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A makeup or cosmetics bag is absolutely essential. Not only are the cases meant to make your life easier, but they are also convenient to travel with. When it comes to finding the right makeup bag for you, there are tons of different options. From hard shell to soft, to fold up and zip up – the possibilities are endless.
To help you find the right makeup bag for you, we rounded up all of our favorite makeup bags for 2024. There are different options for everyone but one thing remains the same about all of our top picks – they’re waterproof. This is super important when looking for a makeup bag because it makes traveling stress-free, just in case something spills on it, plus, if you get it dirty you can easily clean it.
No matter what type of makeup bag you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone on our list below!
Our Picks of the Hottest Makeup Bag
Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case — Best Overall
Made of oxford fabric and nylon lining, this makeup case is the perfect storage organizer for all of your makeup and beauty essentials. The super durable and lightweight makeup case has a two-way zipper with a wide handle, making it easy to travel with. Plus, it has a removable clapboard that can be adjusted to different sizes so that you can make your own compartments and it has a slot for your makeup brushes on the top flap. Even better, it is waterproof, shockproof, anti-wear, and spill-proof.
Pros
- It is waterproof & shockproof
Cons
- It may have a slight smell when you first get it due to the glue
ROWNYEON Makeup Train Case — Runner Up
This mini cosmetics case is perfect for travel as it is waterproof, shake-proof, anti-wear, and spill-proof. Made of oxford fabric, it has smooth zippers and sponge dividers which allow you to rearrange your products however you want. You can fit 7-inch makeup brushes and 3-inch lipsticks. There are 4 makeup brush compartments and 1 zip compartment, plus it comes with 4 padded dividers which allow you to create your own compartments and store your products properly and safely.
Pros
- It comes with adjustable compartments
Cons
- It does not come with a mirror
Vaultz Makeup Case — Honorable Mention
The Vaultz Makeup Case is the perfect companion for keeping all your beauty essentials organized and secure. This lightweight, soft-sided makeup case has enough room to store all of your favorite cosmetic and beauty products. The built-in six-brush holder with a cover will keep your makeup brushes within easy reach without making a mess. Moreover, there are two removable zipper pouches and one zippered mesh pocket for additional storage, so you'll never run out of places to store your items.
Pros
- Cute design with a sturdy lock for added security
Cons
- The price is on the expensive side
MONSTINA Makeup Train Cases — Contender
Included in this waterproof makeup case with durable handles, are two pieces of large pads, three pieces of small pads, and one piece of a long pad, which can all be adjusted to make your own compartments. Not only can it be used to store your products, but it can also be used as a tote bag when the dividers are taken out. Aside from the dividers, the case comes with slots for your makeup brushes and zipper compartments for extra storage.
Pros
- It is waterproof
Cons
- The glue fro the partition in the makeup case may have a scent that lasts about 2-3 days when you first buy this
Large Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag — Also Consider
When it comes to traveling, this toiletry bag is absolutely essential. It contains three sections that ravel up into one bag. One section features the main zip-up compartment while the other two sections also feature different pockets for storage. Even better, the bag unravels and can be laid flat or hung up, as it contains a sturdy silver hook. Even better, it’s waterproof and super durable.
Pros
- It has a hook that allows you to hang it up
Cons
- It is a bit large
habe Travel Makeup Bag with Mirror — Another Option
This soft makeup case has two handles and a break-proof zipper, which makes it perfect for traveling. It has a 3 in 1 design which allows you to fit up to 3 makeup bags worth of cosmetics into 1 simple case. It contains adjustable PowderSafe walls that allow you to store powders such as blushes and bronzers, without worrying that they will shake in the bag and crack. It even comes with a removable mirror and slots for extra-long makeup brushes on the top flap. Even better, the case comes with a 100% lifetime money-back guarantee.
Pros
- It comes with a lifetime money-back guarantee
Cons
- There are only four makeup brush holder slots
Buying Guide: Makeup Bags
An entire makeup collection can be expensive, so it is important to protect it when traveling to work or on vacation. Protecting a much-loved purse is also important. You may only carry a few essential pieces of makeup like foundation, mascara, and lipstick, or you might carry a variety of eyeshadows, nail varnishes, and a contouring kit too. The top makeup bags will have room for everything you need and utilize every little bit of space.
Makeup bags are available in a large array of colors, sizes, and styles. With so many makeup bags on the market, you are sure to find one that is both practical and matches your style. Continue reading to see our top tips on how to choose a makeup bag that best suits your needs.
Smart Storage and Space for All of Your Makeup
An ideal makeup bag will store your makeup products in the smallest space possible. It will also store makeup products to protect them from damage and prevent the contents from leaking.
This means having individual compartments for certain items, so they are not simply piled on top of each other. In addition, compartments should be of various sizes to hold multiple items snuggly. This will prevent your makeup from moving around too much.
We love makeup bags that have separate compartments for makeup brushes. This stops the bristles from bending or shedding. If you have too much makeup to store in one makeup bag, you should consider purchasing two smaller-sized makeup bags. This will allow you to store your makeup in the smaller nooks and crannies of your purse.
Protect Your Purse by Choosing a Secure Makeup Bag
Your makeup bag should fasten securely. It should not be easy to open as this means it may accidentally open when knocked around in your purse or luggage. You may want to look for a makeup bag with individually closing compartments.
Read customer reviews to judge the security and durability of the makeup bag’s zipper. Customers will leave reviews and let you know whether the zipper is secure or whether you should try an alternative product.
Waterproofness is another aspect of security to consider. Many, but not all, makeup bags are waterproof. This is especially useful if you use liquid or cream foundations. It will also protect any powder products from heavy rain or spillages.
Padding Is a Bonus
Choosing a makeup bag with plenty of padding will prevent the makeup containers from hitting hard surfaces and cracking. Hard knocks may also cause lids to come loose. If a makeup bag is well-padded, ensure it is still waterproof.
Similarly, you should consider purchasing a makeup bag with feet. This will keep your makeup bag upright when you place it down, protecting its contents, and will make it easier to find what you want inside it.
Choose a Design as Fun, Elegant, and Cool as You Are
Makeup bags are available in many colors and designs. You may want a makeup bag that is one solid color. You can begin your search by looking for your favorite color, or a color matching your purse. Some people opt for a makeup bag showing their favorite inspirational quote.
If choosing a patterned makeup bag, there are several types of patterns you could look for. For example, if you want shapes, you could search for symmetrical patterns or specific shapes like polka dots, squares, rhombus, hexagons, or triangles.
Alternatively, you may want to look for a pattern containing prints based on something you are interested in. For example, if you have a sweet tooth, you could choose a makeup bag with sweets, donuts, or cupcakes printed on the outside.
You could also look for other themes like vehicles, fauna, flora, or sea themes. The possibilities are endless. If you have something more specific in mind, like your favorite animal, you should be able to find a design to suit.
Once you have decided what theme or subject you want in the design, consider whether you want a realistic interpretation of the subject, something cartoonish, or something abstract. You could also opt for a makeup bag with a plain outside and a print on the inside.
