like a purse.

This is a multipurpose bag that offers more than just looks. You can use the inner compartments to store all of your makeup in an organized fashion.

The standout feature of this bag is that it has customizable dividers . From having just 1 larger compartment to having up to 7 smaller compartments inside, you can adjust the setup to suit your needs.

  • Customizable space dividers
  • Might be slightly larger than other makeup bags

Hot Tip: If your makeup is liquid, gel, or cream, it will need to comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 requirements. Check our guide to the items you can and cannot bring through TSA security for more details.

3. Ultimate Train Case for Everything

Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case

Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case

This large, multipurpose makeup travel bag is suitable not only for carrying makeup but also for carrying jewelry and toiletries . It has a vast space inside of the large compartment that can be divided into smaller inner compartments with removable dividers.

It’s a classic train case made of high-quality oxford fabric, making it a durable travel bag. The adjustable compartments are not the only advantage of this bag, as it also comes with an anti-wear and waterproof outer layer.

Because of this, you can rest assured that all your items are safe and in the same place you left them. It weighs 24 ounces, and the 10 x 9-inch size is not as bulky as you might expect, given its capacity.

  • Superb capacity and adjustable compartments
  • Sensitive zipper handles

Relavel Makeup Bag Travel Makeup Train Case

Relavel Makeup Bag Travel Makeup Train Case

Yet another bag by Relavel on this list is the extra-large, 13-inch-long makeup train case. It also has adjustable dividers just like the regular-size train case, but this one features several additional benefits beyond the larger size.

It comes with several brush holders, more than 10 customizable compartments, and double-layer makeup brush slots . It’s the ultimate travel option, with a shoulder strap in addition to a durable handle, but it comes with increased weight and size. Still, this premium makeup bag is durable and waterproof, and it’s easy to maintain and clean, thanks to the high-quality fabric.

The thing that’s so impressive about this bag is the ability to professionally pack your items inside of it, with all your brushes tucked securely into place.

  • Extra-large makeup bag with a dozen compartments
  • Might not fit into travel backpacks

Portable Travel Makeup Cosmetic Bags

MKPCW Store Portable Makeup Cosmetic Bag

Coming in at 9 inches in length and 7 inches wide, this cosmetic travel makeup bag is the go-to option for compact solutions. It has a soft inner material with adjustable dividers for up to 4 smaller compartments inside.

It also has a zipped net pocket on the underside of the lid for holding smaller items in place. It only weighs 6 ounces, making it a good lightweight option for travel.

This bag, which can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth, comes in 3 fun patterns to suit your tastes.

  • Zipped net pocket for smaller items
  • May not be able to withstand serious pressure

FINDCOZY Toiletry Bag Travel Bag

FINDCOZY Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook

Don’t be deceived by the compact size of this bag, which measures 12 x 9 inches — it’s a superb spacious option. This travel makeup bag unfolds into 4 different sections with 8 large compartments suitable for both makeup and toiletries .

You also get 10 slots for makeup brushes in the bottom compartment, with a cover to protect them from damage. There are several clear plastic pockets to protect your items in the event of spillage, as well as a mesh pocket for ventilation.

The hook enables you to hang the bag in your hotel bathroom and keep everything locked in place.

  • Offers incredible functionality
  • It might seem complex at first with all the folded sections

OCHEAL Portable Cosmetic Bag

OCHEAL Store Portable Cute Travel Bag for Women and Girls

This makeup bag offers a great blend of compact size and storage space. It comes with mesh pockets, elastic brush slots, and 1 large compartment at the bottom . There are no dividers in the main compartment, but there is plenty of space for larger items.

The flat mesh pockets will secure your makeup pencils and other small items, while the brush slots feature a protective water-deflective cover, locking your brushes in place.

It comes in a variety of designs, from black to transparent, and all of them feature waterproof and anti-collision material.

  • Mesh pockets and brush space
  • Sensitive metal zippers

Makeup Bag and Jewelry Bag

DIMJ Makeup Bag and Jewelry Bag for Women

This large-size makeup and jewelry organizer makes one of the best options for travel with a sturdy anti-crush design . It will hold everything in place for you, and the 11 x 8-inch size is not even that bulky.

It has an incredible capacity for both jewelry and makeup, with specific brush slots and a lower compartment for jewelry. The jewelry compartment has a specific means of storing each type of jewelry so that nothing gets tangled or lost.

For instance, buckle bands will hold your rings in place while your necklaces lie flat with the help of straps and pouches. The internal double-layer pouch is detachable, so you can remove it according to your preference.

  • Double-layered makeup and jewelry bag
  • Could have more compartments in the makeup zone

MAANGE Small Makeup Bag

MAANGE Store Small Makeup Bag for Purse

If you don’t want a large-scale makeup case and are looking for something more compact, this is the choice for you. This small makeup bag fits into any purse and is only 6 inches long and 3 inches wide . Still, that’s plenty big to meet most people’s storage needs.

It’s a water-repellent PU leather bag with a large capacity for its size, and it is extremely lightweight. It’s available in various charming pastel colors and includes several interior side pockets for both visual appeal and functionality.

  • Multiple compartments and side pockets
  • Doesn’t have an integrated brush slot

Stagiant Travel Makeup Bag

Stagiant Store Travel Makeup Bag

With adjustable dividers and smart space consumption, this toiletry and makeup travel bag is a great choice for traveling. Thanks to the flexible Velcro compartments , you can arrange the storage space as you please .

It features brush slots and a protective cover, as well as 2-way zippers to secure your makeup in place. Inner padding will protect your items during travel. Despite the fact that this bag is on the larger side, it will fit into any travel bag and weighs in at only 0.6 pounds.

  • Thoughtfully-designed makeup bag
  • Extra-large size might not suit all

With a spectrum of sizes to suit anyone’s needs, this list will provide you with a great range of choices. All of them feature a soft interior and water-resistant, durable fabric on the outside.

Choose the option that provides the right amount of space and versatility to successfully transport your items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which makeup travel pouch is the best.

If you are looking for the most space and number of compartments in a travel makeup bag, the Relavel extra-large train case is a great choice. On the other hand, one of the best compact options that easily fits into your purse is Maange’s small makeup bag.

What materials are best for makeup bags?

You can’t go wrong with a leather bag, but you can also opt for nylon and even PVC options.

How are makeup bags organized?

If you want a makeup bag that is really well-organized in terms of space consumption, you should buy one with separate and adjustable compartments.

Can makeup spill inside a makeup case?

If you are planning to bring a makeup case inside the rest of your luggage, make sure that it’s a firm, anti-crush bag to ensure that nothing will break or spill under luggage pressure.

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travel makeup bag

15 makeup bags and cosmetic cases that are cute enough to make the TSA jealous

Tue, October 24, 2023 at 5:50:01 PM EDT

When it comes to travel essentials, you don’t have to be boring — especially during speak summer travel szn. Not every suitcase needs to be black fabric straight out of corporate America, and not every toiletries bag has to be a silver nylon pouch that looks like a straight-up rock.

One of the most essential travel accessories — beyond a stylish carry-on suitcase — is a makeup bag or cosmetics case that can do it all. And by “do it all,” I mean organize your products with zero leakage and look cute on the bathroom vanity. You’ve spent too much time shopping the skin care minis at Sephora for your hard work to go to waste!

From clear cosmetics cases so you (and the TSA agents) can see all of your travel-approved products to foldable makeup organizers with a hook, your shopping options are endless. Becoming a stylish and efficient traveler is absolutely within your reach.

Here are some of our favorite makeup bags and cosmetics cases to bring on your next vacation. All you have to do is ball out on new bikinis , plan your airplane outfit and hit the “add to cart” button.

Best Travel Makeup Bags

1. makeup bag portable travel cosmetic bag , $7.99 (orig. $8.50).

travel makeup bag

Between the structured shape and incredible color options (this cow print!), this bag is the cutest travel mate.

2. Clear Travel Toiletry Bag , $12.99 (Orig. $13.99)

travel makeup bag

This set of super affordable toiletry bags comes in five different colors and features small, medium and large sizes. The clear top half will make getting through TSA a breeze, even if you don’t have PreCheck.

3. REWMET Makeup Bag , $19.99 (Orig. $22.99)

travel makeup bag

Ooooh, this makeup bag comes in multiple chic colors and even has a hidden bottom zip compartment. How fancy!

4. MYTAGALONGS Clear Train Case , $19.97 (Orig. $30)

travel makeup bag

How fun is this hot pink case? Unlike other clear toiletry bags, this one is clear in the middle so it’s like a sneaky toiletry sandwich! Ah, the little joys in life.

5. L.L. Bean Maine Canvas Zip Pouches , $19.95

travel makeup bag

Presenting: The toiletry bag version of the iconic L.L. Bean Boat & Tote.

6. BAGSMART Makeup Bag Cosmetic Bag, Clear Travel Makeup Bag , $15.99 (Orig. $19.99)

travel makeup bag

There are honestly so many things to love about this $15.99 toiletry bag — besides the fact that it’s $15.99. First, it’s clear — will make getting through TSA a breeze. Second, it has two spacious compartments with a smaller zipper compartment in the middle for ample organization.

7. Béis The Cosmetic Case , $57.80 (Orig. $68)

travel makeup bag

Everyone’s obsessed with this super chic travel case from Béis. It comes in 11 different colors and allows you to easily organize your products, makeup brushes and other small essentials with a convenient top carry handle. Inside the main compartment, a removable sleeve features a brush holder on one side and a zip pocket on the reverse to keep small items organized.

8. EACHY Checkered Makeup Bag , $29.99

travel makeup bag

This subtly checkered bag is super sturdy and wildly multifunctional thanks to the different storage compartments. The bag comes with makeup brush storage with a protective flap separating two main compartments.

9. Longchamp Le Pliage Toiletry Case , $74.97 (Orig. $115)

travel makeup bag

Every product from the Longchamp Le Pliage line is sheer perfection. Imagine whipping out this baby at the airport . And the bright red shade? Gorgeous.

10. Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case , $95

travel makeup bag

CALPAK is known for its top-of-the-line luggage and travel gear — and this popular cosmetics bag is no different. With its dual handles and two spacious compartments, you’ll be able to see all of your products without even opening it! (Pssst, it also comes in a mini size for $75.)

11. Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Cosmetic & Makeup Bag Organizer , $29.95

travel makeup bag

Other than being the most travel makeup bag for lazy packers everywhere, this drawstring pouch flattens out to act as a mat so you can lay out all of your products while doing your makeup. All you need to do after is just pull the drawstring closed and then le mess is gone.

12. Narwey Hanging Toiletry Bag , $9.99

travel makeup bag

Not only does this hanging toiletry bag feature waterproof material, multiple compartments and long-lasting velcro, but it also has the cutest cactus print we’ve ever seen.

13. Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer , $70

travel makeup bag

This upright toiletries brigade features a mesh zipper pocket, two tall elastic loops, six (!) adjustable compartments and so many more fun extras.

14. Bosidu Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag , $23.99

travel makeup bag

This super roomy toiletry kit’s classic compact shape allows you to easily store it in a suitcase, hang it behind any door or just keep it in the bottom drawer of your bathroom cabinet!

15. Everlane The ReNew Catch-All Case , $35

travel makeup bag

Made from 100% recycled polyester, this case from Everlane has five interior drop-in pockets and one exterior zip pocket, which makes it perfect for organizing toiletries (and other small things). Even better? It snaps down for compact travel or rolls back for easy access.

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Best 28 Travel Makeup Options: Pack These in Your Travel Makeup Bag

Y ou may have your beauty routine perfected. You’ve found your favorite products, you’re brand loyal and you know what works. Heading on a trip though? That can change everything. Beauty products may only be optimal for specific climates. We’re here to run you through the very best travel makeup products to add to your makeup collection. And of course we’ll share travel size options that are TSA-friendly.

If you’ve ever stood in the beauty aisle at a major drugstore you know how overwhelming all of the choices can be. We’ve rounded up the ones that work well for travel, have great ratings and that we buy again and again. Most of these items can be found on Amazon. Don’t forget to put together multiple makeup items in one order and click Subscribe and Save for sizable discounts!

1. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Skin Daily Moisturizer

E.l.f. is a fantastic easily accessible brand that can be found in most drugstores. When you’re traveling, especially by air, your skin can suffer. It’s super important to practice good skincare and lock in extra moisture whenever possible.

Why e.l.f. Holy Hydrations! is the Best Travel Moisturizer

  • TSA-friendly 2.6 oz size (larger ones are available if traveling by car)
  • Very lightweight and perfect for your nighttime routine
  • Aloe vera and jojoba ingredients are soothing to dry or sunburnt skin
  • Great for sensitive skin

2. RunnerUp: CeraVe Ultralight Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen

If you’ve got sensitive skin or want to make sure you’re getting SPF on your face when you moisturize, CeraVe is a fantastic choice. This gentle formula is the perfect beauty essential to pack in your travel makeup bag.

Why CeraVe Ultralight with Sunscreen is a Must-Have Moisturizer

  • SPF 30 protects your face from UVA and UVB rays
  • Paraben-free, fragrance-free and noncomedogenic formula
  • Not greasy and won’t leave a white residue
  • Moisturizes and contains ceramides to promote continued hydration of the skin

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Primer and Serum

Have you ever spontaneously bought a new primer or foundation and then been disappointed when you used them? Maybe they seemed to react to each other? I know I’ve had this happen. That’s because primers and foundations need to be matched. The ingredients in some gel-based foundations and mattifying formulas may flake on top of certain smoothing primers. Always test your picks together before packing your cosmetic bag for a trip.

Primer can lay down a great base for the best looking makeup however make sure you’re matching your primer to the climate as well. Using a putty-type or gripping primer in a hot destination can cause it to settle into pores and imperfections giving your skin the texture of an orange peel (yuck). We’ll give out two Bests in this category – one for hot climates and one for chillier vacays.

Why Neutrogena Hydro Boost is the Best Primer for Cold Weather

  • Pulls double duty as a primer and a serum, saving room in your makeup bag
  • Dropper with vial top seals tightly to prevent spills in transit
  • Contains hyaluronic acid which moisturizes and gives a light glow
  • Perfect for under makeup or on days you want to look healthy, dewy and fresh without makeup

4. e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Primer

This product glides on so smoothly and feels so luxurious that you would never guess that it’s a $10 bargain buy. It’s ideal for neutralizing redness and masking skin imperfections. When visiting a humid climate it’s pretty common to have minor skin flair ups or redness. The green tones will make you picture perfect despite what the sun is attempting to do to you!

Why e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Primer is the Best Primer for Hot Climates

  • Good for both dry and oily skin
  • Can be used as a base with no makeup on top just to even redness
  • A little goes a long way! One pump is enough.
  • e.l.f. as a brand has a fair trade certified factory, produces vegan products and is certified cruelty-free
  • Slightly smaller travel size is available but we love that the larger size is also under 3.4 oz

5. Bonus: Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer

While you don’t need an eyelid primer, it is a good idea if you’ll be wearing eye shadow. This primer is the superglue of the makeup world. It essentially coats your eyelid so that shadow sticks to it and doesn’t move. Looking for a version with no shimmer? This Too Faced option  has a natural finish but is applied with a wand.

Why Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer is the Best Primer for Times You Might Cry

  • Locks down your eye shadow – trust me it isn’t going anywhere
  • A must if your plans include shimmery eyeshadow- you don’t want glitter in your eyeball
  • Expecting a proposal? Heading to a big emotional event? Or going to be in the cold with watery eyes? This one step will save your eye makeup appearance in photos.
  • Don’t want to do full eye makeup? Use a bit by itself, it will give lids a neutral shimmer  
  • Fantastic for mature or oily skin to keep shadows from settling into creases in an obvious way

6. Ecotools Retractable Makeup Brush  and Eye Enhancing Set

When traveling there are two “categories” of makeup brushes that I bring with me. I take a shadow brush and angled brush to do eye shadow and liner. I also carry a large fluffy brush for powder and blush. Over the years I’ve discovered that finding the perfect travel version of each in the same set is not likely. Finding the best one individually though? Easy. These brushes work well with a huge variety of makeup. Just be sure to clean them both regularly.

Why These Two Ecotools are the Perfect Travel Makeup Brush Combo

  • Soft cruelty-free bristles on the retractable makeup brush
  • Retractable bristles with a cover ensure that the brush stays intact and clean during travel
  • Eye enhancing set comes with two brushes that are perfect for lining and shadow
  • Having two lets you bring one and save one as a backup for later
  • Bristles stay in place and don’t shed on all brushes

7. RunnerUp: 4-in-1 Physicians Formula Makeup Brush

If you want one brush that does it all the 4-in-1 Physicians Formula Makeup Brush is a great pick. Personally, I like having a full handle to hold onto but this brush is one I’ll occasionally make an exception for when space is tight.

Why Physicians Formula 4-in-1 Makeup Brush is our RunnerUp

  • The softest synthetic bristles ever that won’t fall out
  • Easy screw-on, screw-off sections last longer than ones that snap on and off
  • Great price point
  • Brushes don’t have covers so grab a  silicone container  to carry it in, especially if it will be in your purse

8. Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation

Surely I’m not the only one who seeks out makeup produced in countries with more stringent regulations than the US? This Italian-made liquid foundation adheres to EU cosmetic regulations, ensuring that more than 1,500 banned ingredients aren’t utilized. By contrast, the US only bans 11 ingredients!

Why Catrice HD Liquid Coverage is A Favorite for Travel

  • Vial and dropper screws on tight preventing leaking during adventures
  • Long-lasting with a finish that’s matte but looks airbrushed
  • Since you only need a few drops the container lasts a long time
  • 23 colors available

Read More:   How Many Ounces Can You Bring on a Plane

9. Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten Powder Foundation

Powder foundation can be a great option for travel. You don’t have to fit it into your liquids bag if you aren’t checking luggage and you don’t need to worry about the item oozing out after air pressure impacts it. This pigmented mineral-based powder allows you to build to the level of coverage that you desire.

Why Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten is Our RunnerUp Foundation

  • Apply with different brushes to get different coverage levels ( kabuki for light,  dense  for more coverage)
  • Light, silky feel for a no-makeup makeup look
  • Runs a bit darker in almost every shade we’ve seen so order a shade lighter than your normal foundation
  • Fantastic for people who don’t want to pack concealer and are looking for a color balancing foundation

Makeup Tip:  Compacts can be messy if they get banged around during travel breaking the powder. Put a  foam applicator  (or several cotton rounds ) between the cover and the powder to fill the space and prevent breakage. You can also put them into small squeeze purses to protect them more. We love  these ones , which are also great for earbuds and jewelry.

10. Mally Beauty Plush Pen Brightening Concealer Stick

Concealer is one of those makeup items that either makes or breaks your look. There are so many cheap concealers out there that actually impact your final look negatively! If you’re going to use concealer spend a little more for a quality formula. It will pay off in the long run.

Why Mally Beauty Brightening Concealer Stick is the Best Travel Concealer

  • Sponge-like applicator tip won’t tug on delicate under eye area like a wand applicator
  • Ideal for those with olive, yellow or warm undertones
  • Perfect travel size
  • Amazing at concealing under eye circles and giving you an awake look, even when you’re not

11. RunnerUp: Tarte Creaseless Undereye Concealer

If your skin tone veers closer to neutral or cool, the Tarte Creaseless Undereye Concealer is a better choice. The formula changed in the last couple of years and is thicker. You don’t need much but I’d recommend dabbing it on your finger to swipe on versus using the applicator.

Why Tarte Creaseless Undereye Concealer is Also a Favorite

  • Heavy coverage for problematic undereye circles
  • Formula creates a dewy appearance giving a youthful and refreshed look
  • Lasts a surprisingly long time because you need so little

12. Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

Looking for a sun-kissed head start? Rimmel London’s Natural Bronzer is a great, affordable bronzer to have on standby.

Why Rimmel London Natural Bronzer is our Favorite

  • Natural-looking shades that work for most skin tones

13. Han Skincare 3-in-1 Multistick

This product can pull triple duty in your travel makeup kit as blush, lip color and eye color. Sticks are a great option for blush because they’re easy to pack.

Why Han Skincare 3-in-1 Multistick is the Best Blush for Travel

  • 8 shades available
  • Darker shades can also be used for contouring
  • Cruelty-free, vegan and made in the USA
  • Smooth texture
  • Lasts for a long time – a little goes a long way

14. RunnerUp: Covergirl Instant Cheekbones Contouring Blush Palette

If you’re looking for options or contouring from your blush, this Covergirl palette is a great choice. Pair it with one of our makeup brush recommendations. 

Why Covergirl Instant Cheekbones is our RunnerUp Blush

  • Dermatologist tested to be safe for sensitive skin
  • Blendable formula
  • 3 complementary shades

15. L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara

Years ago I was told I had long lashes and “wasn’t I lucky that I’d never have to worry about mascara!” Well, I didn’t wear mascara until my late 20s and that’s when I learned that mascara isn’t all about long lashes. It’s about looking awake! Mascara has been in my makeup bag ever since so that I look like I’m bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. The best mascaras provide a lift and definition to your eyes without clumpy, raccoon-like side effects.

Why Lash Paradise by L’Oreal Paris is the Best Travel Mascara

  • Doesn’t flake or clump
  • Washable formulas are great for travel so you don’t have to pack heavy-duty cleansers
  • Water fun on the list? Pick a waterproof option of Lash Paradise.
  • Goes on incredibly smoothly and doesn’t require extra brushing or fussing

16. RunnerUp: e.l.f. Clear Brow and Lash Mascara

If you’re headed to an off-the-beaten-path destination or a super-humid destination sometimes mascara is more work than it’s worth. Humidity and sweat combine to make mascara fight to stay in place. Don’t have black smudged eyes in photos. When you want to look put together but not worry about looking like a bandit in photos, turn to clear mascara.

Why We Love e.l.f. Clear Brow and Lash Mascara

  • Clear formula defines eyelashes but doesn’t smudge
  • 2-sided wand allows you to also have brow gel available
  • 100% cruelty-free and vegan
  • Super affordable price point

17. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Eyeliner

When it comes to eyeliner, you want a product that’s easy to use, hard to smudge and that lasts. This L’Oreal Paris eyeliner checks all of those boxes. It might be just me but if I’m going to lose or ruin a product on a getaway, it’s eyeliner. The price point on this one makes it a good pick to keep several colors (or backups) on hand.

Why L’Oreal Infallible Grip Precision Felt is the Best Eyeliner

  • 4 Star and above rating by 92% of purchasers
  • Waterproof formula
  • Pointy felt tip gives you a precise application
  • Comes in black, brown, grey, green and blue
  • Good for sensitive eyes/skin

18. RunnerUp: Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner

In travel, anything that saves space or eliminates another item is a win for us. Covergirl has been around forever. For many of us, it might even be the first brand we ever used. Their Perfect Point Plus eyeliner comes with a smudge stick on one end for those smoky eye looks on the go!

Why We Also Love Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner

  • Self-sharpening design eliminates the need to pack an eyeliner pencil sharpener
  • Five color options
  • Blendable formula can create both precise and smoky looks
  • Super easy to apply

19. Revlon Illuminance Creme Eye Shadow Palette

Eye shadow is always one of the trickier travel makeup items, especially if you’re a traveler who loves variety. If you’ve got eye shadow palettes at home where you use only one or two colors, the space they take up can seem like a waste. In addition, the makeup cases on traditional palettes can bust open and leave a mess. Cream eye shadow can be a great choice for travel!

Why We Love Revlon Illuminance Creme Eye Shadow

  • Pocket-sized and easy to pack
  • Ophthalmologist-tested and good for sensitive eyes and skin
  • Eight great color options including shimmer, neutral and bold
  • Buildable pigmented shades- just add more layers for more saturated results
  • All palettes contain a mirror

20. RunnerUp:  Sephora Golden Hour Eye Shadow Palette

Sephora palettes can be a great travel option. They’re constantly putting out new color options and themed palettes. One of the other great things is that they aren’t hard plastics they’re less prone to shatter and leave you with a powdery mess. You can pop them into a ziplock bag for safekeeping.

Why We Love Sephora Eye Shadow Palettes

  • Great mix of matte, shimmer and metallic shadows in one palette
  • Perfect size for travel
  • 6 shades to choose from
  • Palette slides in and out of heavy cardboard case

Read More:   22 Best Travel Eye Shadow Palettes

21. Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss

As a huge fan of lip gloss, I’ve tried hundreds over the years. While I prefer a tube of lip oil in my daily life, they aren’t ideal for travel. Tubes pressurize on flights and when you open them they start uncontrollably oozing. It’s not a headache you want to deal with. Wanded lip glosses are great for travel and this Rimmel one is the best of the bunch.

Why Rimmel Stay Glossy is the Best Travel Lip Gloss

  • Wide range of color choices that look good on many skin tones
  • Stays on for 6 hours with no touch-ups
  • The wet look is great for when you want to give the impression that you did your makeup without wearing a full face
  • When choosing a color, assume it’s slightly lighter than pictured

22. NYX Professional Butter Gloss in Sugar Glass

If you’re looking for the perfect clear gloss this is it! Most of us have used NYX for years. With its affordable price point, you can keep one in every cosmetic case and makeup bag you have so you’re always ready for your next trip.

Why NYX Professional Butter Gloss is the Best Clear Lip Gloss

  • Smooth formula that isn’t sticky
  • Cruelty-free company
  • Super light scent and no harsh taste if you accidentally lick your lips
  • Sheer colors are also available

23. Aquaphor Lip Repair Lip Balm

Yes, we’ve got lip gloss and lip balm on the packing list! Did you know your lips can sunburn? Whether you’re in a hot climate or a cold one, sore lips are never fun on a vacation! We swear by Aquaphor for quick relief.

Why Aquaphor Lip Repair is a Must-Have for Travelers

  • Seals in moisture and provides long-lasting relief
  • Slanted tip provides easy application
  • #1 dermatologist recommended lip brand

24. Beauty Bakerie Flour Setting Powder

Y’all I didn’t even have to think about what my favorite setting powder was. It is Beauty Bakerie Flour powder hands down. Their translucent powder sits on top of a made-up face locking all of your hard work in like nothing else I’ve found. It’s smooth and works every time. You only need a little bit so splurge!

Why Beauty Bakerie Flour is the Best Setting Powder

  • Lightweight and super smooth
  • Adorable themed packaging
  • Matte finish kicks your look up a notch
  • Vegan paraben-free ingredients
  • Wide range of powders available to match all skin tones
  • Black-owned business

25. Skindavia- The Makeup Finishing Spray 16+ Hour Setting Spray

Setting spray is a makeup must-have for me. Honestly, I don’t know how I lived for so long without it. My first exposure to it was when it came in a Beauty Bakerie mystery box I ordered. Living in Texas the humidity would melt my face off on some days. Not when I locked it all in with setting spray though! Unfortunately, they discontinued theirs so I’ve had to test out other brands to find a replacement.

The best setting sprays use an even fine mist. You don’t want one wet spot on a cheek and no spray on your forehead. A lot of travel sizes have pump sprayers vs pressurized so be sure to “practice” before your trip.

Why Skindavia Makeup Finishing Spray is the Best Travel Setting Spray

  • Used by makeup artists to lock in looks for long days and nights
  • Great for all climates – moisturizing helps on ski trips and oil control helps with hot and humid spots
  • Doesn’t settle into wrinkles and imperfections like some setting sprays
  • Convenient travel size

Makeup Tip: Tropical getaway  in a super humid climate? Spray after applying your foundation, concealer and contouring. Let it dry. Complete the rest of your makeup and spray it again. It will keep your makeup in place all day and night!

26. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes

An important part of a makeup routine is removing your makeup at the end of the day. However, makeup-removing wipes are usually packaged in a way that is anything but travel-friendly. They are bulky, have flaps that don’t actually reseal and sometimes leak liquid. For quick trips where you only need three or four wipes, bringing a big full-size pack seems like overkill. These individually packaged wipes are perfect to keep on hand for trips as they come up.

Why Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes are Perfect for Travel

  • Individual packages make it easy to pack only what you need for the trip, saving space
  • Wipes remove even waterproof and water-resistant makeup
  • Ophthalmologist, dermatologist and allergist tested
  • Compostable
  • Full-sized wipe

27. RunnerUp: Juno & Co Exfoliating Face Wash

If you have never tried a powder-to-foam cleanser as a part of your skincare product routine, you’ve been missing out! The first time I saw a powder-to-foam product was when one showed up in a subscription box. You shake a little powder into your hand, add some water and lather it into a creamy foam. It’s perfect for travel. You can dose out a little bit into travel containers  based on how long you’ll be gone.

Why Juno & Co Exfoliating Face Wash is the RunnerUp Makeup Remover

  • Removes makeup, cleanses and exfoliates at the same time
  • Hypoallergenic and great for sensitive skin
  • Leaves skin feeling clean and fresh
  • Great for travel since it doesn’t have to go in your toiletry bag of liquid products

28. Majestic Bombay Fine Point & Slant Tweezer Set

Tweezers are a must-have for any trip. Whether you need to tame some eyebrows or pull out a splinter, they’re good to have with you. You may think that all tweezers are created equal, but they’re not. A lot of the generic drugstore ones don’t get the best grip on hair. We have a favorite set that locks onto any hair they find.

Why Majestic Bombay is our Favorite Tweezer Set

  • Set comes with slant tweezers and point tweezers
  • One of the best pair of point tweezers we’ve found, super accurate
  • Fun bright colors available

Picking the Best Travel Makeup For Your Style

Makeup is a deeply personal decision. Different people like different looks, have different skin tones, have aversions to different textures or have different skin needs. In the long run, you are the one who needs to be happy with your choices. Hopefully, this list gets you started as you pack the carry-on for your next adventure. Happy travels!

The post Best 28 Travel Makeup Options: Pack These in Your Travel Makeup Bag appeared first on She Buys Travel .

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

You may have your beauty routine perfected. You’ve found your favorite products, you’re brand loyal and you know what works. Heading on a trip though? That can change everything. Beauty...

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Amazon Shoppers Are Obsessed with This $23 Hanging Travel Cosmetic Bag — and So Are We

“I now use it as my go-to toiletry bag”

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We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

People / Amazon

When traveling, keeping all your toiletries, makeup essentials, and jewelry organized can be a difficult task. Rather than tossing everything into a bag without a second look, Amazon shoppers are relying on this one clever accessory to keep everything in place. 

The on-sale Bagsmart Cosmetic Bag is a best seller in its category at Amazon and also a PEOPLE-Tested pick , with our testers crowning it the best hanging option. The large capacity bag is designed with four compartments as well as two exterior pockets. The zippered pockets have elastic straps that keep bottles and lipsticks in place while the transparent cases give you a clear view into what’s inside each pocket. 

Once you open the entire bag, simply latch the non-slip metal hook over a doorknob or handle so you can see everything. The exterior material is water-resistant and padded, helping to keep everything safe inside. Shoppers can choose from two sizes, medium and large, as well as bright colors and patterns, like red paisley and yellow .

Bagsmart Cosmetic Bag, $23 (Save 22%)

It should come as no surprise that over 4,000 shoppers picked up this bag in the past month, plus it’s earned 44,000 perfect ratings. Users express that it can “hang anywhere” and note that it makes “traveling so much easier.” One reviewer said : “I have traveled with this bag several times, and it works great on a cruise ship.”

A third five-star reviewer explained that it’s “perfect for travel,” adding, “This bag has tons of space for all my skincare/toiletry needs.” They continued, writing, “When we traveled to Europe, I knew our bathroom would most likely not have much counter space, and this was perfect to hang on the towel hook in the bathroom. I now use it as my go-to toiletry bag whenever I travel.”

Our team of testers also seriously approves of this cosmetic bag . They were impressed by the “convenient accordion hanging design” that makes it “easy to access all of your products.” Plus, they appreciated that it’s budget-friendly for the size and space you get. 

Head to Amazon to get the Bagsmart Cosmetic Bag while it’s on sale, then read on to see more travel bags that are discounted today. 

Wandering Nature Makeup Bag, $11 with Prime and coupon

Bagsmart travel makeup bag, $16 (save 20%), ocheal cosmetic bag, $9 with prime , see more from people shopping.

travel makeup bag

Béis Luggage Review: Is the Buzzy Travel Brand Actually Worth It?

Our honest thoughts on everything from the viral Weekender Bag to the best-selling Carry-On Roller.

a photo of the beis carry on luggage and beis weekender bag

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our honest Béis luggage review

Is béis luggage worth it, more of béis luggage to consider.

Between hectic airport lines, crowded public transit and dreaded delays, traveling is already stressful enough. Drab, poorly made luggage should be the last of your concerns. Enter Béis, actress Shay Mitchell's travel brand touted as one of the Internet's favorite places to shop functional and stylish suitcases — at equally attractive prices.

There's no denying its stunning designs, but we had to see for ourselves just how practical their offerings were. So, I recruited the best-selling Front Pocket Carry-On Roller as my travel companion from Brooklyn, New York, to Boston, Massachusetts. I also compared notes with our Good Housekeeping Institute pros who regularly perform rigorous tests on suitcases to determine which ones best suit different needs. We tapped Senior Textiles Analyst Emma Seymour for her expertise on all things Béis, including the coveted Carry-On Roller .

Read on for our complete Béis luggage review , and get answers to the frequently asked questions about the celebrity-owned luggage brand.

The bottom line: Béis luggage is an excellent investment for style-conscious, casual travelers — but frequent flyers willing to splurge may want a more durable option.

What is Béis?

Founded in 2018, Béis (pronounced "base") made waves for its color-coordinated luggage, including a creamy Beige that became the brand's signature and a bubblegum Atlas Pink that perpetually sells out. TikTok helped propel the brand to viral fame thanks to hearty endorsements of the Weekender Bag , while luggage tags , tote bags and toiletry cases accompany its popular luggage.

That lineup includes four styles: a Carry-On Roller and a Front Pocket Carry-On , plus a medium-sized 26-inch Check-In Roller and a large-sized 28-inch Check-In Roller . Each suitcase is outfitted with a hard polycarbonate shell and 360-degree spinner wheels. But unlike other brands, Béis incorporates smart details like a retractable bag strap, a built-in weight indicator and a padded trolley handle.

As a frequent traveler herself, Mitchell said she thought about features she wished her old suitcases had. "I wanted to add a feature to the luggage to make it easy and simple," she told Bustle about the weight limit indicator. "It goes to one of the biggest goals for all of our products: Trying to make travel easier for people so they do it more."

Béis Front Pocket Carry-On Roller

Front Pocket Carry-On Roller

Béis Carry-On Roller

Carry-On Roller

Like other GH Institute-tested luggage such as Monos and Away , Béis suitcases feature a hard polycarbonate shell. Tougher than plastic and lighter than aluminum, polycarbonate suitcases generally earn high marks in our Lab tests — and Béis's carry-ons are no exception.

When traveling with the front-pocketed iteration, all my belongings (including my laptop, glass perfume bottles and souvenirs) remained perfectly intact throughout a bumpy ride in the luggage section of a Peter Pan bus. The padded front pocket cushioned my 16-inch MacBook during subway and train rides. I noticed some minor scuffs forming on the exterior. However, the Béis carry-on endured the excursion with no bumps or dents.

Our Lab expert, Emma Seymour, also performed several tests on the Carry-On Roller (sans front pocket) to determine how it may hold up over years of traveling. She put weights in the suitcase and dropped it repeatedly at a three-foot height from different angles. Similar to my own experience, the Béis carry-on didn't dent during any of the drop tests, though we did notice a few scuffs developing .

beis luggage with scuffs

Seymour tested the suitcase's scratch resistance in the Textiles Lab, and she found that it scratched and scuffed easily, especially around the edges by the zippers and handles. Fortunately, the textured matte finish wears the scratches and scuffs better than a shiny suitcase. We recommend buffing out scuffs with a sponge, like the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser .

Ease of Use

Whether you're traveling by subway, train or bus, the Béis Carry-On maneuvers like a dream. Its 360-degree spinner wheels glided smoothly across a variety of surfaces despite my heavy duffle strapped atop. Another one of my favorite features is the cushioned, telescoping handle. The squishy padding made rolling the suitcase through crowds far more comfortable, and it added a luxe touch compared to more expensive suitcases I've tried.

All Béis suitcases also come with a built-in scale, which Seymour appreciated when she had to check in her bag at the airport. Simply lift the suitcase by its side handle, and the discreet weight indicator window will turn red if your bag is over 50 pounds .

Béis makes light work out of packing. Using the carry-on with a front pocket, I had more than enough room to stash essentials for a long weekend — though, strategic packers (armed with handy packing cubes ) could probably fit a couple of weeks' worth of clothing. I fit everything from winter clothing and a pair of boots to a Béis toiletry bag and a full-sized hair dryer.

beis luggage review

Compared to the Monos Carry-On Pro (39.9L) or the Away Carry-On (39.8l), Béis claims the Front Pocket Carry-On offers a 47L interior — all while staying within airline regulation-approved dimensions. Those who need a smidge more space can opt for the classic Béis Carry-On that expands from 49L to 66L of packing space, per the brand. However, it's important to note that this model exceeds some airline regulations, meaning you may be asked to check it on smaller planes.

Both carry-on styles open butterfly style, with a zippered compartment on one side and a main compartment on the other . Inside the zippered side, there are two additional pockets built in — one frosted and one opaque — for holding toiletries, undergarments, chargers and more. A fabric divider keeps items organized while the adjustable compression straps give optimal packing room and help prevent items from shifting.

Just be careful not to overstuff the zipper pockets; otherwise, it can be difficult to close the bag. An added perk I loved: All Béis suitcases come with drawstring bags for dirty laundry or shoes.

For casual travelers, yes! Stylish and affordable, Béis luggage best suits those who only travel a handful of times per year or those who don't mind treating their suitcases with a bit more TLC.

During both personal use and Lab drop testing, the carry-ons were easily scuffed. Frequent flyers who need a suitcase to last them through years of continuous use may want to invest extra money in workhorse suitcases like Samsonite or TravelPro . I also found the Béis slightly harder to zip up than other suitcases when fully packed.

What it lacks in durability, Béis makes up for with premium details: an ergonomic telescoping handle, a built-in weight indicator, a bag strap and a handy TSA lock system. Weighing in at 8.6 lbs, it's slightly heavier than Monos or Away, but as an overpacker, I find that added storage a fair trade-off.

Aesthetics aside — luggage is a big investment at the end of the day. We appreciate that Béis offers some of the most attractive luggage we've tried while ringing in slightly less expensive than its competitors at $218 to $248 for a carry-on.

Béis shot to viral fame for its Weekender Bag — available in standard and mini sizes. Those on TikTok loved its sleek silhouette and clever details like a separate shoe compartment and a padded laptop sleeve. It also helped re-popularize the concept of weekender bags. Impressed by its airline-compatible dimensions and under-$100 price tag, we dubbed the Mini Weekender the most stylish weekender bag . The Béis Work Tote also earned nods from the GH Institute as the most fashionable work bag .

If you prefer a more classic style, the BÉISics Duffle is a great alternative. Similarly, it features a handy trolley strap that secures your bag on top of your suitcase — a lifesaver during long commutes. The Dopp Kit was larger than I expected, conveniently designed with two separate compartments for my makeup and skincare. I had a difficult time getting it to lay flat in my carry-on suitcase when packed to the brim, but it fit all the products I needed for my trip with room to spare. Plus, it's under $50.

The Mini Weekender

Béis The Mini Weekender

The Work Tote

Béis The Work Tote

BÉISics Duffle

Béis BÉISics Duffle

The Dopp Kit

Béis The Dopp Kit

Lauren is a Brooklyn-based journalist and Associate Editor at Hearst. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight , Shop TODAY , USA Today , Self Magazine , L’Officiel USA , V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media . 

Headshot of Emma Seymour

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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travel makeup bag

Can’t Afford A Friend's Birthday Trip? Here Are 5 Travel Gifts To Get Them Instead

Will you prioritize your friendship or adhere to your financial limitations when it comes to a birthday trip? Look at gifts now!

Aysia Morton • Mar 4, 2024

travel makeup bag

Have you ever left a friends birthday group chat on read after you see the final cost? You glance at your bank account only to discover that this trip is way out your budget. You’d have to pay for airfare, outfits, excursions, food and more. You really want to go but panic sets in because the truth is you can’t. While you genuinely want to support your friend, you recently set a strict budget due to financial constraints. However, will you prioritize your friendship or adhere to your financial limitations?

Why do you have to chose? So many people, Black women in particular, feel pressure to participate in their friend’s exorbitantly priced birthday celebrations. It’s time to address the elephant in the room; not being able to afford a birthday trip does not make you a bad friend. It just means the trip might be financially burdensome this year and you’d rather prioritize your budget.

If you cannot be on the trip physically, send them a gift to show your appreciation.

Five Travel Gifts to Get Them for Their Birthday Trip

Kunitsa co. travel journal.

KUNITSA CO. Travel Journal

This travel journal by KUNITSA CO. is a stylish and practical companion for the birthday person. It is crafted with travelers in mind, and features a sleek and durable cover that ensures protection of their musings. Encourage your friend to keep track of their birthday trip shenanigans or scrap book fun moments. Also, its convenient size make it easy to fit into their carry-on bag or jacket pocket. The inside provides ample space for writing, sketching, or pasting mementos such as plane tickets and polaroid photos. This travel journal makes an excellent gift.

MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones Bluetooth

MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones Bluetooth

The MUSICOZY Bluetooth Sleep Headphones offer the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and high-quality sound. These qualities make them an essential for a peaceful nights sleep on any birthday trip. Designed with soft and ergonomic earbuds, these headphones ensure a snug and comfortable fit for extended wear and grip at night or during an afternoon nap. The Bluetooth technology provides seamless connectivity to their devices, and allows them to enjoy their favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks while resting. Additionally, these headphones feature a long battery life, providing hours of uninterrupted listening on a single charge, perfect for long flights or road trips.

3-in-1 Charging Station

3 in 1 Charging Station

The Hicober 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station offers a convenient and efficient way to keep your devices powered up while on a birthday group trip. With its foldable design and compact size, it’s easily portable, fitting neatly into your luggage or backpack. This charging station features multiple charging ports, and has wireless charging capabilities to charge multiple devices at once. Therefore, no ones smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches should be on low battery. Its compatibility with various devices ensures that everyone in the group can keep their devices charged and ready for capturing unforgettable moments.

Not A Day Over Fabulous Stainless Steel Tumbler

Not A Day Over Fabulous Stainless Steel Tumbler

The SassyCups Fabulous Stainless Steel Wine Tumbler is the perfect gift for adding a touch of fun and personality to any friend’s birthday group trip. This insulated tumbler keeps beverages at the perfect temperature for hours, whether they’re sipping on chilled wine or enjoying a refreshing cocktail. Its durable stainless steel comes with a leak-proof lid to prevents spills, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or poolside celebrations. Also, the humorous wording and design adds a vibe to the festivities, making it a a memorable keepsake for the birthday celebrant.

YOOLIFE Tote Bag for Women with Makeup Bag Initial

Tote Bag for Women with Makeup Bag Initial

The YOOLIFE Birthday Tote Bag for Women with Makeup Bag Initials is a thoughtful and delightful addition to any birthday trip. This stylish tote features durable construction and an adjustable strap for comfortable carrying. This makes it ideal for a day at the beach or exploring new destinations. The matching makeup bag is a nice touch, too! It provides extra storage for cosmetics or toiletries while on the go. With its personalized initial design, this tote bag makes each recipient feel special and appreciated, adding a personal touch to the birthday celebrations.

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This Anti-aging French Beauty Secret Kept My Dry Skin Dewy From South Korea to the Swiss Alps

It's basically a spa-quality facial in a bottle, and it helps you wake up with younger-looking skin.

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Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

This may sound like I am complaining, but I have a tough job. As a restaurant critic and food writer, I work intimately with a lot of luxury hotels in the Swiss and French Alps, which means that I spend most of my time in cold, mountainous areas with strong winds reaching over 25 miles per hour. While St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Megève are beautiful places to go snowboarding, skiing, and trekking, their cold climates inevitably lead to very dry skin — particularly around the face, which also has to endure dry humidity and moisture-stripping calcium-rich hard water. 

With harsh winter weather experienced year-round, I’m sure that I am not the only one with dry, brittle, and lackluster skin — but my secret to combating it comes down to one simple product by French beauty brand L'Occitane: the Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum . Oddly enough, I didn’t seek out the miracle serum during my umpteenth visit to one of Europe’s many luxury hotels; I actually encountered it on a recent trip to Korea, a gem of a place when it comes to beauty products and, in my opinion, just as big of a leader in skincare as France. 

L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum

L'Occitane

While walking along the streets of the ultra-hip Gangnam at night and in the neighborhood Jamsil, where I stayed for the first few nights at the Signiel Seoul , I found it exasperating to be surrounded by Seoulites and their flawless skin while I battled with my dry skin from spending the months before in the Swiss mountains of St. Moritz. Desperate to visit a Korean department store to buy K-beauty skincare products, I was told by my Korean friends that most locals, despite being supportive of their local brands, lauded European brands like Chanel, Bioderma, and La Roche-Posay. 

But, the name that continued to pop up during conversations with my Korean mates (even my male friends who also dabble in creams, toners, and serums at night to fit into the Korean beauty culture), was L'Occitane — and specifically the Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum . I'm already a big fan of the brand's hand moisturizers and face creams (and don't know how this serum wasn't already on my radar) and I couldn't ignore the praise from my friends, so I had to give it a try. I was amazed from the first pat, pat, pats on my skin; I watched my complexion instantly go from tired and lifeless to bright, supple, and dewy. 

After doing some research, I found out that the tiny little bottle is one of the brand’s best-selling items and that one is sold every minute around the world (seriously, how did I miss this?), and was grateful to have it in my arsenal for my month-long stay in bone-chillingly cold Korea. From the first use, my skin immediately felt softer and looked slightly more refreshed. The oil-based serum absorbed easily into my skin from the moment that I put it on, which was after a day spent shopping surrounded by giant crowds of people and walking around the polluted city. 

But, you'd never guess that my skin had endured any of that just by looking at it because, the next morning, there were no traces of dryness, redness, dullness, or uneven texture (which is usually present on my complexion after a day of commuting). Instead, it was dewy — like I went to a luxury wellness spa in Seoul and had one of the city’s famous facials, which I got so I could compare the results. 

During my treatment, I received invaluable advice from my therapist, who told me that highly concentrated serums were vital in maintaining healthy looking skin during the winter months, so using something like L'Occtaine's Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum was a smart move to repair skin in cold-climate cities. She also told me that the way that we apply our serums matters, too; don’t just smear your serum and cream on your face, but rather place a small amount in the palm of your hand, slightly warm it up between your palms, and then apply it to your skin. She also reminded me to not forget the neck and to apply my Immortelle serum in almost a flicking motion with my fingers to ensure greater elasticity recovery, which boosts collagen and keep my skin looking supple. 

Wanting to discover more tips from great wellness and cosmetic experts in Seoul, I immersed myself in more of the city’s great spa and sauna culture. I found that even after all of this pampering in fancy, luxury wellness spas, my skin looked and felt just as luminous as it did when I used the L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum (but without the relaxation factor). Spa-worthy results aside, what I love most about the serum is that it is so highly concentrated that even the tiniest amount is enough to work its magic on the skin.

According to the brand, there are 5,000 tiny little bubbles filled with concentrated serum suspended in the oil, which are activated when you pat your hands together. They're packed with antioxidant-rich immortelle essential oil to reverse damage caused by sun exposure and other environmental aggressors (like dullness-causing and pore-clogging pollution), plus rejuvenating marjoram extract, soothing immortelle sap-like extract, and wrinkle-smoothing acmella oleracea extract.

Although the serum is priced at a slightly higher price point compared to other French pharmacy products, it is definitely well worth the splurge given the benefits that it delivers in such a short amount of time. Plus, it'll last you a long time and the highly concentrated serum is jam-packed with so many great nutrients that it basically can double-up as moisturizer if you're short on toiletry bag space.

And, it makes an excellent travel companion for any type of trip. Although I used the serum during my stay in Korea, I've found the L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum to be equally effective when flying. As an Aussie, I unfortunately spend a lot of time in the air getting from the Great Aussie Outback to other corners of the world, and after traveling with my serum, I found that my skin didn’t take quite the same beating at 33,000 feet. It came in handy on a recent Qantas flight from Switzerland to Australia, which had my skin enduring a 20 percent humidity decrease. But, with the serum in tow, I was able to stay on top of the dryness and my complexion remained bright, hydrated, and soft — it is almost as if the L'Occitane Immortelle Reset Serum was invented for flying.

Regardless of your trip destination or your travel style, there's always room for some luxurious moisture — especially when it's beautifully packaged in the L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum bottle. This facial-in-a-bottle wonder product has everything that your skin needs to curb travel-induced dryness, redness, unevenness, and fatigue, leaving you with a supple, dewy, and younger-looking complexion instantly. Keep scrolling for other toiletry bag staple beauty products that travelers love. 

More Beauty Products for Travel: 

Bliss youth got this prevent-4 + pure retinol skin-smoothing serum, e.l.f. skin holy hydration triple bounce serum, elizabeth arden anti-aging ceramide capsule serum, cerave anti aging retinol serum, pacifica beauty glow baby booster vitamin c serum .

At the time of publishing, the price started at $68. 

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See The New Calpak Diaper Bag And Baby Travel Collection

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Big news for Calpak luggage fans: The company just launched a special collection for babies and parents. The brand, which is known for its chic luggage and coveted duffels, dropped six baby-focused items on leap day’s Feb. 29, including several diaper bags and travel accessories . Like other Calpak gear, the products are designed to make travel easier without sacrificing style.

Luggage brand Calpak launched a new collection just for parents with the release of several diaper ... [+] bags and other travel accessories.

While the launch is small, it hits most of the essentials parents rely on during their day-to-day travels with baby—and the showpieces of the collection are parent-friendly diaper bags in Calpak’s signature squishy material.

The brand’s new Diaper Backpack channels the look and feel of Calpak’s massively popular Luka duffel, with a lightly padded exterior. “Inspired by the success of our best-selling Luka Duffel Bag... we found an opportunity to create a stylish and versatile parenting bag that seamlessly combines functionality with aesthetic appeal,” says Sounun Tek, senior director of brand marketing at Calpak.

Diaper Backpack With Laptop Sleeve

The new Calpak backpack diaper bag has thoughtful features, including an exterior sleeve for a 14-inch laptop—no need to rummage around diapers to get to work emails—and a luggage trolley sleeve with a hidden pocket and adjustable straps. It weighs under 2 pounds and is Oeko-Tex certified and water-resistant to protect against spills and, of course, unexpected weather while traveling. Pockets on each side provide enough room for you to toss in a bottle for baby, as well as water bottle for yourself. A magnetic flap closure makes it easy to get in and out of the bag’s body.

Also in the mix is the Convertible Mini Diaper Backpack , which has a similar look and feel to its larger counterpart, but with room for an 11-inch tablet. Unlike the large Diaper Backpack, this version converts from a traditional backpack style to a crossbody bag with the help of an included strap. It offers an 11 liter packing capacity to its larger cousin’s 17.5 liter capacity.

Convertible Mini Diaper Backpack

For a roomy, non-backpack diaper bag style, there’s the Diaper Tote Bag with Laptop Sleeve . This tote has an exterior pocket that can fit a laptop up to 16 inches wide, and it also features a luggage trolley sleeve. The shoulder strap is removable and adjustable. There are clever touches, like insulated bottle pockets and a baby wipe compartment with a magnetic closure that you can access from outside the bag.

Diaper Tote Bag With Laptop Sleeve

The Convertible Stroller Caddy Crossbody has two insulated bottle pockets, expandable sides and coordinating stroller straps, so you can pop it onto your handlebar as needed. Rounding out the collection is a portable changing pad clutch and the same stroller straps that come with the crossbody bag, just sold separately.

Convertible Stroller Caddy Crossbody

Prices for items in the collection vary, from $28 for the stroller straps to $178 for the full-size diaper backpack. Each comes in your choice of six coordinating muted shades.

Calpak plans to launch more baby gear products in the future, Tek says. Check out our list of the tested best diaper bags if you want more options to shop.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

when to visit moscow

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

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With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

where to stay in moscow

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

moscow itinerary

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

moscow itinerary

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

moscow itinerary

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

moscow itinerary

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

  • Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
  • Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
  • Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The Red Square

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

  • Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
  • Cost: USD $15.00
  • Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The Moscow Kremlin

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

  • Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
  • Cost: Free!
  • Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Lenins Mausoleum

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

  • Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
  • Cost: USD $8.00
  • Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

St. Basils Cathedral

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

  • Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
  • Cost: Free to enter
  • Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

GUM Department Store

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

  • Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
  • Cost: USD $5.00
  • Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Novodevichy Convent

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

  • Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
  • Cost: Free! 
  • Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

  • Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
  • Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The State Tretyakov Gallery

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

  • Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
  • Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

All Russian Exhibition Center

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

  • Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
  • Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
  • Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Bolshoi Theater

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

moscow itinerary

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

  • Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

  • Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
  • This museum is fun for both adults and children!
  • Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

  • A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
  • Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
  • The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

The Alexander Garden

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

  • Television and radio tower in Moscow
  • Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
  • Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

Ostankino Television Tower

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

  • The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
  • Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
  • Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Izmaylovo District

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

  • Closed on Mondays
  • Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
  • The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

Sergiev Posad Golden Ring

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage and Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

Trip to Kolomna - Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

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And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

Alya and Campbell

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