BUT if you're asking yourself, can I take mascara on a plane, the answer is yes! Mascara is permitted in both carry on or checked luggage. But people often don't think about the fact that mascara is considered a liquid by TSA, so be sure to pack it in your zip top bag to avoid hassles at security.
You're free to pack items like mascara, brow gel, and concealer in your carry-on, as long as they're smaller than 3.4 ounces and packed in a clear, quart-sized bag.
TSA counts mascara as a liquid, so the 3-1-1 rule for packing it in hand luggage applies. It states that all liquids have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller and packed in a 1-quart bag. Mascara usually isn't above 3.4 oz, so you're free to pack it in your hand luggage.
However, when packed in carry-on bags, makeup in a liquid, lotion, gel, paste or creamy form, must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. You can take as many travel-sized liquids as you can comfortably fit into one quart-sized, zip-top bag. One liquids bag is allowed per passenger in carry-on bags.
Use a clear bag
We already know this, but I'm not talking about the clear Ziploc bags that TSA recommends. Instead, get a 1 qt. -sized reusable clear makeup bag. First of all, the ability to reuse this over and over again will save you from having to make that dreaded pre-vacation trip to Target to get sandwich bags.
As a traveller, you need to consider that makeup in liquid, aerosol, or gel form may be taken as hand luggage on a flight. Following the regulations, most airlines and airports allow passengers to bring small amounts of liquid, gel, or cream cosmetics in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).
Don't forget, lip gloss and mascara count as liquids! Packing hack: purchase some reusable 100 ml travel containers and fill them with your favourite products at home before you travel.
Any liquid toiletries or makeup will have to abide by the TSA liquid rule. This means that each makeup container must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, and all containers must fit inside a one quart (one liter) clear zip top bag.
You can bring solid makeup on a plane no problem and powdered makeup is allowed as well but might be subject to additional screening. If your makeup is in liquid form or in a state similar to a liquid such as a cream then it will be subject to the liquids 3-1-1 rule.
Know the Rules, Keep Liquids Under 100ml
Don't risk it. Always check your moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation bottles to see how much the container holds. If it's over 100ml you'll either need to pack it in your checked bag or decant some of it into a 100ml (3.4 ounce) container.
Do creams, like concealer and lipstick still count as liquid? And what about lotions and gels? Unfortunately, it's not great news for the over-packers. The Department for Transport defines liquids as “including creams, lotions, oils, perfume, mascara and lip gloss”.
Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.
According to the TSA, concealer, foundation, and even liquid eyeliner falls into the same category as other liquid toiletries, like shampoo and conditioner.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
The answer is yes. Toothpaste is permitted on aircraft but only in quantities of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less. The same goes for lotion, shampoo, shaving cream, etc. If you are only travelling with carry-on baggage, keep in mind all these rules when bringing your liquids through security checkpoints.
Since there are no limits on the size or amount of liquids in your checked bag, your favorite full size shampoo and conditioner can fly, but let's be honest, who wants to risk any messy spillage? Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind before you arrive at the airport.
“This, plus the make-up that often has a heavy talc-like content, then blocks our sebaceous glands, increasing the probability of a breakout.” So, in an attempt to quench our thirsty skin, we could be in-turn causing congestion – thanks to the make-up.
Wet wipes are solids (although damp ones at that) so they don't fall under the restrictions on gels, liquids and aerosols. I've always carried a pack of the antibacterial ones in my carry on. I don't put them in my ziplock bag (as they need to be readily accessible) and never had any problems.
You can bring liquid eyeliner in both hand luggage and checked baggage. But, you must abide by the TSA liquid limit in the case of hand luggage and follow the quantity restrictions. There are no limitations on the quantity of liquid eyeliner packed in checked baggage.
You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol.
Solid Makeup
Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz. in checked bags.
ALL liquids must be taken through security in a clear polythene bag no larger than 20cm by 20cm. These are normally available for free at airport security terminals. You can take one clear bag per person, so it's wise not to bring too much liquid with you, even if it's in containers of less than 100ml.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
If you do take liquids in your hand luggage: containers must hold no more than 100ml. containers should be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures around 20cm by 20cm. contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed.