Best 28 Travel Makeup Options: Pack These in Your Travel Makeup Bag

You may have your beauty routine perfected. You’ve found your favorite products, you’re brand loyal and you know what works. Heading on a trip though? That can change everything. Beauty products may only be optimal for specific climates. We’re here to run you through the very best travel makeup products to add to your makeup collection. And of course we’ll share travel size options that are TSA-friendly.

If you’ve ever stood in the beauty aisle at a major drugstore you know how overwhelming all of the choices can be. We’ve rounded up the ones that work well for travel, have great ratings and that we buy again and again. Most of these items can be found on Amazon. Don’t forget to put together multiple makeup items in one order and click Subscribe and Save for sizable discounts!

1. e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Skin Daily Moisturizer

E.l.f. is a fantastic easily accessible brand that can be found in most drugstores. When you’re traveling, especially by air, your skin can suffer. It’s super important to practice good skincare and lock in extra moisture whenever possible.

Why e.l.f. Holy Hydrations! is the Best Travel Moisturizer

• Under $10
• TSA-friendly 2.6 oz size (larger ones are available if traveling by car)
• Very lightweight and perfect for your nighttime routine
• Aloe vera and jojoba ingredients are soothing to dry or sunburnt skin
• Great for sensitive skin

2. RunnerUp: CeraVe Ultralight Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen

If you’ve got sensitive skin or want to make sure you’re getting SPF on your face when you moisturize, CeraVe is a fantastic choice. This gentle formula is the perfect beauty essential to pack in your travel makeup bag.

Why CeraVe Ultralight with Sunscreen is a Must-Have Moisturizer

• SPF 30 protects your face from UVA and UVB rays
• Paraben-free, fragrance-free and noncomedogenic formula
• Not greasy and won’t leave a white residue
• Moisturizes and contains ceramides to promote continued hydration of the skin

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Primer and Serum

Have you ever spontaneously bought a new primer or foundation and then been disappointed when you used them? Maybe they seemed to react to each other? I know I’ve had this happen. That’s because primers and foundations need to be matched. The ingredients in some gel-based foundations and mattifying formulas may flake on top of certain smoothing primers. Always test your picks together before packing your cosmetic bag for a trip.

Primer can lay down a great base for the best looking makeup however make sure you’re matching your primer to the climate as well. Using a putty-type or gripping primer in a hot destination can cause it to settle into pores and imperfections giving your skin the texture of an orange peel (yuck). We’ll give out two Bests in this category – one for hot climates and one for chillier vacays.

Why Neutrogena Hydro Boost is the Best Primer for Cold Weather

• Pulls double duty as a primer and a serum, saving room in your makeup bag
• Dropper with vial top seals tightly to prevent spills in transit
• Contains hyaluronic acid which moisturizes and gives a light glow
• Perfect for under makeup or on days you want to look healthy, dewy and fresh without makeup

4. e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Primer

This product glides on so smoothly and feels so luxurious that you would never guess that it’s a $10 bargain buy. It’s ideal for neutralizing redness and masking skin imperfections. When visiting a humid climate it’s pretty common to have minor skin flair ups or redness. The green tones will make you picture perfect despite what the sun is attempting to do to you!

Why e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Primer is the Best Primer for Hot Climates

• Good for both dry and oily skin
• Can be used as a base with no makeup on top just to even redness
• A little goes a long way! One pump is enough.
• e.l.f. as a brand has a fair trade certified factory, produces vegan products and is certified cruelty-free
• Slightly smaller travel size is available but we love that the larger size is also under 3.4 oz

5. Bonus: e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer

You don’t need an eyelid primer, but I always pack one if I’m wearing eye shadow. This creamy primer from e.l.f. gives shadow something to grip so it doesn’t crease or slide around during a long travel day. It also makes the color look more intense, so a little shadow goes a long way. Best of all, it costs a fraction of the department store versions.

Why e.l.f. Lock It Down is the Best Primer for Times You Might Cry

• Locks your eye shadow in place so it doesn’t crease or fade
• Makes shimmer and color pop with less product
• Expecting a proposal or heading to an emotional event? This one step keeps your eye makeup photo ready
• Lightweight and non greasy so it feels like nothing on your lids
• The small tube tucks easily into any makeup bag

6. Laura Geller Retractable Airbrush Kabuki Brush

A retractable kabuki brush is the one brush I’d tell any traveler to pack. The Laura Geller Retractable Airbrush Kabuki has dense, soft bristles that blend powder or liquid foundation into an airbrushed finish. When you’re done, the bristles slide back into the handle and the cap keeps them clean in your bag. No more powder all over your toiletry kit!

Why the Laura Geller Retractable Kabuki is the Perfect Travel Makeup Brush

• Retracts into its own handle so the bristles stay clean and protected
• Works with powder, cream and liquid foundation
• Dense bristles give an even, airbrushed finish
• Bristles hold up without shedding
• Compact enough for a purse or carry on

7. RunnerUp: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Set

If you’d rather pack a small kit than a single brush, this Real Techniques set covers everything. You get a blush brush, a setting brush, a crease brush and a foundation brush, plus two Miracle Complexion Sponges for bouncing in liquid foundation or concealer. The UltraPlush synthetic bristles pick up product and blend it smoothly, and the whole set is vegan and cruelty free.

Why the Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Set is our RunnerUp

• Four brushes and two sponges for face and eyes
• Works with powder, cream and liquid formulas
• UltraPlush synthetic bristles blend smoothly
• Miracle Complexion Sponges give streak free coverage
• Vegan and cruelty free

8. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation + Concealer

I love a product that does two jobs, and this Milani formula is foundation and concealer in one bottle. That means one less item to pack and fewer steps when you’re getting ready in a tiny hotel bathroom. It comes in 45 shades and one or two pumps covers the whole face. Plus it’s cruelty free.

Why Milani Conceal + Perfect is a Favorite for Travel

• Foundation and concealer in one so you pack less
• Buildable coverage that evens out redness and dark spots
• 45 shades to choose from
• One to two pumps is all you need
• Cruelty free and budget friendly

9. Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten Powder Foundation

Powder foundation can be a great option for travel. You don’t have to fit it into your liquids bag if you aren’t checking luggage and you don’t need to worry about the item oozing out after air pressure impacts it. This pigmented mineral-based powder allows you to build to the level of coverage that you desire.

Why Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten is Our RunnerUp Foundation

• Apply with different brushes to get different coverage levels (kabuki for light, dense for more coverage)
• Light, silky feel for a no-makeup makeup look
• Runs a bit darker in almost every shade we’ve seen so order a shade lighter than your normal foundation
• Fantastic for people who don’t want to pack concealer and are looking for a color balancing foundation

Makeup Tip: Compacts can be messy if they get banged around during travel breaking the powder. Put a foam applicator (or several cotton rounds) between the cover and the powder to fill the space and prevent breakage. You can also put them into small squeeze purses to protect them more. We love these ones, which are also great for earbuds and jewelry.

10. Revlon PhotoReady Concealer Stick

A stick concealer is my go to for travel because there’s no liquid to worry about at security. Revlon PhotoReady glides on with an angled tip that gets right into the inner corners of your eyes and around your nose. It gives medium to full coverage and has an HD filter effect that looks smooth in photos, which is exactly what you want on vacation.

Why Revlon PhotoReady is the Best Travel Concealer

• Solid stick format means no liquid limits at TSA
• Angled tip makes precise application easy
• Medium to full coverage for dark circles and blemishes
• Smooth HD finish looks great in vacation photos
• Twist up design won’t leak in your bag

11. RunnerUp: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer

If dark circles are your biggest concern after a red eye flight, this is the concealer I’d reach for. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is America’s number one concealer for a reason. The cushion applicator makes it easy to dab on and blend, and it’s made with Haloxyl to target dark circles. You’ll find it at nearly every drugstore if you forget it at home.

Why Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is Also a Favorite

• Built in cushion applicator so you don’t need a separate tool
• Brightens and covers under eye dark circles
• Lightweight formula that doesn’t look cakey
• Easy to find at drugstores almost anywhere
• Affordable enough to keep one in every travel bag

12. Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

Looking for a sun-kissed head start? Rimmel London’s Natural Bronzer is a great, affordable bronzer to have on standby.

Why Rimmel London Natural Bronzer is our Favorite

• Under $5
• Natural-looking shades that work for most skin tones
• SPF 15
• Waterproof

13. e.l.f. Sheer For It Blush Tint

Multitaskers are a must when space is tight. This e.l.f. tint works on both cheeks and lips, so it replaces two products in my bag. The watery formula blends in with your fingers and builds from a soft flush to a deeper pop of color. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid so it feels hydrating instead of drying.

Why e.l.f. Sheer For It is the Best Blush for Travel

• Works as a cheek and lip tint
• Apply with your fingers so no brush is needed
• Buildable sheer color for a natural flush
• Hyaluronic acid keeps skin feeling hydrated
• Small size is easy to tuck into a pocket

14. RunnerUp: e.l.f. Soft Glam Cream Blush Stick

Prefer a cream blush? This twist up stick from e.l.f. swipes right onto your cheeks and blends with a fingertip for a soft satin finish. It’s made with shea butter and sunflower oil so it melts into skin instead of sitting on top. The stick format means no mess and nothing to spill in your carry on.

Why e.l.f. Soft Glam Cream Blush is our RunnerUp Blush

• Twist up stick goes on in seconds
• Blends easily with fingers for a natural look
• Shea butter and sunflower oil keep it creamy
• Satin finish that looks fresh all day
• Solid format is TSA friendly

15. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

I want mascara that gives me length without needing to reapply all day, and Sky High delivers. The Flex Tower brush bends to reach every lash from root to tip. It’s infused with bamboo extract and fibers for serious length and volume. It’s washable, so it comes off easily at night with a regular cleanser or makeup wipe.

Why Maybelline Sky High is the Best Travel Mascara

• Flexible brush catches every lash
• Bamboo extract and fibers add length and volume
• Washable formula removes easily at the end of the day
• Holds up through long days of sightseeing
• Available everywhere if you need a replacement on the road

16. RunnerUp: NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel

A clear brow gel keeps my brows in place from the airport to dinner. NYX Control Freak is clear and non sticky, so it works on any brow color. I love that it doubles as a clear mascara for a natural look on days when I want to keep things simple.

Why I Love NYX Control Freak Brow Gel

• Clear formula works on every brow color
• Holds brows in place all day
• Non sticky and never crunchy
• Doubles as a clear mascara
• Tiny tube takes up almost no room

17. NYX Epic Ink Liner

Liquid liner can be tricky, but a felt style tip makes it so much easier. NYX Epic Ink has a flexible, precise tip that lets you draw a thin line or a bold wing. The waterproof matte formula lasts up to 24 hours, so it holds up through humidity, pool days and long flights.

Why NYX Epic Ink is the Best Eyeliner

• Flexible tip for precise lines or dramatic wings
• Waterproof formula stands up to heat and humidity
• Up to 24 hour wear
• Deep matte black finish
• Pen style design won’t leak in your makeup bag

18. RunnerUp: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil

If you prefer a pencil, Revlon ColorStay is the one I’d pack. It’s waterproof and smudge proof with up to 24 hour wear. There’s a built in sharpener in the cap, which means one less thing to remember. It comes in a two pack, so you can keep one at home and one in your travel bag.

Why I Also Love Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner

• Waterproof and smudge proof
• Lasts up to 24 hours
• Built in sharpener in the cap
• Two pack so you always have a spare
• Glides on smoothly without tugging

19. Revlon Illuminance Creme Eye Shadow Palette

Eye shadow is always one of the trickier travel makeup items, especially if you’re a traveler who loves variety. If you’ve got eye shadow palettes at home where you use only one or two colors, the space they take up can seem like a waste. In addition, the makeup cases on traditional palettes can bust open and leave a mess. Cream eye shadow can be a great choice for travel!

Why We Love Revlon Illuminance Creme Eye Shadow 

• Pocket-sized and easy to pack
• Ophthalmologist-tested and good for sensitive eyes and skin
• Eight great color options including shimmer, neutral and bold
• Buildable pigmented shades- just add more layers for more saturated results
• All palettes contain a mirror

20. RunnerUp: wet n wild Color Icon 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palette

A small palette is all you need on the road, and this wet n wild 5 pan is about as compact as they come. The shadows are buttery and easy to blend, with shimmer and metallic shades that take you from day to night. At this price, I don’t worry if it gets tossed around in my bag.

Why I Love wet n wild Color Icon Palettes

• Five coordinated shades in a slim compact
• Buttery shadows blend easily with a finger or brush
• Mix of shimmer and metallic finishes
• Long lasting color
• Budget friendly

21. Maybelline Lifter Gloss in Ice

A lip gloss that also hydrates is a win in dry airplane air. Maybelline Lifter Gloss is made with hyaluronic acid to smooth the look of lips. The XL wand covers your whole lip in one swipe, and the formula isn’t sticky. Ice is a sheer pink that flatters almost everyone.

Why Maybelline Lifter Gloss is the Best Travel Lip Gloss

• Hyaluronic acid hydrates lips
• XL wand for quick, even application
• High shine without the sticky feel
• Ice is a sheer pink that works with any look
• Small tube fits in a pocket or clutch

22. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

When I want something between a balm and a gloss, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is it. It’s made with shea and murumuru butters to soften dry lips, and it leaves a sheer pink tint with a glossy shine. Wear it alone or layer it over or under lipstick.

Why Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is the Best Sheer Lip Gloss

• Shea and murumuru butters condition lips
• Sheer pink tint with a glossy finish
• Wear it alone or with lipstick
• Soothing on dry flights and windy days
• Squeeze tube is easy to apply on the go

23. Aquaphor Lip Repair Lip Balm

Yes, we’ve got lip gloss and lip balm on the packing list! Did you know your lips can sunburn? Whether you’re in a hot climate or a cold one, sore lips are never fun on a vacation! We swear by Aquaphor for quick relief.

Why Aquaphor Lip Repair is a Must-Have for Travelers

• Seals in moisture and provides long-lasting relief
• Slanted tip provides easy application
• #1 dermatologist recommended lip brand

24. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Blurfection Setting Powder

Setting powder keeps everything in place so you’re not touching up all day. L’Oreal Infallible Blurfection is a loose powder that blurs the look of pores while locking makeup in place for up to 24 hours. A light dusting is all you need, so one jar lasts a long time.

Why L’Oreal Infallible Blurfection is the Best Setting Powder

• Blurs the look of pores
• Sets makeup for up to 24 hours
• Lightweight finish that doesn’t look cakey
• A little goes a long way
• Great for humid destinations

25. Milani Make It Last Setting Spray

Setting spray is the last step I never skip before a long day of sightseeing. Milani Make It Last primes, corrects and sets makeup for up to 24 hours. It’s made with glycerin and 2% niacinamide, so it feels refreshing instead of tight. Spritz it before makeup as a primer, then again at the end to lock everything in.

Why Milani Make It Last is the Best Travel Setting Spray

• Primes, corrects and sets in one product
• Keeps makeup in place up to 24 hours
• Glycerin and niacinamide help skin feel hydrated
• Fine mist that won’t disturb your makeup
• Cruelty free

26. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes

An important part of a makeup routine is removing your makeup at the end of the day. However, makeup-removing wipes are usually packaged in a way that is anything but travel-friendly. They are bulky, have flaps that don’t actually reseal and sometimes leak liquid. For quick trips where you only need three or four wipes, bringing a big full-size pack seems like overkill. These individually packaged wipes are perfect to keep on hand for trips as they come up.

Why Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes are Perfect for Travel

• Individual packages make it easy to pack only what you need for the trip, saving space
• Wipes remove even waterproof and water-resistant makeup
• Ophthalmologist, dermatologist and allergist tested
• Compostable
• Full-sized wipe

27. RunnerUp: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

After a day in makeup and sunscreen, I want a cleanser that gets everything off without stripping my skin. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser uses salicylic acid to gently exfoliate while it cleans. The gel turns into a light foam, and three essential ceramides help protect your skin barrier. It’s fragrance free and gentle enough for daily use.

Why CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is the RunnerUp Makeup Remover

• Salicylic acid gently exfoliates
• Gel to foam texture rinses clean
• Three essential ceramides support your skin barrier
• Fragrance free
• Great for smoothing rough, dry travel skin

28. Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

Stray brow hairs always seem to show up on vacation, so I keep a good pair of tweezers in my makeup bag. Tweezerman’s Slant Tweezer has been an Allure Best of Beauty winner since 2001. The precisely aligned, hand filed tips grab even the finest hairs. TSA allows tweezers in carry on bags, so they can come along wherever you go.

Why Tweezerman is My Favorite Tweezer

• Allure Best of Beauty winner since 2001
• 25 degree slanted tip for an easy grip
• Hand filed tips grab even fine hairs
• Durable stainless steel lasts for years
• Protective tip cover keeps them safe in your bag

Picking the Best Travel Makeup For Your Style

Makeup is a deeply personal decision. Different people like different looks, have different skin tones, have aversions to different textures or have different skin needs. In the long run, you are the one who needs to be happy with your choices. Hopefully, this list gets you started as you pack the carry-on for your next adventure. Happy travels!