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The 20 Best Makeup Bags of 2024 to Keep All Your Products Organized

These beauty carry-alls are both fashionable and functional.

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One of the best makeup bags on a tricolor blue background.

Real Simple / David Hattan

While putting on makeup is always fun, keeping your cosmetic collection organized can be stressful—especially if you don't have one central space to store everything. For this reason, investing in a quality makeup bag is so important. These handy cases not only give you a place to store all your beauty essentials together, but they can also protect your favorite products and keep them safe from damage, leaks, or spillage.

We took into account size, material, and compartments to come up with the best makeup bags. Whether you’re looking for something small to transport touch up tools, or something with multiple compartments to keep your items still and safe while you’re traveling, we found the best makeup bags for every type of person and makeup collection.

What Stands Out
  • The adjustable compartments add a significant degree of flexibility, accommodating makeup of various sizes.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not very stylish.

This product is great for someone who has a large makeup collection that absolutely needs sorting and organizing while traveling. The bottom of the case comes with six adjustable clapboard compartments that you can fill with items like palettes, lipsticks, nail polish, foundations, and more. Meanwhile, the top of the case is lined with four brush holders, which is convenient for separating brush types as well as storing longer, delicate items such as eye pencils. 

“This one is my personal favorite,” says professional makeup artist and content creator Jonet Williamson. “The fact that you can customize the compartments makes it the most versatile makeup bag.” 

The Relavel Travel Makeup Case is waterproof and shockproof, the latter meaning that if you drop the case with your makeup inside, your makeup shouldn’t break. Because there is a plastic lining located in the bag, there may be a smell when you first open it, but it should go away quickly.

Material: Oxford fabric and nylon | Compartments: 11 | Dimensions: 10.3 x 9 x 3.6 inches

What Stands Out
  • The clear design provides easy visibility and accessibility to contents, and its sizable dimensions make it suitable for those with larger makeup collections.

What Could Be Improved
  • There are no internal organizational compartments, which could make sorting smaller items difficult.

This clear makeup bag from Calpak manages to be super stylish and practical all at once. “I love this bag because it's duo-sided and clear, making it super easy to separate and see your skincare and makeup products,” says Williamson. “You'll save time getting ready because you can see where everything is.”

Inside you'll find two large zipped compartments, one of which has an additional, smaller compartment attached to the flap. In this smaller compartment you can fit items such as mascaras, lipsticks, and small creams. Everything else you'll have to store together in the two bigger compartments. If a product inside breaks or there's a spill, you can rest easy knowing the entire cosmetics case is waterproof and very easy to clean.

Material: PU & PVC exterior; polyester interior | Compartments: 3 | Dimensions: 11.5 x 5.25 x 9 inches

What Stands Out
  • It has strategically-designed compartments and an easy-to-clean neoprene material.

What Could Be Improved
  • It might be too bulky for some.

Beautifully combining style with function, the Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag is the ideal travel companion for the makeup enthusiast on the go. Its plethora of compartments, including a removable air mesh brush holder and interior pockets, ensures your items remain orderly and easy to find. The bag's neoprene material is not only aesthetically pleasing but also resistant to water and wear, making it perfect for any kind of travel, from a tropical getaway to a road trip. 

Material: Neoprene | Compartments: 6 | Dimensions: 9 x 4.75 x 5.5 inches

What Stands Out
  • The multiple internal pockets and brush holders provide excellent organization.

What Could Be Improved
  • Its relatively large size might not be ideal for those seeking a more compact makeup case for lighter travel.

This makeup bag offers unique features not commonly seen in other travel makeup bags. First and foremost, the Beis Cosmetic Case comes with a sizable, removable mirror that can stand up on its own. This addition makes it super easy to touch up or reapply your makeup while on the go. There is also a brush holder that features two compartments and a plastic flap that covers the brushes, and is easily removable from the case via magnets attached to the inside of the makeup bag. On the back of this brush holder you'll find a small zip compartment that is able to hold items such as eye pencils, liners, and lip glosses.

The bottom of the makeup bag is a roomy catch-all that can easily house blushes, palettes, powders, primers, and more. There are also two long compartments on either side that can house smaller, thinner items that may not fit on the back of the brush holder. The Beis Cosmetics Case comes in two colors, black and beige, and is made of faux leather and lined with a waterproof PVC.

Material: PU & PVC exterior; polyester interior | Compartments: 5 | Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 4 inches

What Stands Out
  • It comes with an internal mirror for on-the-go touch-ups.

What Could Be Improved
  • The open-top design might risk items falling out if not secured properly.

If you want a makeup bag that'll add a pop of color to your purse or vanity, go with this vibrant option from Stoney Clover Lane. The Textured Open Top Mirror Pouch comes in 15 different colors that span the whole rainbow. These include pastel options like periwinkle and lilac, as well as bolder options such as bubblegum pink, peach, and avocado green. There are also neutral options available too, including noir, sapphire, blanc , and sand .

This makeup bag is made of vegan leather, features gold hardware, and comes with a convenient little mirror stitched into the top. There are no compartments inside the makeup bag, but since it's more than 10 inches wide, you'll have plenty of room to store everyday makeup items.

Material: Vegan leather | Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.5 x 4 inches

What Stands Out
  • It’s machine-washable, so it’s very easy to keep clean over time.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not as stylish as other options.

One downside to owning a makeup bag is that it can be hard to clean. The Kusshi Everyday Makeup Bag eliminates that inconvenience completely by being machine-washable. The convenience of this bag doesn't stop there though—unlike other makeup bags, this bag folds out pretty wide, so you can clearly see everything you've stored and get to it right away. Plus, it's able to stand up on its own thanks to the reinforced stitching located at the bottom of the bag.

Inside you’ll find three compartments, including one that zips shut. The two small tube compartments are great for storing beauty sponges, eyelash curlers, and lipsticks. The makeup bag comes in three sizes, with the smallest able to hold up to 5-10 products while the largest can hold more than 30.

Materials: Nylon | Compartments: 3 | Dimensions: 7.5 x 3.25 x 5 inches

What Stands Out
  • It’s very budget-friendly and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

What Could Be Improved
  • The materials aren’t super high quality.  

This popular Amazon makeup bag offers an incredible value for its super low price. The Maanage Travel Cosmetic Bag is made of a water-repellent faux leather and comes with three compartments for easier storage. The bigger of the three compartments is able to hold small palettes and eye shadows, while the two smaller compartments located on the other side of the interior can hold lipsticks. The bottom of the bag offers plenty of room to lay and stack your items, but remains small enough to fit in a medium-sized purse.

The Maange Small Makeup bag comes in nine colors and patterns, including blue, pink, green and a couple floral options. While this affordable bag has a lot of great features, it probably won’t work for someone who wants their brushes to be separate from all their other makeup items.

Material: PU leather | Compartments: 4 | Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.3 x 4.9 inches

What Stands Out
  • You can get it monogrammed for a more personal touch.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not very large.

Monogramming is one of those luxuries that is so fun to invest in. This best-selling pouch allows you to add up to three letters of your choice for $12.50. You can also choose from multiple fonts and two-toned color options, ranging from lilac varsity letters with a blue border to blue cursive with an orange border. The personalization is made of a shadow-printed sticker decal, which will last longer than hand-painted monogramming.

The Mark & Graham Clear Pouch is made of a biodegradable plastic that is waterproof and has been finished with vegan leather trimming. The trimming comes in eight colors, including black, neon yellow, camel, sky blue, red, and poppy. Considering the lack of compartments, this product is best for someone who is traveling with a small makeup collection, or someone who wants to bring their makeup with them out for touch ups.

Material: TPU and vegan leather | Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 8 x 3.25 x 5.5 inches or 10 x 3.5 x 7 inches

What Stands Out
  • It’s large and affordable.

What Could Be Improved
  • There aren’t a lot of color options for each material.

For something roomy and affordable, check out this bag from Target. It’s available in six different versions, ranging from faux leather to puffy polyester, as well as four colors and two patterns. This is a very straightforward makeup bag that doesn’t have any bells and whistles—you get one large compartment, a sleek gold zipper, and that’s about it. But if you’re someone who just wants something basic, this is a fantastic option, as it’s roomy, durable, and perfect for travel.

Material: Polyester or polyurethane | Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 8.25 x 4.25 x 6 inches

What Stands Out
  • It’s roomy and has five brush pockets.

What Could Be Improved
  • The rectangular shape might not be as space-efficient for packing in a suitcase as more flexible designs.

Away’s Cosmetics Bag is just as thoughtfully designed as the brand’s suitcases. It features three compartments that are able to hold your makeup firmly in place while traveling, including a spill-proof catch-all area that takes up the majority of the space, a zip bag located under the catch-all area, and a place for brushes. The removable brush compartment is by far the most unique, as it’s held in place by buttons and can be rolled up, sealed shut, and stored elsewhere if you like. “The removable brush roll is a nice touch here, plus the whole bag is really compact and should fit easily into your carry-on luggage,” says Williamson.

This makeup bag is made of a plush, water-resistant nylon that will lay softly among all the other clothes and shoes you have in your suitcase. The Away Cosmetics Bag can be monogrammed for up to three letters for an extra $20, and comes in two colors: black and petal pink.

Material: Nylon, neoprene | Compartments: 3 | Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.3 x 3.9 inches

What Stands Out
  • It has two openings to keep different types of products separated.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s pretty small, but it does hold a lot.

A common problem with small makeup bags is that they lack compartments due to their limited space. The Cubetastic Small Makeup bag certainly differs, offering beauty lovers three compartments to store their makeup, including an area for brushes, lipsticks and lip glosses, and a larger area to store bigger items such as blushes, foundations, eye shadows, and more.

Another way the bag stands out is that it offers two points of entry, including one located at the top and one located on the side of the bag. The side opening is useful if you find yourself needing to reapply makeup, as the acrylic wall holding the makeup in place helps you be able to see everything you have right in front of you. One downside to this bag is that the handle is on the side of the bag instead of the top. Unless your bag is packed to the brim, your makeup will shift around while you’re moving.  

Material: Oxford cloth and nylon | Compartments: 3 | Dimensions: 9.4 × 5.5 × 3.9 inches

What Stands Out
  • Its compact size and see-through design make finding makeup items a breeze.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s best for smaller collections.

With its minimalist design and vibrant pop of color, the Beauty Pie Small Clear Makeup Case makes a statement while keeping your makeup organized. Its compact size makes it a perfect fit for small purses or everyday bags, while its transparent material ensures you can locate your items quickly and conveniently. Though petite, this makeup case can comfortably house your daily makeup collection. 

The colorful trim adds a trendy touch, making the case as stylish as it is practical. While some may find its storage space limited for larger items, its compact size and functionality make it an ideal choice for those who prefer to travel light with their beauty essentials. But if you do need something larger, it’s also available in medium and large sizes.

Material: PU and TPU | Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 8.2 x 3.7 x 3.1 inches

What Stands Out
  • It has a variety of compartments and is meant to be hung for greater product visibility.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not the most durable option.

We all know that having your makeup right in front of you is the easiest way to see what you have and get to it fast. The Mossio Hanging Toiletry Bag facilitates just that, offering tons of space for both your makeup and your toiletries while traveling. There are three spacious compartments available, including two flat pockets (one plastic and one mesh) that are good for holding mascaras, eye pencils, lip glosses, foundations, concealers, and more. The biggest compartment, located at the bottom, is a real standout, able to hold large bottles such as face wash, shampoo, and perfumes, to name a few.

The entirety of the makeup bag is made with a water-resistant polyester, and it comes with an included hook so you can easily hang it up while traveling. The Mossio Hanging Toiletry Bag comes in 15 colors and patterns, including polka dot, pink stripe, floral, cactus, and more.

Material: Polyester | Compartments: 3 | Dimensions: 9.45 x 3.74 x 7.48 inches

What Stands Out
  • The see-through top allows for easy identification of items.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s expensive and not very large.

The Paravel See-All Vanity Case stands out for its use of eco-friendly materials. The canvas used on this piece is made from two upcycled plastic bottles, and it comes with certifications from Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and the Global Recycled Standard. Plus, it’s just a really stylish piece.  

This Paravel bag offers the best of both worlds. Its see-through walls give you a great window into all of the products you packed, making them easy to spot. Meanwhile, the canvas and leather offer a sophisticated, classic design that makes the bag nice enough to carry around on its own. This makeup bag comes in two sizes and two colors (scout tan and domino black), and offers monogramming between $15 and $65.

Material: EcoCraft canvas, nylon, PU leather | Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 8.5 x 3.75 x 5.5 inches

What Stands Out
  • It comes in 14 luxurious colors.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s fairly large so might be hard to pack.

Exuding a timeless appeal, the Leatherology Train Case is an exquisite blend of form and function. Crafted from either full-grain leather or canvas, the bag brings a level of sophistication that will appeal to fashion-forward travelers. Its design isn't just about looks though—it's built to last. And since it’s available in a variety of vibrant and neutral shades, it caters to a wide range of personal styles. 

While its interior is roomy enough to store a good quantity of makeup items, a few more compartments or pockets for better organization would be a welcome addition. Despite this, its chic appeal and robust build make it a worthwhile splurge for those who value style and longevity in their makeup bags.

Material: Full-grain leather or canvas | Compartments: 2 | Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 5 inches

What Stands Out
  • It boasts a chic, timeless design with its high-quality leather exterior.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not water-resistant.

If you want your makeup bag to match your purse, go with this exquisite option from Pottery Barn. The Emery Leather Cosmetic Case is made of a pebbled leather, full-grain leather that was applied to the bag by hand. Full-grain leather is considered a durable, long-lasting leather that will age nicely over time, so this bag is sure to be one of the most durable you can find. The inside is lined with a sail cloth and has no compartments. While the interiors certainly boast a more elegant look, do know that sail cloth is not water-resistant. If something spills in your makeup bag, the interior will stain.

This makeup bag comes in four colors, including saffron, black, periwinkle, and mocha. If you’d like to personalize your makeup bag, you can add monogramming for an extra $15.

Materials: Leather and sail cloth | Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.25 x 4 inches

What Stands Out
  • It has a spacious design and is made with a transparent, TSA-approved material.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s the most expensive option on our list.

The Clarity Jumbo Jetset Case from Truffle is a standout among travel makeup bags for its elegant simplicity and spacious interior. Made with biodegradable TPU, this transparent bag can be purchased with either a leather or nylon trim. The clear material is TSA-approved, making security checks a breeze, while the generous size can comfortably house all your makeup essentials, from brushes to pallets. Though its higher price point might be off-putting for some, the quality, style, and convenience it offers justify the investment—and you can alternatively purchase in two smaller sizes.

Material: TPU and either leather or rPET nylon trim | Compartments: 2 | Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3.75 inches

What Stands Out
  • It has a knitted exterior that’s totally unique.

What Could Be Improved
  • That knitted material is prone to snagging, so it’s not suitable for heavy duty travel.

If you want a bag that’s totally one of a kind, you can’t do better than this retro-inspired bag from Bougie. Instead of being made from plastic or polyester, it’s made with a knitted cotton—but don’t worry, it has a waterproof liner on the inside. The checked design (available in three colors) is another stylish touch, and you can easily use this pouch for more than just makeup. Just be careful not to snag that knitted exterior, which isn’t the best for heavy duty traveling. 

Material: Knitted cotton | Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 4.3 inches

What Stands Out
  • The structured design and removable mirror offer a modern twist to traditional makeup bags.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s only available in one color—taupe.

The Structured Beauty Clutch by Rose Inc. blends elegance and functionality, bringing a contemporary edge to your makeup storage. The vegan leather exterior exudes a sense of understated luxury, making it a fashionable accessory as much as a practical one. Its unique, structured design protects your makeup items, and the added removable mirror is a thoughtful touch for on-the-go touch-ups. 

Available only in a neutral taupe shade, it complements any style. While the inside offers ample space, the addition of dividers or pockets would help to better organize smaller items. Nonetheless, its stylish design and practical features make it a worthy addition to any beauty collection.

Material: Vegan leather | Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 8.88 x 4.44 x 6.66 inches

What Stands Out
  • The generous storage space and separate compartments offer excellent organization for a variety of makeup items.

What Could Be Improved
  • The bulky design may not be ideal for light travel or small storage spaces.

The Duo Vanity Case from Étoile Collective presents a thoughtful solution for makeup enthusiasts seeking a professional level of organization. Encased in a sturdy black exterior, this case boasts a myriad of compartments in varying sizes, accommodating everything from lipsticks to larger cosmetic bottles. The sturdy build offers peace of mind, ensuring your beauty products are protected. 

While its size might make it less suited for light travel or compact storage spaces, it's an ideal choice for those who need to keep a substantial makeup collection organized and readily accessible. 

Material: Vegan leather | Compartments: 5, plus 8 with divider insert | Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.1 x 6.7 inches

How to Shop for Makeup Bags Like a Pro

Material

“You'll want something that's easy to clean by simply wiping down with makeup remover wipes and sanitizer,” says Williamson. This means that it's best to get a material that is water-resistant or waterproof. If something in your makeup bag accidentally breaks and spills, this material will stop it from staining the inside of your bag and seeping through into your purse or suitcase. Most makeup bags, or at least the lining, are made with water-resistant or waterproof materials, including plastic, polyester, or nylon. Be sure to check the label before you buy to ensure that you are getting a makeup bag that is at least slightly spill-proof.

Size

The size you need is all dependent on how much makeup you usually travel with. “If you're someone who has a signature look that you stick to, you can most likely get away with a smaller, more compact bag,” says Williamson. “If you like to switch out your blush, pack multiple lip options, have a skin tint and full coverage foundation depending on your mood, then you'll want to get a larger one.” 

Keeping a large collection organized in a makeup bag can also help ensure that you're not using expired makeup. Smaller makeup bags are best for people who have a modest collection and don't need to dig around very long to find what they need. To figure out what size you need, try fitting all your makeup into a purse and see if it fits. If it doesn't, you'll need a bag that is bigger in size.

Compartments

To have compartments or to not have compartments….that is the question. It’s best to have a makeup bag with compartments while traveling, regardless of the size of your makeup collection. Not only will this make packing your makeup easier, but it will also lessen the likelihood of your products breaking and spilling. Bags without compartments are best for people who either have a really modest makeup collection, or want to bring some makeup with them to work or a long event for touch ups. Makeup bags with brush compartments are best for people with large makeup collections, as the brushes otherwise have no protection when being put into a bag full of other products.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Rachel Center, a product reviews home writer for Real Simple. It was later updated by Elizabeth Loomis, a writer who specializes in lifestyle content and has written for The Spruce, Well + Good, InStyle, and The Zoe Report. Both writers spent hours researching all the components that make the best makeup organizers, ultimately choosing the products on this list based on style, material, and compartments available. Loomis also interviewed professional makeup artist and content creator Jonet Williamson for expert advice on the best makeup bags.

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