Makeup Items: Eyeliner, Mascara, Lipstick
Limited
Liquid or gel-based makeup counts toward the 100ml rule; compact powders are exempt.
Quick answer
When in doubt, treat makeup like science class: if it pours, smears, or oozes, it belongs in the quart-sized liquids pouch. Officers see hundreds of cosmetic kits daily; organised kits sail through while messy ones cause rescans.
Palettes with metal pans sometimes trigger extra screening because they look like stacked plates on the X-ray. Keeping them near the top of the bag and mentioning them upfront saves time.
Sharp items such as metal nail files or tweezers under 6cm usually pass, but anything longer or with a blade should travel in checked baggage. Always respect local rules if youâre connecting via airports with stricter policies (e.g., the UK often confiscates even small tools).
Liquids and gels
- âStore mascara, liquid eyeliner, foundation, concealer, and lip gloss inside the 1L zip pouch.
- âKeep each container 100ml or smaller; travel minis are safer.
- âLabel skincare vs makeup to avoid confusion during inspections.
Tools and palettes
- âCover brush bristles with guards so they donât look like wires.
- âPlace palettes flat to avoid cracked powders.
- âCheck sharp lash tools (metal curlers with blades) if unsure.
Makeup item cheat sheet
| Item | Cabin rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid foundation | â¤100ml in pouch | Stick or powder versions are exempt |
| Powder compact | Allowed | May need separate screening |
| Makeup scissors | Check | Counts as sharp tool |
Do this
- â Carry a dedicated cosmetics pouch that unfurls at security for quick inspection.
- â Use stackable magnetic palettes to save space.
- â Pack blotting papers or solid balm perfumes to reduce liquid count.
Avoid this
- â ď¸ Donât carry acetone-based brush cleaners in cabinâthey exceed flammable limits.
- â ď¸ Donât leave lipsticks uncapped; melted product looks suspicious on scanners.
- â ď¸ Avoid carrying makeup knives or spatulas in cabin; they resemble blades.
FAQ
Q. Are cushion compacts treated as liquids?
Yes. They contain saturated sponges, so keep them in the liquids pouch.
Q. What about eyelash glue?
Itâs a liquid adhesive, so limit to 100ml containers (most are 5â10ml). Keep it with liquids.
Q. Can I carry makeup in handbag and cabin trolley?
Yes, but the total liquids must still fit within one 1L pouch per passenger.
Tips before you fly
- âď¸ Place cotton pads inside powder compacts to prevent breakage.
- âď¸ Use small silicone brush holders instead of metal cases that look like toolkits.
- âď¸ Carry a multi-use tint stick to cut down on separate lipstick/blush containers.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines â simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.