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Passing through airport security can be a nightmare—especially if you accidentally packed a full-size bottle of liquid, gel, or aerosol in your carry-on bag. To ensure passenger safety, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces strict regulations on which beauty products you can and can’t bring onboard. Their packing protocol is easy to follow if you remember these carry-on guidelines:
- You’re allowed to pack individual 3.4 ounce (or 100 mL) containers of liquids, gels, and aerosols.
- All toiletries must be placed in one clear quart-size, zip-top bag—one per passenger.
- You must declare medically necessary liquids, such as breast milk, baby formula, and insulin to a security officer prior to boarding. You are allowed to bring more than 3.4 ounces, but it must be in a reasonable quantity.
- While technically allowed on the plane, never apply nail polish during your flight! It’s inconsiderate and dangerous to other passengers.
- If you’re not sure about a product, don’t pack it. Better to leave it at home than have it confiscated.
If you’re still unsure on what to pack, try these five airplane-ready products and stay stress-free in the security line!
Dr. Barbara Sturm Flight Essentials Kit, $225
Discover this 6-piece skincare set before you explore your next travel destination. From calming serum to anti-pollution drops, this collection provides products under 100ml to help protect your complexion while traveling. Consider your skincare packing time shortened! The mini moisturizing solutions are great for prepping all skin types, plus the kit comes with a cute and compact transparent pouch that fits into any carry-on.
Verb Travel Kit with Fanny Pack, $26
Keeping your style sleek and moisturized in any climate is possible with this travel-size hair kit. The collection comes with four hydrating, frizz-fighting heroes: Ghost Shampoo, Ghost Conditioner, Glossy Shine Spray, and Ghost Oil. Formulated with a blend of hair-loving oils, these travel necessities provide a shine-inducing cleanse, condition, and lightweight finish for every hair type. Place them all in a clear ziploc bag for the TSA and then put them in their cute black fanny pack.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer, $55
Weighing in at only 1.7 ounces, this small but mighty SPF moisturizer multitasks by drenching skin with fluffy-light moisture while shielding it against harmful UVA/UVB rays. The SPF 45 sunscreen keeps skin protected and hydrated with a 30% Hyaluronic Acid Complex, plus it’s invisible with a feather-light finish. No white cast here!
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Jet Set, $30
Regardless of where you’re going on vacation, this travel-sized trio of body bestsellers will always take your senses to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. This set of essentials covers everything you need from the neck down: wash, cream, and body mist. Zip it up in its bright clear orange pouch and slip it into your carry-on bag.
Oribe Fragrance Experience Set, $18
These gender-neutral scents transport wearers to dreamy destinations from the French Riviera to the Valley of Flowers in India–before you even step off the plane. Leave large perfume bottles at home, and successfully slip these tiny (0.07 oz!) glass bottles into your carry-on, no matter how cramped.
Illustration by Megan Badilla