How to Pack Makeup

Protecting cosmetics during travel 

When you’re on the move and want to keep your favorite cosmetics on hand, it’s important to protect them by packing well. Powdered palettes can crumble, and bottles can break or leak — and no one wants to deal with a big mess or the expense of replacing your favorite items.  

We’ve gathered the best tips to properly pack cosmetics whether you’re moving or traveling so everything will stay in tip-top shape. 

Check out this video for a quick overview: 

Materials for moving makeup 

Here’s what you’ll need to pack your cosmetics: 

• A lined, padded makeup bag or train case 
• Quart-size zip-top bags 
• Bubble Wrap or packing paper 
• Packing tape 
• Plastic stretch wrap or cling film 
• A small moving box 

Makeup packing tips 

Pack essentials for the road (or sky)

If wearing cosmetics daily helps you feel most like yourself, it’s good to have the essentials with you during travel. Carefully pack products in your makeup bag or train case, separating the liquids from the other products in the pouches.  

If you want to save space, use travel-sized options or multi-purpose items like tinted sunscreen or lipstick that can also be blush. If you don’t have smaller versions of your favorites, consider adding portions of the products to travel containers for easy carrying. 

Items like eyeliner pencils, lipstick and mascara can usually travel as they are as long as the caps are securely fastened.  

Note: For airline travel, all liquids (including aerosols), creams and pastes in your carry-on luggage must be 3.4 ounces or less per container, and all must fit into a quart-size zip-top bag. Larger-sized items can travel in checked baggage, but aerosols are limited to 17 fluid ounces. 

Take special care with aerosols and flammable liquids 

While it’s okay to transport aerosols and flammable liquids like hairspray, nail polish or nail polish remover on a plane (if the size limits are followed), most moving companies, including U-Pack®, don’t allow these products inside moving equipment. You’ll need to take these items with you. 

Review U-Pack’s Do Not Ship List. 

Prevent leaking

Transport liquid makeup items like concealer, foundation or nail polish inside zip-top plastic bags. For added protection, you can place a small piece of plastic wrap under the cap before closing it.  

Protect powdered makeup and brushes 

For delicate blushes, eyeshadows and pressed powders, cover each product with cotton pads or tissue before closing the lid for extra cushioning.  

Keep makeup brushes and foam applicators clean by storing them in a brush holder or wrapping them in a facial cloth before placing them in a bag. You can also use brush caps or rolled cardboard to protect the bristles. 

Wrap fragile products before packing

Using Bubble Wrap or packing paper, wrap glass bottles and delicate makeup palettes individually and secure them with packing tape. Place wrapped items in a small box lined with packing materials. Fill in any extra space with packing material or facial cloths and towels before sealing the box with packing tape.

Be mindful of temperature changes 

If any of your cosmetics need to be kept at a mild temperature, it’s best to carry them with you. Depending on the season, some items might melt or freeze inside moving equipment. 

Protect all your belongings by moving with U-Pack 

If you’re still planning your long-distance move, U-Pack can help. We’re a DIY moving solution where you pack and load, and then we handle the driving. Get your free, no-obligation quote online today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.  

Want to pack like a pro? Check out our packing tips to keep everything safe during transit. 

What’s your favorite makeup item or packing tip? Let us know in the comments!