We Found the Best Makeup Bags to Keep All Your Products Organized (2024)

Every makeup wearer should have a designated cosmetic bag. Not only are they cute, but they’re designed to keep beauty products organized and hygienic. There are plenty of options, ranging from everyday kits to on-the-go pouches. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all option, certain features of a makeup bag make it a worthy investment. “Ideally, the bag will be resilient, waterproof, and easy to wipe down,” says New York makeup artist Jamie Dorman. “This makes it easy to keep makeup sanitary and clean up any products that have made it out of their containers.

We conducted hours of research on the best makeup bags, evaluating them on quality, design, capacity, and extra features. Our team then combined these results with our research of fan favorites plus makeup artist-recommended picks to create this list of the 15 top-rated choices. From hard-shell cases and catchalls to hanging satchels and TSA-approved transparent pouches, you’ve got lots to choose from.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Compact yet very spacious

  • Magnetized brush holder

  • Water-resistant

What to Consider

  • Limited color options

Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 4 inches | Material: Polyurethane | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, beige

We absolutely adore this simple yet chic number from Béis. Measuring 9.5 x 7 x 4 inches, The Cosmetics Case is conveniently compact but more spacious than it looks. Inside, there's a magnetized removable brush holder with a pouch-style enclosure and a sizable zipper pocket on the back. Then, there are three suitcase-style pockets in the main compartment and a slip pocket on the lid with a removable mirror for on-the-go application.

This spill-proof makeup carrier has a faux leather exterior that resists crushing, and the lining is easy-to-clean, water-resistant polyester. We only wish it came in a wider variety of colors.

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What We Like

  • Durable material that's worth the investment

  • Compact

  • Waterproof lining

What to Consider

  • Too small for larger collections

Dimensions: 7.75 x 4.5 x 5 inches | Material: Leather | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, blush pink, navy blue

If you're willing to shell out a little more for the perfect carrier, you won't regret investing in Royce's Double Zip Toiletry Bag. It's made of buttery soft yet durable, genuine leather with a waterproof, stain-resistant lining. It'll fit effortlessly in any suitcase or overnight bag, but it still offers plenty of room for your must-haves. Our only complaint is that it might be a little on the small side, depending on the size of your makeup collection.

What We Like

  • High-quality catchall design

  • Water-resistant

  • Great color selection

What to Consider

  • Doesn't resist crushing

Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.5 x 4 inches | Material: Neoprene | Closure: Zipper, snap

For more modest makeup collections (or when you’re just looking to take some of the key players on a trip), we recommend the small size of Dagne Dover's Hunter Bag. This thoughtfully designed pouch measures just 7.5 x 4.5 x 4 inches. It's made of water-resistant neoprene and has a removable zipper pocket, a dust bag, and three elastic loops for securing your brushes or lip products. The color options are something to admire, too. This one doesn’t resist crushing, so be cautious not to pack it in your checked luggage.

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Jill Di Donato, associate editorial operations director: "I love the neoprene material—which makes it easy to clean (and keep clean)—and its zip compartments that are ingeniously designed for travel."

What We Like

  • Affordable yet has an elevated design with specific pockets

  • Two size options

  • Great color selection

What to Consider

  • Not the most durable

Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 4 inches for large | Material: Polyurethane | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, grey, purple, red, +more

This water-resistant cosmetics bag has room for all the essentials and won't break the bank. Available in two sizes and several colors, it's got a main compartment, two side pockets, and three narrower sleeves for makeup brushes, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick—you name it. It’s not the most durable, but that’s to be expected, given the affordable price point.

What We Like

  • Made from waterproof materials

  • Holds its shape

  • Great color selection

What to Consider

  • No compartments

Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 4.5 inches | Material: Faux leather | Closure: Zipper

Need something that'll stand up to all spills, splashes, and maybe even a little rainfall? This waterproof makeup bag is our colorful, cute pick. Made of smooth vegan leather with a wipeable nylon lining, it's lightweight yet durable and holds its shape well. It comes in several chic colors, too, ranging from millennial pink to mint green to marigold. The only downside is that there are no compartments to keep items organized inside.

What We Like

  • Comes with a hook that can easily be hung up

  • Waterproof

  • Transparent compartments make finding your makeup easy

What to Consider

  • Zipper can be finicky

Dimensions: 11.5 x 10 x 4.5 inches | Material: Canvas, faux leather, thermoplastic | Closure: Zipper

It’s always nice to have a makeup bag that you can unfold without taking up precious counter space. This handy cosmetics bag can be hung from the back of a door, on a towel hook, or really anywhere with a knob. Made of sturdy canvas with a thermoplastic interior and vegan leather accents, it's also crush-resistant and waterproof. Inside, there are multiple compartments and zippered pockets, all transparent so you can easily see all your products. The zipper can be a little finicky, so patience is key with this one.

What We Like

  • Stands upright so your products won't spill

  • Removable inner pouch

  • Multiple pockets

What to Consider

  • Only one color

Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 3 inches | Material: Coated cotton | Closure: Zipper

Glossier's take on the makeup bag is this cleverly designed catchall. At 9.5 x 7 x 3 inches, it's tall enough to fit your brushes, pencils, and full-size skincare products yet wide enough to stand upright without support. However, it’s still somehow conveniently compact.

There are various pockets and compartments to help you stay organized on the go, and thanks to the coated cotton exterior, you won't have to worry about spills, splashes, or stains. It only comes in Glossier’s signature color, so you need to be a pink fan for this one.

What We Like

  • Great size for home or travel

  • Strap for easy transport

  • Made from durable nylon

What to Consider

  • Could be better quality

Dimensions: 11.5 x 5 x 6 inches | Material: Nylon | Closure: Zipper

If your makeup stash desperately needs a new home, the MAC Carry All Case is a sound investment. It’s roomy, with plenty of space for the average cosmetics collection, and comes complete with brush compartments, a mirror, and a strap for easy transportation. It's not fancy—but it's durable and easy to clean, so if you’re just looking for something simple that’ll hold everything, you can’t go wrong with this one.

What We Like

  • Spacious and can fit a larger collection

  • Multiple compartments

  • Transparent mesh pouches

What to Consider

  • Only one color

Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 6 inches | Material: Polyester | Closure: Zipper

This generously sized carrier was designed with makeup artists in mind. Measuring roughly 16 x 11 x 6 inches, it's got multiple compartments, pockets, and zip-up mesh pouches so you can keep your collection organized and in full view while working on clients (or yourself). You can tote it around by the handles or use the crossbody strap when you need your hands free. Though it only comes in one color, black is an undeniably professional choice.

What We Like

  • Stylish design that makes it easy to see all products

  • Easy to clean

  • Lined in case of spills

  • Can be personalized with a monogram

What to Consider

  • No compartments for organization

Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 3.75 inches | Material: PVC, leather | Closure: Zipper

This Paravel option is perfect for those with a penchant for luxury brands or showing off their beauty wares (we’re sure you know a few). Made from a sturdy, wipeable eco-canvas and wrap-around clear window, this clear train case is as practical as it is aesthetic. You can see exactly what you’ve packed, so there’s no digging around aimlessly searching for a hair tie or lip balm. This also makes it perfect for traveling by plane (hi, TSA agents). Plus, you can customize it with a monogram so it’s easy for people to know who it belongs to, making it a great option for a beauty gift.

What We Like

  • Carryall handles are great for travel

  • Comes with four clear zip pouches

  • Suitcase style design

What to Consider

  • Only two color options

Dimensions: 6.5 x 8.75 x 4 inches | Material: PVC, leather | Closure: Zipper

This suitcase-style cosmetics case comes with four removable clear pouches and a clear zipper compartment to make traveling with cosmetics easy and organized. It might look like a suitcase, but it’s compact enough to easily fit in your carry-on. Zip everything away when you're on the go with a top zip-around closure that will keep your stash in place. We just wish it came in more than two colorways.

What We Like

  • Tiered level organization

  • Hard plastic is durable and easy to clean

  • Trays make for easy access

What to Consider

  • Bulky when traveling

Dimensions: 6.5 x 8.75 x 4 inches | Material: Plastic | Closure: Flip lid

A Caboodle is a nostalgic way to organize your stash, and hey, we could always use a dose of nostalgia. we're fans of this model, which offers spacious storage with an auto-open tray and secure latch for no-spill travel (although, the bulky size of this one means it won’t fit in your luggage easily). The bottom of the cosmetic case has storage space to hold larger items like brushes, while the top of the organizer contains a tray divided into three compartments for makeup items. The best part: it’s available in 30 different color combinations to suit your (or a young makeup artist you love) style.

What We Like

  • Similar to a packing cube

  • TSA-friendly

  • Transparent so you can find items more easily

What to Consider

  • Large size is very big

Size: Small, medium, large | Material: Faux leather, transparent PVC | Closure: Zipper

If you enjoy packing your clothes in packing cubes, you'll especially love these clear makeup bags from the luggage brand Calpak. The bags come in three sizes—small, medium, and large—and a variety of colorways. Each bag features a clear PVC exterior, making it TSA-friendly and easier to find items while you're getting ready. We also love that the bags have top handles for easy handling.

What We Like

  • Lightweight design

  • Water-wicking fabric

  • Easy hanging design

  • Lots of compartments

What to Consider

  • Design isn’t crush-proof

Size: 7 x 10 x 7 inches | Material: Recycled nylon | Closure: Zipper

There's nothing quite like the organization of a hanging cosmetic case like this one, but it’s especially nice if it’s on the lighter side. Not only does it hang nicely on a towel rack or shower curtain (leaving you tons of counter space to work with), but it has separate compartments for everything you could ever need. Staying true to its name, the bag is incredibly lightweight and features a nylon fabric that wicks away water. The only downside is that this one isn't crush-proof, so be careful how you transport it.

What We Like

  • Handmade with quality materials

  • Multipurpose

  • Includes a smaller case

What to Consider

  • No storage compartments

Size: 7 x 12 x 3.5 inches | Material: Leather | Closure: Zipper

The Cuyana Leather Travel Case duo is handmade in Argentina from responsibly sourced leather and comes in various colors, from classic black to fire truck red. There’s also a smaller size that works for keys, lipstick, and bobby pins, whereas the larger option fits a weekend’s worth of skincare with ease. It feels buttery soft, retains its shape, and comes with optional monogramming.

What to Look for in a Makeup Bag

  • Size: When it comes to the best makeup bag for your needs, size definitely comes into play. Are you after something that will fit your entire makeup routine or just weekend essentials? Are you a maximalist who needs to travel with her entire makeup collection, or are you a mascara, clear balm, and concealer kind of person who would love something more compact? You can always keep more than one makeup bag on hand—one for night-out essentials and another for getaways or work trips.
  • Material: According to Dorman, your best bet when it comes to makeup bags is to go for something durable and waterproof to protect you from spills and accidental leaks. She likes nylon, PVC, thick canvas materials, and leather. You can also choose something more eco-friendly if that appeals to you more, such as bags made from recycled plastics or sustainably sourced leather or hemp.
  • Compartments: Another personal preference worth thinking about is the number of compartments, whether that’s zero or multiple. Compartments are great for high-risk products (think foundation, liquid blush, and the like) or smaller items like lip balm and bobby pins that are otherwise easily lost. Makeup bags with longer slots for brushes and a protective brush cover are also helpful if you take your brushes with you.

FAQ

  • How do you travel with a lot of makeup?

    If you are traveling and want to take your makeup stash, you should make sure your makeup bag is padded and sturdy. There should be a zipper closure and slots to safely and securely hold your brushes and liquid products. Using magnetic palettes can help you save space, but be sure to store them as securely as you can, so powders don't crack or crumble.

  • How can I pack my makeup without breaking it?

    When packing your makeup bag with pressed powders, try adding a cotton ball or small makeup puff inside the case to prevent movement and secure the product.

  • What is the best way to pack makeup?

    Packing your makeup bag for trips takes some planning to prevent spilling or cracking. Try wrapping products in plastic wrap and cushioning with cotton balls or powder puffs. For liquids, open the cap and place some plastic wrap over the opening. Screw the cap back on, and add more plastic wrap around the top. You can also place things in spill-proof reusable bags or smaller travel-size sealed containers.

Meet Our Expert

We contacted a makeup artist for additional guidance on what to look for in a makeup bag.

  • Jamie Dorman, an NYC-based celebrity makeup artist

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a seasoned writer specializing in beauty, travel, and lifestyle product recommendations. For this story, she interviewed a makeup artist, who offered product recommendations and pointers on what to look for in a cosmetics carrier, and then she considered dozens of models and reviewed independent sources as well as our own testing insights to find today's best options. Since 2020, Theresa has been writing for Byrdie, where she covers makeup, skincare, and wellness gadgets.

Caitlyn Martyn is a Byrdie associate editor who specializes in skincare, makeup, and anything beauty including product recommendations.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any makeup bags from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us atcontact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.

We Found the Best Makeup Bags to Keep All Your Products Organized (2024)
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