12 Best Makeup Bags, Tested and Reviewed

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photo: Retailer

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It’s a KonMari world and we’re just living in it. But if parting with your makeup sends you into a spiral of panic (let’s be honest, all 50 of those lipsticks spark joy), consider simply giving your beloved beauty products their own “proper place” — one that isn’t “somewhere in that one Ziploc under my bed.”

Even if Marie Kondo has shifted away from constant tidiness, a makeup bag is something worth investing in, especially if you’re someone who travels often.

Our all-time favorites are made from durable, high-quality materials that can withstand everything from travel wear and tear to accidental foundation spills. They feature clever design elements that make life so much easier, including smooth zippers, handles, mesh pockets, and storage compartments.

Below, the Cut Shop’s list of the best makeup bags. Of course, as our summer trips unfold, we will be testing out more makeup bags and updating this list.

Our top picks
More tried-and-true options
Our experts

Updated: Updated prices and checked stock for all products on April 4.

Calpak Medium Clear Cosmetics Case



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Dimensions: 9.75 inches high x 5 inches deep x 7.5 wide | Materials: PU, PVC, and polyester | Colors: 11

Sometimes you need to see everything to use everything. If that’s the case, Calpak’s cosmetic case is the answer. Its best-selling case comes in three different sizes for the perfect travel companion and features a full zip-around opening and an ultra-spacious zippered pocket on the inside. Flanagan owns the large version in the limited-edition hot pink colorway. The clear compartments combined with the flat shape of the bag means that my makeup essentials are easy to find and neatly spread out, so she never has to waste time digging for products.

Away The Cosmetics Bag



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Dimensions: 8.3 inches high x 6.3 wide x 3.9 inches deep Materials: Nylon and neoprene |
Colors: Fives

Created to be said travel bag, the customizable design from Away is the Cut senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves’s favorite. The exterior is made from a water-resistant nylon and the bag features a spill proof interior, multiple pouches and storage, and a removable brush holder.

Vera Bradley Trapeze Cosmetic



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Dimensions: 6 inches high x 9 inches wide x 4 inches deep | Materials: Cotton | Colors: 19

Fashion news writer Danya Issawi has had her Vera Bradley cosmetic case since high school. “I don’t feel bad roughing it up and wiping extra lipstick on it or spilling in it,” she says. “The fact that it’s held up for 13 years? I’m getting emotionally attached.” While the patterns may have changed over time, the interior pocket and durability make this bag worth a trip or two, even if one of them is down memory lane.

BÉIS Cosmetics Case



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Dimensions: 9.5 inches wide x 7 inches high x 4 inches deep | Materials: PU, PVC, and polyester | Colors: 9

Shay Mitchell’s brand, Béis, has become a favorite when it comes to travel, and its cosmetic case is no different. “I love the cosmetics case,” says content creator Ariel Oz. “It’s very spacious and fits all my larger items. The removable brush holder is a game changer to stay organized and keep them clean. The best part is that it is spillproof, so it’s super easy to clean for any foundation spills. We’ve all been there!”

Glossier The Beauty Bag



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Photo: Courtesy of Glossier

Dimensions: 9.5 inches high x 7 inches wide x 3 inches deep | Materials: Cotton, polyester, and rayon | Colors: One

Let’s be honest. Anything from Glossier is worthy of a spot on social media. “The removable felt pouch inside is genius, and it helps me organize my makeup by category of eyes, lips, compacts, etc.” says New York City–based content creator Vivian Li. “I’m super minimalist when it comes to everyday makeup, so this bag fits everything, and if I’m running late I tend to just grab it and do my makeup on the subway. Gross, I know! But essential for a girl on the go.”

Bagsmart Toiletry Travel Bag With Hanging Hook Medium



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Dimensions: 12.6 inches high x 9.1 inches wide x 4.3 inches deep | Materials: Polyester | Colors: 12

“As a long-term digital nomad, I love this Bagsmart water-resistant travel case, which is easy on the eye and has various pockets,” says travel writer Rosie Bell. Not only is the bag available in multiple colors, but it has three separate pouches to fit makeup and toiletries, and it can be hung up in bathrooms.

Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag



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Dimensions: 9 inches long x 4.75 inches wide x 5.5 inches high | Material: Neoprene | Colors: 9

If you’re looking for a makeup bag that you’d be comfortable pulling out in public, this pouch is for you. It features a removable air mesh zip-top pouch, inside slip pockets, and three loops for smaller items. It’s the perfect middle-of-the-road size for holding the essentials with some room to spare. As someone who is constantly spilling products, I love the fact that the neoprene material is water resistant and so easy to clean. Plus, it comes with two removable air mesh pouches that help me keep my makeup brushes and beauty tools nice and organized.

Étoile Collective Duo Vanity Case



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Dimensions: 9.4 inches wide x 7.1 inches deep x 6.7 inches high | Materials: Vegan leather and gold hardware | Colors: Eight

To avoid any unnecessary breakage, a hardcover makeup case is a great option. This duo vanity case from Etoile is made from a luxurious faux leather while the inside reveals two separate compartments containing a foldout mirror, a number of pouches, and a detachable divider insert. Think fast, there is only one colorway available, and the rest are in preorder.

Lay-n-Go Cosmetic Bag



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Dimensions: 20 inches wide (when expanded) | Material: Polyester | Colors: 15

If you’re still struggling to get it together, fake it ’til you make it with this fun contraption. Simply throw all your crap onto the flat circle, tuck a few of the cylindrical things into the straps, then pull the drawstring to create a bag. Once you get to wherever you’re going, reflatten the bag to quickly see what you packed without having to dump it all onto a bed.

KUSSHI Signature Makeup Bag



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Dimensions: 6 inches high x 11.5 inches wide x 5 inches deep | Colors: Nine | Materials: Luxury Micro satin exterior and Nylon interior

This makeup bag is perfect for weekend trips and is machine-washable for the ultimate no-worry use. It has a roomy interior and side pockets, but opens wide so you can access all those products you overstuffed.

Bvser Travel Makeup Case



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Dimensions: 10.2 inches high x 9.8 wide x 3.8 inches deep | Materials: Cotton and nylon | Colors: Two

This customizable carryall comes with plenty of pouches and an impressive seven sections. The sections are made up of removable dividers so you can customize and create the divisions best suited to your makeup collection or current mood.

Make Up For Ever Professional Bag



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Dimensions: 400mm x 280mm | Materials: Mesh and nylon | Colors: Blacke

If you have been slowly honing your craft as a makeup artist and have more products than you can fit in your vanity, then consider a professional makeup bag, like this one from Make Up For Ever. It might not be the best option when traveling with just a carry-on, but the attached strap is ideal to take to and from your makeup gigs.

June Odina Striped Makeup Bag



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Dimensions: 9 inches x 5.25 inches x 3 inches (medium size) | Materials: Plastic and canvas | Colors: Two

Available in three different sizes and two colorful prints, this makeup bag is waterproof and fully lined. It’s perfect for travel because the plastic covering will prevent scuffs and scratches.

  • Ariel Oza beauty and travel content creator and founder of Oz Lane Agency
  • Candace Molatorea social media coordinator
  • Danya Issawi, the Cut’s fashion news writer
  • Hanna Flanagan, the Cut’s shopping writer/editor
  • Rosie Bella writer, lifestyle entrepreneur, and educator
  • Vivian Leea content creator who focuses on fashion and beauty

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