What's in My TSA-Approved Makeup Bag?

So I'm a little obsessed with YouTube videos on packing at the moment. For some reason it's so satisfying to see people neatly organize their things into packing cubes and pouches into their suitcase. However, there is one thing that many YouTubers don't do that is driving me nuts: they aren't packing their makeup and skincare into one-litre clear plastic bags!
When your liquids are spread out across multiple makeup bags, it just slows you down at the airport when security officer asks you to step aside to dump all your liquids into one of their plastic bags. Not to mention I'd be flustered from holding the line up!

If you want to avoid that kind of hassle, keep reading to see how I keep all my liquids in one place and get through the TSA without any issues.

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This post is not sponsored by any of the companies or products mentioned. All opinions are my own.

The Bag

I use a clear zippered bag that came with my London Fog carry-on suitcase I bought several years ago. There's nothing particularly special about it, other than the fact that it meets most airport security requirements.

You can get similar ones here and here. I also really like this one from Muji, though it's not quite at one litre of capacity.

The Contents

This is what I would typically pack for a long trip (more than 1 week). Note that I do wear contact lenses.

EYE CARE

• Eye drops [Blink Moisturizing Eye Drops, 15ml]
• Extra contact lenses [Acuvue Define, 30-pack]

HYGIENE

• Travel-size toothpaste [Colgate (Various), 60ml]
• Hand sanitizer [Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer, 59ml]

HAIR CARE

• Shampoo [Ichikami Moisturizing Shampoo decanted into a 50ml Muji travel container]
• Conditioner [Ichikami Moisturizing Shampoo decanted into a 30ml Muji travel container]

MAKEUP

I generally don't wear any eyebrow or lip products, but you can definitely fit one of each if you use them.

• Face Primer [Smashbox Photo Finish Light, 30ml]
• Foundation [Skin79 BB Cream, 40ml or Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum, 60ml]
• Concealer [NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, 6ml]
• Under-eye Concealer [YSL Touche Eclat, 2ml]
• Eyeliner [Kat von D Tattoo Liner, 0.55ml]
• Eye Primer [NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, 7ml]
• Mascara [DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection, 6ml]

SKINCARE

The brands of skincare can vary sometimes, depending on what I manage to get as a free sample. Generally I go with samples for cleansers and moisturizers.

• Makeup remover [Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution, decanted into a 100ml Muji travel container]
• Mild cleansing oil [Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil decanted into a 50ml Muji travel container]
• Travel size foaming cleanser [Hada Labo Gokyujun Face Wash, 30ml]
• Serum [Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, 50ml]
• Moisturizer [Amore Pacific Essential Creme Fluid sample, 10ml]
• Eye cream [Clinique All About Eyes sample, 5ml]
• Face sunscreen [Etude House Sunprise Airy Finish, 50g]

NON- LIQUIDS

• Contact lens case [They usually come free with the contact lens solution]
• Hair tie [Invisibobble 3-pack]
• Medicine [Note: I usually keep pain and allergy medication in a spare contact lens case]
• Cotton pads [Note: I like having these handy to remove makeup on the plane]

What Isn't In The Bag

Powders don't count as liquids, so I typically keep these outside of the liquids bag. This includes setting powder and eyeshadow.

Other makeup and skincare tools and accessories, such as an makeup brushes, eyelash curlers, hair ties, cotton buds, etc. will also go into a different makeup pouch.

Does It Fit??

Yes. Does it fit easily? No.