Consider what many consider the “best” makeup bag. A simple pouch or cube with one zippered compartment (or, even more basic, a Ziploc bag) has enough room for a small supply of shampoo and conditioner, a toothbrush, and maybe a razor. But the contents tend to roll and spill, or leak out from under hastily screwed lids. Then, every time you need to find something, you’re digging through what’s essentially a junk drawer. There’s a better way.
As someone who lives away from family and has been traveling every few months for the past 18 years, I’ve tried every type of makeup bag imaginable, from simple doppler kits like the Nex ($75) and tote bags like the Mila by Dagne Dover ($70) to hanging bags like the Ultra-SIL Cordura by Sea to Summit ($50). As any seasoned traveler knows, choosing a makeup bag is a subjective matter that comes down to personal taste. Some people prefer to travel light, carrying just a razor and shampoo. Others have complex skin- and hair-care routines that require virtually an entire kit. There are clear bags, bags with lots of compartments or elastic bands, and even canvas bags. The only rule of thumb is that a “good” makeup bag should make your travel life easier, not harder.
To help you sort through the options, I’ve listed some of the Gear Team’s favorite travel bags over the years, as well as a few new options from brands we love that have other bags, designs, or features that offer something unique to the category. Looking for more of the best travel gear? Check out our tips and guides for the best luggage , best carry-on luggage , best messenger bags , and best travel accessories .
Updated February 2025: We’ve added the Cincha Large Cosmetic Bag, Nex Dopp Set, and the new Harber London Leather Collection, removed discontinued bags, and updated all links and prices.
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For bags that our team hadn’t used in years, I spent four weeks incorporating the new bags into our morning routine. I noted any annoying or unique details, capacity, ease of storage and access, how much space each bag took up on a dresser, how they held up to water and soap splashes, and if the bag could be hung, how easy it was to retrieve hanging items.
During our testing period, my family took several trips and stayed in hotels. We took different groups of bags and determined how easy it was to use multiple bags at once in a small space, whether the hooks they attached to each bag allowed us to hang them in multiple places, whether the bags spilled or stained, and if so, how easy they were to clean. For bags that I couldn’t take on my trip, I borrowed from friends and family who were traveling, and incorporated their notes into my own at-home testing. The Gear team will continue to use these sets and update this guide based on durability and other new observations.
Toiletry bags, makeup bags, hanging bags… the differences between the different categories aren’t always obvious. Here are some of the most common types of makeup bags you’ll encounter, as well as what to look for when choosing each type.
Dopp Kit: Named after leather craftsman Charles Doppelt, who supplied “Dopps” or toiletries to soldiers in World War II. Over time, the term “Dopp kit” has come to refer to any type of portable bag for storing toiletries, but commercially, toiletry bags labeled “Dopp kits” are typically smaller in size and hold only a few essentials for short trips, as opposed to larger foldable sling bags and cosmetic bags.
Makeup bag: Designed for those who need more, a makeup bag is usually a large box-shaped container with special compartments for cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and other essentials. They often come with extras like brush holders and mirrors.
Hanging Cosmetic Bag: As the name suggests, this cosmetic bag comes with a hook so you can hang it on a hook, towel rack, tree, or anywhere else that won’t take up counter space. Usually, users have to hang them to use all the storage compartments. One thing to keep in mind is that if everyone in your hotel room has a hanging cosmetic bag, you’ll run out of hooks pretty quickly. All the hooks in our bathroom were taken almost immediately, so my husband had to hang his bag over the toilet, which was frustrating for him. A good hanging cosmetic bag also comes with a hook that’s thin enough to attach to any hook and has a rubber tip to keep it from slipping.
I’ll be testing the Alpha Bravo Emergency Kit from Tumi ($195) and the Hunter Toiletry Bag from Dagne Dover ($65).
Our favorite carry-on brand, Away, has done it again with this stylish, well-made unisex cosmetic bag that holds a ton of stuff, especially since it takes up very little countertop space. I tried the large (3.6L) cosmetic bag; it also comes in a small size (2.3L), and in its sturdy, bag-like compartment, I was able to fit three full-size bottles of hair products and assorted travel essentials, as well as a hand mirror, all of my makeup, and assorted travel essentials. I feel like my stuff is safe and easily accessible. The bag is also long enough to fit those bulky plastic toothbrush bags many of us get from the dentist.
There’s a center zip compartment, a clear zip pocket (with a PVC lining), and a zip pocket on the back for easy access. For those who like to mix and match, many of the available colors are similar to Away’s hard-sided suitcases. (If that’s not enough, you can also embroider your initials on the outside of the bag for an extra $20.) My only gripe is that the matte nylon exterior, while water-resistant, gets dirty easily.
This practical bag offers great value for money and has enough organizational features to suit a wide range of travelers. I tested the medium model, which should be big enough for most people, with six zipped pockets (two lined with easy-to-clean PVC, one mesh) and a handy removable shower shelf and mirror. Three unzipped mesh pockets in the main compartment are large enough to hold small, full-size tubes of product, and thin, rubber-tipped hooks make it easy to hang the bag anywhere without it slipping. There’s also a fabric handle on top for easy carrying.
It comes in a variety of colors, fabrics, and prints, but it’s heavy at 14 ounces and will take up a lot of space if you can’t hang it. LL Bean claims that the durable nylon exterior prevents spills, and while I’ve found this to be true in the short term, after “spilling” half a travel bottle of liquid, the liquid leaked out of the zipper and the fabric was soaking wet half a day later. Beyond LL Bean’s claimed waterproofness, my whole family appreciates the versatility of this bag.
I’ve had the Beis Dopp Kit for four years now and it’s still a must-have for my travels. The polyester canvas material is durable and easy to clean, plus I went with the black version to hide the inevitable scuffs and small stains. But what I love most about it is the compartments. The waterproof feature is a game-changer when it comes to packing liquids or perfume. If something leaks, a quick wipe will solve the problem. The waterproof bottom is also a huge plus when I’m standing at the sink getting ready for the bathroom.
The metal frame on top remains open while I pack or rummage through my things. Inside, there’s a zippered pocket where I keep my toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as a separate compartment for smaller essentials like contact lens cases. I’ll admit, it’s a little bulky, so if you’re short on space, this might not be the best choice. I usually check my suitcase because it holds my full-size groceries, but if I’m only packing a few things, it can also hold TSA-cleared items as a carry-on. —Buthaina Chokrane
The Wandrd Cosmetic Bags come in two sizes: medium and large. Go for the large, as it offers more storage and organization without the extra cost. The medium size is also available on Amazon, but it’s a bit too basic for the price (though you can combine the two if you buy both). It’s made from TPU-coated Robic nylon and is weather-resistant (but not submersible) thanks to the zipper and coating. This will help prevent liquid from seeping into the bag if the baggage handler mishandles your luggage and breaks your perfume bottle. There are loops on the outside for a lanyard, so you can attach it to other bags, like Wandrd’s Prvke (my favorite camera bag), or you can buy a shoulder strap ($24) and wear it over your shoulder. Do you want to use the bag as a crossbody bag? Well, maybe! I’ve stayed in hostels before and every time I took all my things into the shared shower and hung them on the door handle with a belt so as not to drop them on the wet ground.
The large bag has three small pockets on the back for things like lip balm, and the center pocket has a built-in carabiner. Opening up the main compartment, you’ll see that it’s quite roomy on the inside, with a zipped pocket on one side and a small spot to hang your toothbrush. The most important feature of this bag is the toothbrush protector, which keeps your toothbrush protected and prevents the bristles of your toothbrush from coming into contact with other items in the bag. This main compartment could be a little better organized, but I mostly use it to store my hairbrushes. Lastly, there’s another zipped pocket on the outside, and on the inside, there are two mesh pockets and a zipped pocket. My main complaint is that everything is matte black. I wouldn’t mind seeing other colors, or at least a lighter interior to make it easier to get things out of the bag in the dark. —Julian Chokkattu
Does the average traveler need a toiletry bag made partly from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which is 15 times stronger than steel of the same weight? Maybe not, but it’s definitely fun. Part of Aer’s recently released Ultra collection to celebrate 10 years of the brand, this durable, thick, and compact toiletry bag is made from Ultra400X fabric (available in black only) from the same collection, courtesy of Challenge Sailcloth, a company known for its high-performance sails for yachtsmen and kitesurfers. It’s undeniably durable, with a slightly shiny, crinkled look that’s certainly unique, even if it does resemble an ordinary bag that’s been accidentally washed.
Despite its sturdiness, the travel kit is very lightweight at just 8 ounces, and I love that it can be left on a countertop where it takes up very little space, or hung on a hook that tucks neatly away (though the hook is thick plastic and too small to use as a towel rack). There are zippered pockets in the front and back, multiple interior pockets (one of which is lined with fluorescent green fabric for better visibility in a dark room or suitcase), and an elastic organizer with two compartments. Another drawback (though admittedly minor) is that the rubber “Aer” stickers on the outside and inside seem to collect toothbrush and soap residue, as does the zippered mesh pocket in the top compartment, both of which are difficult to clean.
I was surprised how much my testers and I loved this versatile bag, which is handmade in Spain. It doesn’t hold much (it’s 2L), but its contents are easy to see and access. Its rigid, durable construction allows it to stand up on a countertop, and its slim profile makes it easy to slip into a backpack or carry-on. There’s also a removable loop handle for easy carrying or use as a purse, tote, or tech bag. The genuine leather comes in brown, black, or dark brown.
Reviewers Neneh Farrell and Bouthaina Chochran have loved the thoughtful design details of Béis (see above, here and here), and the company’s cosmetic cases are no exception. The design is deceptively simple—a rectangle with a handle that opens at the top like a lunchbox—and is perfect for weddings and other social events where you need an extra vanity for more than just storage. But unique features like an easy-to-clean makeup brush holder (which slides in and out with magnets) and a large, removable mirror make this the most enjoyable makeup case I’ve ever tested.
I also like that it comes in seven neutral colors and is easy to clean, as all interior surfaces have what Bays calls a “washable coating.” The downsides include its hefty weight (less than a pound) and the lack of small compartments for storing fragile items or cosmetics like eyeshadow.
This is the only vanity case that has made me feel really bad when I tried another one. It’s a soft, easy-to-clean 7.5-inch tall cylinder with a removable mesh lining that velcros, an elastic loop at the back for storing your brush, and a zippered pocket at the top. If you just need the extra space, you can remove the lining.
In my testing, I found that my eyeshadow brush sat too high and left marks on the “lid” of the bag (though both the lid and exterior were easy to wipe clean). The organizer compartments are also too narrow to hold more than one or two full-sized products. Other than that, I really like the design of the bag; the fact that it’s made from recycled materials; and the thoughtful details like the mesh lining that fastens with Velcro, the carabiner on the lid (for hanging elastic bands or jewelry), and the extra zippered pocket on the top (for smaller items like bobby pins). I also love that I can place smaller individual eyeshadow containers in the mesh compartments and know they won’t get damaged. (While this bag doesn’t have a hard shell, I still wouldn’t be too rough with it.) There’s also a smaller version that’s $20 cheaper. While we haven’t tested it yet, it appears to use the same design, just with less depth.
Those who still seek an understated, luxurious aesthetic will love this elegant zip-up cosmetic bag, available in black, pale pink, or beige. The product is made from premium Italian pebbled leather inside and out, with gold hardware and the word “Cuyana” written on the bottom. It opens with a flip-top lid, and the lid consists of a snap-on lid that houses a brush holder with an elastic loop. A removable pouch clips onto the lid, and the main compartment has a pocket for storing tubes, bottles, and small tools.
Compared to other makeup bags I’ve tested, it’s not as easy to access the contents, but it’s more protected. During testing, I dropped my bag from about 5 feet onto hard tile, and all of the makeup and toiletries inside were still intact, even a few eyeshadow palettes. (I wouldn’t have been so lazy if I’d been using a roomier makeup bag like the Beis.) The removable pouch is a little thin, so while it’s great for smaller items like eyeliner and mascara, it’s not ideal for larger tubes or jars. Even for a makeup bag, this bag is a little on the heavy side at 1.6 pounds, but if you can afford the price, it’s a solid, long-lasting investment in your travel gear.
I’ve tried just about every type of makeup bag in the last 5 months and thought I’d tried them all, but this beautifully designed makeup bag from Cincha has me blown away. Unless it’s a business trip or an emergency, I don’t usually travel light. My hair care routine is complicated: I have to carry a travel-size straightener and several full-size products, plus makeup and first aid supplies for the entire family. In fact, I usually carry two or three makeup bags. Until I came across this behemoth from Cincha (makers of Oprah’s favorite purse), which is essentially the toolbox of the makeup bag category. Unzipping the middle reveals four roomy compartments, two on each side, each with a small, translucent, vinyl zippered pocket above it.
I couldn’t believe how much this thing holds, and even though I’ve stuffed it to the brim, I’ve never had a problem with it not closing. I took it on a five-day trip where I had to share a bathroom with two other people, and I found that I loved the ability to flip it over and open the “lid” from either side so it takes up less counter space. It comes in black, blue with black zippers, and burgundy with red zippers, and there’s a smaller version for those who don’t have the space.
Sea to Summit is well known for its ultralight camping and backpacking gear. It makes some of our favorite sleeping bags and tents, so we also love its lightweight hanging toiletry bag, made from waterproof 30D Ultra-Sil Cordura fabric (colors include blue, orange, and gray). I tested the larger version, which has two zippered mesh pockets and a small, shatterproof mirror that slides in and out. Travelers can hang the bag from a tree or towel rack, or rest its 11-by-9.5-inch body on a rock or bathroom vanity, though I’ll admit I found it a bit dangly and bulky when not hanging.
For those who don’t pack it on their travels, its lightweight, unstructured body fits easily into a suitcase, which is great for packing, but not so great for fragile or breakable items like glass containers. The single main compartment is also very roomy, so it’s easy to fit items in. For weight-conscious backpackers and packers, the large size is very light at just 4 ounces, including mirrors, making it the lightest of all the bags we tested. Backpackers and those who want a lighter bag can opt for the smaller size, which weighs 2.8 ounces. Sea to Summit also offers a lifetime warranty.
If you’re going on a long trip or have a lot of stuff, the Peak Design Toiletry Bag will hold a lot. It comes in two sizes – I tested the “regular size,” which was bigger than I needed. Its shell is very durable, if a little wrinkled, and is made from Coyote X-Pac Ocean Edition material (i.e. 100% recycled fishing nets), plus it’s waterproof. There’s just one mini zippered pocket on the outside, along with a handle and hook. Open it up and you’ll find several layers to dig through: There are pockets on one side for vertical storage, a middle divider has a zippered pocket with more pockets inside, and a large compartment on the other side for larger items like combs. There’s also a small pocket in the middle, and the top of the middle divider has a magnetic closure – you can store your toothbrush there without the bristles touching anything else.
I had no problem fitting all of the small essentials I usually take on a trip into the bag: a small bottle of cologne, a small jar of toothpaste, a bottle of face lotion, travel shampoo and conditioner, a comb, and a razor. If you have a lot of long makeup, it may not fit vertically in some bags, so you’ll have to place it horizontally on the bottom, which can be annoying when you’re looking for a specific item. —Julian Chokkattu
The Vera Bradley bag, a must-have accessory for Southern college girls and their grandmothers in the early 21st century, is back with a new face (Zooey Deschanel), new designs, and updated fabrics like smooth twill and cotton gabardine. (Dedicated fans can rest assured that the quilted paisley version is still available.)
The new product line includes a variety of cosmetic bags that are lightweight, perfect for gifting, and will add a splash of color and personality to your travel gear. I tried a few, and my favorite was the Lay-Flat Travel Organizer—with two clear zipped interior compartments and three mesh slip pockets, it’s roomy yet convenient enough to keep all my morning essentials secure, and the large pockets make it easy to clean up any large soap spills. However, while the fabric is lined and may offer some protection for the contents inside, the exterior is quite absorbent and isn’t machine washable (unlike other models), so be aware that light-colored models may show stains.
The Birmingham, Alabama-based sporting goods store known for its high-quality jackets, field caps, and vests for fishing and waterfowl hunting also makes a Dopp Kit made from distressed leather and the company’s Field Canvas. It’s a simple 5 x 12-inch pouch with antique brass hardware, a zippered compartment in the back, a roomy compartment inside, and three small pockets on a waterproof lining. (I tested the lining by pouring a small pitcher of water inside, and while the liquid initially beaded up, it quickly began to bleed through the seams of the rope fabric. While they dry quickly, I recommend packing items that are likely to spill in individual plastic bags.)
It matches the sleek Southern style of other travel bags and accessories in the Tom Beckby collection, like the Camo Whiskey Bag and Insulated Shooting Gloves. If the Marlboro Man ever went out to the range, he’d definitely use this pouch. The only downside is that the bag is relatively large and fairly dark inside, with only one compartment in fact. However, my brother, who helped test the bag (a former diesel mechanic who described its quality as “a cross between a military Humvee and a King Ranch edition Ford F-350”) ended up liking it, especially because it fits both a hair clipper and a beard trimmer in addition to his usual toiletries. So this bag might be especially appealing to those who travel with a lot of toiletries.
Founded in 1917, this family-owned leather goods shop has been around for four generations. It originally made headlight covers and luggage corner protectors, but is now known for its travel and business bags. The Ryder Dopp leather suit is simple—made from American cowhide, which makes up 5% of all leather available, it has a roomy compartment, snap-button sides, and a checkered twill lining. It’s available in black or various shades of brown, with the option of a monogram on a small square on the front for an extra $35.
“When I look at this bag, I smell my grandfather’s bathroom,” my husband said as he watched me try it on; it was so sleek it smelled like a new luxury car. In fact, it looks almost identical to the Dopp kit my dad has been using for over 40 years. If you have someone on your list who loves old-school luxury, this would make a great gift.
This compact bag from Cotopaxi is great for more than just toiletries. It’s made from lightweight recycled nylon from post-consumer waste (so if you carry glass bottles or anything that requires refilling, this might not be the option for you) and weighs just 6.5 ounces. Your color combination will be unique!
I love this awesome 4-liter cosmetic bag, which is divided into three compartments: the large center compartment holds a quart of liquid, and the other two compartments have separate small pockets for travel toiletries like dental floss, lip balm, or a toothbrush. It also has a loop so you can hang it in the bathroom, so it’s technically a hanging cosmetic bag. However, I have to admit that I prefer hooks to loops, and that the fold-over top is easier to hang than this one, which can’t be hung open. — Adrienne So
We tried a few great bags, but none of them had the features or design we needed to rank among the best ones listed above. However, everyone has different needs when it comes to their makeup bag, so while these options aren’t perfect for us, some of them might still work for you.
Calpak Clear Cosmetic Bag, $85: This clear cosmetic bag (I tested the medium version) is made mostly of waterproof, easy-to-clean PVC. It unzips and folds to reveal two zipped compartments and a small mesh zipped pocket. It also looks like a cute little purse and comes in 16 popular colors, with dual handles and metal studs on the bottom. Accessing the contents isn’t as easy as other top-only cosmetic bags, though: The Calpak has to be laid flat to open the sides, requiring a 16-inch x 10-inch space, and the completely clear design isn’t exactly discreet.
Nex Dopp, $75: Part of the Nex 2024 Hawaii collection, the Dopp I tested is a large bag with a roomy single compartment and two zippers. They’re made from microfiber leather, a premium synthetic leather that’s said to be softer and more durable. The bags are sturdy, durable, and seem like they’d do a good job of protecting my makeup when I tossed them in my carry-on. The microfiber has a slight synthetic smell that’s hard to ignore since I have to put my face right up to the bag to see what’s inside the roomy single compartment. I also found that the zipper straps either got in the way when I was trying to open the bag or had to be unzipped, which would take up too much space on my hotel bathroom counter. Otherwise, these are a great choice, and they come with a lifetime warranty and unlimited exchange program.
State Bags Benson Toiletry Bag, $68: This is a sturdy, simple bag with three mesh pockets and a removable plastic bag for bathroom essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, or soap. The navy version I tested is made of polyester with a washable coating and a recycled bottle interior. I liked that it was hangable. However, the organization of its contents is more spartan than similar bags we’ve tested, and it lacks some of the thoughtful details found on other bags in this price range, like a quick-access pocket on the back and larger, rubber-tipped hooks to prevent slipping. (The thick, small plastic hook on the bag isn’t wide enough to hang it even on a towel rack.)
July Hanging Cosmetic Bag, $85: I have a July carry-on and love it, so I was eager to try out the brand’s popular hanging cosmetic bag. The bag is well-designed, with a zippered pocket on the back, the bag folds out to reveal PVC compartments and a zippered pocket, and a large metal hook with a rubber tip that can be tucked away. It looks well-made and stylish, with leather trim and bronze hardware, but my husband took it on a business trip and found that its pockets are actually quite small, confirming my concerns when I tested it in our home bathroom. If the bag were a smaller size, this wouldn’t be an issue, but it takes up a quarter of the space in a carry-on.
Fjallraven Kanken Toiletry Bag, $55: I love this one; it makes me feel like a Red Cross nurse on the battlefields of World War II. It’s made from Fjallraven’s signature fabric blend, which combines organic cotton and recycled polyester, so it feels like fabric but is more water-resistant and durable. It has a flip-top lid with a sturdy plastic hook inside. My liter bottle fits in the huge zippered compartment at the bottom, my toothbrush and deodorant fit in the top compartment, and mesh pockets and MOLLE webbing keep my essentials at hand. It’s on the large side, though, so if you’re a minimalist who only carries a toothbrush and comb, this might not be the product for you. — Adrienne So
Sympl Dopp Kit, $75: I love the durable Cordura exterior and fold-out clip for hanging this bag, as well as the fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty. The bag opens with a flap that reveals four simple, waterproof, zippered pockets: two thin horizontal pockets, a small rectangular pocket, and a large rectangular pocket. It’s an interesting idea, but in practice it’s quite limited in practicality, since users are limited to specific toiletries that fit into each pocket’s shape. (My deodorant didn’t fit, and neither did my toothbrush in the case.)