These picks keep your beauty products safe and sound — and within reach.
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Updated December 8th, 2023: This article was updated with new makeup bag selections, including fresh travel, designer, and makeup pouch picks, as well as tips on selecting the right cosmetic case for your needs.
Selecting your the best makeup bag for you is akin to choosing the best foundation for your skin type. With so many considerations — the size, materials, and organizational features — landing on a makeup bag that keeps your items easy to find and secure is a tall order. While one of the best large makeup bags can be a godsend for a beauty lover, there’s actually a wide world of options for cosmetics bags to meet every need, product, and style. Related Articles Fragrance EXCLUSIVE: Selena Gomez Enters Fragrance and Body Care With Find Comfort Beauty Features Strawberry Makeup, Concealer Lips Among the 10 Most Googled Makeup Trends of 2023
Whether you’re looking for a big makeup bag or a smaller makeup pouch, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. Before you begin your hunt, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions first. Start with honestly asking yourself whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist. If your routine is precise and streamlined, like say just one of the best lipsticks, eyeliner, and a concealer for acne, you can get away with a mini makeup bag that will hold these smaller items. However, if you’re the type who likes to have options on your person at all times, then a full-on makeup tote or a makeup bag with compartments is likely your best bet. And finally, will you be carrying your a blush brush along with your favorite powder? If so, you’ll need a makeup bag with a brush holder. Otherwise, the delicate bristles will be vulnerable to friction and could become frizzy and brittle, or even worse, break entirely.
Pressed Nails To find the best travel makeup bags, the best designer makeup bags, and the best pouches, we spoke with a slew of experts. Makeup artists Molly R. Stern, Lisa Aharon, and Kim Baker shared their expert advice from years of working with celebrity clients. Founders of New York-based organization company Twice as Organized, Michaela and Zoe Katz, as well as founder of Imagine It Done, Lisa Jacobs, divulged organizational expertise, too. Ahead, find our curated list of the best makeup bags to organize any size stash, including plenty of options that make wonderful gifts for women this holiday season. Plus, you’ll discover specific tips for how to find the right bag for you and the exact features to look for.