Real talk: A woman’s makeup bag says a lot about her. Is it tiny and compact? She’s probably a minimalist. Big and crazy-organized? She wants options but knows what she likes. Is it stuffed to the brim, overflowing with palettes? She really wants options. But finding the best makeup bag — whether it’s a travel case, a big clear one or something more chic — is a job for the beauty experts.
“Working with different clients — or even when working with the same one — you always have to be prepared,” says makeup artist Erika La’Pearl, who works with clients like Cardi B and Ashanti. “No look is ever the same, and organization and flexibility is key. Having the right makeup bag makes it easier to find things, lessens the stress and sets up the day.”
La’Pearl says she keeps a minimum of two dozen products like primer, concealer, foundation, various palettes, as well as brushes and sponges, in her kit at all times. But even if you’re not a professional, your makeup bag might rival La’Pearl’s — and for that, it’s important to stay organized.
So if you’re wondering “How do I choose a makeup bag?” let the beauty pros guide you and discover the 22 makeup bags experts swear by — and exactly where to buy them.
All-around best makeup bags
According to Kristen Fortier, makeup artist and product innovation lead for Crunchi Cosmetics, the best cosmetic bag will vary from person to person. “Look for one that provides plenty of room for your makeup and skin care products, is easy to travel with and is durable,” she says, noting that it should also be easy to clean. “I also recommend searching for a great quality bag that will last and help protect all of your products, brushes and accessories.”
“When it comes to organization, I like cosmetic cases that have sections to help keep my makeup and essentials separated and easier to find especially when you are working,” La’Pearl says. “Additionally, it even helps protect my makeup from being mixed.”
“I tend to buy makeup bags that have built-in organization for easy access and a way to keep my bags neat and clean,” says?makeup artist Latrice Johnson, who works with celebrities like Regina King and Sherri Shepherd. “This bag has adjustable compartments and slots to store your brushes, making it great for travel or everyday use.”
“My go-to makeup bag is Crunchi’s Jetsetter bag,” Fortier says, which is “made with high-quality, lavish Saffiano faux leather and is great for storing both cosmetics and skin care products. It’s also designed with custom inner sleeves to perfectly store primers and foundation bottles and also has multiple functional compartments, as well as a zippered inside pocket.”
“For almost 20 years I’ve used the same Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch,” says editorial makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci, who works with brands like Adidas and Coach, as well as titles like WWD and Tidal. For anyone calculating cost-per-use at home, that comes out to nearly eight cents a day. “There’s enough length and width in the base of the pouch for pencils and brushes, and enough depth to the dome to carry compacts or other must-haves. Its dome shape keeps the bag compact and makes it easy to slip into even smaller purses/bags.”
For a more budget-friendly option, Ciucci recommends this one from Madewell. The small pouch is great for storing your on-the-go essentials.
A favorite of editors and influencers alike, this no-frills bag has two zippered compartments — one for bigger products and one for brushes and tools — plus another spot for miscellaneous items.
Best clear makeup bags
A clear makeup bag is perfect for the person that’s always in a rush — or doesn’t want to lose track of anything they own.
This two-compartment makeup bag features clear windows so you can see all of your products at a glance. It also comes with a handy cosmetic mirror so you can do touch-ups anywhere you take it.
These handy makeup pouches are like packing cubes for your beauty products, letting you easily categorize and pack your must-haves. Plus, the separated pouches mean you can maximize suitcase space and stuff them in wherever you have extra room instead of having to accommodate for one large makeup bag.
This jelly makeup bag has a wide base that opens flat, like a box, when the bag is fully unzipped. This means you can easily see and grab your products without having to do a ton of rummaging.
This small travel case has dozens of 5-star reviews for the way it easily tucks away entire skin care and hair care routines.
This translucent makeup bag gives you easy access to all your products — and more than 700 5-star reviews prove it’ll hold up over time.
Best travel makeup bags
Even if you’re not always on the go, a travel makeup bag usually offers tons of compartments to keep things running smoothly.
A great under-$25 score and our beauty editor's go-to, this spacious toiletry bag has ample room for your whole beauty routine. There's enough vertical space to store your bottles upright (plus pockets and straps to secure them in place), and the side compartments can fit plenty of makeup and tools too. And to top it off, the convenient hook means you can hang the bag to save counter space while traveling.
“This is the best travel makeup bag I’ve ever used,” says Meeka Hossain, a beauty influencer who often travels for work. “I love that it’s a hard shell with a removable shoulder strap that can be put over your carry-on bag for easy traveling.”
If you're wondering about the difference between a makeup bag and a toiletry bag, the truth is, you can use either for your travel needs and the bottom line is both are meant to store your cosmetic products. This bag has adjustable compartments to keep your toiletries and makeup organized and a removable insert for easy cleaning. It's just big enough for your everyday products.
An elegant option, this duo of leather pouches is handcrafted in Argentina. Size-wise the larger one can fit plenty of beauty products, while the smaller pouch is perfect for tossing in a tote bag to keep your must-haves on hand. The pebbled leather comes in 10 colors to choose from, and you can add on monogramming for a personal touch.
One of the best makeup organizers experts love, this insulated makeup bag fits beauty essentials while keeping them protected from changing temperatures, therefore extending the lifespan and integrity of your skin care and makeup.
“My favorite travel makeup bag is the Make Up For Ever Professional Bag,” Johnson says. “It’s my go-to even when packing for clients. It keeps all your makeup clean and organized, and it’s absolutely perfect for travel because it has several compartments to store brushes, skin care and accessories.”
Best makeup bag organizers
Staying organized is half the battle. If you’re set on your bag but need a better system, these could help.
“When I travel I want the most lightweight bags for my makeup,” Ciucci says. “I have the Sunee Plastic Zipper Pouches in a million sizes (OK, seven sizes) that allow me to keep things separate and organized. They’re waterproof to help prevent leaks but also easy to clean in the event of a spill.”
If you have trouble keeping everything organized, makeup artist Arielle Antoinette, who works with celebs like Spice and Jayda Shaunette, loves Zuca. She recommends staying organized by grouping your products — liners with liners, base makeup with base makeup — and storing them in smaller containers.
“The Day Trip bag is the perfect size to also hold all your makeup brushes for easy on-the-go travel,” Fortier says.
This top-rated silicone makeup brush holder keeps them clean and out of the way. The washable case comes in a bunch of colors and two sizes to fit any routine.
Stasher's collection of reusable silicon bags includes three convenient sizes. The Everyday Bag has room for your favorite makeup and brushes; the Essentials Bag has room for that, plus some skin care; and the Touch-Up Bag is just big enough for the products you want to keep with you on the go.
