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10 Makeup Artist-Approved Travel Makeup Kits And Palettes Of 2024

Don't compromise on your makeup while traveling – pack everything you need easily!

Cha Cha is a certified professional makeup artist, airbrush makeup artist, and beauty educator with over 20 years in the beauty industry. She is also the owner of Cha Cha Beauty Bar and has done extensive work in the bridal and special even... read full bio

Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... read full bio

Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... read full bio

Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reput... read full bio

Traveling light is the best way to do it, and it becomes all the more convenient when you have the best travel makeup kits! We have to carry a whole bunch of makeup items while vacationing, which may be an added burden. That’s why travel-sized makeup kits make life easier! With these kits, there is no need to pack the items separately because we can find them all in a single kit. Mascara, eyeshadows, blush, eyeliners, and more ー everything is included in a set of palettes that offers an enhanced beauty and boosts our oomph factor even when we are holidaying. From lip shades to foundation, primers, eye makeup, and sunscreen – you can have it all in one kit. Scroll down and check out the best travel makeup kits.

In This Article

10 Best Amazing Travel Makeup Kits With Buying Guide And Reviews

1. best color options: br portable all in one makeup kit.

Designed with a unique shape, the BR Portable All In One Makeup Kit is just what you need to give you company when you travel. It is an all-in-one mini makeup kit palette that can be used for your face, lip, and eye makeup. This space-saving kit comes in a trendy shell-shaped palette that the necessary brushes and applicators you need to put on your makeup. The travel-size makeup kit has mirrors included for your convenience and is the perfect compact size so you can carry it with you in your purse.

• Variety of color palettes
• Mirror, brushes, and applicators included
• Good quality kit
• Long-lasting and portable
• Great gifting option
• Makeup might not be premium quality

2. Best Pigmented: SHANY Fix Me Up Makeup Kit

Be party-ready with the variety of makeup options to choose from with the Shany Fix Me Up Makeup Kit. One of the best professional travel makeup kits, this versatile kit has three tiers of makeup options to help you dress up like a true diva. This fashionable kit contains 30 different eye shadows that are vibrant , soft and comes with a matte and pearl finish. It also has eight lip colors and four different makeup applicators. This makes the kit a value for money at an affordable price. The lip colors have a smooth glossy finish and leave you looking like a fashionista. It is one of the best travel beauty kits. Ethically-conscious beauty lovers also opt for this product, as it is not tested on animals. In this YouTube video , you will find a detailed review of a tester’s experience with this product.

• Cruelty-free products
• Contains three large matte brushes
• Silky soft makeup
• True-to-color and pigmented
• Comes with a mascara
• Might not be easy to remove makeup

"This makeup gift set is a thoughtful item for someone who is always in a rush or on trips. It is a practical addition to my daily routine. Its compact design with a versatile range of colors suits on-the-go touch-ups. It’s a good choice for when I want to carry the essentials without the bulk."

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 1,620 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

3. Best Compact Design: BR Deluxe Makeup Palette

Get your hands on this kit and you no longer have to worry about carrying an entire bag of makeup essentials. With up to 64 colors to choose from, the BR Deluxe Makeup Palette is your one stop kit for all your makeup needs. This is a makeup travel kit that includes everything like a palette of eyeshadow , blush, and powder. Reviewers highly praise this multi-purpose makeup kit that also has different applicators, lip gloss, and mascara to give you that pretty and dressy look. The compact makeup kit opens into an expandable swing kit where everything is displayed and ready for you to choose from, making your makeup routine far more quicker and convenient.

• Wide range of color palettes to choose from
• Compact design
• All-in-one makeup kit
• Includes applicators as per your requirement
• Difficult to blend the eyeshadows

4. Best For Sensitive Eyes And Skin: Jane Iredale Pure & Simple Makeup Kit

Fan of nude shades? This one is just for you! Elevate your beauty routine with a touch of elegance with this Jane Iredale Pure & Simple Makeup Kit. It is made of minerals that are specially formulated for your skin. It has a weightless texture and comes in four subtle colors to suit the natural tone of your skin, even used by professional makeup artists. The full face makeup kit consists of a mineral foundation, blush, eyeshadow, and a lip and cheek stain that are packed with skin-nourishing antioxidants. The weightless foundation has a sheer matte finish and is oil-free. Reviews on online forums recommend this budget-friendly makeup kit for quick touch-ups. Get those gorgeous eyes, lips, and cheeks with this travel-friendly makeup kit. Check out this video on YouTube for a detailed understanding of a reviewer’s experience with the product.

• Nourishes and soothes skin
• Contains antioxidants beneficial for skin
• Free of parabens and gluten
• Certified vegan and cruelty-free
• Gentle and safe for sensitive eyes
• The kit might be small

"The absolutely elegant packaging of this compact makeup kit makes it so attractive. The good-quality cosmetics offer a natural, flattering finish suitable for a light, everyday makeup look. It is a good choice for everyday needs and is long-lasting despite the small size."

5. Best All-In-One Kit: SHANY Luxe Book Makeup Kit

A travel set that is trendy, stylish, and is a one-stop solution for all your makeup needs, the SHANY Luxe Book Makeup Kit is your go-to choice that forms a complete makeup kit. It is made for makeup enthusiasts and consists of three panels of makeup and makeup accessories. The first panel has a mirror, three brow powders, and three eyebrow stencils. This multifunctional kit also comes with two highlighters to give you perfectly raised brows and cheekbones. The second panel opens to 30 different eyeshadows that have a matte or shimmer finish along with four applicators and two classic shades of lip glosses. The last and final panel includes a makeup brush, 15 lipstick creams in matte, gloss, and creamy finishes, and four shades of blushes that suit a variety of skin tones. This makeup for travel is also free of animal testing, making it an ideal cruelty-free option.

• Contains a double-ended brush
• 100% cruelty-free
• Perfect gift option
• Contains a brow contour kit
• Might not suit sensitive skin

"I'm in love with this product! The eyeshadows offer lasting pigmentation without drying out, and the brushes are of good quality too. The overall color range is great and offers extremely versatile options. It's a go-to for my different makeup moods."

6. Best For A Natural Makeup Look: Clinique All-in-One Color Palette

A palette that brings out the beauty of every skin tone, the Clinique All-in-One Color Palette has an array of colors that suit different shades of skin. It provides a matte finish and leaves you with a smooth layer of perfect makeup. Get your travel makeup tips with the makeup kit that includes four colors of eyeshadows, five shades of lipstick, and two soft-pressed powders that can be used as blush. It also comes with a black mascara that brings out your lashes giving you all-around beauty with just one kit. Numerous reviewers attest that this is the best travel-size makeup set for hassle-free travel.

• High-impact mascara
• Natural-looking color palette
• Long-lasting lipsticks
• The powder has good coverage
• Size fits in a purse
• Allergy tested
• Might be expensive

"This Clinique makeup palette truly fits the bill for my on-the-go touch-ups. It offers a whole range of versatile eyeshadows, blush, and lip colors that suit my makeup choices. The quality of the cosmetics is good too! The elegant and compact design is a bonus and makes this a giftworthy item."

7. Best For Daily Use: Jane Iredale Starter Kit

A good makeup kit that gives you just the start you need, the Jane Iredale Starter Kit consists of all the basic items needed to create a simple yet flawless makeup look. This space-efficient kit comes in a travel-size cosmetic kit with a large mirror, primer, foundation, powder, and hydration spray that work together to give you a radiant and healthy-looking glow. The primer nourishes your skin and preps it for the makeup by moisturizing and brightening it. The combination of the foundation and powder performs several important functions such as giving you a good base layer, concealing imperfections, as well as sun protection. It is a complete travel-ready makeup kit with brushes.

• Travel-friendly starter kit
• Beautifies and nourishes the skin
• Combines to form a concealer and sunscreen
• Hydration spray conditions and protects the skin
• Plumps skin
• Size might be small

"This is my go-to makeup kit for both everyday use and travel purposes. It is so handy with its compact size and carrying case. It is easy to carry in the luggage or handbag while traveling places. The products are of good-quality and work well without irritating my skin."

8. Best With Neutral Colors: Maybelline New York Gilded In Gold Makeup Kit

One of the most loved makeup kits, the Maybelline New York Gilded In Gold Makeup Kit has a combination of metallic palettes that work perfectly for a glamorous night out. This is a limited edition high end makeup kit that gives you a glow-up with its metallic shades of eyeshadows, liners, blush, highlighter, and lip colors. If you’re a fan of all things that glitter, this gold kit is just for you . However, this makeup kit also features a range of compact beauty essentials like matte finish bronzers , shadows, and lipsticks that you can flaunt during both day and night.

• Brand credibility
• Dark and smooth eyeliner
• Neutral colors with a hint of sparkle
• Variety of pearly metallic and matte shades
• Perfect for a simple classic look
• Does not include a mascara

"The all-in-one makeup palette I tried is quite helpful for on-the-go makeup from day to night looks. The formula has a sheer finish but is buildable. The complete package with eye shadows, highlighter, brush, and a pencil liner makes life so much easier than having all of it separately! All of this has a better staying power when used with a primer. The added convenience of a compact case with a full-face range makes it a practical addition for all my needs."

9. Best Lightweight: SHANY Classy & Sassy All-In-One Makeup Kit

The SHANY Classy & Sassy All-In-One Makeup Kit includes highly-pigmented matte and shimmery shades of 24 eyeshadows, 27 lip creams, two blushes, and a bronzer. It also comes with a wide built-in mirror and six applicators. This makeup kit is perfect for sleek travel and also suits every mood and on-the-go use. The lightweight and sleek black design makes it an ideal gift for makeup addicts. Additionally, ethically-conscious reviewers also recommend this perfect travel-size makeup kit as it does not condone animal testing.

• Highly-pigmented shades
• Lightweight
• Cruelty-free
• Comes with precise applicators
• Suitable for all skin tones

"This makeup set has been my companion for a while now. Its compact design with a colorful array of eyeshadows, lipsticks, and blushes is great for both beginners and pros. I use it for special occasions and even on-the-go touch-ups. The case is sturdy and holds the shades well without them cracking or falling off."

10. Best Pigmented: Too Faced Dream Queen Limited Edition Makeup Collection

This limited-edition makeup palette comes with a contour, blush, highlighter, and eyeshadow. It perfectly suits globetrotters and also has pocket-sized makeup essentials like sweet-smelling primer, a lip gloss, and black intense mascara. The Too Faced Dream Queen Limited Edition Makeup Collection has 24 different shades of eyeshadow that suits your every mood. It also has a hydrating spray that leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. This wanderlust-inspired makeup palette comes with four different shades of face powders that you can experiment with and has a gold-toned highlighter to get your skin glowing and popping. It is the most affordable and best makeup travel kit.

• Variety of shades to choose from
• Perfectly pigmented makeup
• Contains a hydrating spray
• Comes with a foldover makeup bag
• Does not come with a makeup brush

"This eyeshadow palette's hues are well-pigmented and lasting. These last even longer with a primer and offer a versatile choice for all my makeup needs. It's perfect to carry around in my bag without any bulk."

Buying Guide – How To Choose The Right Makeup Kit?

Choosing the right makeup kit can be a difficult task because of the wide range of options available to you. Therefore, the important thing to remember is to choose your makeup kit depending on your makeup needs. For example, if you are someone who uses eye makeup and is not too keen on makeup for your lips and face, then the best thing for you to do is to choose a makeup kit that has an eyeshadow palette, mascara, and eyeliner. If you are the kind who enjoys rocking a bold, statement-making lip, then pick a travel makeup set that gives you the option of various shades of lipstick with gloss, or matte finish. Similarly, even the kind of color palettes you choose should be of your liking. The goal here is to achieve maximum usability, be it during travel or every day and the makeup kit you choose should fit this criterion. Also, remember to check the color of the foundation and concealer to make sure they suit your skin tone.

Infographic: How To Choose The Right Makeup Kit

Traveling to your favorite vacation spot is a joyous experience, but carrying all your makeup products along certainly isn’t. Here’s where a travel-friendly makeup kit comes in. It will help you travel light and also glam up whenever you want, on the go. Check out the infographic below for tips to select the perfect makeup kit for your journey.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Traveling becomes more convenient when you get on the best travel-friendly makeup kits and palettes. With these kits, you do not have to worry about carrying many makeup items. Instead, you get an expertly crafted, all-in-one kit, from lipsticks and foundations to eyeliners, eyeshadows, blush, etc. The right makeup palette will offer exceptional results and make your vacation experience even more fun and exciting. The SHANY Fix Me Up Makeup Kit is a great option for those who want a versatile and affordable kit, while the Jane Iredale Starter Kit is a good choice for makeup touch-ups. looking for an all-in-one makeup set that contains cruelty-free formulas, then the SHANY Classy & Sassy All-In-One Makeup Kit is the perfect choice. These personal makeup kits are equipped with mirrors, and they also include makeup applicators to make the makeup application easier. They will ensure maximum usability, and with these makeup kits you can create both bold and subtle looks. However, remember to test the components of the travel makeup kit before using them to check for allergic reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a makeup kit consist of?

A makeup kit consists of a primer, foundation, concealer, contouring palette, eyeshadows, lip liners, lipsticks, brow product, setting powder, and setting spray.

How do you travel with a makeup kit?

Pack your products in a clear cosmetic bag to see clearly what is inside and pick out things accordingly. Keep the products nice and tight to avoid breaking any of them. Fill in the empty spaces with bubble wraps to restrict their movement.

How long will travel-size makeup and skin care products last?

Travel size makeup and skin care last for approximately two years. Check the label of the kit and the skin care items to know their shelf life.

How do I protect my makeup when traveling?

•  Place cotton pads over your eyeshadow palette to keep the colors in place. •  Seal the top of your liquid products with scotch tape to prevent spillage. •  Place your makeup kit in the center of your suitcase to minimize the risk of falling and breaking. •  Do not carry huge bottles of makeup. Instead, transfer the products into small reusable containers. •  Use bubble wraps or small towels between makeup products to prevent friction between the items.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

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Cha Cha Woska Certified Makeup Artist

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The best travel beauty kits to sling in your hand luggage

By Anita Bhagwandas

This is a slightly traumatic memory to relive, but regale it I shall for last-minute packers everywhere. I was headed to the airport for a work trip and realised I hadn’t packed any perfume, so I slung my beloved Coromandel Les Exclusifs De Chanel fragrance into my handbag. It looked around 100ml I thought (very wrong), and even if it weren’t, surely they’d let me through with it anyway; it’s just perfume, right? (wrong again.) Cut to several hours later at the airport security gates and as my colleagues watched in horror when a security guard held up my Chanel, shook his head and said, “ This is DOUBLE the amount you’re allowed. It’s a no.”

I know this was a real rookie error; the 100ml rule has been in place since 2006, but my stomach lurched at the thought of losing the scent I’d been given for my birthday just a few weeks before. I started welling up a bit, but thankfully a sense of humanity intervened and I was excused with my Chanel – and a stern warning. It was a lesson I heeded, and since then, I’ve always double-checked before I’ve packed a beloved product.

Chances are, you’ve been there too – we all have. So to take the hassle out of last-minute trips, size checking and decanting, these are my favourite beauty travel kits that you can simply grab before you fly. Even when the 100ml rule is eventually scrapped, these are still super useful for all your travel adventures as a space saver and a chance to try new products without committing to the full-size ones.

However, wasted travel minis are an environmental issue. If you have any you don’t like or know you won't use; you can donate used and unused products to those who need them via the Toiletries Amnesty .

The best skincare travel kits

Sunday Riley’s well-deserved cult following comes from her science-backed products and fast-acting botanicals. The Ceramic Clip Cleanser is ideal for dissolving pollution and soothing skin, while the retinoid serum, eye cream, and sleep oil ensure your skin looks refreshed upon waking (even if a child has kicked the back of your seat for the entire journey.) It’s the ultimate night-time routine in a handy box.

If you want skincare that really delivers, meet Spanish brand Natura Biseé. This rich skincare kit is perfect for anyone with dry or mature skin or perhaps headed to the cooler climes and pistes. It houses seven of their skincare best-sellers, including the Diamond Extreme Cream and Eye Cream – plus, for a limited time, 100% of the proceeds benefit The Ricardo Fisas Natura Bissé Foundation, which offers education for aestheticians and skincare guidance for people undergoing oncology treatments.

You know when you arrive at your hotel looking like you’ve been through it, with a slightly haunted look in your eyes? This grab-and-go kit from Aesop can fix that. It contains a useful shampoo and conditioner, but the body cleanser with uplifting geranium and body balm infused with energising rind are great to soothe dry skin and put the spring back in your step.

If you’re looking for ultra-chic minis that work as well as they look, pick up this skincare kit from Soho Skin. It includes a cleanser, mask, moisturiser, eye cream, lip balm, serum and shave gel; everything you’d both need and want for your travels. The line is super gender-neutral, so it’s perfect for sharing when you travel or gifting to the holiday-lovers in your life.

Is your skin reactive when you travel? I feel your pain. Try this MANTLE mini kit, housing a selection from their CBD-infused calming skincare line. I’m a big fan of their creamy Magic Milk cleanser, which aims to balance your microbiome and gently clear dead skin cells with fruit enzymes, whilst their rich moisturising cream, mist, and body exfoliator complete this must-have skin and body care kit.

If you’re jet-setting soon, then spend some time at the Duty-Free counter. There are often incredible Duty Free-only purchases, including this Esteé Lauder travel set that contains a smaller size of their award-winning Advanced Night Repair and a full-size Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Creme. If flying takes its toll on your skin, slather these on, get an eye mask ready and prepare to wake up with fresh-looking, rested skin.

If you’re already a fan of beauty journalist Sali Hughes’ uncomplicated skincare range, you’ll love this mini set. It comes in a handy 100% cotton bag containing a mini cleanser, exfoliant, serum and moisturiser in 10ml sizes that are ideal for weekends away and gym bags alike. They’re so small they’ll fit into the tiniest hand luggage and are perfect for keeping to decant from the full-sized products.

If your trips are long, or you’re digital nomading (we can make that a verb, right?), this kit has all your essentials nailed. Pack the Total Cleansing Oil, 150ml, and Moisture Rich Body Lotion, 200ml, into your check-in luggage , but everything else is under 100ml. The Velvet Cleansing Milk is perfect for ridding your skin of make-up and grime just after you board, whilst the Blue Orchid Face Treatment oil makes for the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine and your favourite film. Containing a huge 12 products housed in a classic Clarins red vanity case, this is a must-have for frequent travellers.

If you’re looking for the best travel bottle set to decant your own products into, then this is it. These silicone bottles are leak-proof, you can clean them in a dishwasher, easy to fill, and the right carry-on liquid size. You’ll never look back.

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Don’t Forget to Pack These Vacation Makeup Essentials

By Kiana Murden

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

With vacation season in full swing, there’s no better time to pare down your beauty assortment to curate your must-have travel makeup essentials. Whether you’re adhering to TSA guidelines or just want to pack lightly, most of us will not be traveling with our complete makeup collection.

While planning your trip details and what to wear are certainly exciting tasks, editing your beauty stash can actually be quite stressful. The entire process makes one reflect on what you’ll need on hand once you reach your destination—especially if you’re going somewhere without a drug store for last-minute beauty buys. Regardless, you’ll want at least one complexion product to even skin tone and veil imperfections, along with multitasking pigments to bring warmth and subtle color to the face. And let’s not forget how you’ll store all your makeup to avoid spills or damage.

Here, we’ve created the ultimate makeup packing guide for your summer holiday and beyond.

Trusted Organizers

First things first, determine what travel makeup organizers work best for you. Maybe you already own the best toiletry bag that can fit both your skin-care and makeup necessities, or perhaps you’d prefer to store them separately. Away’s water-resistant case offers spacious compartments, transparent pockets, and even a detachable makeup brush organizer—perfect to secure in your carry-on. Otherwise, consider Longchamp’s zippered pouch, which is compact enough to pop in your purse or personal item for easy access.

Away The Cosmetics Bag

Longchamp Le Pliage Cosmetic Case

From the Oscars red carpet to the Met Gala , experts wax on about the importance of skin prep for glowing, beautiful skin with or without makeup. So, rely on skin-nourishing products and face primers to prep your base. We’d reach for Tatcha’s The Silk Canvas to weightlessly nourish, blur, protect, and prime—or, the French beauty favorite Embryolisse cream to restore skin moisture and leave a satin finish.

Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre

EMBRYOLISSE

Multitasking Tools

Maybe you’re fine with applying all of your makeup products with your fingers. If not though, don’t forget to pack the beauty tools you rely on at home to perfect your look. For brushes , consider a dual-ended option that pairs two different brush types in one, like this Hourglass option suitable for powder, bronzer, blush, and highlighter. On the other hand, classics like the Beautyblender sponge make blending liquid, cream, and powder products a dream.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Brush

Beautyblender Original Beautyblender

BEAUTYBLENDER

Foolproof Complexion

Selecting your vacation complexion products is arguably the hardest part, with so many different types of foundations, concealers, and powders to choose from—many of us requiring multiple shades for a brightened under-eye or combat hyperpigmentation. You can’t go wrong with Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint for lightweight, dewy coverage that even boasts sun protection and nourishing ingredients (read: niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid). For concealer, the Kosas’s creamy formula not only offers dewy medium coverage, but brightens, soothes, and plumps skin over time thanks to a blend of caffeine, peptides, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid. Seriously, who can say no to efficacious clean concealers and foundations ?

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Kosas Revealer Concealer

Set the look.

Even on vacation, it’s important to lock your look in place appropriately. Charlotte Tilbury’s setting powder is excellent to have on hand to reduce shine and blur skin where you need it, earning bonus points for mess-free application (as opposed to loose setting powder options). Then, spritz your face with Supergoop!’s mist that sets and protects against UV rays and pollutants. In fact, a similar formula by the brand saved Vogue commerce writer Alexis Bennett’s makeup during Coachella .

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Supergoop! (Re) Setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40

Enticing eyes.

Bring your go-to eye look on your tip by way of the best mascara and eyeliners —both of which work wonders to make your eyes pop and enhance their shape. For smudge-free lengthening and lifting, reach for Merit’s clean mascara. To perfect your signature wing or add some dimension to your look, Ilia’s liquid water-proof formula allows you to precisely etch liner however you see fit, thanks to a fine felt tip.

Merit Clean Lash

Ilia Clean Line Liquid Liner

Tinted lips.

Makeup artists say that the key to nailing a minimalist makeup look is adding an accent of color. One of the easiest ways to do so throughout travel is by keeping a tinted lip product on hand for a statement-making moment. Kosas’s gloss delivers a lip filler effect by visibly plumping the lips—especially if paired with a lip color complementing liner. Not a big gloss fan? Reach for Merit’s satiny lipstick for sheer, buildable color no matter the occasion.

Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss

Merit Signature Lip

Adaptable color.

We’ve quickly become huge blush enthusiasts, from viral TikTok picks to the best cream formulas. Either way, blendable blushes, and multipurpose color pigments allow you to customize your glow and place colors wherever you want. Versatility is key on any kind of vacation. Tap Merit’s creamy tint across the eyes, lips, and cheeks for a skin-like wash of color. Prefer a liquid formula? Saie’s water-based Dew Blush creates a natural tint after just one dot from its doe foot applicator—blended with one of the previously mentioned makeup tools.

Merit Flush Balm

Saie Dew Blush

Defined arches.

Brows say a lot about a person, so think ahead to perfecting yours when you’re packing for travel . Draw realistic brow hairs in sparse areas with makeup pro Dani Kimiko Vincent ’s ultra-fine pencil, or comb hairs in place with a brow gel like Ilia’s to volumize and thicken with flexible hold.

Kimiko The Super Fine Eyebrow Pencil Automatique

THE DETOX MARKET

Ilia Essential Brow Gel

Glam optional.

Maybe your travels are for a wedding or gala that requires full glam, or maybe you’re not quite sure what your itinerary entails. Nevertheless, a few products specific for camera-ready, longwear glam is essential. Think false lashes to amp up the drama; with this Velour Lashes kit, you have everything you need to apply natural-looking lashes on the go without trimming or measuring. Finally, the last thing you want during full glam is an unnecessary bout of shine. Stop oil in its tracks with Tatcha’s blotting papers without budging your look—housed in packaging small enough to fit in your party handbag or clutch .

Velour Lashes Effortless Kit

VELOUR LASHES

Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers

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

Nasreen Stump

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 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!

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The Beauty Junkie’s Guide to Packing A Minimalist Travel Makeup Kit

TOILETRIES , Travel Makeup

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Packing a minimalist travel makeup kit is never an easy task. Guest blogger Kate Langille is a self-proclaimed makeup junkie and has a few tips to share with you!

How to Pack A Minimalist Travel Makeup Kit

Written By: Kate Langille

I lost my bag the first time coming back from Europe to Canada and have since made it a challenge to always pack carry on and take less each time. One section on my packing list remains the same efficient size, though, and that is beauty.

I don’t like taking inferior products out of pure convenience due to size or portability, and I hate leaving my favorites out, too. Not to mention I have crazy sensitive skin and need to only use products that are nice to my face.

Straight from the junkies makeup drawer comes the carry on friendly makeup kit for those willing to ditch the extra pair of shoes to fit their Holy Grail products and tools.

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

Not too big, not too small

I need/want different brushes for my go to look.

Too many products means disorganization.

First you need a multi pocket and compact cosmetic bag that will keep you organized. I use one from Sephora which I received as a gift with purchase. I keep my face products in one zipper, eyes in another, and tools in the front zipper pouch. The size doesn’t allow you to over pack and is sufficient for full face kit.

You also can wrap your makeup bag in clothing and add to your  packing cube  in your suitcase to better protect it.

Urban Decay Naked 3 dual ended brush

Double ended makeup brushes. I am a woman obsessed and own more brushes than I know what to do with. Luckily, I can maximize my use of space with eye shadow brushes with a flat and fluffy end like the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette brush .

BH Cosmetics makes a great inexpensive and complete set of eye brushes which you can can choose a couple to throw in your kit. Dual ended face brushes are also widely available in many makeup stores and brands like Sephora , Tarte , and in the more inexpensive line from Sonia Kashuck at Target .

L’Oreal True Match Powder |  Sephora blush | Stila eye shadows

Small Zebra Z Palette containing depotted products

I want to bring a variety of shades and finishes in my makeup that isn’t in a packaging the size of a steamer trunk

Gifted from the makeup gods is the magnetic makeup palette which allows you to create an all-encompassing kit. MAC and Makeup geek eye shadows, blushes, and other powder products are ready be popped into a magnetic palette, but with a little perseverance and care, you can remove almost any product from the original packing.

Read our tutorial on how to DIY your own makeup palette !

Search “depotting” makeup in YouTube or Google and you will find that it’s a craze sweeping the beauty world. I like Z-palettes, or if you fancy a cute custom made pallet from Etsy, there are many to choose from.

There are tons of tutorials on YouTube and blogs on how to make your own palette for as little as a few dollars with supplies from around your home or the craft store.

Use travel containers like these that are smaller than “travel size” for your foundation, lipstick, or other liquids!

So travel friendly

so cute, and also so very free with points and promotions!

My bulky glass bottle of foundation is taking up precious room in my approved one liter carry on plastic bag.

Swapping out liquid products for a powder or a solid. I love Jane Iredale’s Amazing Base SPF 17 loose mineral foundation to replace my coveted liquid foundation when I am on the road. Pricey at $52, but this lasted ages, had great coverage, and I did not have to bring an additional setting powder.

If you are wary about products with sifters, this one is very fine and not spill, or if you prefer a solid and cheaper option, NYX’s Stay Matte But Not Flat pressed foundation is available in many shades. Try to use a powder or solid where you can in place of any liquids.

I will simply perish without my favorite eye shadow primer/mascara/lip gloss, ect.

Take a look at our round-up of 18 solid toiletries for travel !

Samples are your best friend. Tiny things are cute and desirable in your carry on one liter bag. Things like primers and mascara, and BB creams obviously only come in liquid form, but they don’t have to be full size. Go miniature when you can.

If you want to be extra frugal, go to your local makeup counter and ask for a sample of the product in one of the tiny pots they provide.

Get started on your journey to packing a minimalist travel makeup kit with our quick TPSY TV video on the top four double-duty travel beauty products!

Items featured in video (in order as shown)

• The NARS Multiple
• Travel Straightener / Curling Iron Duo
• Double Sided Makeup Brushes
• Solid Shampoo and Conditioner

Do you have any tips on how to pack your travel makeup kit? Share your tips with us!

For more travel makeup kit ideas, please read the following:

• What’s in My Travel Makeup Bag
• DIY: How to Make a Travel-Size Makeup Palette
• 5 Foolproof Travel Beauty Gifts for Women on the Go
• The Travel Beauty Essentials I Never Leave Home Without

Hope you’ve enjoyed these tips on how to create a travel makeup kit. Don’t forget to share this post with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio:  Kate is a small town girl looking to explore the world on a budget with a carry on bag in hand, all while looking smugly proud of her packing skills. Travelling internationally since 2008, Kate has stayed in dive hostels to high end hotels with every mode of travel getting her there. Kate has a passion for makeup, skin care, hair care and is obsessed with finding the best way to take her beauty routine in the road with her.

10 Comments

Super helpful hearing how you organize things! My frequent travel requires makeup for performances (I’m a touring musician), but while I don’t use much makeup in real life, I also haven’t gotten my kit compact enough that it doesn’t drive me crazy for all the space it takes! I think getting the right bag for it will be important too…. Thanks for the ideas!

Thanks Mari 🙂

Hello Alex,

I found your site searching for pants for an upcoming trip to Iceland. We travel quite frequently. I had spent quite a bit of time researching z-palettes when I ran across a hack that’s less expensive. Below is a link to the Artbin magnetic needle case (range in price from $4.99 to $9.99 depending on sale). I just purchased 3 for what I could have bought a z-palette for. It’s a nice size. I’m pretty minimalist in my make up to begin with. But in one case I can put my eye shadows, cream blush, eye shadow brushes and eye/lip pencils . Let me know what you think. Oh, and the pans that are aluminum I purchased 30 of the adhesive metal bottoms for the z-palette from Ulta for $6.00

http://www.joann.com/artbin-slim-line-magnetic-needle-case-raspberry/11362100.html#q=magnetic+case+sewing&start=1

Hi Karin, that’s a great tip! Thank you 🙂

Here’s my own tricks for packing a travel makeup kit: *Invest in a selection of mini containers from the…container store. They come in a variety of sizes, very inexpensive & you can decant/repot your products there. *I personally use contact lens cases (brand new or thoroughly rewashed/sterilized!) to store moisturizer with SPF on one side & then concealer or liquid foundation on the other. *Limit lip products to 3: 1. A lipbalm (better yet, bring a multi-use product that can act as a lip balm, skin soother, cuticle balm, etc. like a Papaw ointment or salve) 2. A “your lips but better” lipstick/lipgloss 3. A more dramatic lipstick/lipgloss for dinners/night outs

Awesome tips! Love the contact lens container!

Creative and Invaluable tips for the modern makeup addict on the move!

Loved her tips!

Great tips, I would have never thought of repotting my favorite make up. Thank you Kate, I look forward to following your travel tips. I always find I do not look my bext on vacation when lots of photos are being taken *ugh* maybe this will turn a new leaf on my photo avoidance.

Repotting is definitely one of the best travel beauty tips!

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17 Best Travel Makeup Products to Use on the Go

The Glowsly editors independently test and choose the best products. We may receive commissions on purchases made from the affiliate links.

Have you packed your suitcase for your long-cherished vacation yet? In this article, we’ll help you pack your makeup bag by presenting our picks of the best makeup products for travel ! These are products that are small, sturdy, easy to pack, and fulfil multiple purposes. You are sure to look like a million bucks getting these travel makeup products that are simple and multi-purpose.

1. Sephora Z Palette

The Z palette is the secret weapon for thousands of makeup artists, but it’s also super useful for anyone traveling. This empty palette is magnetized and it comes with little magnetic stickers as well, so you can create your own customized palette out of single eyeshadows and blushes .

You can choose a large one to carry literally all of your pan products, or you can opt for a smaller one just to carry a small selection of shadows and blushes. Later on in this article I give some suggestions on how you can remove makeup tins from bulky containers so you can put them in your Z palette.

There are endless ways of arranging products in a Z palette, so it’s great for just about anyone! Get a palette that’s the right size for you at Sephora !

2. Too Faced The Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow

This chocolate-scented eyeshadow palette will put a smile on your face every time you go to do your eye makeup. It’s a great travel makeup palette because it is small yet sturdy, has a built-in mirror, and is filled with totally wearable matte and metallic colors. With this palette you’re not restricted to one look during your whole vacation – you have a few makeup options!

I chose this palette because it also includes lighter glowy shades that can work beautifully as highlighters both for the eyes and the cheeks, as well as a few shades of brown and taupe that can work as eyebrow powder for many people. Any one of a number of darker shadows can also be applied as eyeliner! You can pick it up from Sephora .

3. Dose of Colors Baked Browns Eyeshadow Palette

If you’re willing to forego complex and varied eyeshadow looks, then a 5 or 6-shade palette will probably be a better choice. It’ll take up less space and still allow you to get a little glammed up when it’s necessary. Each one of us has a different go-go eyeshadow look, but rosy browns are super trendy right now, so I decided to suggest this palette.

You can do a quick, no-makeup look with it or get a little darker and sultrier. The shades are all matte, so you might want to carry a highlighter with you for brightening up the inner corners. Find it at Ulta !

4. MAC Cosmetics Mini MAC Lipstick

Lipsticks don’t really take up a ton of space, so you might be able to take a few colors with you without any problem. Personally, I only carry one full-sized lip color around, but then again, I’m a little boring.

MAC lipsticks are classics with a creamy texture and trendy matte finish. With the mini versions of all their most wearable shades you will have space for a bunch. This is a great choice if you really like to change your lip color up from day to day! Pick up 3 or 4 from Nordstrom !

5. Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation

If you have oily skin it can be great to have a pressed powder foundation on the road instead of a cream one. It won’t be any problem to carry in your carry-on, and it won’t require setting! This powder foundation from Cover FX is a quick one-step that’ll keep you looking matte and give your skin nice medium coverage. The formula is talc-free, super lightweight, and contains kaolin clay to absorb oils. Find your match from 38 shades at Ulta !

6. It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+

If you have normal or dry skin, on the other hand, then this CC cream might be the best travel makeup option! Its coverage is on the higher side, but you can sheer it out with your moisturizer if necessary, and it has one of the most beautiful natural finishes!

It’ll cover imperfections without highlighting dry spots, and it can work well without being set with powder. It’s got some serious sun protection power, and the formula is super moisturizing so you might even be able to use it without face cream. You are sure to find a color match, since it comes in 12 colors at Sephora .

7. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick SPF 21

If you prefer high coverage even while you travel, consider this stick foundation ! It can double as your concealer if necessary, and the finish is matte enough that you probably won’t need to carry around a setting powder. You can skip the brushes or makeup sponges if you like, as this product is quite easy to blend with the fingers à la Pat McGrath. This formula will give you some sun protection, as well, for those sunny days when you’re out and about. Find your favorite of 25 shades at Nordstrom !

8. Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes

If you’re really roughing it, makeup wipes are indispensable. You can use them to clean your face, your brushes, and even your hands in a pinch! They’re a little too wasteful for daily use, but on a trip using them can be justified. These ones, in particular, are super gentle on the skin. They remove all makeup thoroughly, but they keep the skin hydrated with a dose of glycerin and panthenol. Get them from Ulta !

9. Milk Makeup KUSH High Volume Mascara Mini

A dark black, volumizing mascara is awesome to have while you travel. It will often save you the need for eyeliner, and it will make you feel done up and awake in seconds. The Kush mascara from Milk Makeup will also keep the lashes moisturized and healthy, and in its miniature size it fits into even the tiniest makeup bag easily. You can buy it from Sephora .

10. E.L.F. Cosmetics Flawless Face 6 Piece Brush Collection

Give yourself a full-face look with just 6 makeup brushes ! This set is perfect for travelers, as it includes all the brushes you’ll need to do a full-face makeup, and they don’t break the bank so if you lose one or two it’s no big deal. The set includes two complexion brushes and four eye brushes, and we can think of all kinds of creative uses for them to ensure that you’ll need nothing else. You can order them from Ulta .

11. NARS The Multiple Stick

This all-in-one product is perfect if you’re truly low-maintenance when you travel. The NARS Multiples are makeup sticks that can be applied to the cheeks, lips, or eyes – that’s right, a single product that can be a blush, lipstick and eyeshadow ! You can take just one, or choose a few instead of all of your blushes, highlighters , and shadows. Orgasm is the perfect gold-flecked coral, Portofino is a gorgeous rose, and South Beach is the loveliest golden tone for highlighting. Choose your favorites from Nordstrom !

12. YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks

If you like a more saturated color in a product that takes up even less space, then opt for a lip and cheek tint rather than a stick. It won’t work for the eyes, but it’ll give you super gorgeous lips so perhaps the exchange is well worth it.

These lip tints are perfectly blendable for an easy blush application, while they can be built up to opacity on the lips. They keep the lips soft and hydrated without being too matte or glossy. Choose Nude Insolent for a day to day shade, or Fuchsia Desinvolte for something more dramatic. They are available at Net-a-Porter .

13. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

I normally wouldn’t bother with a liquid liner while traveling – I find it much easier to apply dampened eyeshadow with a small angled brush. However, for many women that sharp wing is a must, in which case this waterproof liquid eyeliner is awesome to have. It won’t budge on hot days nor will it require touch-ups, and the design is sleek and streamlined so it’ll fit in any travel makeup bag with ease. You can purchase it at Sephora .

14. Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze

I’m not quite done with stick products yet! They’re just so convenient for travel beauty on the go. Many folks prefer doing all-cream looks when they travel, so these sticks are perfect for contouring and blush. They can go anywhere on the face, and they even come with a brush on one end for blending. Choose Bondi Bae as a contour shade for lighter skin or Deep Maple, Eh as a contour shade for darker skin. Both are available, along with three blush shades at Sephora .

15. Tarte Tarteist PRO Glow To Go Highlight & Contour Palette

If you prefer powders, this little set is perfection. It includes a bronzer, highlighter, and blush in a sturdy package, and a nicely large mirror. All three shades can also be applied as eyeshadows, so you can leave your eyeshadow palette at home. I love this kit because the highlighter and blush are both gorgeous glowy, but the contour shade is perfectly matte. You can buy it from Ulta .

16. Absolutely Lush Trifold Lighted Makeup Mirror

Whether you’re staying at a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, don’t expect an amazing mirror. It’s better to bring your own! I find most palettes have a decent enough mirror, but if you’re traveling without one, or if you want the best visibility possible, then consider this lighted makeup mirror , which is fitted with LED light strips.

It magnifies, but not overly so, so you can see your whole face but get a precise makeup application. The light is adjustable, so you can see your face clearly even in the dark but without getting blinded. It has a foldable design that will allow it to fit easily in your bag, and you can keep it charged with a USB cord or batteries! Buy it on Amazon !

17. Travel Makeup Bag

This little bag is perfect. It’s just big enough to hold all of your travel makeup, but not so big that you’ll be tempted to take unnecessary stuff with you. It has a few compartments for brushes, and a mesh bag in case you want to bring your Beauty Blender-style makeup sponge with you. It’ll hold your goodies securely, so you know nothing will move around or get damaged. It is made from black nylon for easy cleaning. You can order it from Amazon .

Photos via @janicejoostemaa, Sephora

Top 10 Travel Makeup Brush Sets

These makeup brush sets are the internet's top picks for traveling.

Packing for a trip always has the potential to create more anxiety than it should, especially if you’re a makeup fanatic. Besides making sure the size of each product doesn’t go above TSA guidelines, deciding what to bring in the first place can be daunting. Some things are non-negotiable and others need to be replaced with airplane-friendly versions of themselves. Makeup brushes certainly fit the bill. For one, they make all the difference when it comes to application because while using your fingers is time-efficient, it can get messy very quickly. Still, quality makeup brushes are major must-haves that you won’t want to leave behind in a hotel or airport bathroom. In this case, investing in a travel makeup brush set means you can keep your trusty everyday tools safe and sound at home.

They also make dependable companions for other places, like your work desk, backpack, or glove compartment. You never know when a last-minute occasion will pop up, and that’s just too much pressure for one brush set. There are no rigid rules for choosing a travel makeup brush set—simply find a combination that best suits your routine. A simple, no-makeup-makeup look only needs a few brushes, while an elaborate beat, with, say, a smoky eye, requires multiple eye tools.

We’ve found some of the best-rated sets out there, and they satisfy a spectrum of makeup needs. From space-conscious minis to boldly designed, Instagram-ready tools, these travel makeup brush sets are as fashionable as they are functional.

How We Found The Best Travel Makeup Brush Sets

As always, this roundup was created with the help of our proprietary algorithm, which identifies our top picks using data from word-of-mouth recommendations, expert reviews, best-seller lists, and more. Keep reading to discover each standout.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Makeup Brushes .  Opening image: sephora.com

January 26, 2022

Product Expert: Georgia Jones

The Rankings

More Than Magic Brush And Bag Set

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13 User Reviews

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About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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WHO IT'S FOR: The beauty influencer who's all about the details will definitely appreciate this all-inclusive brush set.

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WHO IT'S FOR: If you like to blend fashion and function, Charlotte Tilbury has you covered with this gorgeous makeup brush set.

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• The Travel Issue Overview Cover Story Nicola Peltz Beckham Is Officially in Her Director Era The B Side Get to Know Nicola's BTS Team: Nail Artist Zola Ganzorigt and Hairstylist Hikaru Hirano
• Après-Ski Makeup Is the Rich-Girl Beauty Trend You Need to Try This Winter
• How to Dress Like Someone’s Airport Crush

24 Travel Beauty Products Byrdie Editors Always Pack

• The Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Your Key to Leveling Up Your Vacation Style
• 17 Black-Owned Travel Essentials to Take on Your Next Vacation
• Why Princess Diana Is the Ultimate Vacation Style Icon
• Hotels Are Better Serving the Needs of Black Hair—But There's Still Room for Improvement
• Sober Travel Is the Next Big Wellness Trend—Even If You Drink
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• How to Slay the Passport Makeup Trend at Your Next ID Photoshoot
• What to Buy

Holly Rhue is the editorial director for Byrdie, covering all things beauty for the brand. She has 6 years of experience in beauty editorial and has been with Byrdie since 2019.

Whether you’re carry-on for life or have zero shame about checking a bag, traveling means making some tough beauty cuts. Be it for TSA requirements, limited real estate, or the pursuit of a more simplified routine, everyday beauty staples aren’t always practical for on-the-go use. (My favorite foundation, for example, is tragically packaged in a delicate glass bottle.) In lieu of our day-to-day favorites, Byrdie editors opt for multipurpose products, stick formulas, and luxurious hydrators when we’re traveling for work or pleasure. Discover our favorites ahead, from multiuse sticks to acne-fighting mists.

Hallie Gould, editor in chief

There's nothing like getting off a plane and beelining for the bathroom to give your skin a good, deep clean. Airplane air really makes my skin so, so sad. Sturm's Enzyme Cleanser is my must-have for travel because it allows for a little grit and gentle exfoliation when my face needs it most. When mixed with water, the fine-powder transforms into a super soft, enzyme-filled foam (there's some vitamin C in there too). It sloughs off dead and dry skin, free radicals like pollution and other grime from the travel day, and leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft, fresh, and reset. I focus a massage along my nose and chin (where I have the most congestion) and it's a godsend on blackheads.

When I travel, I need a good silk scrunchie. It's an easy, cute way to slick back wet hair when I don't have much time to get ready, it allows me to (secretly mask all day), and it keeps my hair out of my face as I'm getting dressed and applying makeup. Overall, it's both incredibly practical and beautiful in equal measure. This one from Ceremonia is my absolute favorite (the silk scrunchie comes in a set with an organza option as well, which I love for added fanciness). It's the biggest, the most luscious, and really makes me look like I have my life together.

I am absolutely in love with this product. To put it into context, the formula went viral on TikTok before it even launched. This is a true skincare-makeup hybrid. Upon first application, my skin looked warm and sculpted . I use it to contour and lift (along my cheekbones and jaw bone) and then apply to the eyes for depth. It's a beautiful, bronze-y formula and also includes centella asiatica (my favorite for its soothing properties), niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

Star Donaldson, associate social media director

It can be difficult for me to doze off on plane rides, so I make sure to save these Self-Heating Warm Compresses for every flight. I got introduced to them because they soothed my eyes and sensitivity to light when I had a migraine. But now, migraine or not, bringing them with me on plane rides is a total game changer. The compress is more of an eye mask that comfortably goes over your ears and stays in place during a nap. They also heat up quickly and stay warm for around 30 minutes, which is more than enough time for me to be lulled to sleep.

If there’s only time to do one minute of makeup before boarding a flight, I’m grabbing this brow gel. Espressoh’s Hey Broh gel makes me feel put together with a few swipes. I’ve loved this brow gel for years to help me achieve a bold laminated effect, but it works just as well to slick my brows into place and keep them there for a natural yet polished look.

I have a ton of hair, and when I’m traveling, all I want to do is put it up. I’ve been reliant on these Large Slipsilk Scrunchies for years and I use them at least once a day no matter what. They are large enough that I can wrap the scrunchie around my hair twice but elastic enough that they’ll hold my hair in place with just one loop. Besides wearing my hair in an updo, I love using them to pineapple my hair at night under my bonnet to ensure my curls don’t get frizzy. Most importantly, opting for a scrunchie that doesn’t get caught on my curly 3C/4A hair or crease it has really decreased the amount of breakage and shedding I see.

Holly Rhue, associate editorial director

Brow products are something I use every single day. My routine typically consists of some kind of pigment product topped with a clear wax to hold my brows into a brushed-up position. But when I’m traveling, I love to go for the two-in-one with this new Benefit gel. It gives you all the pigment of a tinted brow gel, plus the sculpting, stay-all-day power of a gel or wax. It’s a nonnegotiable in my dopp kit.

I’m a terrible sleeper as is, so throw a plane ride, road trip, or time change into the mix, and my under-eyes are shot. So naturally, I never travel without eye gels. And while I love a heavily saturated, jelly-textured patch for my day-to-day, these SkinMedica gels are perfect for travel. They come individually wrapped with one set of patches per sachet, so there’s no dealing with heavy jars or tins. They’re also incredibly moisturizing without being soaking wet—you can easily use them on a plane or long car ride without dripping serum all over the place. That, and they actually adhere to your skin until you’re ready to remove them.

I’m nothing if not practical, so I’m never without this Vaseline stick on a trip. My skin gets extremely dry on flights , and I’ll use this handy stick for slugging pretty much anywhere—cuticles, under-eyes, mouth corners, you name it. I also use it as a lip balm, to slick back my hair, and as a body highlighter on my shoulders and collarbone. (It also comes in handy if you find a blister forming on your skin.) There are truly endless uses for Vaseline , and the stick design makes it easier to keep skin balanced and glowy while traveling.

Olivia Hancock, beauty editor

Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm ($16): Topicals’ latest launch—the Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm—has quickly become a beauty essential that goes everywhere with me. The minty lip treatment is infused with peptides and a tri-ceramide complex that combats fine lines, texture, and dryness. When I swipe this on, my lips feel incredibly soothed and moisturized. Not to mention that they’re left with a high-shine, glossy finish.

Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue ($68): Since I have dry skin, I incorporate intensely nourishing moisturizers into my morning and evening routines. Right now, the Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Deep Repair Treatment is the nighttime cream that’s always stashed in my dopp kit. The ultra-rich cream is formulated with ectoin to protect your skin from environmental aggressors, restoring magnesium and peptides, and hydrating squalane. After slathering this on at night, I wake up with skin that is noticeably plumper and more moisturized.

When traveling, I always want to bring products that make removing makeup and refreshing my skin a breeze. That’s why the mini version of Garnier’s SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is a staple in my toiletry bag. When I’m ready to wash my face, I saturate one of my SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Eco Pads ($12) and gently wipe it across my face, eyes, and lips. The beloved no-rinse micellar water effortlessly breaks down and removes all my makeup without leaving my skin feeling stripped.

Bella Cacciatore, news editor

I am a blush fiend and usually bring at least three options when I travel (even if it’s just overnight). That being said, this is always one of them. First of all, it’s a no-brainer for packing since it’s so tiny and can easily be applied without a brush. It’s the perfect peachy-pink shade that I can build up as much as I want, and the glowy formula glides on without feeling heavy or greasy. I always keep it in my shoulder bag during a flight since it’s the perfect pick-me-up after travel even if I’m not wearing any other makeup.

I’m very unfussy with my hair and will happily use whatever shampoo and conditioner the hotel has on hand. This, however, is the one thing I can’t go without. A pump or two on wet or dry hair is all I need for smooth, frizz-free hair that looks and smells incredible. Most importantly, it helps coax my nearly wavy hair into a passable mermaid texture that eliminates the need for any other styling.

Good complexion products top my packing list, and I haven’t stopped using this concealer since I tested it a few months ago. It’s so creamy and truly foolproof to apply, and the satiny finish looks beautiful on both under-eyes and pimples. It can also be used as a foundation in a pinch, which is great if you’re an overpacker like I am. This is another one I keep on hand as a quick refresh after a flight.

Eden Stuart, beauty editor

I hate fussing with lots of tools and brushes when I travel, so whenever possible, I only bring one: a beauty sponge. That means sticking to makeup products that blend well with a sponge or fingers. For that reason, I usually travel with a few of the Nudies Cream Blushes from Nudestix ($35)—they come with a little brush but blend well with your fingertips too.

On that no-tools, no-problems note, I’ve been sticking to Ciele Cosmetics’ Tint & Protect SPF 50+ ($44) as my on-the-go base. It’s another product that blends effortlessly, and a little bit goes a long way for coverage. I usually just blend out a few drops with my fingers, and then go over it with a damp sponge to even things out. I also love that it contains SPF 50+; I am a firm believer in never relying on makeup alone for sunscreen, so I do apply some underneath, but as far as I’m concerned, you can never have too much protection.

I can’t possibly discuss my travel routine without shouting out Eadem’s Milk Marvel ($68) . Since it contains vitamin C and niacinamide, it really streamlines my skincare routine; it’s usually the only product I’ll apply between my face wash and sunscreen when I’m out of town. I brought the brand’s Bare-Skin Confidence Mini Travel Set ($45) home for the holidays and am so happy I did; the moisturizer is lightweight and silky, and the cleansing balm is great for days when I went for lighter-coverage makeup or just SPF.

Abby Dupes, associate editor

Growing up, it didn’t matter where we stayed or went—I only wanted to know if the hotel had a pool or an ocean nearby. The urge to swim has yet to leave me, meaning my hair ends up a tangled mess by dinnertime on most trips. Ouais Leave In Conditioner has saved me multiple times, helping me tackle the toughest knots pre-shower and protecting my hair from heat post-wash. If I don’t have time for heat styling, I’ll use it to slick back my hair into a flyaway-free low bun. It’s truly the most versatile hair product in my bag.

I swear my skin knows where we are the second I arrive at an airport. Before we even hit the tarmac, I’m battling to keep my skin moisturized, but my lips are the worst offender by far. Since dry, chapped lips are not on the itinerary, I use Ilia’s Lip Wrap Reviving Balm. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and salicornia (aka sea succulent), this lightweight balm restores the skin barrier of your lips over time while imparting a gorgeous, plump shine with just one swipe. Plus, for those with flight anxiety like me, the soothing lavender and chamomile scent provides a bonus dose of calming aromatherapy.

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to find that the makeup bag you thought you had packed perfectly has eye shadow all over, thanks to a broken powder eye shadow palette. Trust and believe that cream or liquid is the best formulation to bring abroad. I specifically love Rare Beauty’s All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick, as it’s buildable, blendable, and fadeproof. The shimmery, neutral shades are perfect for every aesthetic, and I love the fact that the packaging has a built-in sharpener.

Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

Edge control is truly the first product I always throw in my carry-on luggage. It keeps my edges laid and tames any flyaways I may have with slick-back styles. I particularly love this product because it can withstand all heat and humidity so I know my edges are laid while I lay on the beach. I don’t have to worry about any white residue or weird stickiness. It’s just a great-smelling product that I keep near and dear at all times.

Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray is a skin saver at home, so I’m sure to pack it when I’m out of town. It keeps any redness or irritation at bay so my skin can look and feel its best. It’s super refreshing and hydrating, which is perfect after long days of exploring.

I love a two-in-one product just as much as I love anything from Ami Colé. The Lip + Blush Sticks add a nice wash of color to my skin and help me limit the amount of beauty products I need to get my desired look. It contains desert date oil, hibiscus flower extract, and baobab seed oil to hydrate and nurture the skin, so it’s a win-win.

Ali Webb, associate editor

As we all know, airport restrictions on liquids mean that packing a carry-on requires making some hard choices. A good powder makeup product can really change the game, and I’m obsessed with this Charlotte Tilbury palette ($75), which includes two types of highlighters, a bronzer, and a blush all in one place. A few swipes on strategic areas like your cheekbones, Cupid’s bow, and inner corners of your eyes will have you glowing and contoured in no time, and I love how this allows me to keep having fun with makeup without sacrificing valuable liquid real estate.

No matter what beauty products you choose to pack for a trip, sunscreen is an absolute must. I’ve tried my fair share of formulas, and my absolute favorite is Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen ($38), which goes on smooth and nongreasy with no white cast, features SPF 40 protection, and creates an ideal base for makeup (so you can leave the primer at home). I usually stock up on the largest size, but the mini is perfect for travel.

 At any given time, I have two bottles of Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer ($15): a full size, plus a mini to take with me on all my travels. I've found it to be an ideal hair product to pack because it serves so many purposes: It works as a heat protectant, makes my strands take to styling better, and includes a nourishing six-oil blend that can take the place of other leave-in products when I’m keeping it simple on the go. It’s color-safe and has smoothing properties, plus its UV protection will keep your strands happy and healthy if you’re headed somewhere sunny or spending time outside. This is truly my desert-island hair product.

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The 21 Best Travel-Size Beauty Products to Pack on Your Next Trip

By Danielle Sinay

Once upon a time, finding the best travel-size beauty products meant scouring the pharmacy “travel size” section and making do with that one tiny bottle of Cetaphil. But as interest in beauty, skin care, and hair care has evolved, so too have options for travel-size cosmetics. Now you can find almost any product from your beauty routine as a mini, from practical products like tinted sunscreen and thigh chafing balm to must-have face serums to tiny hair tools. Some might even be your favs you use everyday, in their original packaging, no less!

Whether you’re packing for vacation or want to test out cult-favorite cosmetics before you commit (no judgment here!), there are dozens of beloved beauty products that can now be procured in a compact, easy-to-pack, and TSA-approved form. Keep scrolling and see the 21 best travel-size beauty products ahead.

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

Supergoop! Mini Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 Mini

Supergoop! Mini Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 Mini Size

Supergoop's Glow Screen is the ultimate multitasker and therefore perfect for toting on your next trip. Not only does it provide SPF 40 coverage, but it leaves the face glowing, glimmering, and sun-kissed without leaving a white cast , and can be worn solo for gorgeous “no-makeup makeup” glam or underneath foundation for a lit-from-within look. At 1.7 oz., the original bottle is technically TSA-approved, but the 0.68-oz. mini size is ideal for carrying in day-to-day bags, purses, and pockets. The more room, the merrier, right?

Paula’s Choice Mini Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Paula's Choice Mini Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

You’ve likely heard all about Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, the cult-favorite toner that really, truly works. But did you know it comes in an itty-bitty 1-ounce option too? Well, now you do. It’s so small it takes up little to no room, meaning you have that much more space to pack souvenirs without worrying about disrupting your skin care routine.

Megababe Thigh Rescue Mini

Thigh chafing is no joke, especially while walking more than usual on summer vacation. Fortunately, Megababe knows their audience and launched a mini version of their life- (and thigh-) saving anti-friction stick that’s just 0.81 oz. It’s so tiny you can throw it in any purse or even a pocket, and reapply as much as necessary. Megababe’s stick is derm approved too: “This easy-to-use formula glides on easily, and includes aloe and vitamin E to help soothe the skin, as well as pomegranate seed extract to protect the skin and grapeseed oil to help hydrate,” says Marisa Garshick, MD , FAAD, board-certified dermatologist.

Drunk Elephant Day Dream Kit: Mini C-Firma Fresh Day Serum + B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

Drunk Elephant Day Dream Kit: C-Firma Fresh Day Serum + B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

One of the hardest parts of traveling is having to part with your favorite face serums , so beauty buffs can breathe a collective sigh of relief: Drunk Elephant now offers its viral fitamin C serum in a 0.28-oz. form. The C-Firma Fresh Day Serum brightens and firms the complexion while improving skin texture and tone, and does so without clogging pores. It also comes with a mini B-Hydra serum, which provides additional hydration for a radiant finish.

By Sam Reed

By Stephanie McNeal

By Sophia Bush

Living Proof Travel-Size Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Living Proof Travel Size Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Whether you’re prone to sweating or simply don’t have time to shower, dry shampoo is a fairly universal travel essential. The only problem? The best ones usually don’t come in travel size, especially since they’re often aerosol cans. Or, at least they didn’t, until Living Proof released a 2.4-oz. version of their best-selling dry shampoo. You can even pack this in your carry-on. See you never, greasy bangs!

Belif Mini The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Gel based and lightweight, the Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb is a Glamour editor favorite that’s perfect for summer. It doesn’t clog pores, cause breakouts, or provoke excess oil production , but it is super moisturizing and gentle enough to not irritate sensitive skin. It also works remarkably well as a base or a nonsticky makeup primer or layering base, and is available in an itty-bitty 0.84-ounce mini size . So whether you want to try before you buy bigger or plan to carry it onto your summer vacation flight, you (and your skin) are covered.

Dermalogica Mini Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator

You might be taking a break from work while on vacation, but that doesn’t mean you should have to stop exfoliating. Consistently named one of the best face scrubs, Dermalogica’s microfoliant exfoliator combats dullness and brightness without being too rough on the skin. Plus, the formula is customizable—it’s a powder that turns into a paste when mixed with water—and gentle enough to use daily. And now, it comes in a 0.45-oz. option.

Sunday Riley Power Couple Mini Kit: Mini Good Genes & Luna Sleeping Oil

Sunday Riley Power Couple Mini Kit: Good Genes & Luna Sleeping Oil

Celebrities, editors, and dermatologists love Sunday Riley’s iconic Good Genes serum—it’s cited in practically every other Drop the Routine —and with good reason. This serum smooths, brightens, and clears skin while plumping and combatting fine lines, and works in as little as three minutes. The Luna Sleeping Oil is esteemed too—Paris Hilton and makeup artist Nam Vo are both fans—since it helps brighten the skin while soothing redness and irritation. Together, these MVPs are unstoppable: And now, at 0.27 and 0.17 oz., they’re TSA-approved.

BaBylissPRO Mini Straightening Iron with Travel Pouch

Most hotels and Airbnbs have hair dryers but are without essential hair tools like hair straighteners. But while some hair simply can’t be tamed with just a dryer, packing a full-size hair straightener can be a pain. Enter BaByliss, who re-created the company’s popular hair straightener in a tiny travel size, complete with a pouch. Now you can straighten and fix your hair anywhere and everywhere that has an outlet.

Oribe Mini Dry Texturizing Spray

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Texturizing spray is truly the unsung hero of the hairstyling world, and Oribe’s is often credited as the industry gold standard. Adored by beauty editors and hairstylists alike, it’s great on all hair types and textures; provides lightweight hold and texture without feeling sticky or weighing hair down; adds volume, texture, and grit; and somehow smells good too. The fact that it comes in a 2.2-oz. bottle is pretty much a miracle.

Bumble and Bumble Mini Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil

Bumble and Bumble offers most of its products in travel sizes, which has earned the brand a permanent place in many beauty lover carry-ons. This oil not only makes hair smell and feel amazing, but it completely combats humidity-induced frizz while protecting hair from heat and UV rays. At 0.28 oz., it easily packs in your purse on hot, humid days so you can reapply for extra protection and frizz defense.

Tatcha Mini Liquid Silk Canvas: Featherweight Protective Primer

Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas is a Glamour Beauty Award winner —and considered one of Tatcha’s best products —for a reason. It smooths and blurs the skin upon application, almost like IRL airbrushing, and provides the perfect canvas for foundation, since it doesn’t budge, get oily, or lose coverage all day. Which is why the fact that it’s available in a 0.35-oz. bottle is a life-, and makeup-, saver.

Laura Mercier Mini Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Laura Mercier’s cult-favorite loose setting powder is a godsend when it comes to setting makeup, but the packaging is on the larger side, which makes it hard to travel with. Fortunately, Laura Mercier’s setting powder now comes in a perfectly combat-ready 0.33-oz. travel size so you and your makeup are set for your next trip.

Mario Badescu Travel-Size Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater

Mario Badescu Travel Size Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

When something is Martha Stewart-–approved , you just don’t question it. So when Stewart’s facialist Carmela Barabas revealed she uses and loves the cult-favorite facial spray that revives dehydrated skin, we knew it deserved a spot on this list. Especially since it’s so useful for dehydrated, post-flight skin and refreshing touch-ups throughout travel days.

Olaplex Healthy Hair Maintenance Kit: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector + Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment

Everyone from Emma Stone to Glamour editors to hair pros swear that Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is one of the best hair treatments around. Glamour even named it our choice for best hair mask over all . That said, some editors specifically point to the combination of No. 3 and the Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment as what truly transformed their hair, which makes the fact that both are available as 1-oz. bottles that much more convenient—and good for our hair. Also of note? Their equally beloved Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner come in travel sizes too.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser Mini

Garnier SKINACTIVE Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser

Garnier’s micellar water might not scream “cult-favorite beauty product” at first, but this versatile skin care staple undeniably deserves a spot on the list. Especially since it makes for such an ideal travel buddy, no matter the kind of trip you’re on: This classic cosmetic allows you to remove makeup, cleanse your face, and soothe the skin without any water.

Milk Makeup Mini Lip + Cheek Cream Blush + Lip Color

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush + Lip Color

Milk Makeup

Who doesn’t love a multipurpose beauty product, especially when it comes to travel? There is so little space to pack as is, so having one cosmetic that acts as a beautiful blush and lip tint —formulated with hydrating ingredients—can make all the difference. Milk Makeup released special-edition travel sizes of the cult-favorite blush on their website too; they’re so compact, they can fit into the tiniest of bag or even your pocket.

Clinique Mini Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover

Whether you double-cleanse to remove makeup or triple-cleanse just in case, a solid cleansing balm is a universal beauty staple. And Clinique’s is widely considered the gold standard in that department, so much so it was nominated for a Glamour Reader’s Choice Award for best cleanser . Gentle, hydrating, and extremely effective, this cleansing balm melts away makeup, sunscreen, and dirt, and now comes in a mini 1-oz. size.

Smashbox X Becca Mini Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

Smashbox X BECCA Mini Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

Becca’s going out of business was heartbreaking for everyone, especially beauty buffs who loved the brand’s Champagne Pop pressed highlighter . Fortunately, Smashbox took it upon itself to bring the beloved highlighter back—and offer it in a travel size that’s so small, many fans forget it’s in their bag in the first place.

Thrive Causemetics Deluxe Mini Liquid Lash Extensions

Thrive Causemetics Deluxe Liquid Lash Extensions mascara is another universally beloved makeup essential . Formulated with liquid fibers, orchid stem cell complex, and Japanese pepper extract, this mascara builds and lengthens lashes, encourages lash growth, and helps condition them, so you’re supporting your lashes while making them look glam too. And when it comes to the mini, it’s so tiny you'll barely notice it’s in your bag, though you’ll certainly see its effects on your glam.

Urban Decay Mini All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

If you’re going to bother bringing all these travel-size beauty products on vacation, you might as well make sure they stay put. Lightweight and easy to use, Urban Decay’s All Nighter setting spray really lives up to its name, remaining smudge- and transfer-proof for up to 16 hours. Translation? Your glam will stay in place whether you you embark on a historical walking tour or dance all night at the discoteque (or both). It’s no wonder it has as an average rating of 4.6 across Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon—especially now that it comes in a 1-oz. bottle.

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By Deanna Pai

By Danielle Cohen

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12 Best Makeup Travel Kits to Get for On-the-go Touch-ups

Makeup is the most essential part of decking oneself with the right kind of products! This is indeed the favorite part for beauty enthusiasts and it cannot be compromised even when one is traveling. These best makeup travel kits are here to rescue you from such scenarios when you are far away from the vanity at your home. These multipurpose kits don’t allow you to leave your makeup essentials behind while vacationing, after all, why would you? Everyone wants to look their best on vacations that they have been planning for months!

“Creativity is your best makeup skill, don’t be afraid to experiment.” – Pat McGrath. These makeup kits provide a range of essential makeup options that can be a game-changer for your overall appearance on your vacation. Trust us on that when we say these quality makeup kits with premium ingredients will be the most fail-proof thing you have to carry! Most of the palettes include eyeliners, eyeshadows, lip colors, mascara, eyeliners, and blushers, among other things, ensuring you can touch up your face makeup whenever and wherever needed.

AOLIKOKO All-in-One Makeup Full Kit

Sysmual all-in-one makeup kit for women, shany beauty book makeup kit, milk makeup the overachievers summer faves makeup set, miss rose m all in one makeup kit, ulta beauty box prism edition, in this article, 12 best makeup travel kits.

A travel makeup kit that occupies negligible space in your luggage and is also best suited for regular use is this travel kit by AOLIKOKO. The travel makeup bag consists of a dual-tone powder that does not settle into fine lines and skin creases, and a blush that provides a soft and naturally flushed appearance to your cheeks. Moreover, it contains a beautifully crafted eyeshadow, water and sweat-resistant eyeliner, and mascara to make your eyes look revived. Lastly, it has an immensely hydrating lip gloss and a matte finish lipstick that make your lips pout-ready for selfies without causing any peeling or shrinkage. Overall, this is one of the best options for gifting as it includes all makeup accessories necessary for daily and occasional use. 

• Durable bag
• Not irritating
• Easy to carry
• Thick compartments for precise storage
• Causes breakout in rare cases

A travel makeup kit that has managed to entice teens and mature women, modern beauty aficionados, and conventional makeup artists alike is the above-mentioned one by SysMual. It comes with a volumizing mascara that eliminates the need for eyelash serums, a smooth liquid eyeliner that helps to revive tired-looking eyes, a contour stick to make your face shape, a BB cream that helps to conceal visible imperfections, and a blush palette to provide an organic peachy appearance. The best part? The products are highly pigmented, long-lasting, and suitable for all skin tones. To be noted, this product is a one-stop solution for acing the minimal makeup look or the wedding season look. 

• Cruelty-free products
• Durable makeup brushes
• Eyeshadow is powdery

SHANY Beauty Book Makeup Kit is your one-stop answer to having the best travel makeup set to fulfill your makeup needs on the go. The travel makeup kit comes with a whopping 35 variants of eye shadows, an in-built eyebrow kit, a blush palette, makeup brushes, 10 lip colors, eyeliner, and a mirror, to help you doll yourself up. This premium-quality makeup kit offers three different finishes, shimmery, translucent, and matte from which you can opt for a look as per your choice.

• Beginner-friendly
• Hard-to-open box

QiBest All in One Makeup Kit

QiBest’s makeup box is another all-in-one travel makeup kit for the ones who like to carry all their essentials in one pack because they don’t want to compromise with their vacation look. The makeup kit comes with a wide range of product options featuring 20 different shades of eyeshadow, 2 powders, 1 concealer, 1 brush, 3 blushers, lip gloss, and 1 HD mirror. The easy-to-apply and buildable makeup products are what you need to achieve the perfect look!

• Long-lasting

ETA 34 Runway Colors Complete Makeover Kit

Explore your outer beauty with the ETA 34 Runway Colors Complete Makeover Kit which is a useful mini travel makeup kit. The kit comes with brushes, eye pencils, and lip colors that are answers to all your makeup needs on the go. The makeup compartments are built out of stainless steel material that ensures nothing is spilled out of the box. The eyeshadows provided in the box are made up of fine powder that promises a blendable formula and a flawless finish every time.

• Hypoallergenic
• Fragrance-free
• Lightweight
• Case could be sturdier

BR Travel Size Eyeshadow Makeup Kit

BR Travel Size Eyeshadow Makeup Kit is one of the top-rated travel makeup kits to solve your makeup needs when you are away from home. The makeup set consists of 12 assorted colors made out of high-quality ingredients and it comes with a brush for hassle-free application. The kit also includes 2 blush and a face powder for the flawless base that you desire and 6 assorted lip colors for you to have the perfect pout-friendly selfie.

• Sturdy case
• Compact design
• Pigmented colors
• Too small size

Achieve the Instagram-worthy beach look effortlessly with this mind-blowing travel makeup kit comprising the bestsellers in the market. The kit consists of a hydro grip primer that helps to conceal pores, smoothen out uneven skin, and thus prepare the face for further makeup application. The kit also nests a full multi-purpose tint that adds subtle colour to the high points on one’s face. Moreover, it has a Kush mascara that provides a dramatic and long-lasting effect on fragile eyes without making them look fake. Lastly, it contains a clear eyebrow gel that accentuates and shapes unruly eyebrows, and a highlighter that adds noticeable shimmer to the contours of one's face. Overall, this kit is ideal for people who wish to keep their makeup regime minimal during their travel diary days.

• Smooth natural finish
• Sweat-resistant
• Vegan products
• The multi-purpose tint is broken in some packages

MISS ROSE M introduces us to an all in one mini makeup kit that features a wide range of makeup products including blush palette, face powder, eyeshadow palette, lipstick palette, lip gloss, individual bullet lipstick, liquid foundation, mascara, brow pencil, brow sticker, contour palette, eyeliner, brush set, makeup sponge, and a cosmetic bag to carry everything your need in it. Creating different looks every day could not be easier than this!

• Retro-packaging
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Packaging could be sturdier

That Mysterious Girl Makeup Kit

Create envy-worthy looks with That Mysterious Girl’s compact makeup kit that comes with a travel-friendly makeup kit featuring lip glosses, blush, premium eye shadows, eyeliner, bronzer, makeup applicators, and a mirror. The premium makeup kit is richly pigmented in colors and ensures the colors blends into your skin seamlessly. An easy-to-carry makeup kit is definitely a convenient option for your vacays when you are in a playful mood for a unique look.

On My Way-Makeup Kit

On My Way’s travel size makeup kit is another handy kit that comes with many options! The kit features a nude contour palette, brow pencil, lip gloss, mascara, and a blush palette consisting of contour, highlight, and bronzer. The brand also offers a cutesy makeup bag to carry all your makeup essentials for you to have on the go. This makeup palette loaded with premium ingredients is all you need to add oomph to your look!

• Non-allergenic
• Cruelty-free
• Fewer color options

Ulta Beauty Box Prism Edition is exactly the compact makeup palette that you didn’t know you needed. Your makeup essential needs will be covered by this multipurpose palette that consists of 48 eye shadows, 4 eye shadow bases, 4 blushes, 12 glitter top coats, 4 highlighters, 3 eyeliner pencils, 3 brow products, 2 brow pencils, 2 sheer lip glosses, 2 lip glosses, 2 lip oils, 2 bronzers, 1 brow wax, 1 brow brush, 1 eye shadow brush, 1 blush brush.

• No fall-out
• Packaging could be better

UCANBE 5pcs Eyeshadow Makeup Set

UCANBE Eyeshadow Set is the go-to make up travel kit for the ones who swear by accentuating their eyes when it comes to makeup. The eyeshadow palette has already been garnering praise for its effectiveness and outcome from influencers around the world. The kit comes with a whopping 108 shades of eyeshadows, 2 contour powders, 2 blushers, and 2 highlighters, 1 eye primer base, 15 soft brushes, 2 makeup sponges to let you experience a hassle-free makeup session.

• Lightweight formula
• Not for sensitive skin

How to Choose the Right Makeup Kit?

It’s a task indeed to choose the right makeup kit that serves you for all your needs when you travel. With these below points in mind, you can create the look of your dreams without splurging unnecessarily.

a) Versatility- When investing in a makeup kit, the first thing that should come to your mind is whether it fulfills all your makeup needs and requirements. If the kit includes primary products like eyeshadow, blush, foundation, mascara, bronzer, and lip colors, grab it without a second thought.

b) Built-quality: When you are availing of an all-in-one makeup product, it is important to ensure that any of the products doesn’t spill or leak to ruin the rest of the set. The sturdier the packaging is, the lesser chance for the makeup products to remain at stake.

c) Portability- Portability is another factor that you need to keep in mind when you choose the best makeup kit for yourself. Whether the kit is lightweight and travel-friendly is what you should consider before picking ‘em up. It requires a special skill to pack light yet not forget anything essential! And when it comes to makeup, beauty enthusiasts often can’t resist packing all the things they need. However, if traveling light is your motto, and you are not up for making a compromise, these best makeup travel kits are what you need on your next vacation.

Why Trust Pinkvilla

Sayantani, our certified beauty expert is also a makeup enthusiast who believes that makeup is the most essential part of decking oneself. Since she cannot do without makeup even when on the go, she set herself out on a mission to find the best makeup travel kits for herself and alike. She meticulously analyzed their features, construction, design, capacity, etc, and finalized this comprehensive list for every budget. Her personal favorite is the Shany Beauty Book makeup kit which is versatile, lightweight, and super convenient. You can glance through the rest of her top picks and invest in the one that suits your needs!

Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More

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Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

There are a few things every traveler needs, no matter where in the world they're going — and a toiletry bag is one of them. The humble case might be an afterthought to some, but these helpful bags are crucial to keeping your travel essentials organized.

We tested 52 toiletry bags and cosmetic cases (and continue to do so for a period of at least six months) in order to bring to you the best of the best, evaluating capacity, design, portability, and value. We also considered the overall quality of the bags, as well as their ease of use on real trips.

Taking our test results into consideration, we've put together a list of the best toiletry bags across various categories; you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Best Overall

Away large toiletry bag.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

This bag holds more than you'd expect from just looking at it.

The limited edition colors often sell out fast.

You might be most familiar with Away for its selection of hardside luggage and weekender bags, but the brand carries travel accessories, too, including this large toiletry bag that earned high marks across the board during our tests.

Though we found the bag to be even roomier than expected, there are so many individual compartments including a clear cosmetic bag, a zippered pouch, two mesh linings, and an exterior pocket, to name a few. You won't be reaching into a bottomless pit, rummaging around for individual products here. We also love that the bag zips open wide enough for you to reach inside with ease. We packed it with both large and small items, from travel-size liquid bottles to makeup brushes, and there was still room for more.

We also noted the durability of the water-resistant nylon, which is lightweight without feeling cheap. The interior of the bag is coated with an easy-to-wipe material, allowing you to clean up any spills quickly. The bag comes in five color options (with limited edition colorways offered on occasion), as well as a smaller size option and a hanging version of the bag.

The Details: 10.2 x 3.7 x 5.9 inches | 8.8 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Compact

Dagne dover mila toiletry organizer.

Dagne Dover

• Capacity 4 /5

It might be small, but it can still fit full-size makeup brushes.

The dividers take up valuable space.

If you're a toiletry minimalist, this is the case for you. The highly compact Dagne Dover Mila keeps all your products neat and organized in a tiny, plush drum made of water-resistant recycled poly. Unzip the lid and you'll see a grid created by a removable insert — use the insert to keep your products separated from one another, reducing their impact if the toiletry bag is jumbled around. There's also a zippered mesh pocket in the lid, as well as four elastic loops to hold items like makeup brushes and lip balm.

We did notice, however, that the insert takes up quite a bit of space in the bag, and you'd be able to squeeze quite a few more items inside if you remove it instead. Of course in that case, you wouldn't have much help in terms of organization. Ultimately, we love the flexibility — you can customize the bag to suit your needs.

The Details: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | 6 ounces | Material | Recycled poly

Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Best Waterproof

Matador flatpak zipper toiletry case.

Back Country

• Design 4 /5

It's extremely lightweight — just over an ounce.

There aren't any extra pockets or pouches for organization.

While many toiletry kits are water-resistant, this one is fully waterproof, and that makes all the difference if you're on an outdoor adventure like camping or a multi-day kayaking trip. It's made from a special nylon that has a secret superpower: "dry-through" technology, which allows moisture to escape from the bag without letting any in. That means your toiletries (like a wet toothbrush) can dry while they're in the bag.

We found this bag to be deceptively spacious, given that it looks like a simple pencil pouch at first glance. The bag expands at the bottom, allowing it to stand alone on a flat surface while giving you the space to fit larger items in with ease. That said, there aren't any useful organizational tools to keep your products in order — this is a fairly bare-bones bag.

The Details: 9.5 x 6.75 x 3.5 inches | 1.1 ounces | Nylon | Waterproof

Best Organization

Peak design wash pouch.

Peak Design

The bag is lined with high-density foam for extra protection.

It's a fairly pricey bag.

When you have a large number of toiletries to bring with you on vacation, the best thing you can do is choose a toiletry bag that helps you keep everything organized. This is that bag! Though it appears small from the outside, the bag is so thoughtfully designed with organizational tools — we found that there's a pocket for just about everything. The main compartment is large enough to fit small bottles, while mesh pockets of various sizes line the walls. There's also a separate pocket for your toothbrush, which keeps it nice and clean.

Other highlights include a wide opening to access each pocket easily, and the ability to stand on its own thanks to the bag's layer of high-density foam that also helps protect the items inside. It also has a handy hanging hook if you'd prefer to keep some counter space clear.

The Details: 10.2 x 6 x 4.4 inches | 8.7 ounces | Nylon

Best Dopp Kit

Dare to roam steward dopp kit.

Dare to Roam

The material is antimicrobial and antibacterial.

Organization is limited to three pockets.

What are dopp kits, anyway? Though the term can be used interchangeably with "toiletry bag" today, the dopp kit was originally a durable toiletry bag devised by German leather maker Charles Doppelt that was popular with military personnel in the 20th century. It typically takes the silhouette seen here in this bag — a large main compartment, sometimes with side pockets.

What dopp kits are great for is space; we were amazed by how much could fit in this bag, especially because it's expandable with side clips and adjustable webbing straps. As such, it's ideal for longer trips where you'll need as much space as you can get. We also love that it's made from an antimicrobial and antibacterial nylon (yes, it's water-resistant), though we think it could use a little more organization beyond two interior pockets and one exterior one.

The Details: 4.5 x 8.7 x 4.7 inches | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best Small Hanging

Sea to summit hanging toiletry bag.

Small and lightweight, it's perfectly portable.

It has to hang as it won't stand up on its own.

When it comes to hanging bags, this one is perfectly balanced. It's made from an ultra-thin, water-resistant nylon and takes the shape of a saddlebag, which is ideal for hanging. We found that no matter how many items we stuffed in there, the bag never really felt weighed down; all the products were perfectly situated and easy to access, thanks to a plethora of pockets.

This bag also comes with a detachable mirror, which makes it great for outdoor adventures when you don't have access to a vanity, as well as handles for easy transport. Ultimately, it is perfect for people limited on space and weight, whether they're on a multi-day trek that requires them to carry all their gear or traveling for an extended period of time with limited storage space. The toiletry bag comes in two sizes (we tested the smaller one) and four color options.

The Details: 10.2 x 3.9 x 8.9 inches | 0.3 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Best Large Hanging

Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag.

This is an excellent value if you need to store full-size items.

The material is difficult to clean.

Bagsmart is known for making convenient travel products at affordable prices, and that's certainly true of its hanging toiletry bag. Before it's opened, the bag looks just like a little quilted briefcase; inside is an extraordinary amount of storage. Unzip the perimeter and the bag unfurls into four panels of hanging storage for your toiletries, which we found perfectly capable of storing just about every toiletry in the book save for full-size bottles of shampoo and body wash. While most of the storage compartments are variously sized zippered pockets, some actually have elastic bands to help hold your items in place.

The quilted material is made of polyester, which we found to be a little difficult to clean. It is water-resistant, though, and the texture adds a nice visual quality. Plus, it comes in ten colorways.

The Details: 12.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inches | 15.2 ounces | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best for Cosmetics

Béis the cosmetic case.

The brush holder and mirror are removable.

The main compartment is pretty much just one big open space.

The clean, minimalist design that Béis is so loved for comes through in its cosmetic case: a sturdy bag with plenty of space for makeup aficionados. For starters, it's offered in eight elegant earth tone hues. But then there's the simple rectangular shape, which feels almost handbag-like in its sculptural form, as well as luxe hardware that adds to that handbag quality.

Though this bag can carry all types of toiletries, it's specifically designed with cosmetics in mind. That's evident from the removable mirror and brush holder, which has PVC material where the brush heads will go for easy cleaning. There are also a few slip pockets, which we found especially helpful for palettes. One thing to note, however, is that the main compartment of this toiletry bag is simply a vast space without any dividers to organize individual products. That said, we can report that nothing broke or spilled during evaluations.

The Details: 9.5 x 4 x 7 inches | 1.38 pounds | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best for Men

Bagsmart toiletry bag for men.

It opens wide with a double zipper.

It's made of canvas, which may be hard to clean but is water-resistant.

Fun fact: dopp kits were originally designed for men so it makes perfect sense why this one is designed to fit shaving and grooming products in particular. It's made of canvas for a rough-and-tumble look, and it's offered in seven colors (mostly neutrals, but also light pink) and two sizes. Though we consider it sturdy enough to stand on its own, we also found it flexible enough to be stuffed into a packed weekender.

As for storage capabilities, there's a main compartment that's accessible via a double zipper, which means the kit opens nice and wide for you to be able to access your items. That main compartment can fit bulkier items, while smaller items can fill the pockets along the sides. There are also two separate side pockets, one of which is designed to hold wet items.

The Details: 10.2 x 5.9 x 6.3 inches | 6.4 ounces | Canvas | Water-resistant

Best for Short Trips

Tumi response travel kit.

It opens like a clamshell.

It's not water-resistant.

Luxury brand Tumi doesn't only make high-end suitcases and travel bags — they also make high-end toiletry bags. Made from ballistic nylon (and offered in three colorways), this is one of the most durable toiletry bags out there, and it wouldn't be surprising if this bag lasted years, even with regular use.

Its best feature is the fact that it opens like a clamshell, with two distinct compartments in each half. That makes it easy to access everything in the bag, whether you're laying it flat on a countertop or you're hanging it via the attached hook. There are four pockets, including one water-resistant one, and two elastic loops to hold products like toothbrushes or razors. We think it’s a reasonably spacious bag, but only for travel-size products — that's why we recommend it for short trips rather than long ones.

The Details: 6.3 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches | 0.9 pounds | Ballistic nylon

Best Leather

Cuyana travel beauty case.

• Portability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

This is a true luxury item with exquisite craftsmanship.

More care will need to be taken so spills don’t damage the leather.

Take one look at the Cuyana Travel Beauty Case, and it's clear that you're dealing with a luxury item. Made from Italian pebbled leather, this toiletry bag is extremely elegant in each of its three colors: ecru, soft rose, and black. We found that this is high-quality leather that's not so delicate you have to worry about damaging it when stuffing it in your backpack or weekender.

As for storage, there are two main compartments: one with an internal elastic pocket for storing larger items and another that has elastic straps to hold items like makeup brushes in place. They open like a clamshell, and between them is a detachable pouch for smaller items. The pouch is ideal for a few items that can be used to refresh your makeup on a travel day, but it can't hold enough products for a full face.

The Details: 6.2 x 10.2 x 3.1 inches | 1.6 pounds | Italian pebbled leather

MZ Wallace Mica Cosmetic Case

It's a no-nonsense bag — simply stash your stuff and go.

There's only one main compartment with a smaller zippered pocket.

The best thing about a pouch like this one is that it's very straightforward — all you have to do is toss in your items without giving much thought to organization. We loved this particular toiletry bag because it's more spacious than it seems at first glance. That's particularly true of the one zippered pocket inside: it was able to hold seven makeup brushes.

By the same token, the lack of organization might be frustrating to some. Depending on your preference, you might wish there were a few dividers or additional pockets to keep things a little tidier inside the bag. Still, the amount of space it has for items is impressive, and for some travelers, that might be just what they're looking for.

The Details: 9.49 x 4.02 x 5.98 inches | 0.23 pounds | REC Oxford

Best Budget

Wandf toiletry bag.

• Portability 4 /5

It comes in nearly 20 colors.

The main compartment only has one zipper, which makes it a little tough to retrieve items.

As you're probably well aware by this point, toiletry bags can get quite expensive — but they don't have to be. This is a particularly budget-friendly model, yet it accomplishes just about everything you'd need a toiletry bag to do. For one, it has multiple compartments. And for another, it's a water-resistant case, which means it can handle being splashed on a bathroom counter.

The compartments are both the success and the downfall of this toiletry bag. We were beyond impressed with the amount of space inside the main compartment, as well as with the two side compartments with mesh pockets. But we found that the main compartment was almost too spacious and could benefit from another divider of some kind. Given its size, it could also benefit from a double zipper opening, which would allow you to access more items throughout the bag than the existing single zipper.

The Details: 10.24 x 4.72 x 5.91 inches | 3.53 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Other Toiletry Bags We Liked

• Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag : We love the soft, water-resistant neoprene material of this bag, as well as the two detached pouches for easy organization. (And did we mention the colors? Those are beautiful, too!) Unfortunately, we found it to be a tight fit to squeeze both of the detachable pouches into the main bag when all three had items in them.
• State Bags Bensen Dopp Kit : This is a spacious bag with a detachable pouch for additional storage — there's not much to not like here. But we think it's a bit too expensive, and we found the hook to be too small to use in many cases. Because it's so spacious, it's best for longer trips, as we think it might take up a bit too much room in a carry-on bag.
• L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag, Medium : A favorite for decades, this bag is the king when it comes to storage space and organization — there are pockets for just about everything. Some might find the sheer number of storage spaces to be overwhelming. But others, particularly those going on long trips or families who might be sharing a toiletry bag, will love the roominess.
• Baggu Dopp Kit : This bag packs flat, which is great when you need to store it somewhere. But when you expand it, you'll find that it's large enough to carry all of your toiletries and then some. The only thing we worried about was the durability of the materials. Though it did not fail any of our rigorous tests, we suspect it may wear out over time.

We tested 52 toiletry bags and cosmetics cases in our lab to determine the best products.

Testing started with an analysis of the bag when it was empty; we examined the materials, the construction, and the overall design.

Then we packed the bags with common travel essentials like toiletry bottles, makeup, and dental products, among other items. We then re-evaluated the design of the bag, noting overall capacity; convenience and security of organizational compartments, pockets, and pouches; closure functionality (such as zippers, magnetic clasps, and Velcro tabs); and overall sturdiness and stability of the bag.

Next, we put the bags into weekenders, carry-on luggage, and backpacks to see how they'd fit. We also carried around the larger bags to evaluate the feel of the toiletry bags in them.

Finally, we rated each toiletry bag on its capacity, design, portability, and value, all the while considering extra characteristics like the material's water-resistance, ease of cleaning, and any extra features, such as hanging straps or built-in mirrors.

Testing of the toiletry kits then continues for a period of six months on our real-world trips, and we will continue to update this article based on the results.

When the bag was fully packed, we placed it inside a large weekender bag to get a sense of its weight by carrying it around our lab. We also checked how much space the bag took up inside the weekender bag to determine if there was ample room to store other items, such as clothing and accessories. We then determined whether the bag would be suitable for weekend trips and/or longer vacations.

After rating for all attributes, we checked each bag's price to rate the overall value.

Tips for Buying a Toiletry Bag

Look at the design of the bag.

Some toiletry bags are voids — they have one cavernous space to fit all your items. But others are separated into compartments with pockets and pouches to keep your items in place. Depending on what you're storing in your toiletry bag, you might prefer more organizational tools than a single open space. Also consider the material; more durable, water-resistant materials are ideal for toiletry bags, since they'll be getting quite a bit of use on the road.

Consider capacity and the items you pack

What do you plan on putting in a toiletry bag? If you're a minimalist who carries very few toiletries — say, just face wash and toothpaste — you might only need a small case But if you have an extensive skincare routine — including sunscreen and after-sun lotion — and you travel with all your makeup, you'll need a bag with enough space for everything.

Think about portability

If you plan on taking your toiletry bag in your carry-on, you'll want it to be as compact and lightweight as possible to save room for everything else in your bag. And if you're packing liquids, gels, or aerosols, make sure your items’ sizes comply with the TSA's 3-1-1 rule . If you're checking your toiletry bag, though, you might have more flexibility with size and weight.

While a clear bag is not explicitly stated on all sections of the TSA website , this is the common practice and can speed things up at the security checkpoint. Toiletry bags that don't hold any liquids, as well as toiletry bags that will be checked in your suitcase (regardless of their contents), do not need to be clear.

Since toiletry bags frequently come into contact with liquids — either from leaking products or from the bathroom counter — water-resistant or waterproof materials are best. Another factor to consider is durability. Toiletry bags are typically fairly heavily used when you travel, so it's best to look for tear-proof fabric that will hold up over time.

A TSA-approved toiletry bag is one that meets the TSA's requirements for the 3-1-1 rule regarding liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes packed in carry-ons. These products must be 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less, and they all must fit in " 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag ."

You can pack just about anything in a toiletry bag, from hair products to body washes to makeup. Depending on what you plan on putting in your toiletry bag, you may want to look for ones with special pockets — many toiletry bags have designated spots for items like makeup brushes or palettes to keep them secure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer with a decade of experience. For this article, she incorporated tester feedback and used her own experience with toiletry bags.

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Get enviable lashes, bold lip looks and more with these expert-approved picks for every type of beauty lover and budget.

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Makeup gift sets are an expert secret to streamlining your vanity. They work for all makeup styles — even the no makeup-makeup fans — and all skill levels. These curated collections of makeup products range from collections of certain types of products, like sets of makeup brushes , to kits that contain foundations , bronzers , and eyeshadow so you have everything you need for full glam.

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“There are many kits on the market,” Trujillo says. “Some websites even offer pre-packed kits with a curated selection of products, which are great for beginners who might be overwhelmed by having to shop and fill their kits slowly.”

You also might think of you typically apply your makeup. Some are suited for travel and others are best for at-home use. “I’m looking for something that’s packaged in black, or packaging that can be wiped down, since I’m constantly on the go,” says Stephanie Flor , a makeup artist based in New York City. “That wouldn’t be the priority for a regular consumer who might want something to be pretty and glittery since they’ll be putting it on their vanity table.”

No matter who you’re buying for, makeup kits provide an effortless avenue for discovering new products or snagging a collection of your favorites. And they’re especially helpful if you’re looking to be more budget-conscious this year. “Buying kits or bundles means you’ll get more for your money,” says Nyssa Green , an Emmy award-winning makeup artist based in Atlanta. Below, find the best makeup kits to shop right now.

Top Makeup Kits of 2024

Merit beauty the full collection.

• Best Makeup Brush Kit:   BS-Mall 18-Piece Makeup Brush Set
• Best Concealer Kit:   Shany Professional Cream Foundation and Camouflage Concealer 15 Color Palette
• Best Eye Makeup Kit:   Mac Cosmetics Boldly Bare Eye Attire Eye Set
• Best Travel Makeup Kit:   Trish McEvoy The Power of Makeup Wardrobe Planner 
• Best Eyeshadow Palette:   Morphe 35F Fall Into Fabulous Artistry Palette
• Best Eyeshadow and Brush Set:   Ucanbe 60 Colors Naked Eyeshadow Palette and 15 Piece Makeup Brush Set
• Best Makeup Kit for Brows:   Benefit Cosmetics Lil’ Brow Loves Mini Brow Pencil & Gel Set
• Best Portable Makeup Kit:   Kaja Play Bento Bronzer, Blush, and Highlighter Trio

Westman Atelier The Getaway Edition Set

• Best Makeup Kit for Lips:   Maybelline New York Lip Studio Lip Color Palette
• Best Face Makeup Kit: Makeup Forever HD Face Essentials Palette

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look Of Love In A Palette

Tom ford day classics eye & lip mini set.

• Nude Stix Roses ‘N Honey 3-Piece Mini Nudies Kit

Exa All In Starter Kit

Senna cosmetics brow book makeup kit.

Sign up for  WWD Shop’s newsletter  to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.

If you want a full professional makeup kit, look no further. Merit Beauty’s full collection is complete with 12 of the brand’s essential products. Each item is crafted with clean and minimalist formulas that keep your skin’s health in mind. And if you have doubts about clean makeup, rest assured that Merit’s products don’t sit on the skin and leave a caked-on appearance like others. Instead, the makeup offerings — like The Minimalist (a foundation and concealer stick) blends seamlessly into the skin for an airbrushed finish. What testers say: “I love how effortlessly the stick applies on and blends in smoothly. The matte finish is perfect! Probably my favorite blender.” Price upon publish date of this article : $300

BS-Mall 18-Piece Makeup Brush Set

There’s nothing like a fresh set of makeup brushes to inspire you to test new looks, and this BS-Mall set contains 18 options for your face, eyes, and lips. The synthetic bristles feel extra soft on your skin and smooth on cream and powder formulas without leaving streaks in their wake. If you’re on the fence, the proof is in the tester reviews — this kit has over 30,000 five star ratings that attest to the brushes’ durability and quality, and it’s the top seller in its category on Amazon. What testers say: “Great selection of brushes for eyes and face; very little fallout of the fiber brushes. I especially like the face brushes—I’ve been happy to find them replacing my old Real Techniques and even MAC and Sephora brushes. They blend well, accept products well, and are a great bargain. Definitely recommended!” Price upon publish date of this article : $12.99

Shany Professional Cream Foundation and Camouflage Concealer 15 Color Palette

With 15 shades of creamy, buildable face makeup, the Shany Professional foundation and concealer palette packs everything you need to correct dark circles and camouflage discoloration and breakouts. The tones that are too dark or too fair for your skin type work well as bronzer or a non-shimmery highlighter, making this palette extra hardworking. You can easily apply the product with clean fingertips or a dense makeup brush. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile option for under $20. What testers say: “I’ve been a licensed and professional makeup artist. I ran out of my NYX foundation palette, and this one has been a lifesaver. The pigmentation is amazing and definitely doable for a soft or full glam.” Price upon publish date of this article : $14.95

Mac Cosmetics Boldly Bare Eye Attire Eye Set

Mac Cosmetics is known for high performing formulas with an impressive scope of shades — stock up on some of the brand’s products and you’ll feel like a makeup artist. The Mac Cosmetics Boldly Bare Eye Attire Eye Set gives you everything you’ll need to add oomph to your eyes with this best makeup kit for beginners. The eyeshadow palette features a nice range of shades (earthy green, rich burgundy, shimmery cream, to name a few) you can dust on your lids or pack on with a dense brush for higher intensity. The included lengthening mascara and kohl eye liner accentuate those shades. Price upon publish date of this article : $45

Trish McEvoy The Power of Makeup Wardrobe Planner

Trish McEvoy’s iconic makeup planners are investment pieces for your getting-ready routine. The kit contains everything you need for a full face of glam, or a subtle no makeup-makeup look. You’ll get a number of the brand’s bestsellers. For the eyes, you can even out your lids with a neutralizing primer, smudge on a rich purple liner, uplift your lashes with mascara, and choose from three shadows. You’ll also get liquid face makeup to even out any dark spots or breakouts, bronzer to warm up your complexion, plus blush, highlighter, and finishing powder. You’ll have your lips covered, too, with gloss, lipstick, and lip liner. And the whole set zips up into an organizer for easy traveling. Price upon publish date of this article : $298

Morphe 35F Fall Into Fabulous Artistry Palette

A great eyeshadow palette goes a long way in your beauty routine. This Morphe eyeshadow palette packs 35 pans that range from sheer pearl to peach to rich mauve and inky black. The powder formulas give you a creamy color payoff, so you won’t need to worry about fallout or splotchy application. And with a mix of matte and shimmery shades, you’ll have something to dust on for every occasion. Price upon publish date of this article : $34

Ucanbe 60 Colors Naked Eyeshadow Palette and 15 Piece Makeup Brush Set

Refresh your eye makeup routine with Ucanbe’s eyeshadow palette and brush set. The included 60 (yes, 60) powder eyeshadows shade in a range of matte and shimmery finishes to work with, and you’ll also score 15 brushes to perfect your application. The shadows include warm and cool undertones to suit any complexion and eye look, no matter if you’re going for an icy, bold lid or something bronzed and natural. The brushes come in a range of sizes and bristle densities to let you further customize your look. What testers say: “I’ve been using this palette for about a week now, and I love it! I admit, I’m a little bit of a makeup snob and was hesitant to spend money on non-name brand makeup but it was a great choice. I love the selection of colors.” Price upon publish date of this article : $17.50

Benefit Cosmetics Lil’ Brow Loves Mini Brow Pencil & Gel Set

Our brows deserve as much attention as our eyes and lips these days: You can go for a smooth laminated look or add major fluff and definition to balance out a bold lip. With the Lil’ Brow Loves Mini Brow Pencil & Gel Set, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The kit includes a precision brow pencil to draw on more feathery hairs, the bestselling brow volumizing gel, and a 24-hour brow shaping and setting gel for quick smoothing and shaping. What testers say: “The Benefit Lil Brow Loves is perfect for travel. It provides everything I need to enhance my brows and set them. And the price is worth the trio.” Price upon publish date of this article : $28

Kaja Play Bento Bronzer, Blush, and Highlighter Trio

The Kaja Play Bento Bronzer, Blush, and Highlighter Trio is small enough to slip in your pocket, but versatile enough to give you loads of makeup looks. Each powder formula delivers buildable color payoff, and the trio is available in three shade intensities to match fair to deep skin tones. The shades look gorgeous on eyelids in place of shadow, so you can work the colors a number of ways. What testers say: “A little of this goes a long way and gives a radiant glow once blended. It’s a very small compact, but because you don’t need very much, I think the value is spot on. I’ve tried so many bronzers, blushes, and highlighters, but this is the most pigmented yet blends to give you a natural look.” Price upon publish date of this article : $28

Makeup artist Gucci Westman counts celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Anne Hathaway as clients, so you can expect nothing short of the best with her makeup line, Westman Atelier. The brand’s Getaway Set includes the bestselling Super Loaded Tinted Highlight, a Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, and a Lip Suede Lip Palette. Together, the products will leave your complexion looking sun-kissed and super hydrated: The formulas are made with skin-loving ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil for natural radiance. What testers say: “I love this set. I bought the set for the lip and cheek color but was so wonderfully surprised by how much I love the super loaded tinted highlight. It adds this gorgeous subtle sheen and wash of color that just makes the cheek color look even more natural. I’m a huge new fan!” Price upon publish date of this article : $165

Maybelline New York Lip Studio Lip Color Palette

This Maybelline New York Lip Studio Lip Color Palette gives you eight creamy colors to swipe on your smile. The shades are gorgeous on their own, but you can also mix multiple hues to create a signature shade that’s just right for your skin tone. From warm pink to rich dark plum, you can work the colors any time of day, any time of the year. Dab the colors on with your fingertips for a soft, diffused wash of color or use a small brush for bolder color payoff. What testers say: “I really like these colors…the consistency is good..easy to apply…I love to mix some of the colors together to get that perfect shade for my clients. The colors are good for all skin types and a good product to have in makeup kits. It’s definitely a good bang for your buck.” Price upon publish date of this article : $16.99

It’s no secret that Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk lipstick has the beauty world under its spell, but wait until you try this palette. It features seven shades that help create an eye-catching eye look. The palette also includes a blush for a natural-looking flush. Each one has a creamy, silky texture that easily glides over the skin. Price upon publish date of this article : $75

The Tom Ford Day Classics Eye and Lip Mini Set includes four luxurious eyeshadow shades and two best-selling lipstick shades. Tom Ford is known for iconic makeup looks on the runways, and this set brings all the tools to your daily routine. The Eye Color Quad Crèmes are full of pigment and offer intense color payoff in just one swipe. At the same time, the lip colors are packed with lip-nourishing ingredients like soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter, and chamomilla flower oil, which gives a creamy and smooth application. What testers say: “This quad is beautiful! It can be applied with a light hand for a day look or layered for more intense pigmentation. The description says the eyeshadows are mini, but they are actually full-sized when compared to my other Tom Ford eyeshadow quads. The lipsticks are mini and are great classic colors.” Price upon publish date of this article : $90

Nude Stix Roses ‘N Honey 3-Piece Mini NUDIES Kit

Nudestix is known for multitasking beauty sticks that create a natural “no makeup” look. This set is no different and will quickly earn a spot in your makeup routine. You can use the limited-edition mini trio on your eyes, face, and cheeks for a natural, dewy glow that lasts all day. What testers say: “I love the product quality and multi-use feature. It gives you a quick fix for your daily makeup where you can use any shade on eyes, lips, or cheeks.” Price upon publish date of this article : $39

This affordable beauty kit is under $40 and includes three buildable products. You get a mini Jump Start Smoothing Primer that creates a silky canvas for your other products. The Light Show Color Melt is a multi-use gel pigment that you can use on the eyes, cheeks, and face that’s easy to blend. Lastly, the kit also contains mascara, which gives your lashes a clump-free boost. Price upon publish date of this article : $39

Makeup Forever HD Face Essentials Palette

Makeup Forever is the go-to for complexion products. Its items are primarily catered to professionals, but they’re faves for casual makeup enthusiasts, too. The Essential palette expertly puts buildable blush and foundation in one place. If you want that airbrush makeup kit look , this palette is for you. “This is a makeup artist must,” Flor says. “And it’s an easy way to create a natural beauty look for any runway or photo shoot.” What testers say: “This palette is amazing! I have combination skin type (more on the dry side, oily T-zone). Make sure to prep the skin and keep it hydrated. I love how I can mix to match my skin tone, conceal, then contour and blush! Set with a little pressed powder, and it’s just beautiful! Definitely my #1 travel palette for sure! I’m also a momma and 39 years old!” Price upon publish date of this article : $85

Senna Cosmetics has a history that runs very deep. Its founder, Eugenia Weston, worked with beauty icons like Bette Midler and was the first licensed makeup artist in Los Angeles. This Brow Book palette has every brow color you could ever want, and the incredible wax holds brows perfectly in place no matter the wear time or weather. “It’s the go-to book for all eyebrows,” Flor says. “I love that the founder is the original brow guru, having worked with Betty Middler and other iconic superstars.” Price upon publish date of this article : $88

Meet the Authors

Taylor Lane is a WWD and Footwear News contributing freelance beauty and fashion shopping writer based in Charleston, South Carolina. The former New Yorker previously held on-staff shopping writer roles at Yahoo Life and Dotdash Meredith. Lane’s bylines have appeared in publications like InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women’s Health, and more. Lane has several years of editorial experience covering beauty and fashion, reporting on everything from stylish and functional sneakers to the latest and greatest beauty products. Lane contributed to the December 2023 update of this article on the best makeup kits.

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15 Pro Tips for Traveling With Makeup

Experts share how to pack a beauty kit that covers all the bases.

Haley is a Wisconsin-based creative freelancer and recent graduate. She has worked as an editor, fact checker, and copywriter for various digital and print publications. Her most recent position was in academic publishing as a publicity and marketing assistant for the University of Wisconsin Press

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Going on vacation is all fun and games until you get to the packing portion of the trip. At that point, it quickly becomes a game of “What can I bring?” and “What must I sadly leave behind?” 

Traveling with makeup is particularly challenging, especially with TSA’s rules on liquid sizes and the propensity for your most prized products to break or leak. You’ve also got to think about things like climate variation and how your skin might react while also trying to keep your regimen somewhat normal so your skin doesn’t freak. 

With practice and planning, though, you can get really good at editing down all your beauty essentials without over or under-packing. To help you cover all the bases when it comes to traveling with makeup, we asked experts to share their best tips. 

Invest in a Great Makeup Case

First thing’s first: You’ve got to have a great place to store your beauty loot when traveling with makeup. Look for a bag that’s big enough to house all your essentials, is leak-proof, keeps you organized , and is easy to clean, advises Sydney Morgan , beauty content creator. The Calpak Medium Clear Cosmetics Case ($85; Calpak ) is a great pick. 

Choose Cosmetics Bags That Serve Double Duty

If chosen well, your makeup bag can be so much more. "Some can double as small clutch or evening purse in a pinch," says Anne McAlpin, packing expert at PackItUp.com . "I love the 'free' ones from cosmetic specials like Clinique and Lancôme. Bright colored bags make it easy to find your makeup in your bag." 

Put Makeup Brushes & Tools in Their Own Bag

Makeup brushes are an investment, so it only makes sense to look after them well. “I keep my tools in a dedicated case,” notes Jenny Patinkin , professional makeup artist and founder of Jenny Patinkin Eco-Luxe Beauty Tools . This helps protect the bristles and keeps things more sanitary, too. To save even more space, choose a makeup bag that has a compartment you can dedicate specifically to tools and brushes.

Keep a Few Items in Your Purse

Lost luggage happens every once in a while, so travel with confidence by having a cosmetic backup plan, says Brittany Lo , a professional makeup artist and founder of Beia. She says, “Always keep two to three essentials with you in your purse, just in case your luggage doesn’t make it or in case you need to reapply before you get the chance to unpack.” For example, a lightweight BB cream or foundation, cream blush, and mascara. When in doubt, identify your “desert island” essentials and pack those. 

Opt For Multitasking Makeup

Saving space is a must when traveling with makeup, so take advantage of multitasking products. “I do like to steamline when I travel,” notes Patinkin. “[For example], Packing a bronzer that can double as contour, a buildable cheek color, and a buildable foundation for simple daytime application or more dramatic evening looks, one four-pan eyeshadow palette that can be used a lot of different ways, and keeping as few brushes with me as possible.” 

Don’t Switch Up Your Routine Too Much

It’s tempting to pack all those tiny, travel products since they’re conveniently sized, but switching up your beauty routine too much isn’t ideal. 

“Your body likes consistency,” notes Matthew Waitesmith, a professional makeup artist with Artis . “If you mostly maintain your same makeup routine while traveling, your body will be less likely to overreact to all the environmental changes involved with travel.” Not to mention, a chill vacation isn’t necessarily a great time to experiment with a tricky new felt liner or foundation formula. You want reliability and ease. 

Underfill to Reduce the Risk of Leaks

Leaking liquid makeup is not just a big mess—it can mean you lose a lot of your product, too. McAlpin has a little trick that has kept her leak-free.

"Only fill liquids three-quarters full, then squeeze out the air and secure the lid. A change in air pressure can cause liquids to expand, creating leaks." By not filling it to the brim, you leave room and reduce the chance of leaks. (But pack it inside a resealable plastic bag just in case!)

Decant Larger Items

Whether you’re checking a bag or sticking to a carry-on, it’s wise to consolidate your products to save space and minimize the potential for messes. If any of your liquid products are over 3.4 ounces—the TSA cutoff size—decant them in a travel-size container. Alternatively, buy the travel-sized versions of your faves, Lo suggests. When you run out of the travel-size product, you can refill the packaging with your full-size product. 

Protect Delicate Makeup

The pain of seeing your favorite powder products broken is real. Avoid the distress by packing delicate items very well. You can do so with a fine bubble wrap (avoid anything too bulky). It also helps to “sandwich” your makeup bag, says Morgan. 

“Put your makeup bag in the middle of your suitcase with clothes surrounding it,” she says. “This sounds super funny, but it is the best way to keep things from shifting around and breaking. I typically like to put it in the middle with clothes underneath and on all sides. This has helped to avoid breakage.”

Consider the Climate

While you don’t want to completely switch up your makeup routine, do take the climate into account. For example, if you’re heading somewhere really humid or plan to splash around in the ocean, swap in some waterproof makeup. Or if it’s going to be dry or hot, pack a face mist that helps set your makeup and keep your skin looking dewy all day.

Bring A Couple “Special Occasion” Items

Along with your go-to makeup and skincare products, Waitesmith recommends packing a few makeup items that you associate with special occasions, such as a bold lipstick color or a pretty eyeshadow quad. He says, “You may want to be a bit more extravagant with your makeup colors or intensity to celebrate the special environment—like for a candlelight dinner.” 

Pack a Compact Lighted Mirror

“The lighting in your hotel or other accommodation mirror is unfamiliar, so it can be hard to judge whether the color or texture of the product you're using feels like it's flattering,” notes Patinkin. She says that a lighted makeup mirror can help squash this issue real fast. Choose one that’s slender and stands up on its own or has suction cups that adhere to a flat surface mirror. 

Think Vertical

McAlpin swears by hanging-style personal care kits. "Many European and boutique hotels have minimal counter space, so these bags are great for keeping essentials close at hand without items falling off pedestal sinks and breaking on tile floors."

Repurpose Containers

Travel-specific containers are great, but you can get creative with what you use. "I use contact lens holders for small amounts of primer, eye moisturizer, etc.," McAlpin says. "Just label it with permanent marker on the lid."

Find Ways to Minimize Liquids

If you're traveling carry-on only, your space for liquids is limited.

While solid beauty and makeup products have become an important part of travel packing, McAlpin has some other ideas for carrying on her favorites. For fragrance, for instance, you can soak cotton balls with fragrance and pack in small leak-proof containers.

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PHOTOS: Courtesy of Brands

Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

This creamy gel cleanser is kind to sensitive skin, which is ideal for days when you spend too much time in the sun and salt water.

Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezer

You can't stop a stray hair or two from popping up during your vacation, but these adorable mini tweezers make hotel-room grooming easy.

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+

Slick this sunscreen on your face and ears straight from the tube. The hypoallergenic formula won't clog your pores or sting sensitive eyes.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

Even if you skip a manicure, this velvety salve keeps cuticles soft and nails looking neat.

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By Jennifer Hussein

By Annie Blay

Shiseido Perfecting Stick Concealer

You can swipe this creamy compact concealer on right out of the tube and blend it in easily with your finger, so there's no need to pack a brush.

Karuna Hydrating+ Face Mask

Whether you're bold enough to go the wear-on-the-plane -and-scare-your-fellow-passengers route or would rather wait until you hit the hotel room, this ultra-moisturizing sheet mask will soothe and revive dull, dry, plane-air-ravaged skin.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Solid Perfume Compact

Even if you love your signature scent, we're guessing you're not super into the idea of it spilling all over the contents of your suitcase. That's where this compact comes in: It houses a mirror and a balmlike solid vanilla-violet-and-sandalwood fragrance that's completely drip-proof.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

The company took its OG salt spray for creating perfect beachy waves and put it in tiny 1.7-ounce bottles to make it both adorable and conveniently portable.

Lavanila the Healthy Deodorant in Pure Vanilla Mini

Meet the rare natural, aluminum-free deodorant that actually works—in fact, it's so good, we've given it a Best of Beauty Award. This compact version packs all the same wetness- and odor-fighting power in a less bulky package.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

A solid cleansing balm in stick form that a) won't leak or drip and b) couldn't be easier to use. This antioxidant-packed pick, made by innovative Korean skin-care brand Su:m37, is a favorite of Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho. Just twist the dial at the bottom (like you would a Chapstick), then massage it into your skin and rinse or wipe off. It's so simple, you could even do it on an airplane.

The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray

Most hand sanitizers smell like obscenely cheap vodka. These spritz-on ones smell like lemongrass, lavender, and oranges. And if that weren't enough of a minor miracle, they're also way less drying than most other formulas we've tried, thanks to a dose of aloe and glycerin.

La Prairie Anti-Aging Eye and Lip Perfection á Porter

On-the-go skin care doesn't get much more luxurious than this eye and lip duo. It combines a creamy, superthick—but not at all sticky—lip balm that melts into lips with a lightweight yet quenching eye cream, packaged together in one mirrored compact. Both formulas are gentle, so they won't further agitate skin that's been through a lot (say, a transatlantic journey).

EOS Every Day Hand Lotion

The slim, rounded tube can squeeze into even the tiniest pocket of your carry-on. Plus, it's lightweight and nongreasy, so it soaks in in seconds, leaving a pleasant scent and softness in its wake.

MoRoCcanoil Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a travel must: Who wants to waste precious vacation time washing and styling her hair? The formula in this 1.7-ounce can smells heavenly, degreases strands, and comes in two different tints, so there's none of that chalky cast other versions can leave.

Laneige BB Cushion

We've all seen that "Oh, no! My nudes leaked!" meme that's a photo of a drippy foundation bottle—and for anyone who's ever had a makeup-bag travel mishap, it's all too real. This compact contains a cushion soaked with a thin BB cream that is about as leakproof as it gets. It also hides blemishes, evens skin tone, hydrates, and offers sun protection.

Grown Alchemist Hydra-Mist+ Desert Lime & Amino-Peptide

Aerosols can sometimes do weird things in pressurized airplane cabins. And so can your skin. This non-aerosol mist is spiked with hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, and bilberry-leaf extracts to calm inflammation, as well as peptides and antioxidants to protect and bolster skin during even the longest flights.

Coola 4-Piece Organic Suncare Travel Set

This kit is basically a dermatologist's dream. It contains every kind of sunscreen you could possibly need: a spray-on natural one that smells like coconuts, a smaller bring-with-you-to-the-beach lotion, and a lip balm—all with SPF 30. There's also a tube of aloe-laced after-sun moisturizer to help rehab skin in case you (somehow) miss a spot.

Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream

In case we haven't made it clear: Traveling makes your skin really freakin' dry. And that doesn't just mean your face. This buttery, paraben -free 2.2-ounce cream helps it bounce back with a blend of four different omegas, plus seaberry oil and cranberry-seed oil.

By Gabi Thorne

By Sarah Han

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• People Tested

The 15 Best Contour Kits for Subtly Sculpted Cheekbones, Tested by Makeup Lovers and the Contour-Curious

We achieved modelesque cheekbones with the MAC Studio Fix Sculpt and Shape Contour Palette

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Tried

Complete the Look

• What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why trust people, what is people tested.

People / Kristin Kempa

If you’re reading this, you probably know about contouring thanks to Kim Kardashian. She divulged the beauty trick responsible for her signature sculpt around 2012.

“I like to think of contouring as a secret weapon makeup technique that helps you to bring out your best features,” says Elyse Reneau , makeup artist and executive director of global beauty at Too Faced. “When applied right, contour is a transformative tool for creating [and] redefining the appearance of your bone structure.”

The contouring technique enhances the cheekbones and jawline. It predates Elizabethan-era stage makeup, and the first official “tutorial” can be credited to makeup artist Max Factor Sr. in 1945.

We searched high and low for the most popular contour kits on the market and tested 23 products from top beauty brands, including MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty Beauty, and more. Keep reading for the 15 contour kits that gave us Kardashian-level cheekbones with just a few swipes and a blend. (One of the best we tried is only $9!)

Best Overall

Mac cosmetics contour palette.

Weightless feel

Natural-looking results

Easy to mix and customize

The formula plays nice with acne-prone skin

The palette doesn’t have shimmery components

With two palettes each offering 12 highlight and contour shades, the MAC Studio Fix Sculpt and Shape Contour Palette provided the most natural and the most customizable looks across skin tones.

Our tester had a fun time experimenting with customization, swirling brushes across several of the deeper shades to create a hue that both bronzed and contoured in one go. Other times, they only used one shade to create a naturally sculpted look. 

They quickly found that a little powder goes a long way for both natural and full-glam beats. Our tester’s skin was diffused on the areas where they applied the powder, leaving behind a matte finish that people with oily skin will appreciate. But the cherry on top is the non-acnegenic formula, which means it shouldn’t cause breakouts on acne-prone skin.

Size: 0.50 oz. | Shades: 6 | Formula: Powder | Finish: Matte

People / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

E.l.f. cosmetics cream contour palette.

Blendable, lightweight, and buildable cream formulas

Leaves a healthy-looking, dewy finish

Didn’t sink into pores or fine lines

The darkest contour shade is too light for deep skin tones

For $9, we were wholly impressed with the beautiful, blendable, and buildable results of the e.l.f. Cream Contour Kit. It includes one highlighter shade for lighter skin tones, a tan shade to contour fair skin or highlight darker skin, a medium-tan shade to contour light to medium skin tones, and a darker contour shade for deeper skin tones. Each buttery pan applied beautifully with a brush, delivering a naturally sculpted look with a few light strokes and a deeper, more dramatic effect with a heavier hand.

Our tester liked that their combination skin looked radiant without appearing greasy, and the color kept its shade even after hours of wear, settling into the skin without oxidizing or accentuating uneven texture. In fact, this formula diminished the appearance of pores and fine lines. 

Unfortunately, the darkest hue included just isn’t dark enough for dark skin tones. However, the stellar results, especially for the price, make this palette a strong option for those with light and medium skin tones.

Size: 0.43 oz. | Shades: 4 | Formula: Creamy | Finish: Satin

Best Splurge

Tom ford shade and illuminate cream contour duo.

Tom Ford Beauty

Easy to blend and build up

Lightweight feel

Several shades to choose from

The highlight shade is very sheer

This subtly sculpting highlight and contour compact from Tom Ford is perfect for someone who prefers a natural look and a simple product that’s easy to throw in a travel makeup bag . We like that it comes in four shade combos, helping you achieve a more customized look. 

The compact we tested (Intensity 1.0) features a bronzy-brown contour shade and an eggshell highlighter flecked with micro glitter. Both were easy to blend out, but the highlight wasn’t so easy to build up. If your goal is natural-looking radiance over a true highlight, then this is the contour kit to try.

Size: 0.53 oz. | Shades: 2, 4 options | Formula: Cream | Finish: Radiant

Best for Beginners

Covergirl trublend contour palette.

Easy to blend and deepen the shades

The look, feel, and performance belied its low price

Didn’t sink into pores and fine lines

We needed a lot of product for visible results

It felt a bit oily

This compact from Covergirl consists of three face shades and comes in three color combos for light to deep skin tones. It was pretty easy to blend all three shades, and the formulas didn’t dry down too quickly, leaving time to blend. The product didn’t pick up our tester’s foundation when she buffed it into her skin, either.

We had to use a heavier hand with this palette compared to others, so it’s better suited for those who like a natural look over dramatic makeup. Plus, it didn’t oxidize throughout the day, staying on top of the skin rather than sinking in and accentuating texture. The result had a bit of an oily sheen, but hey, dewy skin is in right now.

Size: 0.42 oz. | Shades: 3, 3 options | Formula: Cream | Finish: Radiant

Best Natural

Charlotte tilbury bronze & glow contour duo.

Subtle yet very buildable

It beautifully blurred the skin

The highlight shade was more of a pressed powder than a true highlighter

The pearl finish may not be for everyone

If a subtle contour is what you’re after, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the ethereal everyday look that this palette from Charlotte Tilbury can provide. We had no trouble blending, using the deeper color to define cheekbones and jawlines while sweeping the lighter shade across high points to highlight (and set) our foundation. It takes a few swipes to build the color up, so you may need to pack on the powder for a deep and dramatic look. 

The powders glided beautifully onto our tester’s slightly dry skin and didn’t grip onto texture. But because these shades have a pearlescent finish, both hues were quite luminous — a look that not all shoppers might want.

Size: 0.35 oz. | Shades: 2, 2 options | Formula: Powder | Finish: Natural

Best Double-Ended

Nyx professional makeup wonder stick.

Blends beautifully

Travel-friendly

User-friendly

Performed like a luxury product at a drugstore price

The formula dried down pretty quickly

Contour and highlighter, all in one slim, travel-friendly stick? The shade our tester tried was perfect for her skin tone, mimicking the look of a shadow rather than leaning muddy or orange. Though it dried down fast, it was incredibly easy to blend out and build if you worked quickly, whether with fingers, a sponge, or a brush. 

Just a little bit gave a good punch of pigment, and the non-cakey formula didn’t crease throughout the day. It did sink into pores a bit, but that’s to be expected with a drugstore product. 

Size: 0.28 oz. | Shades: 2, 8 options | Formula: Cream | Finish: Satin

Best for Deep Skin Tones

Fenty beauty match stix duo.

Several shade options for deep skin tones

Blends easily before drying down

Highly pigmented

Not everyone will like the shimmery finish

These twin tubes from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty feature twist-up contour and highlight sticks, with a matte-satin finish on the contour side and a shimmery, glowing result from the highlighter. Available in four color combos, they help create natural-looking sculpts, especially on deeper skin tones. 

Just one swipe of each product offered medium coverage, but we could build the color up pretty easily. And since the formula didn’t dry down too quickly, our tester was able to blend before it set. Neither clung to dry spots or accentuated texture; instead, the featherweight contour and highlight complemented her foundation.

Size: 0.25 oz. each | Shades: 2, 4 options | Formula: Cream | Finish: Matte, radiant

Make Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight Palette

Very pigmented and blendable

Best for advanced makeup lovers who want full glam

Not for beginners

The formula clung to some dry spots

Our favorite cream palette is this compact from Make Up For Ever with 12 blendable, customizable shades, including earthy mattes and golden shimmers. With it, an experienced makeup wearer could do everything from spot-correct and bronze to highlight and contour.

The palette helpfully offers cool and warm counterparts to cater to different undertones. And since the creams are super pigmented, you don’t need a lot of product to achieve Hollywood-level contour. When applied lightly, our tester achieved a glamorous sculpt that left her skin with Instagram-filter results IRL. 

Size: 0.90 oz. | Shades: 12 | Formula: Cream | Finish: Satin

Best Powder

Kvd beauty shade + light powder face contour palette.

Ultra-silky feel

A little goes a long way

Smoothing and blurring

Couldn’t find any

Powder is an essential step in every makeup routine, whether you’re setting or baking your makeup. While powder contour products can be categorized as drying or too matte, this contour palette from KVD Beauty is a timeless must-have that even dewy skin lovers can appreciate. 

Each pan of pressed powder is so light, airy, and blendable that you could be fooled into thinking it’s cream. Both brushes and sponges were perfect conduits for these powders, making it easy to buff the contour and highlight shades into the skin and create a soft-focus effect. But the best part might be how buildable they are, which lets us create looks that range from subtle to dramatic.

It neither clung to nor accentuated dry spots and enlarged pores, and it didn’t settle into fine lines, either.

Size: 0.72 oz. | Shades: 6 | Formula: Powder | Finish: Matte

Best with Powder and Cream

Patrick ta major sculpt creme contour & powder bronzer duo.

Having both formula types allows for both dewy and matte looks

It was easy to over-apply

Patrick Ta is a major beauty industry player not only for his stacked list of celebrity clients, including Gigi Hadid and Sydney Sweeney , but also for his award-winning eponymous brand. Complete with a cream contour and a powder bronzer, this compact has everything you need for definition and warmth.

We like that this product is available in five different depths to provide buildable options for all skin tones. The cream side feels buttery and smooth, blending beautifully with both a sponge and the brand’s Major Sculpt Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush , which we got better results with. It blurred fine lines and smoothed skin, providing a glowy look wherever it was applied.

Apply the contour shade directly on top of your cheekbones rather than underneath to define the shape and “lift” of your face. Blending contour in the hollows of your cheekbones can draw your face down or end up looking muddy.

Size: 0.47 oz. | Shades: 2, 5 options | Formula: Cream, powder | Finish: Natural, matte

Best Blendable

Anastasia beverly hills powder contour kit.

Blends very easily

Plays nice with foundation

Didn’t cling to dry patches

The powders could have more pigment

The shade range could be expanded

As far as blendability goes, Anastasia Beverly Hills takes the cake. Its powder formulas were so airy and smooth that they truly mimicked the look of sunshine and shadows on our faces, with powders so finely milled that we couldn’t tell where one shade started and the other finished.

The lightweight skin-perfecting powder didn’t cling to dry patches, nor did it intensify the appearance of texture. We do think that this product could be improved with a sister palette designed for deeper skin tones, as this one features a pretty fair-to-medium spread that doesn’t even do much for olive skin tones. 

Size: 0.66 oz. | Shades: 6 | Formula: Powder | Finish: Matte

Best Buildable

Make up for ever all-in-one face palette.

Make Up For Ever

Includes shades and formulas for every step of your makeup process

Suitable for all skin tones

The lighter shade wasn’t a replacement for concealer

The Make Up For Ever All-In-One Face Palette includes 12 cream shades that can be mixed and matched for all parts of your makeup routine: foundation, concealer/color correction, contour, blush, and highlight. Each cream shade had medium coverage and can be built up to achieve fuller coverage. Plus, it comes in two versions to suit a wide variety of skin tones. 

The creamy formulas were easy to blend, working well with sponges and brushes but blending best with fingers. Each swipe glided smoothly onto our tester’s skin without clinging to dry spots or accentuating fine lines. However, the lighter “concealer” shades ended up settling into the creases of her eyelids. But overall, the makeup didn’t oxidize as the hours passed, keeping her face looking snatched all day long. 

Size: 0.90 oz. | Shades: 12 | Formula: Cream | Finish: Natural

Best Radiant

Hourglass ambient lighting palette.

Micro glitters made skin look ultra-glowy

Super buildable

Smoothed imperfections

It’s on the pricier side

Substituting for a warm California sun is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, a trio of shades that produces complexions so dimensional, it looked like a lighting crew was following us around. 

Rather than separate contours and highlights, each pan holds a buildable finishing powder that can be applied in layers to sculpt your face or intensify your glow. Each shade was easily diffusible yet buildable, didn’t cling to dry spots, and didn’t amplify imperfections. We also loved their luminosity, which gave skin a natural-looking glow. Just an extra sweep of the deepest shade switched up the look from natural daytime to a dramatic sculpt for a night out.

Size: 0.30 oz. | Shades: 3, 3 options | Formula: Powder | Finish: Radiant

Best Full Glam

Smashbox contour face palette.

The buttery powder is highly blendable

The highlight shades were actually visible

Suitable for all skin types

Including matte highlight and contour shades as well as two shimmer options, this palette from Smashbox plays the full glam game well. No matter which shade we went for, each swipe was pigmented and smooth, dusting over imperfections and smoothing fine lines. Even the highlighting shades made a noticeable difference, which is where many other palettes fell short. 

But the best part about these powders was how they blended beautifully with our tester’s makeup. We’d trust this one to get us through a long evening out without looking any different than how we first applied it.

Size: 0.69 oz. | Shades: 6, 2 options | Formula: Powder | Finish: Matte, radiant

Best Multi-Use

Danessa myricks beauty groundwork: defining neutrals palette.

It’s a full makeup kit, not just contour and highlight

Talc-free powder

Smoothed over pores and fine lines

Suitable for a range of skin tones

Might be intimidating for beginners

Though this Danessa Myricks palette touts a higher price tag than your average contour kit, it does so much more than contour and highlight. While there are a plethora of shades suited for fair to deep skin tones, the best part is that beside each of the 10 powder pans are smaller pans of buttery pomades in matching shades for other parts of your makeup routine.

The powders were so pigmented that one tap was enough to bronze up an entire cheekbone. Its lightest shades can be used to highlight high points of your face, like under the eyes, the bridge of your nose, and your chin, while the deeper shades can be dusted along your cheekbones, jawline, and sides of your forehead to define your natural features.

Size: 8.43 x 0.65 x 3.54 in. | Shades: 10 powder, 10 pomade | Formula: Powder, pomade | Finish: Matte, satin

Other Contour Kits We Tried

• Morphe 8F Fair Play Complexion Pro Face Palette : From shimmery highlight shades to bronzy browns and even a few blushes, this palette has a slew of shades to mix and match. We liked the versatility, the reasonable price, and the smooth application over foundation. But in true Morphe fashion, these powders are extremely pigmented, and sometimes they were a little hard to blend.
• Glo Skin Contour Kit : This mineral powder palette has an equal split between matte and shimmer formulas that are buildable and easy to blend, making it easy to achieve both natural definition and full glam. Though it was pretty blurring and mattifying to the naked eye, the powder clung a bit to dry skin. 
• Melt Cosmetics The Sculpt Stack : We loved that this stack had options for contouring and bronzing for a sunkissed complexion. The powders were pigmented but not muddy, and they smoothed texture beautifully. However, the contour shades are really only suited to those with fairer skin.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

The best contoured looks start with a great foundation. We hand-picked the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation in our search for the best full-coverage foundation .

NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serum

Highlight is not a substitute for concealer, just an extra step to add dimension to your face. While highlighters are a bit too thin to cover up eye bags, we loved the NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum for its crease-free wear, hydrating formula, and drugstore price .

Rare Beauty Bronzer Stick

If the kit you’re adding to your cart doesn’t include a bronzer shade, consider buying a separate one. The Rare Beauty Bronzer Stick was the best bronzer we tested , and the Wet n Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick is a great option for cost-conscious shoppers.

What to Know About Contour Kits

Contour kits typically come in one of two options: cream or powder. Reneau recommends powder for contour newbies, as these formulas are “more forgiving to apply” with their light washes of color. “Cream is incredible for a more advanced makeup wearer, people who have dry skin, or for when you know you are going to be photographed,” she adds.

However, many makeup artists will use both formulas together to lock their makeup in for the day. “All reality TV stars are contoured to perfection using creams and then layering powder on top,” says makeup artist and content creator Aditya Madiraju . 

Makeup artist Natalie Dresher agrees: “Working with both cream and powder products allows for the powder to lock in the cream for a longer wear time,” she explains.  

While both cream and powder products work well with mature skin, certain formulas work harder to smooth over fine lines and wrinkles. Madiraju calls the Danessa Myricks Groundwork Palette (powder) and Fenty Beauty Match Stix (cream) “go-to’s” for mature skin in his makeup collection.

Shade Range

It can be hard to identify the shade of contour and highlight that works best for your skin tone just by looking at a palette, which is why it’s important to have lots of shades to choose from. With 12 pans, the Make Up For Ever HD Skin Cream Contour and Highlight Sculpting Palette has the most shade options, and the Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Duo has five different bronzer and contour pairings.

For a naturally sculpted look, choose a contour shade that’s two to three shades darker than your skin tone. “A contour should always mimic a shadow,” says Dresher. “If you’re a more seasoned pro, you can choose a shade that’s four to five shades deeper than your skin tone and blend, blend, blend.”

Oftentimes, powder products will produce a matte finish, meaning that your skin will look smoother, more poreless, and shine-controlled. However, some powder palettes, like the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette , include luminous highlighting powders that leave behind a glowy wash.

Cream products often deliver a satin, shimmery, or radiant finish because of their emollient texture. The budget-friendly e.l.f. Cream Contour Kit Palette excelled here, leaving behind a healthy glow. 

“A matte or satin highlight is more appropriate when highlighting under the eyes and in the center of the face,” Dresher explains. “Shimmery and radiant highlights are better suited for the tops of the cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and décolleté area.”

• Matte: A smooth, flat finish that doesn’t reflect light and controls oil
• Satin: A cross between matte and dewy, offering a subtle radiance while keeping oil levels controlled
• Shimmer: Flecked with micro glitter or finished with pearlescent pigment; makes your skin look glowy
• Radiant: Creates the appearance of dewy skin; these formulas usually have more ingredients that promote hydration and moisturization than others

To find the best contour kits, we called in 23 popular kits to our PEOPLE Tested lab. We used both brushes and sponges to blend cream and powder formulas of contour and highlight shades. Throughout each step of the testing process, we rated key performance indicators of each product on a scale of 1 to 5 (worst to best). 

These were the qualities we gave the highest weight when calculating product scores.

• Blendability: Did the contour easily buff into skin and create a “shadow” so diffused that we couldn’t tell where it started or ended? Or did it cling to dry patches and get cakey? We also assessed how the product interacted with the foundation we were already wearing.
• Pigment: We recorded whether the powders and creams tested were visible with a single swipe, if we needed to go in with extra layers, and if they showed up too dark or too light, requiring correction. The best products were buildable, meaning they started with a natural-looking wash of color and easily deepened when we added more.
• Texture: We analyzed how each product felt on our fingers and faces, then noted whether it blurred uneven skin texture or sank into fine lines and pores.

“I personally contour after foundation, before concealer,” says Dresher. “I like to add any shadows to the face after my complexion base and bring the light back to my face via concealer.”

Most artists contour their clients by applying a dark shade to the cheekbones, along the jawline, and near the hairline. To highlight, take a light shade and blend it into the center of the forehead, under the eyes, the center of the chin, and under the cheekbones to further define the facial structure. Exactly where you’ll apply contour and highlight depends on your face shape.

“Bronzer is used to warm up the complexion and should be placed on top of the bone structure where the sun would naturally kiss your skin (think across the forehead, tops of cheekbones, bridge of nose and chin),” Reneau explains. “Contouring is a technique used to shape and define the structure of the face, add the illusion of symmetry, or to soften or sharpen features of your face.”

Dresher says that you can picture it like this: “Contour products are cooler toned and about mimicking a shadow , while bronzing products are really about mimicking the sun.”

Since contour is meant to emulate shadows, Reneau recommends choosing a shade that’s “at least two shades deeper than your natural skin tone in a similar or cool undertone.” For the correct highlight shade, go two shades up from your typical foundation.

“Underpainting is the technique of contouring and highlighting (and even blushing!) before foundation” and was popularized by celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips , Dresher explains. 

“Concealer, bronzer, blush, and contour are blended out, and then a thin layer of foundation is applied to diffuse the colors and harsh lines,” adds Madiraju. “It’s like baking a cake!” 

We wouldn’t recommend trying this advanced technique out until you’re comfortable with your new contour kit. To dip your toes in, “you can always try applying the bronzer or contour to your face lightly to get a good base before applying your foundation,” suggests Reneau.

“I like using brushes to apply contour but always have a makeup sponge to blend out any harsh lines,” says Dresher. Madiraju suggests using your fingers for cream contour, though we recommend keeping a few makeup brushes nearby in case things go south.

Alyssa Brascia is a staff shopping writer at PEOPLE, covering beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle. She has previously written for InStyle, Shape, Southern Living, and Real Simple. For this article, Brascia analyzed testing insights, incorporated first-hand experience, and consulted cosmetic brand executives, makeup artists, and content creators to deduce which contour kits were worth recommending to readers and how they should be used. 

• Elyse Reneau is the executive director of global beauty at Too Faced Cosmetics and has more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. Her previous work can be found on hit shows such as Saturday Night Live , The Big Bang Theory , Orange Is the New Black , and more. Based in Los Angeles, she frequently travels to New York City, including for NYFW shows such as Alice + Olivia and Selkie.
• Natalie Dresher is a Miami-based makeup artist and hairstylist known for her full-glam moments with content creators like Remi Bader and Dylan Mulvaney . She has extensive experience in editorial beauty, working closely with brands such as Cover FX, Milk Makeup, and Cupshe, as well as a robust portfolio of bridal clientele.
• Aditya Madiraju is a makeup artist and content creator based in New Jersey with over 1.4 million followers on Instagram. Madiraju makes educational beauty content across his social media platforms and has been part of the official Sephora Squad since 2023.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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These travel-friendly makeup bags will keep you organized.

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14 coach gifts that you can buy on sale for mother's day - starting at $49, lazyher travel makeup bag, relavel travel makeup train case makeup cosmetic case organizer.

Whether you’re traveling or just need a makeup bag that suits your on-the-go needs, consider buying yourself this Relavel makeup case. This high-quality leather makeup bag is perfect for all occasions. It includes adjustable dividers that allow you to move it around and organize your items based on your preferences. You can DIY it and make it your own. It also has plenty of space to fit all you want. With its waterproof and wear-resistant features, cleaning it will be easy. It also comes with an attachable shoulder strap. If you’re looking for a versatile option, add this one to your cart. 

Étoile Duo Vanity Case

Consider one of TikTok’s favorite trendy makeup bags: the Étoile Duo Vanity Case that’s all over my FYP. This limited edition comes in gray, black, beige, lavender pink, and so many other colors. Hurry, though: There are only three left in stock in lavender pink! This makeup bag has you covered with a top and bottom compartment. This bag also includes a fold-out mirror, making it easier for you to apply your makeup or skincare routine when on the go. Its vegan leather material and makeup-stain-proof lining make it truly one of a kind.

Semezuxx Checkered Makeup Bag, Brown 2Pcs Cosmetic Travel Bags

Ulta beauty clear sage-trimmed weekender.

Can’t keep track of what’s in your makeup bag? Don’t fret: Consider this Ulta Beauty clear sage-trimmed alternative with see-through pockets and multiple compartments. Its spacious and sage-green tassel zipper pulls offer a clean look. You’ll get easy access to your items with just one glance.

For more product recommendations , check out other must-have makeup products to add to your makeup bag and discover the best Ulta Beauty deals now.

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8 Best Dopp Kits For Men: Ensure Organized Travel in 2024

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There are so many things to stress out about while preparing for a trip, especially when it comes to packing up your bathroom supplies.

Whether it be skincare or haircare , everybody relies on different products for their day-to-day lives. It’s often very easy to forget these items as well, especially if you don’t have a dedicated place to store them. This is exactly why it’s essential to pick up one of the best Dopp kits for men.

A great men’s toiletry bag makes packing for a trip significantly easier. For starters, you can keep all of your toiletries in a single place, which is much more convenient than rifling through an entire suitcase to find one product.

Secondly, many Dopp kits feature dedicated compartments for certain products, ensuring that you don’t forget anything you might need.

If you’re looking to pick up your first Dopp kit or upgrade an existing one, then this list is perfect for you. Each of these options was chosen to accommodate tons of different needs and lifestyles.

So, let’s find the perfect Dopp kit to take on your next adventure.

Key Takeaways

This was a fun one. I love searching for products that combine style with usefulness. It was a pleasure to pore over dozens of sites and read literally hundreds of reviews.

Overall, the Vetelli Men’s Leather Travel and Shaving Case is one of the very best Dopp kits for men to pick up right now. This travel bag features a dual compartment design that is perfect for just about any bathroom essentials you might need while traveling.

Another modern and durable option is the Koby Dopp Kit from Tooletries.

• Buying Considerations

How We Chose

Why trust us, final verdict, best overall: vetelli large leather men’s travel and shaving case.

Why it’s great: This large leather Dopp kit from Vetelli features plenty of storage space for your essentials in both the top and bottom compartments. The top compartment is spacious and flexible, featuring interior pockets and elastic bands for organization.

The bottom compartment is structured like a hard case, able to protect delicate items. Not to mention, both compartments are lined with stain-resistant mesh, while external loops on each side of the bag act as handles.

Who is this for? This is tops among the best Dopp kits for men. It’s an all-around great toiletry bag for any man who wants his bathroom products organized and protected while on the go. The design is very well thought out, and there is plenty of versatility for different kinds of usage.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Despite being marketed as a leather travel case, this Dopp kit is actually made of vegan leather. Although this might be disappointing for some people, vegan leather has plenty of perks over real leather–minimal maintenance is one of them.

Material: Vegan Leather | Size: 11.5” x 6.5” x 7” | Compartment(s ) : 3

Best Budget: Vorspack Travel Toiletry Bag For Men

Why it’s great: This toiletry bag from Vorspack is the perfect option for those traveling on a budget. It’s one of the best Dopp kits for men that you can get.

The thick 900D polyester material is both durable and water-resistant for travel to all kinds of environments. The array of interior and exterior pockets allows for easy organization of products–the side strap also makes it easy to carry or hang if needed.

Who is this for? This is a great option for anyone who wants to spend most of their money on traveling and not on a toiletry bag. It’s also easily replaceable, so you won’t need to worry about taking care of it as much as a more expensive option.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This bag doesn’t have much structure or rigidity, so it won’t offer a lot of protection to your items. However, this also means that it’s flexible enough to be filled to the brim, or packed down and stored away.

Material: Polyester | Size: 10” x 5” x 5.5” | Compartment(s ) : 1

Best Luxury: Time Resistance Leather Cosmetic Bag

Why it’s great: This cosmetic bag from Time Resistance is handmade in Italy using full-grain cowhide leather and durable YKK zippers. It features a classic design that includes a handle, exterior side pocket, and dual main compartments for storage.

Time Resistance also stands by the quality of its products, offering a 12-month warranty.

Who is this for? This is one of the best Dopp kits for men available. It’s perfect for those wanting the most luxurious experience possible during their travels. The durable construction also means that this bag should last quite a long time–even throughout consistent travel.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Since these are handmade bags, they may appear a bit different from the pictures shown online. This is especially true for the exact color of the leather, since it is hand-dyed and can vary a lot.

Material: Full-grain Italian Leather | Size: 10.4” x 5.5” x 4.7” | Compartment(s ) : 2

Best on Amazon: Zeemo Toiletry Bag For Men

Why it’s great: This toiletry bag from Zeemo features a sleek, modern design that offers easy access to all compartments and pockets. There is plenty of room in this bag to store every item in your skincare routine , along with whatever else you might need. The clear plastic window also makes it easy to check items at a glance.

Who is this for? This is a great option for anyone wanting a bag that offers tons of functionality. The well-balanced design can also fit many different lifestyles.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is tops among the best Dopp kits for men. However, it is on the larger side, which is something to consider if you’re typically a light packer.

Material: NIT Leather | Size: 10.5” x 5.5” x 6” | Compartment(s ) : 3

Best Everyday: Bagsmart Canvas Toiletry Bag For Men

Why it’s great: This canvas toiletry bag from Bagsmart offers plenty of space, including everything from a toothbrush to some grooming supplies . The canvas exterior is both classy and rugged, and the elastic bands inside ensure that all of your products stay in one place.

This is one of the best Dopp kits for men you’ll find. It also features separate dry and wet pockets, which should reduce the risk of an accidental spill ruining anything.

Who is this for? This is a versatile toiletry bag that’s perfect for travel but can also be used for the gym–it could even serve as a tech bag for daily commutes to work.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is another bag on the larger side, which might make it difficult to fit in certain types of luggage . That being said, there are two different sizes available, so you could always opt for the medium size to get the job done.

Material: Canvas/Cotton | Size: 10.2” x 5.9” x 6.3” (Medium) | Compartment(s ) : 2

Best Heavy-Duty: Tooletries The Koby Dopp Kit

Why it’s great: The Koby Dopp Kit from Tooletries is one of the best modern and heavy-duty options out there. It’s made of a leather-like silicone that prevents water from entering and exiting the bag.

The simple one-compartment design is large enough to accommodate full-sized products, and the durable zipper can survive some tough usage.

Who is this for? This is one of the best Dopp kits for men to rely on for frequent travel. The simple design covers all of the basics, and the use of modern materials makes it tough enough to thrive in the most unforgiving environments.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is a very thick and sturdy bag that is perfect when filling it to the top. However, if you’re partially filling this bag, it might be a bit bulky compared to others.

Material: Silicone | Size: 10″ x 6″ x 6″ | Compartment(s ) : 1

Best Organization: Elviros Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag

Why it’s great: This hanging travel bag from Elviros offers a plethora of compartments and organizational features for travel. Some compartments use mesh pockets; others incorporate strong elastic bands. Not to mention, you can hang this bag via the hook and open each compartment for a clear view of your entire kit.

Who is this for? This is a bag for those who are very particular about organization while traveling–the smart design makes it extremely useful in that regard.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This bag is a bit smaller than it appears to be in the pictures, so it may not be able to hold some full-sized products. Make sure to double-check the dimensions before landing on your final decision.

Material: PU Leather | Size: 11.02” x 7.87” x 4.33”  | Compartment(s ) : 5

Best Minimalistic: BesTour Travel Essentials Toiletry Bag For Men

Why it’s great: This roll-up travel bag from BesTour is the perfect option for all of the minimalists out there. The sleek design makes it great for carry-on luggage , and it could easily fit in a backpack as well.

This is one of the best Dopp kits for men you can find. The elastic belt keeps the case rolled up tightly while on the move, and the dual grommets allow it to be hung on a wall when you finally do arrive at your destination.

Who is this for? This bag is a great choice for light-packers and minimalists who need a small travel kit to keep their toiletries together. It’s also a very particular design that some people will prefer over the standard options.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Since this is meant to be a minimalist travel bag, the pockets are very small. They probably won’t fit any full-sized products because they’re built to accommodate travel-sized ones.

Material: PU Leather/Polyester | Size: 3” x 11” x 3” | Compartment(s ) : 1

Buying Considerations For The Best Dopp Kits For Men

Picking the right size men’s toiletry bag is essential to accommodating your travel style. Plenty of people like to travel light which means they would likely benefit from a sleek, streamlined bag.

On the other hand, there are some people out there who like to bring the whole bathroom with them. These people would benefit from a large, multi-compartment kit to carry all of their essentials.

The size of your Dopp kit is also dependent on the bag you’ll be using for travel. You don’t want to purchase a large Dopp kit if it’s going to take up all of the space in your main travel bag.

The material of a Dopp kit also impacts its quality and versatility. Many Dopp kits these days are made with fabric materials such as polyester, cotton, and canvas. Fabrics like these are very flexible and can expand depending on how much you store in them.

Alternatively, you can find plenty of Dopp kits that are made of leather or faux leather. These are often a bit more high-quality and durable than their fabric counterparts. Silicone bags have also become pretty popular, and these feature natural water resistance along with some other perks.

The design of your Dopp kit is a crucial factor to consider before buying. There are many Dopp kits out there that feature classic designs, which consist of a rectangular bag, several compartments, and an external handle. This is a classic design for a reason, and it should work well for many travelers.

However, there are also many modern bags that have additional features to make life even easier. Whether it be a multitude of different compartments and pockets or a hook to hang up the whole kit, these bags are great for those who want to get the most during their travels.

There’s a vast market of travel gear out there, including the world of Dopp kits. Plenty of brands claim that their product is the best, but this isn’t always the case.

It’s crucial to sift out all of the clever marketing when searching for the best Dopp kits for men. Each of these products was evaluated according to the criteria below in order to qualify for this list.

Brand Reputation: Does the brand have a good reputation? Are they known for making travel essentials ?

Customer Reviews: Do a majority of customers stand by their purchase, or do they regret the decision? Negative reviews are inevitable, but is there some validity in the critiques made by reviewers?

Personal Experience: Have I had a positive personal experience with the product or brand in question?

Ryan Jamison’s insightful contributions to FashionBeans are underpinned by a decade of hands-on experience and diligent product testing, cementing his status as a trusted authority in men’s fashion and grooming.

His reviews span everything from travel clothes to carry-on luggage, which reflects a thorough understanding of what many men are searching for.

Ryan’s meticulous approach to evaluating men’s attire and accessories ensures that each recommendation is both practical and stylish, making his guidance invaluable for readers seeking to enhance their style.

This blend of personal experience, customer insight, and extensive research makes Ryan’s advice on FashionBeans a valuable asset to the modern man.

Overall, the best Dopp kit for men is the Large Leather Travel Case from Vetelli. This case features an excellent design that can make packing up your toiletries a breeze.

Another fantastic choice is the Koby Dopp Kit from Tooletries which features a simplistic, modern design that can take a beating. What more could you want in the best toiletry bag for men?

The term “Dopp Kit” originates from the name of its creator, Charles Doppelt, who was a German leather-smith in the early 20th century. Doppelt popularized this type of bag for soldiers during World War II. Today, Dopp kit is often used as an alternative to “toiletry bag”, which is an off-putting term for some people.

Dopp kits are primarily used when traveling and they’re meant to house all of your toiletries. This can include a toothbrush, deodorant, comb, hair products, skin products, and anything else you may need while away from home. Using the best toiletry bag for men means it not only keeps all of your essentials organized but also eliminates the need to dig through an entire bag to find a specific item.

Ryan is a writer, filmmaker, and all around content creator. Over the years, he has written screenplays, short stories, and nonfiction informational pieces. Ryan is currently working to build up his YouTube channel (@ ryan-jamison ) via creative video essays that combine his love of filmmaking and writing. He also *occasionally* posts some photography on his Instagram (@ ryanjamison99 ). When away from the keyboard, Ryan loves running, hiking, reading, and he’s also a total boot nerd.

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Top meal kits that make dining simple and delicious

Make eating at home easy and simple

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Cooking a meal has so many aspects to it from the prep, planning, execution and clean up that even though it may start enjoyable, it may not always end that way – if you make it through all the steps. 

I’ll be the first to admit, more often than not, that my meal prep conversations with my husband usually end up with us getting takeout because it feels like the faster and easier option. However, over time even that gets tiring, not to mention unhealthy and expensive. I’ve spoken to a few others about this and it turns out, this is an all too common struggle among many, which helps me understand the influx of meal delivery kits available now. 

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The meal delivery kits take a lot of the guesswork, if not all of it, out of meal prepping. There are various options available catering to all types of dietary preferences, lifestyles and family sizes. The only thing left is to narrow down which works best for you and we’ve made that task even easier by narrowing down the best meal delivery options below – bon appetit! 

One of the most popular options is the HelloFresh kits, they plan and prep everything and deliver it straight to your door leaving you to just cook the meal – which let’s be real is probably the easiest part of it all. With over 40 weekly recipes to choose from, each kit includes simple step-by-step recipes, nutritional information and fresh pre-measured ingredients.

Offering a variety of meal options for a wide range of lifestyle and dietary needs, the subscription is super flexible, there is no commitment required and the subscription can be paused or cancelled at any time. This is the perfect option for those who enjoy cooking and a fresh hot meal without all the extra thought.

Available in: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Québec, Newfoundland and the Maritimes.   

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This service takes it a step further and cooks the meals for you and delivers them right to your door. There are 14 new customizable meals each week to choose from and meals are available in two size options. WeCook prides itself on each meal being crafted by in-house chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are both healthy and tasty. The meals are always delivered fresh, not frozen and can be heated up within two minutes directly in the packaging they come in meaning no dishes required either.

Available in: Québec, Ontario and New Brunswick. 

Chef’s Plate

With 24 easy-to-cook recipes each week with meat, vegetarian and family-friendly options, Chef’s Plate provides simple recipes and fresh ingredients to make cooking a breeze. The plans are very flexible with no minimum subscription required, weeks can be skipped or cancelled based on your needs – a weekly menu is available to see upcoming meals, so it can also be viewed before committing to anything. This service really does aim to make everything easier and simple with flexibility and transparency ensuring you are satisfied across the board.

Available: Canada-wide excluding Yukon and the Northwest Territories.    

Halal Meals

A ready-to-heat and-eat meal service exclusively offering halal meat. Requiring a minimum of five meals per order, there are options for various dietary preferences including keto, healthy, and a mix and match. The menu rotates every week and meals are homemade, fresh, made to order, delicious and flavourful that can be heated within three minutes. Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time and there is no minimum commitment required.

Available in: Ontario and Québec. 

Fresh Prep  

Not only is Fresh Prep looking to take care of people, but it also emphasizes taking care of the environment. With 10 recipe options to choose from each week, kits are delivered to your door with recipe cards and fresh, quality ingredients to cook healthy, delicious, fresh and balanced meals in 30 minutes or less. The kits are zero waste meaning no plastic to cut through or dispose of, making it all the easier to grab and go.

Available in: Alberta and British Columbia.

If you’re looking for some shelf-stable snacks, check out our roundup of healthy bites that come from Canadian brands — including Love Good Fats bars , Nothing But cheese balls and Snack Conscious treats .

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Our Favorite Flared Alo Yoga Pants Are 30 Percent Off

If you (like me) are wary of wearing leggings out in public, then flared yoga pants might be the answer. They’re soft and stretchy enough to exercise in, but the extra bagginess around the knee means that you can definitely throw a T-shirt over top and call it an outfit. Of all the flared and bootcut styles I’ve tried, Alo’s are the best. And they’re 30 percent off today as part of the brand’s rare sitewide sale.

What I especially like about these pants is that they’re made with Alo’s matte Airbrush fabric, which looks and feels like cotton. (Why aren’t more yoga pants matte? An open question to all the athleisure brands out there.) Unlike High Sport pants and their various dupes , these are full-length, which in my opinion makes them easier to style — you can wear any type of sock underneath, for example. And they’re simply very comfortable and flattering, whether you’re heading to the Pilates studio or the coffee shop.

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35 top new makeup products of spring 2024 for every aesthetic.

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Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche

The best makeup launches don’t just add a little color to your cheeks—they can also completely revamp your routine. Think nail kits that deliver salon-worthy results from the comfort of your home to primers that set up skin for success. But the perfect mascara or lipstick can be equally transforming. The best new makeup products for spring 2024 offer something for everyone; we’ve rounded up the top launches to prove it.

YSL Beaute Loveshine Lip Oil Stick

YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick

Lips oils are all the rage these days, which makes YSL’s latest launch—a lip oil and lipstick hybrid—even more coveted. A blend of six oils and rich fig pulp plumps lips and gives 24-hour moisture and protection. Available in 20 shades, it makes lips look and feel as smooth as liquid. $45, yslbeautyus.com

Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint

A BB cream in a stick means this foundation is ridiculously easy to apply. Delivering sheer-to-light coverage, the light-as-a-feather serum-infused formula contains hyaluronic acid microspheres to smooth fine lines, a peptide complex to turn back the clock, fatty acids to protect, a collagen stabilizer to smooth, coconut oil for radiance, shea butter to soften and hydrate, marula oil to nourish with antioxidants and jojoba seed oil to soothe. Available in 16 flexible shades, you can simply blend it in with your fingers. $42, anastasiabeverlyhills.com

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush

Two of Rare Beauty’s top sellers—Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter—were combined to create Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush, melding that natural flush with a gorgeous glow. It comes in six shades, including four that match the most popular Soft Pinch Liquid Blush colors. The transfer-proof, smudge-proof and water-resistant formula stays put all day long. $26, rarebeauty.com

Fara Homidi Essential Face Compact

Complexion perfection is just inside this stunning compact. A duo designed to be used together, the Smooth Veil Soft Matte is meant to serve as concealer and foundation; the formula has medium, buildable coverage that leaves a soft-focus finish. For the second step, Shine Baume provides the radiance. The power couple is meant to enable you to customize the finish of your makeup for a bespoke experience. Available in 15 shades, apply it with the matching Buffer Brush . $88, farahomidi.com

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty That's My Line! 24H Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner

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When you need a reminder that eyeliner doesn’t have to be brown or black, this liner in seven shades is the best example. Spanning periwinkle to moss green to hot pink—and yes, black—the formula lasts for up to 24 hours as it’s smudge-, humidity- and sebum-proof. The felt tip is all about flexibility, whether you want to draw bold or thin lines. It only takes one stroke for major color payoff. The skin-loving formula is spiked with Italian Blueberry Extract to safeguard skin from blue light and D-Panthenol to moisturize and smooth. $29, dolcegabbana.com

Guerlain Météorites Setting & Finishing Pearls of Powder

This setting powder looks as pretty on your skin as it does on a vanity. The handmade pearls do everything from set makeup to color correct, illuminate and mattify. Lasting for up to 12 hours of wear, they help foundation look better and wear longer too. They come in four shades to work with all skin tones. $72, guerlain.com

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Natural Matte SPF 40

Keep oily skin under control without stripping it with this twofer that doubles as a matte foundation and a sunscreen. The formula works as a filter to blur enlarged pores, even skin tone, mask breakouts and ease redness. It also improves skin over time, particularly texture and skin oil after two months of daily use. $47, ulta.com

The muse behind this luminous matte lipstick is the time from dusk to dawn. The new eight limited-edition rich shades are a reflection of the darkness of night. And the formula will last through the night, while jojoba oil and shea butter keep lips comfortable and hydrated. The collectible black-and-white version of the signature click case will last even longer. $50, chanel.com

Dashing Diva GelXtend Starter Kit

You don’t have to hit the salon to get nail extensions. This kit has everything you need to get similar tips to Gel X. Instead of using a UV lamp to cure gel polish extensions, it uses a clever soft-gel that cures under an LED light and lasts up to two weeks. The removal process is even easier and doesn’t require any soaking, keeping nails healthier with its process that only requires a few drops of their Magic Off+ applied around the cuticles. $23, dashingdiva.com

Tatcha The Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25

Protect your pucker from harmful UVA and UVB rays in style. This tinted lip balm comes in three beautiful buildable shades and is infused with silk protein and botanical lanolin to lock in hydration. $34, tatcha.com

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm in Medium Deep

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm

Pump up the volume! This lip gloss taps cayenne pepper extract to instantly heat up and plump lips, while cooling agents provide a long-lasting chilling effect. Infused with oil to hydrate without stickiness, the high-shine formula minimizes the appearance of lines around the lips. It comes in two universal shades: Pillow Talk Fair-Medium and Pillow Talk Medium-Deep. $35, charlottetilbury.com

Saie Slip Tint Radiant All Over Concealer

Saie Founder and CEO Laney Crowell couldn’t find a concealer that provided just the right amount of coverage, didn’t cake and was safe for acne-prone skin, so she created one. An extension of Saie’s best-selling Slip Tint family, it provides 12 hours of medium coverage in 25 flexible shades. It also improves skin over time with the Saie Fatty Acid Complex that contains glycerin to boost hydration and sunflower seed oil to calm, protect and soothe. There’s also niacinamide to brighten, minimize pores and fine lines, and moisturize; hyaluronic acid for lasting moisture; and rice bran peptides to help fade dark spots. $28, saiehello.com

Benefit BADgal Bang! Mascara

Have a little fun with your mascara with this trio of unexpected hues. The best-selling, volumizing Benefit BADgal Bang! is now available in three limited-edition shades: Power Blue, Wild Plum and Rebel Brown. While the colors are new, the 36-hour volume and beloved brush are the same. $29, benefitcosmetics.com

Urban Decay Face Bond Foundation

The ultimate multitasker, this liquid foundation truly checks all the boxes. Despite being incredibly lightweight, it provides buildable, medium coverage. It contains 3% niacinamide to minimize redness and breakouts, and doubles as a serum, plus it has a built-in setting powder that blurs imperfections and leaves a matte finish. It’ll stay put for up to 24 hours—it’s waterproof, humidity-proof, sweat-proof, smudge-proof and transfer-resistant. Available in 40 shades, its patent-pending dropper ensures precise application. $40, urbandecay.com

Iconic London Instant Sunshine Bronzing Drops

No tropical vacation is needed to get a glowing tan when you have this ultra-concentrated bronzing gel that instantly adds color and radiance to skin. The pigments automatically adjust to your tone for a custom, natural looking shade. Mix it in with your lotion or moisturizer to get glowing or apply it solo as a bronzing highlighter. Bonus: It’s formulated with a soothing tonic of chamomile, marigold flower extract and lavender water to even out skin tone and fight breakouts. $28, iconiclondoninc.com

Polite Society Polite Pops Powder Blush Stick

Get all the perks of a powder blush without having to pull out a brush. This unique hybrid formula is powder blush in stick format, making it a VIP for when you travel or your gym bag. Boasting the blendability of a cream with the look and feel of a powder, all six shades give off a lit-from-within glow with matte, buildable color. $28, politesociety.com

Dibs The Palm Palette On The Go Eyeshadow Palette in Peaches in Hand

Though eyeshadow palettes offer great variety and versatility, oftentimes they’re not the most portable. But this little guy is perfectly sized to go everywhere and still contains six shades, spanning mattes and shimmers that can be worn wet or dry. The buildable formulas are soft, creamy and a cinch to apply. The Dibs Duo Brush Eye – Double Ended Brush makes it even more foolproof. $36, dibsbeauty.com

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 15 24HR Matte Foundation + Oil Control

Those with oily complexions know how challenging it can be to get your foundation to stay in place and keep looking fresh. Entire this solution, a 24-hour breathable foundation in a whopping 67 shades. The buildable formula has a soft matte finish and is spiked with sugar kelp extract to keep excess oil in check, as well as red algae extract and hyaluronic acid to hydrate. $44, maccosmetics.com

Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick

The long-awaited launch of Westman Atelier has finally arrived. Packed with pigment, each of the 10 shades are designed for everyday wear. The skin-first formulas are designed to hydrate and feel comfortable all day long, courtesy of peptides and antioxidants. There’s also Hydro-Suede Technology with hyaluronic acid and kaolin clay to keep lips hydrated and prevent feathering. $50, westman-atelier.com

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Powder, Baby Pink

Need to look more awake? The popular Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Powder now comes in a baby pink shade to neutralize dark shadows, blurring fine lines along the way. Dust it on after concealer to make the most of its light-reflecting properties for a luminous finish. $35, patmcgrath.com

Dazzle Dry Spring in Bloom Collection in Lovely Lilac

Dazzle Dry Spring in Bloom Collection

When you want your nail polish to last but don’t want to go the gel manicure route, Dazzle Dry is the answer. The non-toxic polish system lasts for up to 14 days and the Spring in Bloom range has all the hues you need this season. The five new shades include Cherry Blossom, a bubblegum pink with subtle shimmer; Periwinkle Passion, a deep, muted periwinkle; Honeydew, a pale minty green with yellow undertones; Lovely Lilac, a pale purple with a pink shimmer; and Creamsicle Sorbet, a cheerful pinky orange. $22 each, dazzledry.com

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Mattifying Water Powder Serum

Create the ideal canvas for makeup with this water-to-powder mattifying priming serum that smooths, soothes and zaps shine. The brand’s Comfort Matte Complex works to absorb oil and minimize sebum production with kaolin while keeping skin hydrated with hyaluronic acid, balancing the complexion. It dries down for a powder feel, blurring imperfections with niacinamide and soothing redness with zinc PCA along the way. $36, danessamyrickbeauty.com

Morphe Rich & Foiled 9 Pan Artistry Palettes

Spring is rosé season, and this palette is essentially the go-to beverage in makeup form. Also available in platinum and gold, each palette contains nine neutrals in a range of mattes, shimmers and metallics, as well as the star of the show, a molten metal eyeshadow that’s super reflective. $14, ulta.com

Olive + June x Colleen Hoover

#BookTok meets beauty with the Olive + June x Colleen Hoover collab. The nail brand teamed up with the best-selling author on eight new polish shades and 20 new press-ons. The set of polishes span pearlescent, iridescent and creme finishes inspired by her books. $62, oliveandjune.com

NARS Blush in Orgasm

After 25 years of being a smash success, NARS Blush just got reformulated. Boasting up to 16 hours of wear, four types of mineral-based pigments make up the Pure Pigment Blend for major color payoff. Beautifully blendable, it helps to blur skin for a filter effect. The vegan formula comes in 20 shades, including the classic Orgasm. $34, narscosmetics.com

Jones Road The Lippie Stick

For the perfect hint of color, these tinted lip balms will do the trick. Available in 11 shades, the lip balm is rich in plant-based oils and cocoa butter, combined with orange, spearmint and lavender essential oils. It also comes in the original clear option. $22, jonesroadbeauty.com

Neen Glisten Up Creamy Lip Gloss

Boss is the latest hue to join the Neen Glisten Up Creamy Lip Gloss and it’s everything you want in a black cherry shade—it’ll make your lips look like you just bit into the fruit. Formulated with avocado, jojoba and sunflower oils, it’s as good for the planet as it is for you lips, since it comes in a glass vial with a cap made from injected-molded wood beads. $27, weareneen.com

Dior Rouge Dior Couture Colour Lipstick

Every detail of this lipstick captures the heritage of Dior, from the maison’s iconic cannage pattern and a CD band adorning the new case. Available in an array of shades and two finishes—matte velvet and satin—the longwear formula offers 24 hours of comfortable wear, courtesy of hydrating botanicals. Apply the matching Rouge Dior Contour Lip Liner Pencil for even more precision and perfection. $49, dior.com

Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals

Everything you could want in a neutral eyeshadow palette, this is truly a one-stop shop for your lids. The celebrity makeup artist designed the palette to be used with his signature technique of sculpting and enhancing eyes and is his interpretation and modern spin on 90s inspired neutrals. $50, makeupbymario.com

ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

If foundation and concealer had a baby, it would be this complexion stick. Available in 42 shades, it’s spiked with a ceramide-peptide complex to strengthen the skin barrier and minimize fine lines. Meanwhile, butterfly lavender extract boosts hydration and reduces wrinkles, while kelp extract improves firmness and elasticity. The complexion perfecter lifts skin for up to 12 hours and has a modern matte finish that isn’t flat. $48, iliabeauty.com

Milk Makeup Cloud Glow Priming Foam

Makeup meets skincare in this hybrid that sets the stage for smooth, long-lasting makeup and a natural glow. Made with a 98% blend of natural ingredients, the primer has turmeric extract to brighten, saffron extract to reduce redness, apricot extract to hydrate and give a glow, and wu-zhu-yu extract for radiance. The light-as-air foam texture is equally effective for makeup free days. $28, sephora.com

Too Faced Naturally Better Than Sex Mascara

The beloved, best-selling mascara gets a nature-forward makeover. It still delivers all of the volume, lengthen and curl as before, but now with a 98% naturally derived formula. There are bamboo fibers and a goji berry blend to elongate lashes and pump up the volume. $30, sephora.com

PUR Silky Tint

Adding contour, highlight and a pop of color on-the-go is a cinch with these convenient multi-use sticks. Available in four shades—two blushes for lips and cheeks, one bronzer and one highlighter—they deliver light-to-medium color coverage that blend right in. The creamy formula is infused with peptides to nourish your complexion. $26, purcosmetics.com

Ciate London Extraordinary Translucent Powder

Complexion looking dull? Brighten up with this pink setting powder that provides the perfect finish. The pink hue cancels out dullness and tones of blue under the eyes. Essentially a filter for your face, it has a soft-focus finish that blurs everything sans creasing or flashback, helping the makeup underneath last longer. $22, us.ciatélondon.com

Mineral Fusion Sheer Moisture Lip Tint

What makes a tinted lip balm even better? When it’s in chubby crayon format, of course. Available in six buildable shades, it contains rice bran extract and candelilla waxes for hydration, as well as castor, coconut and sunflower oils to condition with fatty acids. Shea and cocoa butters bring on even more moisture, plus vitamin E adds antioxidants and peptides plump your pout. $9, target.com

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