The 10 Best Clear Makeup Bags of 2024

As a professional travel writer and gear tester, I’m always toting around the newest suitcases and packing accouterments. But in my naive younger years, there were times that I packed my makeup or beauty products in flimsy plastic bags.

I shudder to recall how I once fished out a beat-up gallon size Ziploc from my carry-on in the TSA line, a mess of tangled toiletries that was all too susceptible to leaks and wasted product. Now, I know better and have invested in trusty clear makeup bags when I travel so there’s no hassle of struggling to find or remove personal items for airport security.

The best clear makeup bags range from simple pouches to highly-stylized train cases and dopp-style kits. They’re also easy to clean and come with enough organizational features to keep contents secure and free from damage. Choose from the smallest pocket-sized TSA-approved bags for carry-ons, or large containers designed to transport your entire AM to PM routines — here are our favorites.

Functional, stylish, and affordable, this well-made transparent pouch checks all our boxes for a great clear makeup bag for travel. We love that it comes with sleek gold hardware and a colored nylon trim that is available in a rainbow of 14 eye-catching colors. The bright neon choices, with names like avocado, banana, flamingo, and bubblegum, are especially cheerful. You can also opt to customize the bag further by adding glitter patches, letters, and icons to make the bag a little more you.

The pouch itself isn’t just pretty — it’s practical, too. The lightweight bag can be packed in your carry-on, suitcase, purse, or other personal item. Best of all, it’s TSA-approved, so you can simply pull it out in the airport security line without having to unpack. While small enough to bring onboard, it can still fit your daily makeup routine, beauty essentials, accessories, or other necessary toiletries.

The Details: Nylon and vinyl | 4.5 x 7.75 x 2 inches

PHOTO: Amazon

While spreading toiletries and makeup out over a wide open vanity is always a desirable setup, some accommodations just won’t allow for it. Maybe you’re staying in tight quarters at a city hotel or sharing an Airbnb where counter real estate might be limited. In those instances, a hanging makeup bag is the way to go. Simply open it up, hang it on a door or hook, and everything you need will be available at your fingertips.

We love how adaptable this portable clear bag is. It has a TSA-approved detachable quart size compartment, along with several separate portions with both zippered mesh and clear pockets. One of which can be removed entirely so you can use what you need and remove what you don’t. The plastic is waterproof, durable, easy to wipe clean, and comes with a hanging metal hook, as well as a carrying strap.

The Details: Plastic | 9.8 x 8.7 x 2.4 inches

PHOTO: Target

We love this option from makeup guru Sonia Kashuk for when you want to bring your favorite shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, or other go-to beauty products without lugging the full-size bottle or having to check your bag. In those instances, choose this clear bag that comes with three refillable 2-ounce toiletry bottles, a refillable 2-ounce jar, and a spray bottle. The kit also includes a funnel for mess-free pouring.

The clear plastic bag will keep everything identifiable and is TSA-compliant, so you can simply place the pouch on the security conveyor belt rather than having to remove items one by one.

The Details: PVC plastic | 7.5 x 6 x 1.5 inches

PHOTO: Amazon

This simple pouch comes in eight bright color options (including basic clear), is TSA-approved to travel with liquids, makeup, and beauty products under 3 ounces, and ranges in price from a mere $5 to $6 depending on the color selected. Or, you can pay a few dollars more for a multi-pack of three and still pay less than you would for most other singular bags on this list.

The zippered closure opens from side to side and comes with plastic pulls that match the lining for a cohesive look. We also like how this bag could easily be used for other purposes, such as transporting medications, jewelry, first aid kits, or small valuables.

The Details: Plastic | 6.6 x 2.3 x 4.7 inches

PHOTO: Calpak

While also available in small or large, this medium-size transparent case from Calpak is a favorite as it will fit inside carry-on or checked bags with ease. We also love that it comes with a slew of clever design features, including a clamshell style closure, and several interior compartments to keep items organized.

While the majority of the exterior is clear, the trim comes in 19 colors. Choose from subtle shades like as black, mauve, stone, or caramel, or go for punchy hues like dragon fruit, emerald, apple green, and an assortment of metallics. Other thoughtful touches include color-coordinated zippers, a water-resistant shell, and dual lay-flat top handles.

The Details: Polyurethane and PVC | 9.75 x 7.75 x 5 inches

PHOTO: Walmart

If you want the functionality of a clear bag but yearn for more style than a simple swipe of color along the edges, you may prefer this case. The exterior is crafted from smooth leather with reinforced stitching, gold zippers, and is available in 17 shades ranging from soothing neutral tones to vibrant bursts of color.

Unlike other bags, the leather portion takes up a bigger footprint while leaving a large PVC clear plastic panel on both sides so you can easily view contents. The plastic is 10 millimeters thick, so it’s durable and sturdy enough to hold up to travel and is water-resistant, too.

The size of the bag is TSA-approved and the top carry handle also makes this viable as a small purse.

The Details: PU leather and plastic | 8.52 x 6.38 x 2.87 inches

PHOTO: Mark and Graham

Small essentials stay organized, visually accessible, and chic in this top zippered tote that we’d also recommend as a thoughtful personalized gift. It comes with a vegan leather trim that is available in seven colors ranging from classic black or navy to a bright poppy red, pastels such as sky blue and rose, or neutrals like flax and camel.

You can choose either the small or large size option, and make it your own by opting for a shadow printed sticker decal monogram that is available for a small added fee. Use it to pack makeup or toiletries, or carry it around as a compact clutch. The options are endless.

The Details: TPU plastic | 8 x 5.5 x 3.25 inches (small), 10 x 3.5 x 7 inches (large)

Tartan + Twine Clear Sage-Trimmed Weekender

PHOTO: Ulta

Similar in specs and style to our top splurge pick from Calpak, but $30 less, this well-designed dupe opens clamshell style to reveal two compartments, plus an additional interior zipped pocket that will keep everything separate, neat, and organized.

Made from sturdy and durable plastic and vegan leather, we love the sophisticated sage green detail trim with matching tassel pulls and gold-toned hardware, which feels more elevated than most bags. There are also two top-carry handles so you can grab it easily or hang it up at your hotel.

The Details: Plastic and vegan leather | 10 x 3 x 7.5 inches

PHOTO: Mark And Graham

With a colored vegan leather top handle and a clear exterior, this bag resembles more of a train case than a typical transparent pouch.

The roomy, generous interior is large enough to hold most products, and the dual zipper closure ensures everything will stay securely contained. The navy trim feels classy and adds personality, but the majority of the bag is otherwise fully clear. We also love Mark and Graham’s signature option of adding a vinyl decal monogram for a fun touch that can make it uniquely yours.

The Details: Vegan leather and TPU plastic | 10 x 5.5 x 6 inches

PHOTO: Amazon

When saving space is of the utmost importance, this diminutive bag fits inside any suitcase, purse, backpack, and even large pockets for quick trips or daily commutes. The transparent design is strong, waterproof, and comes with a classic black or white trim.

We also like how the large zipper rings are easy to grab and pull, and that these pouches could store other valuables like jewelry, charging cords, coins and cash, or a small notebook.

The Details: TPU plastic | 4.72 x 4.33 x 1.77 inches

Table of Contents

Tips for Buying Clear Makeup Bags for Travel

Prioritize durability

Don’t be like young me and travel with a Ziploc in place of an actual bag. Instead, choose a clear bag that is built to last, resistant to punctures, and has a reliable zipper closure to prevent spills (or alternatively, secure enough to hold any leaks, should they happen). A good clear makeup bag is often crafted from plastic but should be thicker and less flimsy than a Ziploc.

Pick the right size for your needs

Before purchasing a clear makeup bag, be sure that it will fit the items you want to pack. For example, if the bag is TSA-compliant, it will only fit products that are 3.4 ounces and under. If you want to pack your favorite full-size shampoo and conditioner, you’ll need a larger bag that will then need to be checked by the airline.

Likewise, if you want to bring your makeup case in your carry-on, make sure your desired products are small enough to fit inside or that you have accompanying travel size mini bottles to transfer larger liquids.

Consider organization

Any makeup bag can quickly become a mess when overpacked. If you plan on bringing a hefty amount of makeup products, look for bags with several compartments or interior pockets so you can separate certain items. For example, you may want to place makeup brushes in a different portion than liquids to protect against possible spills. However, to remain approved for TSA, all interior sections will need to be clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a clear toiletry bag for travel?

Technically, you can travel with whatever style of bag you like. However, if you plan to fly with liquids in your bag, and especially if you want to bring those essentials onto an airplane in your personal item or carry-on, you’ll have to comply with TSA regulations.

Per TSA rules, any liquids, gels, or aerosols that are packed inside a carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 rule — that means each item must be 3.4 ounces or less, transported in one quart size, clear plastic bag with a zip top opening, and all liquids must fit inside the bag. One such bag is permitted per passenger. Anything larger must be placed in a checked suitcase, aside from exceptions that are made for medications and food for infants.

The TSA does not further define rules around what they consider to be clear, so any bags with significant added trim or detailing may be subject to further inspection or denied as a vehicle to transport liquids.

It’s also important to note that these rules only pertain to liquids. If your makeup bags do not hold any, they are not held to the same screening guidelines.

What is the TSA-approved size for a toiletry bag and bottles?

As noted, the TSA-approved size is a quart bag with individual bottles or items that don’t exceed 3.4 ounces each. Additionally, it doesn’t matter if your 6-ounce bottle of face serum is half empty; if the bottle says anything larger than 3.4 ounces, TSA will either require that you place it in a checked bag, or confiscate it.

According to the TSA’s Ask TSA X account, a quart size bag should measure no more than 6 by 9 inches.

How do I clean a clear toiletry bag?

Most clear makeup bags are made from plastic. Unless otherwise specified, they should not be placed in the laundry or dishwasher or they could risk melting or damaging your appliances. The best way to clean them will be to remove all contents and wipe with a damp cloth or sponge, or rinse out by hand with some gentle soap and wipe it dry.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure?

Travel + Leisure contributor Emily Hochberg is an experienced travel and lifestyle writer and editor who travels frequently, both personally and professionally. She has visited over 35 countries and is well-versed in navigating TSA security lines. She travels with her makeup often and has researched dozens of clear bags to find the best options for traveling in style while remaining TSA-compliant.

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