The Department for Transport defines liquids as “including creams, lotions, oils, perfume, mascara and lip gloss”. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed this for us, advising that they would “recommend putting cream-based makeup products in the plastic bag provided for liquids.”
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.
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.
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.
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). Please, also keep in mind that all of these items must fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag.
Lipstick in your hand luggage
As for lipstick, if it's solid, you can put it in your normal make-up bag; but if it's a liquid lipstick, you should put it in the clear bag with all your other liquids. Any liquid lipstick will never exceed the 100 ml limit, so don't worry and throw it in your liquids bag.
Yes, TSA considers concealer to be a liquid, unless it is in stick form. Carry it – most concealers are small and fit in your quart-sized bag. Yes, it can only be carried on in 3.4 ounces or smaller containers.
Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
Lipstick in your hand luggage
As for lipstick, if it's solid, you can put it in your normal make-up bag; but if it's a liquid lipstick, you should put it in the clear bag with all your other liquids. Any liquid lipstick will never exceed the 100 ml limit, so don't worry and throw it in your liquids bag.
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.
If you are packing your makeup in your carry-on, just make sure that any liquids are in a container that is 3.4 ounces or less. You can also take as many 3.4 ounce containers as you want, as long as they all fit into one quart-sized, clear bag. Additionally, solid deodorant is allowed in carry-on bags.
The 3-1-1 rule basically states that all liquids must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces or smaller, and all of your carry-on liquids must fit in one clear, quart-sized bag. This rule applies to all sorts of everyday items, like sunscreen, makeup, lotion, and shampoo.
You might think that your makeup products, such as concealer or foundation, don't fall into the “liquid” category by TSA standards—but you'd be wrong. According to the TSA, concealer, foundation, and even liquid eyeliner falls into the same category as other liquid toiletries, like shampoo and conditioner.
Disposable razors, replacement blades, and electric razors can go in either your carry-on or checked baggage; if you have a safety or straight razor, you can pack it in your carry-on — but you must remove the blades first and pack them in one of your checked bags.
It is distributed as a fluid or a soft solid (not to be confused with lip balm, which generally has medical or soothing purposes, or lipstick, which generally is a solid, cream-like substance that gives off a more pigmented color.)
Other types of non-liquid makeup such as powder makeup, lipstick, blushes, and pastes are allowed in your carry-on with no limits – you don't need to put them in a zip-top bag. You may also carry on solid lip balms with no restrictions; however, gel lip balms are subject to the rules for carrying on liquids.
Replace aerosol sprays and removers with wipes
Plus they don't count as a liquid! Deodorant sprays and makeup removers can easily be replaced with baby or face wipes, which are not counted as a liquid.
The good news is that, even though it counts as a liquid, cream makeup is the best option for travel. Why? Because the thicker texture, especially of things like cream blusher, cream bronzer and concealer, means they're too dense to spill – removing the risk of stained clothes when you arrive at your destination.
According to TUIHolidays, powders under 12 ounces do not need to be included in your clear plastic bag for liquids. So, your bronzer, blush, and eyeshadow palettes can all be stored away in your usual makeup bag.
Both dental floss and floss picks can be carried inside both hand luggage and checked luggage. These two dental hygiene products are not categorized as toiletries as they are not liquids, gels, or creams.
Liquid cosmetics include nail polish, moisturizers, eyeliner and foundation. When deciding which liquid cosmetics to carry, the TSA's 3-1-1 liquid rule we explained above applies. Therefore, ensure your cosmetics are not more than 3.4 oz and all products must fit in a clear, plastic, resealable and quart-sized bag.
Stick deodorant is fine in any size. Well, almost any size… Powders and crystals are good to go as well. Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.
What type of makeup is considered a liquid by TSA? Anything in liquid form or in a non-solid-state such as sprays, creams, pastes, and gels, will be considered a liquid. This could include primer, nail polish, liquid foundation, BB cream, liquid mascara, lip gels, eyebrow gel, and others.
You don't have to put powder make-up into the liquids bag, so don't worry about getting eyeshadows, powder blusher/bronzer or face powder confiscated. Solid but creamy make-up like lipstick, cream blusher, solid balms, eye pencils and stick bronzer is a grey area.
Why cream makeup is best for travel. The good news is that, even though it counts as a liquid, cream makeup is the best option for travel.