You can bring a makeup palette on a plane in your carry-on or checked luggage. The permissibility and packing requirements depend entirely on the physical composition of the product inside. Palettes are generally allowed through airport security, but those containing liquid, cream, or gel components must adhere to specific rules for carry-on baggage. The makeup’s consistency—whether it is a solid powder or a semi-liquid formula—determines how it must be handled during the screening process.
Handling Powder Palettes
Palettes composed entirely of solid, pressed powders, such as eyeshadows, blushes, bronzers, and contour powders, are the simplest to travel with. These cosmetic formulas are not considered liquids, gels, or aerosols by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Consequently, they are not subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule and can be packed freely in a carry-on bag without volume restrictions.
You can pack these powder compacts and palettes anywhere in your carry-on or checked bag. There is a regulation concerning large quantities of powder-like substances, defined as items measuring 12 ounces (350 milliliters) or more. However, standard commercial makeup palettes rarely contain this much product, meaning they typically pass through screening without additional inspection.
Cream and Gel Restrictions
Any non-powder component within a makeup palette, such as cream concealers, cream blushes, liquid primers, or gel-based eyeshadows, is classified as a liquid, gel, or paste for carry-on purposes. These semi-solid formulas must strictly comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. This rule dictates that each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less in volume, and all items must fit comfortably into a single, clear, one-quart-sized bag, with only one bag permitted per passenger.
If a palette contains both solid powder and cream elements, the cream sections must adhere to these size and packaging limits, or the entire palette must be placed in checked baggage. Security officers reserve the right to confiscate any non-compliant item, so it is safer to transport larger or non-conforming cream formulas in a checked suitcase.
Smart Packing for Security
To avoid delays at the security checkpoint, place your makeup palettes in an easily accessible location within your carry-on bag. If your palette contains any cream or gel products, it should be placed with your quart-sized bag of liquids, where it can be quickly removed for X-ray screening. Having the items ready for inspection prevents the need for a full bag search.
For expensive or physically delicate palettes, carry-on baggage is the safer choice, regardless of the composition. While checked luggage offers unlimited quantity and size for all makeup types, the risk of damage from pressure changes or impact is significantly higher. Placing a fragile pressed powder palette in your carry-on, where it is protected from being jostled, helps ensure it arrives at your destination intact and ready for use.