Packing Makeup for Travel

When it comes to packing your makeup, you might be tempted to just throw everything into a bag and go – don't. Pressed powders can crumble, glass bottles can break, and other disasters can happen. Whether you’re traveling or moving, it’s important to protect your makeup to keep it intact. For the basics of cosmetic packing, check out these easy tips.

How to Pack Makeup

The video above outlined some simple moving hacks for packing makeup. Let’s dig into the details and discover how to keep all types of makeup secure during travel or moving.

What type of makeup bag do I need for packing?

Before you can pack your makeup, you’ll need to find the perfect bag. We recommend using a makeup bag or train case with pouches and pockets because you can separate items as you pack. Think liquids in one compartment, loose powders in another, and so on.

Expert Makeup Packing Tips

• Get samples
  Before you travel, visit your local cosmetics store and ask for samples. Many brands offer cute, tiny packages of your favorite products. You’ll find that it’s much easier to pack small samples than full-size items.
   
• Take small amounts with you
  If samples aren’t available, create your own by putting small amounts in a clean, screw-top contact lens case. It’s our favorite travel item! Squirt a dab of foundation, moisturizer, or other liquid into the wells of the case, and take just the amount you need.
   
• Protect pressed powders
  Not much is worse than a broken eye shadow. To help keep it, blushes, and other pressed powders from breaking, place a cotton pad between the powder and the lid. It provides a little extra cushion to keep everything in place.  
   
• Wrap nail polishes
  If you’re packing for travel, it’s important to protect the bottle and your bag – a broken nail polish bottle could cause a lot of damage. To do this, wrap polishes in newspaper and place them in a zip-top bag.
  • Remember, nail polishes are liquids and flammable, so if you’re moving, you won’t be able to pack them into a moving trailer. We suggest wrapping them like you would for travel, and keeping them with you.
     
• Separate liquids
  To avoid spills, place plastic wrap over bottle openings and replace the lids. This creates a tighter seal on the lid to prevent any leaks. For even more added protection if you’re moving, put liquids into a zip top bag and wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap.
   
• Cover loose powders
  The last thing you want is loose powder all over everything. To keep powders contained, place them in a zip-top bag, wrap them in cling wrap, or tape around the lid.
   
• Pack your extra makeup for moving
  Any makeup you won’t need access to during your move should be packed into a moving box. Wrap it in packing paper or bubble wrap and make sure to fill empty space in the box with extra packing paper.
   
• Prepare for carrying on
  If you plan on taking your makeup onto the plane in your carry-on luggage, make sure all liquids, creams, and pastes are 3.4 ounces or less per container and that all containers fit into a quart size zip-top bag.

Protect Your Makeup When Traveling or Moving

Makeup is an investment, so taking the time to protect it is definitely worthwhile. Make sure it’s all in great shape when you arrive by following these simple makeup packing tips.

Do you have makeup packing tips to add? We would love to hear them!