
If you're wondering whether you can take lipstick in your hand luggage when travelling by plane, the answer is: it depends. Most international security agencies follow a standard approach, but it's always a good idea to check airline-specific policies before travelling, as some carriers may enforce stricter regulations for cosmetic products. Solid lipsticks and wax-based lip balms are not considered liquids and can be packed freely in your carry-on luggage. However, liquid lipsticks, lip glosses, and other gel-like lip products are considered liquids and must follow the 3-1-1 rule: they must be placed in a transparent, resealable bag, and each container must not exceed 3.4 ounces (100ml).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you take lipstick on a plane? | Yes, solid-stick cosmetics like lipstick are allowed in carry-on luggage and are not subject to liquid restrictions. |
| Liquid makeup | Liquid makeup is allowed but must follow the 3-1-1 rule: liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized bag. |
| Bag restrictions | Only one bag per passenger is allowed and must be placed in a screening bin during the security checkpoint. |
| Lip balm | Lip balm is allowed and is not considered a liquid. |
| Containers | Containers must be tightly sealed to prevent spillage and leakage. |
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What You'll Learn

Solid lipstick is not considered a liquid
When it comes to packing makeup for a flight, it's important to be aware of the relevant rules and restrictions. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines for what passengers can bring in their carry-on luggage, including rules for liquids, gels, and aerosols.
Lipstick is one of the items that travellers often wonder about when packing their carry-on bags. So, can you take lipstick with you through airport security? The good news is that solid lipstick is not considered a liquid by the TSA. Lipstick in a solid stick form, such as the traditional bullet lipstick, is classified as a solid and is therefore exempt from the liquid restrictions.
This means that solid lipstick can be packed directly into your carry-on bag without needing to follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule. The 3-1-1 rule states that liquids and semi-liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and must fit comfortably in a single, clear, quart-sized bag. However, solid lipstick does not fall under this category and can be packed separately from any liquid or semi-liquid items.
It's worth noting that liquid lipsticks, on the other hand, are considered liquids by the TSA. If you're travelling with liquid lipstick, it must comply with the 3-1-1 liquid rule. This means placing the liquid lipstick in a clear, quart-sized bag along with any other liquid or semi-liquid items, such as liquid foundation, concealer, or perfume. Each liquid container must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to comply with the regulations.
In addition to solid lipstick, other solid-stick cosmetics, such as lip balms and deodorants, are also not considered liquids. These items are ideal for carry-on luggage as they are less prone to spillage and leakage compared to liquid products. They can be easily packed into your bag without the need for a separate transparent bag, making them a convenient and hassle-free option for travellers.
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Liquid lipstick must follow the 3-1-1 rule
Solid lipstick does not count as a liquid according to TSA standards, so it can be carried in any quantity in both carry-on and checked luggage without restrictions. However, liquid or gel-based lip products, such as lip gloss or liquid lipstick, are considered liquids and must follow the 3-1-1 rule. This means that liquid lipsticks must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and must be packed in a clear quart-sized bag for carry-ons.
The 3-1-1 rule applies to all liquid and semi-liquid items packed in carry-on luggage, including gels and thicker makeup liquids. All of these items must be placed in a single clear quart-sized bag, and each container must be 3.4 ounces or less. This rule does not apply to checked luggage, where you can bring any size liquid.
Lip balm is also not considered a liquid by the TSA, so it is exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. However, it is recommended to pack lip balm in a small pouch or pocket within your bag for easy access during the flight. Additionally, if you are travelling to a destination with extreme temperatures, be mindful of potential melting and take precautions to prevent mess.
It is important to note that the 3-1-1 rule only applies to carry-on luggage and not to checked bags. If you are bringing liquid makeup or other liquids in your checked luggage, they do not need to be in a clear quart-sized bag or limited to 3.4-ounce containers. However, it is still important to pack liquid items securely to prevent leaks and spills during transit.
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Lip balm and Vaseline
Lip balms are permitted in carry-on luggage, but it is advisable to pack them thoughtfully for convenience and easy access during the flight. Lip balm can be placed in a small pouch or pocket within your bag to keep it within reach. Opting for twist-up or stick-style lip balms is better than pots or jars, which may be more prone to spillage or leakage during travel.
Solid stick lip balms, such as Aquafina Hydrating Lip Balm, do not contain enough water content for the TSA to consider them liquids. Therefore, they can be packed freely in carry-on bags and are exempt from the liquid restrictions imposed on other personal care items.
However, gel-based lip balms, such as Vaseline, Carmex, and Blistex, are on the TSA's list of banned materials. These must be placed in a clear, quart-sized bag for security checkpoint screening. The TSA defines liquids as "any item that can be poured, pumped, squeezed, spread, smeared, sprayed, or spilled." To comply with TSA rules, liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less and placed in a single, clear, quart-sized bag.
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Country-specific rules
United States
Lipstick is allowed in carry-on luggage in the United States. Solid lipstick does not count as a liquid and can be carried in any quantity. However, liquid or gel-based lip products, such as lip gloss or liquid lipstick, must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. This means they must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a clear quart-sized bag. It is worth noting that while a quart bag is required for liquids when flying into the US, some sources mention that this is not always enforced when flying out of the country.
United Kingdom
According to the UK government website, there are no specific restrictions mentioned for carrying lipstick. However, restrictions on liquids, gels, and pastes apply only to hold luggage and not to items in hand luggage. This suggests that lipstick is generally allowed in carry-on luggage.
Canada
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) does not specifically mention lipstick in its list of prohibited items. However, they do state that non-liquid items are allowed in carry-on baggage, which would include solid lipstick. For liquid or gel-based lip products, the same 3-1-1 rule as the US applies, limiting containers to 3.4 ounces or 100ml.
Australia
The Australian Government's TravelSECURE website does not specifically mention lipstick in its list of prohibited items. However, they do state that liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on baggage must be in containers of no more than 100ml. This suggests that liquid or gel-based lip products would need to comply with similar restrictions as in other countries.
European Union
The European Union Aviation Security Regulations do not specifically mention lipstick as a prohibited item. However, they do state that liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on baggage must be in containers of no more than 100ml. As with other countries, liquid or gel-based lip products would need to comply with these restrictions.
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Airline-specific rules
While there are general guidelines regarding what you can bring onto an airplane, each airline may have its own specific rules and regulations. It is always best to check with your airline before packing to ensure you are following their guidelines. Here are some airline-specific rules that might apply when bringing lipstick or other makeup products onto an airplane:
- Liquid restrictions: Most airlines and airports follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, which states that travellers can bring small containers of liquids, each holding no more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres), in a clear, quart-sized bag. This rule applies to liquid and semi-liquid items, including gels, creams, and thicker liquids like foundation and mascara. Lipstick is generally not considered a liquid, but lip gloss is, and must adhere to the liquid restrictions.
- Multiple bags: Some airlines may allow travellers to bring multiple quart-sized bags of liquids, as long as each bag adheres to the 3-1-1 rule. However, other airlines may only permit one quart-sized bag, so it is essential to check with your specific airline.
- Country-specific regulations: The rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage can vary depending on the country you are travelling to or from. For example, the regulations at UK airports have changed, and now only allow travellers to carry liquids in hand luggage that are less than 100ml. Check with the relevant airlines and airports, especially when travelling internationally, to ensure you comply with their rules.
- Specific cosmetic restrictions: Some airlines may have restrictions on specific cosmetic items. For example, nail polish is allowed but must follow the liquid restrictions, and it must be packed carefully to avoid leaks or spills.
Remember, it is always better to be cautious and check with your airline before packing any cosmetic or liquid items in your carry-on luggage.
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Frequently asked questions
Solid lipsticks and wax-based lip balms are not considered liquids and can be packed anywhere in your hand luggage. However, liquid lipsticks, lip glosses, and other gel-like lip products are considered liquids and must be placed in a clear, quart-sized, resealable bag when carried in hand luggage.
The 3-1-1 rule for liquids states that liquid containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and must be placed in a clear, quart-sized, resealable bag. Only one such bag is allowed per passenger.
Yes, different countries and airlines may have different rules and restrictions for carrying cosmetics in hand luggage. While most international security agencies follow a standard approach, always check the specific policies of the country, airline, and airport you are travelling from before packing your lipstick.











































