There’s nothing quite as satisfying as knowing all of your makeup products are together and neatly organized in one place — especially if you’re a beauty lover. Plus, half the fun of wearing makeup is storing it in cute bags that look chic on your desk, vanity or bathroom shelf.
Whether you’re traveling and need to keep your items together so you don’t accidentally leave something behind, or if you’re at home and want the functionality of bringing your makeup kit to different rooms, makeup bags are lifesavers. Depending on the design, they let you store and organize your favorite products in one place.
If you’re looking to pick up a new one, we tapped makeup artists and beauty experts to learn more about their favorite bags right now, as well as the best materials to look for in a makeup bag.
Editors on our team also shared their favorites; here’s what they had to say.
Best makeup bags, according to experts | Best makeup bags, according to editors | The best materials for makeup bags | How to pack your makeup bag | More makeup bags to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
Best makeup bags, according to experts
Dopp-kit design: Sonia Kashuk™ Classic Travel Makeup Bag
- Small and lightweight
- No internal pockets
Dimensions: 6" x 9.5" x 4" | Material: Recycled polyester | Closure: Zipper
With a makeup-bag-meets-dopp-kit design, you can keep your essentials organized and at the ready. Makeup artist and ambassador for Black Radiance, Tamara Boyd, is a fan of traveling with this bag that fits easily on any hotel sink counter. It’s also a great size to keep in your gym bag if you want to store extra products to touch up makeup looks after working out.
Ideal for travel: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag
- Perfect for travel
- Easy to hang up
- Large dimensions
Dimensions: 10.8" x 3.5" x 7.9" | Material: Polyester | Closure: Zipper
If you're looking for the best makeup bag for travel that'll house all of your products, make it this one. Larger pockets are perfect for shampoos and larger toiletries, while you can separate by category with four different zippered pouches that all hang together seamlessly in one place. Plus, as Boyd notes, it even has an elastic loop for makeup brushes. “It’s compact but can hold a lot of products,” she says.
Dividers for organization: Relavel Travel Makeup Train Case
- Affordable price
- Adjustable compartments
- Dividers may not stay in place
Dimensions: 10.3" x 9" x 3.5" | Material: Oxford fabric, nylon | Closure: Two-way zippers
This bag is an Amazon bestseller and frequently goes on sale. So if you’re looking to shop, keep your eye on it. “I love this case because it’s highly functional and has removable dividers to adjust your compartments to your liking,” explains Boyd. “It also has a separate space for your brushes. This case is super durable, easy to clean and comes in different sizes.”
If you want to pare down while traveling and keep your brushes with your products, this makeup bag is a great option.
Large interior: EACHY Travel Makeup Bag
- Easy-to-use zipper closire
- Dual sides with separator
- Quality may be inconsistent
Dimensions: 9.25" x 4.13" x 4.33" | Material: PU leather | Closure: Zipper
This chic makeup bag comes in 29 different neutral colors, so you can find the perfect one that matches your vanity, vibe or even luggage if you’re traveling. Cosmetologist and beauty education specialist at the Ogle School, Stanley Nolan, loves this makeup bag because it’s super lightweight and has so many compartments to keep everything organized.
Perfect for your purse: Londo Genuine Leather Makeup Bag Cosmetic Pouch
- Durable design
- Reviewers note stiff zipper
Capacity: 8.4" x 4.5" x 2.5" | Material: Cowhide leather | Closure: Zipper
Sometimes you don’t need a huge makeup bag with all the bells and whistles. This makeup pouch will keep your essentials easy to find, and it fits easily into any tote bag or larger purse. Plus, under $30 for a genuine leather pouch is hard to beat. It comes in four different shades to choose from. Nolan says, “This will last you a long time and is easy for everyday usage.”
Clear compartments: Calpak Medium Clear Cosmetics Case in Stone
- Dual sided
- Water resistant
- Higher price point
Dimensions: 11.5” x 9” x 5.25” | Material: PVC, faux leather | Closure: Two-way zippers
With 15 different colors to choose from, this cosmetics case from Calpak checks all the boxes. First, it’s clear, so when you’re traveling and in a hurry, it’s easy to spot the item you’re looking for when you have five minutes to refresh at the hotel. The dual sides allow you to pack makeup on one side and skincare in the other. This one’s a favorite of Boyd’s, who loves traveling with it.
Best makeup bags, according to editors
Flexible and roomy: KUSSHI Neoprene Train Case Makeup Bag
- Stretchy material
- Washable
- Fits a lot
- One main compartment
Dimensions: 7.9” x 4.1” x 6.2” | Material: Neoprene | Closure: Zipper
Kamari Stewart, an associate editor at Shop TODAY, says she "got this from its launch event a few months ago and used it on a trip to California." She continues, "I opted for the small size because I don’t usually travel with much makeup and try to keep my bags as light as possible. This case blew me away! It fit so much."
Stewart says, "In addition to my makeup essentials, I was also able to fit like three different hair products in there, a brush, a comb and some other small odds and ends. I like the soft neoprene material that gives it a little stretch so you can really squeeze stuff in there if you need to. In the lid, there’s also a zippered pocket which I found helpful for storing scrunchies and the like."
Chic and sturdy: ETOILE Vanity Case
- Vegan leather
- Not very packable
Dimensions: 7.1" x 9.4" x 5.5" | Material: Vegan leather | Closure: Two-way zippers
I [Leitner] love a makeup case that sits sturdily on your vanity and looks gorgeous on display. This one from Etoile is my go-to. It has elastic loops on the top for brushes, a removable divider compartment and comes in eight different colors.
Mirror included: Beis The Cosmetic Case
- Sturdy design
- Has multiple compartments
- Includes mirror
- Slightly bulky and heavy
Dimensions: 9.5” x 7” x 4” | Material: PU shell, polyester lining | Closure: Two-way zippers
Vivien Moon, an editor at Shop TODAY, says, "I used to travel with my makeup/beauty products in Ziploc bags (in case of spilling or to avoid a bulky makeup case) but have since upgraded to this makeup case which has become my go-to."
She continues, "While it is technically 'bulky' compared to my previous method of packing makeup, it does offer a lot in terms of storage. It comes with a mirror and a removable brush holder to keep all my items separated. I love how well it fits all my beauty essentials for my trips (skin care and makeup) but I will note that it isn’t as lightweight as other items on the market I’m sure."
Moon says, "Despite the cons of the item, I still prefer it over my other makeup bags because of its sturdy shape, the handles on the side that make it easy to take out of the bag and the design of it that lets me pack a lot and keep it organized.
Worth the splurge: Caraa Travel Kit
- Very roomy
- Soft, lightweight design
- Multiple pockets
- Fabric gets dirty easily
Dimensions: 4-inch height, 216 cubic-inch capacity | Material: Nylon shell | Closure: Two-way zippers
Commerce editor Amanda Fama is a fan of this travel bag from Caraa. She says, "I often travel back and forth from New York City to New Jersey, and this travel kit keeps all of my makeup organized while I’m on the go. It’s super soft, lightweight and easy to pack, and the multiple pockets make it simple to store smaller brushes so they’re not long amongst the larger makeup supplies."
The best materials for makeup bags
This will definitely depend on your preference, but Boyd prefers “nylon or polyester because it’s lightweight, water resistant and easy to clean.”
Nolan prefers something a bit more durable. “Makeup bags made of leather are the best, in my opinion, as it’s the most durable and the best for longevity,” she says. “An added bonus: if a product spills within a leather bag, it’s easier to clean than bags made of silk, cotton, velvet etc.”
How to pack your makeup bag
Depending on the type of makeup you have, you can take advantage and utilize different internal pockets to keep all of your makeup organized, and most importantly, safe from spills or breakage.
“I always recommend keeping your liquids, shadows and brushes separate from in your makeup bag,” says Nolan. “Choosing a bag with ample compartments keeps things organized and makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.”
Boyd prefers to pack according to the items she will be using most. “I love to pack with the essentials first: foundation, concealer, powder etc.,” she explains. “I [place] these items in an easy to reach area and I like to place my liquids in a small travel size bottle to save space and reduce the weight of my makeup bag.”
Boyd also recommends storing brushes in a separate case to keep them from getting contaminated. “Also, keep liquids or creams sealed to avoid spills,” she adds. You can place “them in Ziplock bags; it adds an extra layer of protection.”
More makeup bags to shop
50% off: Pocmimut Makeup Bag
Dimensions: 9" x 6.2" x 3.1" | Material: N/A | Closure: Two-way zippers
Another popular pick on Amazon, this makeup bag is available in several different colors, comes with a small removable cosmetic bag within and features a special spot for your makeup brushes.
Drawstring closure: Invoda Cosmetic Bag
Dimensions: 6.7" x 9.1" | Material: Polyester, cotton | Closure: Drawstring
Make things super simple with this throw-everything-in-there drawstring bag. Made with waterproof polyester fiber and a shockproof cotton interior, each bag comes with a small pouch and a clear case for makeup brushes. Plus, we love the bright colors it comes in, too.
A sleek option: Sonia Kashuk Weekender Makeup Bag
Dimensions: 8.5" x 12.5" x 3.5" | Material: Polyester | Closure: Two-way zippers
Brush off the haters with this weekender makeup bag from Sonia Kashuk at Target that will safely store all your beauty essentials. This chic black bag features a metallic zipper closure, two zip compartments, center organizer and handles for easy travel and carrying. One satisfied customer called this bag “super functional and compact, can hold a lot with the zippered pockets.”
A durable pick: Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag
Dimensions: 7.5" x 4.5" x 4" | Material: Recycled polyester | Closure: Two-way zippers
For the messy makeup wearer, this pick from Dagne Dover is made with durable Repreve® recycled polyester and is water resistant. It’s made to withstand a lot of travel and fits your essentials nicely.
Chic and compact: Kusshi Washable Travel Makeup & Cosmetic Signature Bag
Dimensions: 7.5" x 5" | Material: Nylon | Closure: Two-way zippers
This bag is awesome for many reasons. First of all, it fits every makeup item you’ll need for a long trip and can hold between 10 to 20 products. Second, the inside liner can be removed and washed, which is a nice feature we haven’t seen in many other makeup bags. Third, it has pockets to store blotting papers, eyelash curlers, lipsticks and more. Lastly, the zips open really wide, so you can easily find your products without having to dig.
Can be personalized: Mark & Graham Concourse Vegan Leather Cosmetic Case
Dimensions: 12.25" x 8.25" x 3" | Material: Vegan leather, nylon | Closure: Zipper
This signature Mark & Graham cosmetic case is prettier than a postcard. Made from easy-to-clean vegan leather, this adorable makeup case features interior pockets and a wipeable nylon lining. Add a personalized touch by having your initials embroidered so you’ll never worry about losing this precious pouch!
How we chose
We chose the best makeup bags based on the recommendations of a cosmetologist and a professional makeup artist. We also included editor-tested makeup bags as well as shopper favorites, all while taking material, durability and design into consideration.
Meet the experts
- Stanley Nolan is a cosmetologist and beauty education specialist at the Ogle School.
- Tamara Boyd is a professional makeup artist and ambassador for Black Radiance.
