I’m a Beauty Editor, These Are the Makeup Bags I Use to Keep My Stash Perfectly Organized

/ 55 years
December 4, 2024
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18 min read

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 to choose from, ranging from everyday kits to on-the-go pouches.

Although there’s no one-size-fits-all option, there are certain features of a makeup bag that 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 top-rated choices. From hard-shell cases and catch-alls to hanging satchels and TSA-approved transparent pouches, you’ve got lots to choose from.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Best Splurge:

Best Pouch:

Best Budget:

Best Waterproof:

Best Hanging:

Best Standing:

Best Large:

Best for Makeup Artists:

Best Clear:

In This Article

Best Overall

Beis The Cosmetics Case

Beis

$68

What We Like

Compact yet spacious
Magnetized brush holder
Water-resistant

What We Don’t Like

Limited colors

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.

Who It’s For

This spacious bag has pockets and compartments to stash all your makeup securely. It’s our top pick for virtually everyone.

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

Byrdie / Alexander Huang
Byrdie / Alexander Huang
Byrdie / Alexander Huang

Best Splurge

Royce New York Double Zip Leather Toiletry Bag

Saksfifth Avenue

$275

What We Like

Durable
Compact
Waterproof lining

What We Don’t Like

Too small for some

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.

Who It’s For

Chic and durable, this leather toiletry bag is worth the money if your beauty budget can afford it.

Dimensions: 7.75 x 4.5 x 5 inches | Material: Leather | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, Blush Pink, Navy Blue

Byrdie / Alexander Huang
Byrdie / Alexander Huang
Byrdie / Alexander Huang

Best Pouch

Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag

Dagne Dover

$65

What We Like

High-quality design
Water-resistant
Great color selection

What We Don’t Like

Doesn’t resist crushing

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.

Commerce Associate Editorial Director Jill Di Donato loves this makeup bag. She gushes often about its neoprene material—which makes it easy to clean (and keep clean)—and its zip compartments that are ingeniously designed for travel. This one doesn’t resist crushing, though, so don’t pack it in your checked luggage.

Who It’s For

If a petite pouch is perfect for your needs, we highly recommend this one.

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

Byrdie / Alexander Huang
Byrdie / Alexander Huang
Byrdie / Alexander Huang

Best Budget

Narwey Makeup Bag

Amazon

What We Like

Most affordable on our list
Two sizes
Great color selection

What We Don’t Like

Not the most durable

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.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for a makeup bag that will do the job for less money, this budget option fits the bill.

Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 4 inches for large | Material: Polyurethane | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, Grey, Purple, Red +more

Best Waterproof

Meiyuuo Waterproof Makeup Bag

Amazon

What We Like

Made from waterproof materials
Holds its shape
Great color selection

What We Don’t Like

No compartments

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.

Who It’s For

If you know your makeup bag will get messy, this waterproof option is for you. However, if like having compartments, it might let you down.

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

Best Hanging

Bosidu Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag

Bosidu

$20

$40

What We Like

Has lots of transparent compartments
Waterproof
Resists crushing

What We Don’t Like

Zipper can be finicky

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.

Who It’s For

This hanging toiletry organizer is a must-have for frequent travelers–or anyone who prefers to keep their makeup collection hung up and out of the way.

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

Best Standing

Glossier The Beauty Bag

Glossier

$40

What We Like

Multiple pockets
Removable inner pouch
Stands upright

What We Don’t Like

Only one color

Glossier’s take on the makeup bag is this cleverly designed catch-all. 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.

Who It’s For

If a standing bag with space for all your skincare and makeup essentials suits your needs best (and you like pink) then look no further.

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

Best Large

MAC Cosmetics Carry All

MAC Cosmetics

What We Like

Great size for home or travel
Strap for easy transport
Made from durable nylon

What We Don’t Like

Reviewers say it looks cheap

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. Reviewers complained that the bag looked cheap 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.

Who It’s For

This spacious carry-all bag has space for your entire makeup collection–perfect if you’re looking for an everyday organizer.

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

Best for Makeup Artists

Make Up For Ever Professional Bag

Sephora

$125

What We Like

Spacious
Multiple compartments
Transparent mesh pouches

What We Don’t Like

Only one color

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 cross-body strap when you need your hands free. Though it only comes in one color, black is an undeniably professional choice.

Who It’s For

Oversized and equipped with a myriad of compartments, this bag is best for professional makeup artists––or those with an oversized collection of makeup.

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

Best Clear

Paravel See-All Vanity Case

Paravel

$57

$95

What We Like

Stylish design
Easy to clean
Lined in case of spills
Can be personalized with a monogram

What We Don’t Like

No compartments for organization

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 personalize it with a monogram so it’s easy for people to know who it belongs to.

Who It’s For

This transparent case makes packing and finding all your essentials easy. We love it as a stylish and convenient travel option.

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

Best for Travel

Stephanie Johnson Belize Blue Stellar Martha Large Cosmetics Case

Nordstrom

$110

What We Like

Carry-all handles
Comes with four clear zip pouches
Suitcase style design

What We Don’t Like

Only two color options

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.

Who It’s For

Although most of the makeup bags on our list work for travel, this one is the ultimate on-to-go option thanks to its abundance of compartments and pouches.

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

Best Tiered

Caboodles On-The-Go Girl Makeup Organizer

Ulta

$21

$23

What We Like

Tiered level organization
Hard plastic is durable and easy to clean
Trays make for easy access

What We Don’t Like

Bulky when traveling

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.

Who It’s For

We like this tiered option for at-home use (especially if you’ve got a soft spot for the 90s). The handy trays separate and store items effortlessly.

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

Best Cube

Calpak Mini Cosmetics Case

Calpak

$64

$65

What We Like

Similar to a packing cube
TSA-friendly
Transparent so you can find items more easily

What We Don’t Like

Large size is very big

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.

Who It’s For

Simple and effective, these clear makeup cubes make it easy to organize and transport your essentials.

Size: Small, Medium, Large | Material: Faux Leather, transparent PVC | Closure: Zipper

Best Lightweight

Vera Bradley Featherweight Hanging Organizer

Vera Bradley

$38

What We Like

Lightweight design
Water-wicking fabric
Easy hanging design
Lots of compartments

What We Don’t Like

Design isn’t crush-proof

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.

Who It’s For

Makeup can be heavy enough as it is. This lightweight case will ensure you’re not carrying any extra weight.

Size: Medium | Material: Recycled nylon | Closure: Zipper

Where We Stand

Overall, our favorite makeup bag is the Béis The Cosmetics Case, which is water-resistant and compact yet spacious, and comes with a magnetized removable brush holder. We also loved our budget pick, Narwey’s Zipper Makeup Bag, which is water-resistant as well and has plenty of storage space, with a main compartment, two side pockets, and three narrower sleeves.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best makeup bags on the market, evaluating their key features—like quality, design, capacity, and extra features—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list and consulted with a professional makeup artist before naming these our favorites.

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, in which case, the Make Up For Ever Professional Bag might be ideal, or are you a mascara, clear balm, and concealer kind of person who would love the compact Royce New York Double Zip Leather Toiletry Bag? 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. The Calpak Clear Cosmetic Case, for example, features clear PVC, which allows for easy navigation (we’ve all lost something at the bottom of our makeup bags!) and is TSA-compliant. 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. We love the Glossier Beauty Bag for this reason.

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 spillproof reusable bags or smaller travel-size sealed containers.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in beauty, travel, and lifestyle. 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 third-party 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.

Put it this way: Team Byrdie owns and subsequently transports A LOT of beauty products, especially makeup. Half the issue is culling down to essentials only, but the other half is finding the ideal makeup bag—a pursuit we’ve spent years perfecting.

Additional guidance was provided by Jamie Dorman, an NYC-based celebrity makeup artist.

Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in December 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list.

According to our Diversity 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 at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Edited by
Ally Hirschlag