Traveling with just a carry-on has its advantages – no baggage fees, no waiting at baggage claim – but the limited space can make packing a challenge. Packing your carry-on bag for a flight seems easy until you start pulling out all the personal care items you use every day. Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, skincare, makeup… I was surprised how quickly my one-quart bag filled up the first time I packed carry-on only.
When it comes to following the TSA liquids rule for toiletries, that small bag fills up even faster than you expect –especially when items you don’t always think of as liquids, like mascara, lip gloss, toothpaste, or gel deodorant, still count toward the limit.
Here are simple tips to help you pack toiletries, liquids, and medications so you can fit what you need into your carry-on and get through airport security with ease. You can also check out the Toiletries & Makeup Packing Checklist below for a quick, at-a-glance guide to what counts toward the TSA liquids rule.
What Is the TSA Liquids Rule for Toiletries?
The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies to carry-on luggage only:
- 3: Liquids, gels, creams, and pastes must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less
- 1: All liquids must fit into one quart-size, clear, resealable bag
- 1: Each traveler is allowed one liquids bag
Anything larger – like full-size shampoo, conditioner, or sunscreen – needs to go in checked baggage. If you’re flying carry-on only, planning ahead is key.
You can review current TSA liquids rule for carry-on travel on the official TSA website.
Toiletries & Skincare: What to Pack (and What to Swap)
Start with the essentials you’ll use daily and look for ways to minimize liquids:
- Solid swaps: shampoo bars, conditioner bars, solid cleanser sticks, and stick sunscreen
- Multi-use products: tinted moisturizer with SPF instead of separate foundation and sunscreen
- Travel sizes only: deodorant, toothpaste, and face wash should all be 3.4 oz or smaller
These small changes free up valuable space in your liquids bag.
Makeup Packing Tips That Save Liquid Space
Makeup may be just one part of your toiletry kit, but it can take up a lot of liquid allowance:
- Powder foundation or mineral compact instead of liquid foundation
- Lip + cheek sticks that multitask
- Mini mascara (it counts as a liquid, but uses less space)
One of my favorite hacks: instead of packing liquid self-tanner drops, mix a small amount into your lotion before you leave. You get a subtle glow without adding another liquid to your bag.
Packing Checklist: Packing Toiletries & Makeup for flights
Liquids items – Must Follow TSA 3-1-1 Rule
Liquids, gels and aerosols must be in travel size containers 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and fit into a one quart-sized bag.
Hair & Body
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Lotion or body cream
- Gel deodorant
- Hair gel or styling cream
- Sunscreen (liquid)
Skincare
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Serums
- Face oil
- Liquid foundation or concealer
- Makeup remover
- Face mist
Makeup
- Mascara
- Lip gloss
- Liquid eyeliner
- Cream or liquid blush/bronzer
- Self-tanner or tanning drops
Dental & Misc.
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Liquid hand sanitizer
- Liquid perfume/cologne
Does NOT Count as Liquids
These items can be packed anywhere in your carry-on.
Solid Toiletries
- Bar soap
- Solid shampoo or conditioner bars
- Stick deodorant
- Stick sunscreen
- Solid perfume
Makeup
- Powder foundation
- Powder blush/bronzer/highlighter
- Eyeshadow palettes
- Lipstick (solid)
- Brow pencils
- Makeup brushes & sponges
Tools & Extras
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Razor
- Nail clippers/tweezers
- Hair brush or comb
- Hair ties/clips
Pro Packing Tips
✔ Pack your liquids bag first so you know how much space you have
✔ Choose multi-use products to save space
✔ Use solid versions when possible
✔ Remember: medications don’t count toward the liquids limit
How to Pack Medications in a Carry-On
If you’ll be bringing medications on your trip, make sure to follow travel guidelines – especially if you’re flying internationally – and pack them in your carry-on instead of checked luggage in case your bags get delayed or lost. In the U.S., the TSA allows prescription and over-the-counter medications in your carry-on, including liquid medications that may exceed the 3.4 oz limit. For international trips, customs rules can vary by country, so it’s always smart to check your destination’s regulations ahead of time.
- Prescription medications should always be packed in your carry-on
- Keep medications in their original, labeled containers
- Liquid medications over 3.4 oz are allowed but may need to be declared
- A small pill organizer works well for daily vitamins
Carry-on + Personal Item Bag
In addition to a carry-on, most airlines allow one personal item bag – such as a tote, backpack, or small crossbody – that fits under the seat in front of you. Be sure to check your airline’s size limits, as they can vary.
Your personal item bag is the perfect place to keep essentials you’ll want easy access to during the flight, like your long-flight kit, medications, phone charger, snacks, or travel documents.
Since your carry-on will usually go in the overhead bin, using your personal item wisely makes your flight more comfortable and keeps everything you need within reach.
Long Flight Carry-On Kit: Freshen Up Before You Land
For longer flights, I always pack a small cosmetics bag with a few essentials to put in my personal item bag so it’s easy to access and I can freshen up in the restroom before we land.
- Disposable toothbrush + mini toothpaste
- Face cleansing wipes
- Stick balm or solid moisturizer
- Travel-size deodorant
- Lip balm or gloss and powder compact
- Hair tie or mini brush
It’s a simple way to feel refreshed before stepping off the plane.
A Hanging Toiletry Bag That Makes Airport Security Easier
One of my favorite travel finds is my 3-piece hanging toiletry bag set from Tripped Travel Gear. My favorite feature is the detachable quart-size 3-1-1 liquids bag, which makes airport security so much easier.
- The clear bag holds four 3-oz liquid bottles and/or toiletries
- You can quickly remove it for TSA screening, detachable bag
- The hanging bag saves space in hotel bathrooms – especially helpful in older European hotels with limited counter space.
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More Airport & Packing Tips to Make Travel Easier
If you’re planning a trip, you might also find these helpful:
- 5 Airport Tips That Can Save You Time, Stress, and Missed Flights
- Long Haul Flight Tips: What to Know Before Flying
- Packing Tips: Easy Capsule Wardrobe for Travel (includes free printable packing checklists)
Final Tip to Save Space
Keep in mind, if space in your carry-on is an issue, you don’t have to pack everything. Most hotels provide basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and soap, and you can always pick up anything you need at a local pharmacy or store once you arrive at your destination. Packing lighter gives you more flexibility and makes navigating airport security – and travel days in general – much easier.
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