Michael Turner
Immediate rule: Any liquids, gels, creams, pastes and aerosols must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) or smaller and placed together in a single transparent, resealable bag with a capacity of roughly 1 litre (quart); one such bag permitted per passenger at security screening.
Solid formulations: Stick and compact items (lipstick, solid deodorant, pressed powders, solid perfume) are classed as solids and may remain outside the clear bag. Powder cosmetics exceeding 350 ml (about 12 oz) travelling to or from U.S. flights may require additional screening and are best checked if large.
Flammable and aerosol products: Aerosol hairspray, spray deodorant and nail polish are allowed only if each container meets the 100 ml limit; volatile solvents and removers with high alcohol content should be placed in checked baggage or purchased after security to avoid confiscation.
Battery-powered devices: Electronic beauty tools and spare lithium batteries (including power banks) must stay in cabin baggage with terminals protected; devices or batteries above airline-specified watt‑hour limits are often prohibited, so verify carrier rules before departure.
Medicinal and baby items: Medically necessary liquids and infant formula may exceed 100 ml but should be declared at screening and accompanied by documentation or proof of need; carry these items separately for inspection.
Packing tips: Transfer liquids into labeled 100 ml travel bottles, keep the transparent bag readily accessible for X‑ray, pad fragile compacts, weigh powder jars to stay below screening thresholds, and confirm specific airport or carrier restrictions prior to travel.
Which liquid, gel and cream cosmetics must meet the 100 ml / 3-1-1 rule?
All liquid, gel and cream cosmetics transported in cabin baggage must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) or less and placed together inside one transparent resealable 1-litre plastic bag (the 3-1-1 rule).
- Definition: “Liquids” include liquids, gels, pastes, creams, lotions, oils, aerosols and substances of similar consistency; container volume printed on the packaging determines compliance, not actual remaining content.
- Common items that must meet the 100 ml limit:
- Facial moisturizers, night creams, BB/CC creams, liquid foundations, liquid concealers
- Liquid primers, cream blushes and cream highlighters
- Sunscreen lotions and spray sunscreens
- Liquid eyeliners, mascara (liquid formula), brow gels
- Lip glosses, liquid lip stains, balm liquids in squeeze tubes
- Perfume and cologne (sprays or liquids)
- Makeup removers in liquid form, micellar water, toners
- Gel-based products: hair gel, aloe vera gel, gel masks
- Aerosol cosmetics: hairspray, setting sprays, thermal water (counted as liquids)
- Common items typically exempt from the 100 ml rule:
- Solid items: pressed powders, compact powder, solid lipstick, solid deodorant sticks, solid balm bars
- Dry powders and mascara wands with non-liquid formulations (verify consistency)
- Exceptions and special cases:
- Prescription medicines and medically necessary liquids (e.g., liquid medication, insulin) are usually allowed in larger amounts but must be presented separately at security screening and may require documentation or a declaration.
- Infant/child food and milk for the journey are allowed in reasonable quantities beyond 100 ml but must be screened and declared.
- Duty-free liquids bought airside that are sealed in a tamper-evident bag with receipt are generally permitted even if over 100 ml; keep the sealed bag and receipt until final destination–transit rules may vary.
- Practical recommendations:
- Use travel-size containers labeled ≤100 ml; label capacity is authoritative.
- Transfer creams and liquids into properly labeled travel bottles rather than relying on partially filled large containers.
- Fit containers flat in a 1-litre resealable clear bag; only one such bag allowed per passenger during screening.
- Place suspicious or oversized items in hold baggage or purchase travel-sized/duty-free versions to avoid removal at security.
- Verify aerosols and flammable cosmetic restrictions with the carrier when carrying sprays–some are restricted or prohibited despite meeting volume rules.
How to pack foundation, BB cream and concealer to prevent leaks and pass security
Decant foundation and BB cream into pump-style or silicone travel tubes with capacity between 30–100 ml; choose containers with silicone O-rings or vacuum pumps to minimize air ingress and pressure-driven leaks.
Seal each container by wiping threads, placing a single layer of cling film directly over the opening, screwing the cap down firmly, then wrapping the cap-thread junction with waterproof tape (medical adhesive or PVC tape). Place taped bottles inside small individual zip-top pouches; add a single folded paper towel to each pouch to absorb any tiny seepage.
Prefer solid or stick concealers and twist-up crayon formats. If a liquid wand is required, decant only the minimum daily amount (3–7 ml) into a narrow pump or locking pen applicator; label with product name and date. Magnetic or locking caps reduce accidental opening during transit.
For screening, keep decanted items in a clear resealable pouch and keep original containers or labels handy for inspection requests; clear labeling speeds up checks. Position sealed pouches in the center of cabin baggage inside a rigid cosmetics organizer or small hard-shell case so pressure from packed items cannot buckle bottles – construction principles similar to robust outdoor gear such as best patio umbrella for wind and sun.
Avoid placing liquid foundations near heat sources; temperature changes increase internal pressure and leak risk. Final checklist before departure: containers closed and taped, each in a double seal (pouch + pouch), excess product removed, and solid alternatives used where feasible.
How to protect powder compacts, eyeshadow palettes and pressed blush from crushing
Store each compact or palette in a rigid container (sunglasses case, small hard-shell box or ABS travel tin) with a 3–5 mm closed-cell EVA foam liner cut to fit the interior; secure the lid with a strip of painter’s tape or an elastic band to prevent accidental opening.
For thin palettes keep the original cardboard sleeve beneath the palette to add rigidity; place a 2 mm corrugated plastic sheet (cut to size) on top of the pans before closing to spread any point pressure across the whole surface.
Wrap individual pans in either a single cotton pad or two layers of 6 mm small-bubble bubble wrap; for multi-pan palettes insert thin interleaving tissue or wax paper between pans to stop friction and powder transfer.
Arrange packed palettes flat, faces up, in the central area of the main compartment surrounded by soft garments (t-shirts, socks). Avoid placing heavy objects above them or directly next to zippers and wheels; if stacking is unavoidable, put hard items beneath and soft items on top to reduce localized pressure.
For mirrors add a foam strip or 3–5 mm silicone pad between mirror and product; for palettes with magnetic pans consider removing loose pans and keeping them in a padded pan insert to prevent shifting.
Emergency re-press: scrape crushed powder into a bowl, add 2–3 drops of 70% isopropyl alcohol per small pan (5–10 mm depth) or 5–7 drops for larger pans, mix into a paste, return to pan, cover with a sheet of baking/parchment paper and press firmly with a coin wrapped in cloth; dry flat for 12–24 hours before closing.
Quick checklist: rigid case + EVA foam liner, original sleeve or corrugated support, interleaving tissue, mirror padding, flat faces-up placement, avoid heavy loads directly above, emergency re-press kit (alcohol, coin, tissue) included.
Are aerosols, spray setting mists and perfumes allowed in cabin baggage?
Keep pressurised sprays and perfume bottles at 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) or smaller and place all liquid/spray containers together inside a single transparent resealable 1-litre bag for screening.
Perfume sprays and setting mists that exceed 100 ml are normally refused at security unless purchased in duty‑free and packed in a sealed tamper‑evident bag (STEB) with receipt; retention of that sealed bag until final destination is usually required, and connecting flights through different regions may void the exception.
Pressurised aerosols with flammable propellants are subject to extra airline and national restrictions. When in doubt, check the departure carrier’s restrictions and the relevant civil aviation authority before departure; some operators limit total quantity per passenger or ban specific aerosol types from cabin stowage.
Packing and leak-prevention rules
Always fit a cap or locking mechanism over spray heads. Wrap the nozzle with a strip of tape or place each bottle inside a small zip pouch to contain accidental discharge. For valuable fragrances, keep the original box and place the boxed bottle inside the resealable 1‑litre bag.
Decant large bottles into travel-size atomisers clearly labelled with product name and volume (≤100 ml). Use travel atomisers with a screw cap and test the seal at home before transit; foam or pump-style alternatives reduce the risk of pressurised failure.
Practical screening notes
Security officers commonly ask for the 1‑litre bag to be presented separately at the checkpoint. Any spray that appears damaged, leaking or unlabeled may be confiscated. Medically required inhalers or prescription aerosols should be declared and presented with supporting documentation.
For wet-weather transfers or to avoid opening sealed duty‑free bags outside the terminal, stow a compact best windbreaker umbrella in checked or cabin stowage.
Quick checklist:
• Max container size for cabin screening: 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz.
• All containers must fit in one transparent resealable 1‑litre bag.
• Duty‑free over‑size allowed only in sealed STEB with receipt; rules vary for connections.
• Secure caps, tape nozzles, use travel atomisers and keep original packaging for protection.
Which cosmetic tools are permitted in cabin baggage: brushes, tweezers, scissors and razors?
Store cosmetic brushes and tweezers in cabin baggage freely; scissors and razors require compliance with blade length and blade-type rules at security checkpoints.
Brushes and tweezers – practical handling
Brushes: permitted without size limits. Protect bristles with caps or a rigid case to prevent deformation and to speed up inspection. Place brushes in a separate pouch near the top of the carry-on for quick access. Metal ferrules and long handles are acceptable; electric brush devices follow the same rules as other electronics (battery limits apply).
Tweezers and nail clippers: generally allowed. Keep them in the same pouch as brushes or toiletries for easy inspection; rounded or blunted tips reduce the chance of additional questioning at checkpoints.
Scissors and razors – rules by type and packing recommendations
Scissors: follow national limits. United States (TSA) permits scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches (≈10 cm) measured from the pivot; United Kingdom permits blades shorter than 6 cm. When blade length exceeds the local limit, place scissors in checked baggage. Use small cosmetic scissors with blunt tips (≤6 cm) when intending to travel in cabin baggage.
Razors: distinctions matter. Disposable cartridge razors (cartridge fixed to handle) and electric shavers are allowed in cabin baggage. Safety razors with removable blades require that spare/loose replacement blades be stowed in checked baggage; a razor handle without the blade is typically permitted. Straight razors and loose blades are prohibited in cabin baggage and must go into checked baggage. Always remove disposable cartridge caps and secure the head to avoid accidental injury during handling.
Packing checklist: 1) Keep sharp items in protective sheaths or rigid cases; 2) Put all tools in a single, transparent pouch for faster checks; 3) Remove removable razor blades and transfer them to checked baggage; 4) Verify local airport or airline security pages before travel if any item approaches size or blade-type limits.
How to transport prescription skincare, medicated ointments and baby cosmetics in cabin baggage
Keep prescription topical products in original pharmacy-labelled containers and present the prescription or a clinician’s letter during security checks; this speeds screening and reduces risk of confiscation.
Documentation, labeling and declaration
Acceptable paperwork: pharmacy label with passenger name, drug name and dose; printed prescription; brief clinician letter listing generic names, dosage and trip dates. Translate documents into English if travelling to non-native-language countries. Controlled substances (for example products containing codeine, pseudoephedrine, benzoyl peroxide with restricted additives) require a national prescription or export permit for some destinations–verify with embassy or airline before departure.
At security, present medicated gels, creams and baby toiletries separately from other items in a clear resealable bag for visual inspection. State that items are medicinal and hand them to the officer; quantities over the usual limit are frequently allowed if reasonable for the trip and supported by documentation.
Packing techniques, quantities and temperature-sensitive goods
Quantities: carry amounts matching trip duration plus a small reserve (typically 7–14 days). For medicines that come as liquids or gels, pack the minimum effective volume to reduce the chance of seizure; keep receipts or pharmacy labels demonstrating recent dispense date. Baby products such as formula, expressed milk and sterilized water are commonly exempt from liquid limits–pack extra for delays and present separately at screening.
Leak prevention: place tubes and jars upright inside a secondary sealed plastic bag; add absorbent padding (microfiber cloth or cotton pad) between lids and caps; secure screw-top jars with medical-grade tape across the seam. For fragile pump bottles, remove the pump, replace with a screw cap, then tape.
Cold-chain items: use a dedicated insulated pouch and frozen gel packs that are solid at security; thawing gel packs may be rejected. For refrigerated injectables or creams, obtain an official letter from clinician confirming refrigeration need and contact the airline for approval of onboard storage options. Battery-powered mini-fridges or approved coolers often require advance airline clearance.
If replacement product access is uncertain at destination, photograph labels and prescription details and save copies in cloud storage and on-device. For unrelated heavy-duty travel gear, consult resources such as best bargain pressure washer for recommendations on transporting equipment that must travel in checked baggage.
FAQ:
Can I take my liquid foundation and mascara in my carry-on?
Yes. In many countries liquids, gels and creams in hand luggage must be in containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz) and all those containers should fit inside a single clear resealable bag of about 1 litre (quart) capacity. Mascara and liquid foundation count as liquids, so put them in that bag; solid items like stick concealer or powder compacts do not need to go in the bag.
Are aerosols such as hairspray or spray deodorant allowed in hand luggage?
Aerosols can be restricted because some are flammable. Some airlines and airports allow small personal-care aerosols in carry-on, while others limit or ban them, so check your airline’s rules before travel. If you buy spray products after security in a duty-free shop, keep them sealed in the tamper-evident bag with the receipt to avoid problems at connecting airports.
What rules apply to powder makeup, tools like tweezers or scissors, and razors in my hand luggage?
Powders such as loose face powder or dry eyeshadow are usually permitted in carry-on, but large amounts may trigger extra screening at some checkpoints (for flights to the United States, items over about 350 ml can be subject to additional inspection). Small tools such as tweezers and nail files are generally allowed; scissors are acceptable if blade length meets the airline or security cutoff (for example, many checkpoints allow scissors with blades shorter than about 4 inches). Disposable razors and cartridge razors are typically fine in carry-on, while loose razor blades must go in checked luggage. To avoid delays, place cosmetics and tools where they are easy to remove for inspection, protect fragile items in cases, and keep any receipts or tamper-evident bags from duty-free purchases handy.
