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Shopping for beauty products is always fun, but organizing them? Well, that’s another story. That is, until we discovered the best makeup bags. Deep down, you know that your precious makeup, hair care, and skin-care stockpiles deserve to be stored with dignity in something pretty, practical, and portable. Along with their sleek styles (no cheesy paisley patterns here), these cases are filled with extra pockets and compartments to ensure easy access to your favorite products and tools. Whether you need a carry-on-friendly makeup bag to tote through TSA or simply something to help keep your vanity in order, these spacious makeup bags will check all your boxes. Keep scrolling to find your perfect pouch.
Our Top Makeup Bags
- Best Overall: Kusshi Large Neoprene Train Case, $68
- Most Convenient: Lay-n-Go Cosmo Layflat Drawstring Makeup Bag, $30
- Best Insulated: WellInsulated Performance Beauty Bag, $69
- Best Structured: Béis The Cosmetic Case, $78
- Best Customizable: Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case, $30
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What should you look for in a makeup bag?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Kusshi Large Neoprene Train Case
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Kusshi
Large Neoprene Train Case
Amazon
Nordstrom
Revolve
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee filling her Kusshi Large Neoprene Train Case
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: If you like your makeup bag to stand out in a crowd—or want something easy to spot when traveling with a group—scoop up Kusshi’s brightly colored cases. Beyond the shades of pastel green, blue, and pink, the neoprene material is also super-stretchy (not to mention machine-washable), so it can handle a little overfilling—hey, we’re beauty editors, it happens.
The roomy main compartment fits full-size products, while small interior pockets along the sides help keep lip glosses and mini products nice and organized. There’s also a zippered top section for tools, like brushes, tweezers, and nail files. It’s big, it’s bold, and it keeps all of our products neatly in place.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“Even though this is technically the smaller version, it’s roomy enough to fit plenty of full-size skin care in addition to my go-to makeup. The several smaller pockets make it easy to store items like lipstick without having to shuffle everything around. I like that the handle makes it convenient to tote around from my vanity to the bathroom, or for travel.”—Christa Joanna Lee, commerce writer
More to know
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- Dimensions: 7 inches x 11 inches x 4.5 inches
- Material: neoprene
- Colors: 8
Most Convenient: Lay-n-Go Cosmo Layflat Drawstring Makeup Bag
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Lay-n-Go
Cosmo Layflat Drawstring Makeup Bag
Amazon
Walmart
A video clip of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han closing up a Lay-n-Go Cosmo Layflat Drawstring Makeup Bag Organizer
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: We’ve been seeing lay-flat makeup organizers like Lay-n-Go’s all over our FYPs, and when we finally tried one ourselves, we understood the hype. This drawstring bag holds all your products like a traditional makeup bag, but once you loosen the cord, it lays completely flat on your counter—so you can see everything at once, instead of digging around. Think of it as a vanity you can easily take with you on the go.
It also has a raised edge to help keep products from rolling off your counter, and if something spills while you’re traveling, don’t fret—you can toss the whole bag in the washing machine for easy cleanup. It’s the perfect fix for type-B travelers who don’t have the time or energy to sort products into tiny slots and pockets.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I wasn't sure if this was going to be gimmicky, but now I wish I had bought one years ago! I'll be honest: No matter how many pockets and sections a makeup bag may possess, I'm just not capable of keeping things in order/check, especially when I'm traveling. I love how I can see every item at a glance when it's opened up and laying flat; it definitely beats rummaging around for 15 seconds trying to find that one thing. It really couldn't be easier to tie back up and toss into my bag, so all in all, this makeup bag is a lazy girl's dream! Thankfully, it comes in some cute colors (like this lavender!) so it's not too utilitirian-looking.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Dimensions: mini: 13 inches, original: 20 inches, deluxe: 22 inches
- Material: polyester
- Colors: 32
Best Insulated: WellInsulated Performance Beauty Bag
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WellInsulated
Performance Beauty Bag
Bluemercury
Why it’s worth it: If you ever refrigerate your skin-care products or want to travel with them without risking their potency, let us introduce you to WellInsulated’s Performance Beauty Bag. As the name suggests, it’s insulated to help regulate temperature, protecting your products from heat, moisture, and humidity while you’re on the go.
If anything leaks inside, the spill stays contained inside the bag, instead of soaking through to the rest of your luggage. The aluminum lining also makes cleanup easy—just wipe it down—and helps guard against bacteria and germs. If you’re investing in high-quality beauty products, this bag is worth it to help keep them protected.
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“I swear every time I travel, something spills in my bag, but ever since I started using the WellInsulated makeup bag, it’s been so much easier to deal with. Even if my products take a tumble during travel, cleanup takes literally two seconds with a wet wipe or paper towel. Plus, I keep my eye patches in the fridge, and when I toss them in this bag, they’re still cold by the time I take them out—which feels amazing after a long flight (or even during one).” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Dimensions: 5 inches x 7.5 inches x 3 inches
- Material: aluminum (interior), vegan leather (exterior)
- Colors: 5
Best Structured: Béis The Cosmetic Case
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Béis
The Cosmetic Case
Nordstrom
Béis
Why it's worth it: Doing makeup while in a moving vehicle should be considered an Olympic sport. However, having a good makeup bag on your lap while you multitask (in the passenger seat, of course), can make a world of difference. The Béis The Cosmetic Case is one of our go-tos, thanks to its roomy design, removable makeup mirror, and makeup brush holder—which can also hold an eyeliner or eyebrow pencil, by the way. For the little things you don’t want floating around in your bag (hi, tweezers), there’s a separate zippered compartment. New York City-based makeup artist Kasey Spickard is also a fan, calling the case “very chic.” He adds that he loves how cute it looks on any vanity and how seamlessly it fits into your travel routine.
Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein
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"This is my all-time favorite travel makeup bag, since it's one of the few that have actually withstood my clumsiness during my travels. I throw all of my full-size bottles and palettes in this ultra-large case and everything stays put without breaking or spilling, even after I inevitably drop it a few times." —Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer
More to know
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- Dimensions: 10 inches x 7 inches x 3.8 inches
- Material: faux leather (exterior), polyester, and PVC (interior)
- Colors: 9
Best for Overpackers: Étoile Collective Duo Vanity Case
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Étoile
Collective Duo Vanity Case
Amazon
Revolve
Why it's worth it: So, you've got a lot of stuff—Étoile's Collective Duo Vanity Case isn't sweating it. This double-decker cosmetics case has a deep main compartment with a detachable, flexible divider insert and pouches for upright storage of full-size bottles and tools. This main compartment is also lined with pockets that are perfect for storing small eye shadow palettes or bronzers. According to Spickard, the top slots are useful for stashing brushes and pencils. Like many of the other options on this list, it also comes with a handy fold-out mirror, in case you need to touch up while you’re on the road.
Tester feedback from Han
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“This two-tier case is an overpacker's dream. (Yes, I'm the overpacker.) The spacious bottom compartment comes with a removable divider insert that’s easy to clean if any mishaps happen, and the built-in elastic brush holders solve the common problem of 'Where the heck do I put my brushes?' The top compartment is perfect for all my smaller items like liners, mascaras, and lippies, and the included mirror easily beats any teensy-tiny mirror in one of my compacts." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Dimensions: 12.6 inches x 16.5 inches x 7.3 inches
- Material: faux leather (exterior), nylon (interior)
- Colors: 11
Best Water-Resistant: Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag
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Dagne Dover
Hunter Toiletry Bag
Nordstrom
Dagne Dover
Why it's worth it: Dagne Dover's multitasking Hunter Toiletry Bag is made from delightfully durable, water-resistant, and easy-to-clean neoprene, so you can toss it in your gym bag next to your water bottle worry-free. It has room for essentials like a razor, a full-size fragrance bottle, or even your favorite travel-friendly hot tool. The bag also features two removable zippered pockets if you need more space for full-size makeup items. P.S. It comes in a larger size, if that better suits your needs.
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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“This toiletry bag is so well-designed. The compartments keep everything organized, so I'm not digging around trying to find what I need. Even if I am a mess, it makes me feel like I have my life together. It's also water-resistant, so I love to take this one to the beach with me (it fits all my sunscreens!)." —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
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- Dimensions: 7.5 inches x 4 inches x 4.5 inches
- Material: neoprene, zinc alloy
- Colors: 10
Best Customizable: Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case
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Relavel
Travel Makeup Train Case
Amazon
Why it’s worth it: Is it just us, or is a train case always the chicest option? But Relavel’s Train Case doesn’t just look the part—it also has adjustable dividers to keep everything organized and in place. It’s designed to hold travel-size and full-size bottles while lying flat, plus it has plenty of zippered mesh pockets for all the little things that tend to get lost at the bottom of your bag.
The smallest size makes a convenient weekend-trip makeup bag, while the largest is ideal for pros in need of a new kit. For beauty collectors like us, it’s also perfect for stashing under the bed when products start overflowing from your medicine cabinet (been there).
Spickard uses the Relavel makeup organizers in his professional kit. He also recommends them to his celebrity clients to help organize their own makeup collections. “They’re customizable, relatively inexpensive, and still sturdy enough to get your kit into shape,” he says. Bonus: There are tons of ways to carry the larger sizes, whether you want to wear it like a backpack or throw it on like a crossbody.
More to know
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- Dimensions: small: 10.3 inches x 9 inches x 3.6 inches, medium: 13.4 inches x 9 inches x 4.3 inches, large: 15.7 inches x 11 inches x 5.5 inches, extra large: 16.5 inches x 12.6 inches x 7.3 inches
- Material: waterproof Oxford cloth (woven fabric)
- Colors: 1
Best Hanging: Away The Hanging Toiletry Bag
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Away
The Hanging Toiletry Bag
Away
Why it's worth it: Away's The Hanging Toiletry Bag may look like an average makeup bag at first—but, once you’re settled in, it unfolds and expands to hang on a doorknob or hanger, handy for hotel stays or as a storage solution in your bedroom. The outside is water-repellent, while the inside is spill-proof (so feel free to toss liquids inside). Three interior mesh pockets keep things in order, while the removable clear pouch protects liquid products from leaking—and the exterior zippered pocket is perfect for stashing hand sanitizer (and anything else you might need easy access to).
More to know
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- Dimensions: 9.6 inches x 3.74 inches x 6.6 inches
- Material: nylon
- Colors: 5
Most Compact: Cuyana Travel Beauty Roll
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Cuyana
Travel Beauty Roll
Cuyana
Bloomingdale's
Why it's worth it: If you need a smaller bag for carrying slender items like brushes, pencils, and pens, Cuyana's Travel Beauty Roll is a worthwhile splurge crafted from high-quality Italian leather. The Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning travel case has four sections: one zippered, one large slip pocket, one brush compartment, and one detachable pouch, so all your goodies stay in place. If anything spills or leaves marks, you can clean the leather lining using a damp cloth with a bit of soap or micellar water on a cotton pad.
More to know
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- Dimensions: 9.5 inches x 14.5 inches x 0.5 inches (flat)
- Material: pebbled leather
- Colors: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for in a makeup bag?
According to Spickard, there are four main things to look for when shopping for a makeup bag:
Customizability
He recommends looking for bags with subdividers, so you can arrange everything exactly how you like it. He prefers a mix of at least one or two zippered pouches along with larger, open compartments that you can organize yourself.
Durability
You’ll want a makeup case that’s durable and won’t dent, scratch, or get dirty easily, Spickard says: “I also want to be able to wipe down the bag easily with an alcohol or makeup wipe to keep it nice and clean.” While leather may look nice, it’s not as easy to clean as a nylon interior.
Brush & Liner Storage
Spickard prefers bags with separate storage specifically for brushes and liners. “There’s nothing I hate more than dirty makeup brushes floating alongside makeup products,” he says. “Same for liners—they get lost so easily without separate elastic holders.”
Size
In terms of what size to opt for, this depends on your makeup routine, how many products you have, and if you also want to store your skin care and grooming tools along with your makeup itself, Spickard says. You might want something small and sleek if you’re carrying just the essentials, or something larger that can grow with your collection as you add to it.
Meet the experts
- Kasey Spickard is a New York City-based makeup artist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best makeup bags, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, and contributors to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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