Byrdie
TL;DR
Our favorite makeup bag is the Béis The Cosmetic Case, which comes with a mirror and a removable brush holder. We also love the smooth faux leather material, which resists crushing. The Victoria’s Secret 4-Piece Makeup Bag is a close runner-up. It has spacious compartments and comes with three additional pouches to keep all your essentials organized.
If you use makeup, you definitely need to invest in a great makeup bag. They’re designed to keep your beauty products organized and safe and come in many colors, sizes, and prints. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all option, you should consider certain features when shopping for one. “Ideally, the bag will be resilient, waterproof, and easy to wipe down,” says New York-based makeup artist Jamie Dorman. “This makes it easy to keep makeup sanitary and clean up any products that have made it out of their containers,” adds Dorman.
We conducted hours of research on the best makeup bags, evaluating them on quality, design, capacity, and extra features. Our team then combined these results with makeup artist-approved picks to create this list of the top 10 choices. From hard-shell cases with organizers and spacious pouches to hanging toiletry satchels and TSA-approved transparent bags, you’ve got lots to choose from.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Béis The Cosmetic Case
Compact yet very spacious
Magnetized brush holder
Water-resistant
Limited color options
Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 4 inches | Material: Polyurethane | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, beige, pink
The moment we laid eyes on this chic number from Béis, we knew we had to add it to the list. Measuring 9.5 x 7 x 4 inches, The Cosmetics Case is conveniently compact but more spacious than it looks. Inside, you’ll find a magnetized removable brush holder with a pouch-style enclosure and a small zipper pocket on the back. There are also three suitcase-style pockets in the main compartment and a slip pocket on the lid with a removable mirror for on-the-go touch-ups.
The poly lining has a water-resistant finish, making it spill-proof and perfect for travel. The faux leather exterior feels smooth and resists crushing. We only wish it came in a wider variety of colors.
![Beis The Cosmetics Case filled with supplies next to the included mirror]()
PHOTO: Byrdie ![Hand removing the mirror from Beis The Cosmetics Case]()
PHOTO: Byrdie ![Hands placing a slip pocket containing makeup brushes into the Beis The Cosmetics Case]()
PHOTO: Byrdie
Best Waterproof
Royce New York Double Zip Leather Toiletry Bag
Waterproof lining
Compact
Durable material that's worth the investment
Too small for larger collections
Dimensions: 7.75 x 4.5 x 5 inches | Material: Leather | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, blush pink, navy blue
If you’re able to splurge on a fancy makeup bag, you won't regret investing in Royce's Double Zip Toiletry Bag. It's made of buttery soft yet durable, genuine leather with a waterproof, stain-resistant lining. It'll fit effortlessly in any suitcase or overnight bag, but it still offers plenty of room for your must-haves. Our only complaint is that it might be a little on the small side, depending on the size of your makeup collection.
![The Royce New York Double Zip Leather Toiletry Bag on a countertop and filled with products]()
PHOTO: Byrdie / Alexander Huang ![A person unzipping the Royce New York Double Zip Leather Toiletry Bag]()
PHOTO: Byrdie / Alexander Huang ![A person taking sunscreen out of the Royce New York Double Zip Leather Toiletry Bag]()
PHOTO: Byrdie / Alexander Huang
Best for Toiletries
Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag
High-quality catchall design
Water-resistant
Great color selection
Doesn't resist crushing
Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.5 x 4 inches | Material: Neoprene | Closure: Zipper, snap | Colors: Black, grey, olive green, navy blue, mauve, brown, red, light green, grey-blue
For the “less is more” makeup aficionado, we recommend the small size of Dagne Dover's Hunter Toiletry Bag. This thoughtfully designed pouch measures just 7.5 x 4.5 x 4 inches. It's made of water-resistant neoprene and has a removable zipper pocket, a dust bag, and three elastic loops for securing your brushes or lip products. The color options are something to admire, too. This one doesn’t resist crushing, so be cautious not to pack it in your checked luggage.
![Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag sitting on a countertop filled with products]()
PHOTO: Byrdie / Alexander Huang ![A person unbuttoning a clasp on the Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag]()
PHOTO: Byrdie / Alexander Huang ![A person velcro-ing a pocket on the Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag]()
PHOTO: Byrdie / Alexander Huang
Jill, tester: "I love the neoprene material—which makes it easy to clean (and keep clean)—and its zip compartments that are ingeniously designed for travel."
Best Budget
Meiyuuo Waterproof Makeup Bag
Made from waterproof materials
Holds its shape
Great color selection
No compartments
Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 4.5 inches | Material: Faux leather | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Light blue, beige, yellow, purple, pink, navy blue, marble, orange-red
If you’re looking for a spacious bag to stow all your makeup and skincare products, look no further. This affordable pick has a deep storage section that can fit your sunscreen, serums, and moisturizers, plus five brush holder pockets on the inside of the lid. It’s made of smooth vegan leather with a wipeable nylon lining, feels lightweight yet durable, and holds its shape well. The only downside is that there are no compartments to keep items organized inside.
Best for Purses
Glossier The Beauty Bag
Stands upright so your products won't spill
Removable inner pouch
Multiple pockets
Only one color
Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 3 inches | Material: Coated cotton | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Pink
Glossier's take on the makeup bag is this cleverly designed catchall. At 9.5 x 7 x 3 inches, it's tall enough to fit your brushes, pencils, and full-size skincare products yet wide enough to stand upright without support. However, it’s still somehow conveniently compact.
There are various pockets and compartments to help you stay organized on the go, and thanks to the coated cotton exterior, you won't have to worry about spills, splashes, or stains. It only comes in Glossier’s signature color, so you need to be a pink fan for this one.
Best With Organizers
Stephanie Johnson Belize Stellar Martha Large Cosmetics Case
Carryall handles are great for travel
Comes with four clear zip pouches
Suitcase style design
Only two color options
Dimensions: 6.5 x 8.75 x 4 inches | Material: PVC, leather | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, brown, ivory, blue
This mini suitcase-style makeup bag is great for beauty lovers who can never pack enough blushes, lipsticks, lip glosses, and eyeshadows…(you get the deal). The features include three removable compartments and a large clear zip wall pocket. It also has tall handles that work great when hanging over a door.
Best Clear
CalPak Clear Train Case With Top Compartment
Transparent so you can find items more easily
Full zip-around opening
Equipped with elastic loops
No mirrors included
Dimensions: 7.75 x 7 x 5.25 inches | Material: Faux leather, transparent PVC | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, stone, mauve, caramel, pink
If you prefer a bag that can keep your cosmetics standing, this is the pick for you. The main compartment is fully zippered, with three elastic loops for brushes or skincare tubes and a zippered pouch. It also comes with a top handle and wide transparent PVC panels.
Best Pouch
Cuyana Voyager Travel Case
Doubles as a clutch and makeup bag
Has interior wall pockets
Material is easy to clean
No storage compartments
Dimensions: 9 x 15 x 6 inches | Material: Argentinian leather | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, cream, muave, red
The Cuyana Voyager Travel Case is the latest addition to the travel case family, featuring a larger size to fit more items. It’s handcrafted from smooth Argentinian leather and has gold-tone hardware that gives it a sophisticated look. The interior comes with two wall pockets and a zipper pocket. The best part? This bag looks so chic it can even double as a clutch.
Best With Large Compartments
Victoria's Secret 4-Piece Makeup Bag
Very spacious
Removable pouches
Material is easy to clean
No elastic loops or brush holders
Dimensions: 9 x 15 x 6 inches | Material: Argentinian leather | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Black, cream, muave, red
This four-piece makeup bag has room for all your skincare and beauty essentials. Available in five colors/prints, it’s got a large main compartment and three removable zip pouches. It’s also durable and comes with a top handle for easy carrying. We also love that it comes with transparent panels, which makes it easy to spot the product you’re looking for.
Best With Hanger
Tumi Voyageur Madeline Cosmetic Bag
Has a metal hanger
Transparent zip pockets with wipeable lining
Monogrammable patches
Limited prints and colors
Dimensions: 8 x 11.3 x 2.8 inches | Material: Nylon | Closure: Zipper | Colors: Muave, black, navy blue, dark green
With this functional Tumi Voyageur Madeline Cosmetic bag, you can avoid scattering your makeup all over the hotel sink. It features a metal hanger, three transparent interior compartments, and a detachable zip pouch for stowing smaller items. You’ll find a double-zip entry to the main compartment and a front zip pocket on the exterior. You can also customize the bag with monogrammed patches.
What to Look for in a Makeup Bag
- Size: Are you shopping for something that will fit your entire makeup routine or just weekend essentials? Are you a maximalist who needs to travel with your entire makeup collection, or are you a mascara, clear balm, and concealer kind of person who would love something more compact? You can always keep more than one makeup bag on hand—one for night-out essentials and another for getaways or work trips.
- Material: According to Dorman, your best bet when it comes to makeup bags is to go for something durable and waterproof to protect you from spills and accidental leaks. She likes nylon, PVC, thick canvas materials, and leather. You can also choose something more eco-friendly if that appeals to you more, such as bags made from recycled plastics or sustainably sourced leather or hemp.
- Compartments: Compartments are great for high-risk products (think foundation, liquid blush, and the like) or smaller items like lip balm and bobby pins that are otherwise easily lost. Makeup bags with longer slots for brushes and a protective brush cover are also helpful if you take your brushes with you.
Meet Our Expert
We contacted a makeup artist for additional guidance on what to look for in a makeup bag.
- Jamie Dorman is a NYC-based celebrity makeup artist.
Why Trust Byrdie
Shauna Beni-Haynes is a senior editor at Byrdie with a love for great makeup and an equally great makeup bag. She tests dozens of hair products throughout the year and works to find the best picks for readers across makeup, fragrance, skincare, hair care, and fashion. She also works with the Research and Testing team to select products for testing, review insights, and assign stories to writers.
Caitlyn Martyn is a Byrdie associate editor who specializes in skincare, makeup, and anything beauty including product recommendations.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any makeup bags from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
