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Consider what many people consider the “best” cosmetic bag. A modest pouch or cube with a single zippered compartment (or, more simply, a ziplock bag) large enough to hold travel shampoo and conditioner, a toothbrush, and maybe a razor. However, these items are likely to roll around and spill, or get squeezed out from under a hastily screwed lid. Then, every time you need to find something, you have to dig around in what is essentially a glove compartment. There is 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 basic Dopp kits (like the $75 Nex) to sling bags (like the $70 Mila by Dagne Dover) to hanging bags (like the $50 Ultra-SIL Cordura by Sea to Summit). As any seasoned traveler knows, choosing a makeup bag is a subjective matter that comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer to travel light, carrying just their razors 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 organizers, 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 sea of ​​options, I’ve rounded up some of our favorite cosmetic bags that members of our gear team have been using for years, as well as a few new models from our favorite brands and some with unique designs or features. Looking for more of the best travel gear? Check out our travel tips, plus our guides to the best luggage , best carry-on luggage , best messenger bags , and best travel accessories .
Update February 2025: We’ve added the Cincha Large Laundry Bag, Nex’s Dopp Set and a new leather Picker Bag from Harber London, removed discontinued bags and updated all links and prices.
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For bags that our team hasn’t used in years, I spend four weeks incorporating the new bags into my morning routine. I note any annoying details or features, like how big the bags are, how easy it is to get things out, how much space each bag takes up on a dresser, how they react to splashes of water and soap, and how easy it is to get things out if the bags can be hung.
During our testing period, my family took several trips and had to stay in hotels. We took different sets of bags and assessed how easy it was to use multiple bags at once in a small space, whether the hook design allowed us to hang them in multiple positions, whether the contents spilled or stained the bag, and if so, how easy it was to clean. For bags that I couldn’t take on my trip, I borrowed from friends and family who had traveled, and wrote down their notes to refer to when I tested them at home. The Gear team will continue to use these bags and update this guide with notes on their durability and other new observations.
Toiletry bags, makeup bags, hanging bags… the differences between the different categories aren’t always obvious. Here are some common types of makeup bags you might encounter, as well as what to consider when shopping for each type.
Dopp Kit: Named after leatherworker Charles Doppelt, who supplied “Dopps” (toilet bags) to soldiers in World War II, the term “Dopp kit” has evolved over time and now refers to any type of portable bag for storing toiletries. However, the “Dopp kits” on the market are typically smaller and hold only a few essentials for short trips, as opposed to larger, collapsible sling bags and cosmetic bags.
Cosmetic Bag: Designed for those who need more of their daily essentials, a cosmetic bag is usually a large box-shaped container with special compartments for storing cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and other essentials. They also usually come with accessories like brush holders and mirrors.
Hanging Cosmetic Bag: As the name suggests, this cosmetic bag comes with a hook and can be hung on a hook, towel rack, tree, or anywhere else that doesn’t take up counter space. Users usually have to hang them to use all the storage compartments. It’s important to note that if everyone in your hotel room has coat hangers, 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 should have a hook that’s thin enough to attach to any hook and a rubber tip to keep it from slipping.
I’ll be testing out the Alpha Bravo Emergency Bag from Tumi ($195) and the Hunter Cosmetic Bag from Dagne Dover ($65).
Away, our favorite carry-on brand, has done it again with this stylish, well-made unisex cosmetic bag that’s surprisingly roomy, especially considering how much space it takes up on the counter. I tried the large size (3.6 liters); it also comes in a small size (2.3 liters), and the sturdy bag holds three full-size bottles of hair products, plus a hand mirror, all my makeup, and miscellaneous travel essentials. My belongings are safe and easy to access. The bag is also long enough to fit those bulky plastic toothbrush bags many of us get from the dentist.
The bag features a center zip compartment, a clear PVC-lined zip pocket, and a zippered pocket on the back for easy access. For those who like to mix and match, many of the colors in this bag echo the Away hardtop 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 storage space to suit any traveller’s needs. I tested the medium size model, which has six zipped pockets (two lined with easy-to-clean PVC, one mesh) as well as a handy removable shower shelf and mirror. It should be big enough for most people. The main compartment has three unzipped mesh pockets big enough for small, full-size tubes of product, and slim rubber-tipped hooks make it easy to hang the bag anywhere without it slipping off. There’s also a fabric handle on top for easy carrying.
It comes in a wide range of colors, fabrics, and prints, but weighs 14 ounces and would take up a lot of space if it couldn’t be hung. LL Bean claims that the durable nylon shell is spill-resistant. While I was okay in the short term after “spilling” half a travel-size container of liquid one time, the liquid still leaked out of the zipper and the fabric was soaked within half a day. Aside from the LL Bean’s waterproof nature, our entire family raves about its versatility.
I’ve had the Beis cosmetic bag for four years now, and it’s still a travel essential. The polyester material is durable and easy to clean, plus I chose the black version to hide the inevitable scuffs and small stains. But what I like most about it are the compartments. The waterproof compartment is a real gem when it comes to storing liquids or perfume. If anything leaks, just wipe it off quickly. The waterproof bottom is also very practical when you’re getting ready to wash your hands in the bathroom sink.
The top metal frame stays open while I pack or rummage through my things. There’s a zippered pocket inside for my toothbrush and toothpaste, and a separate compartment for smaller essentials like a contact lens case. I’ll admit, it’s a little bulky, so if you’re tight on space, it might not be the best fit. I usually check the bag because it fits my full-size items, but if I don’t have a lot of luggage, it can also hold some TSA-compliant carry-on luggage. ——Buthaina Chokrane
The Wandrd Cosmetic Bags come in two sizes: medium and large. Go for the larger size, as it offers more storage, is easier to organize, and is inexpensive. The medium size is also available on Amazon, but is a bit simpler (though if you buy both, you can combine them). It’s made from TPU-coated Robic nylon, and the zippers and coating make it weather-resistant (though not submersible). This will help prevent liquid from seeping in if a baggage handler is rough with your luggage and ends up breaking your perfume bottle. There are loops on the outside for a strap, so you can attach it to other bags, like Wandrd’s Prvke (my favorite camera bag), or you can buy a shoulder strap ($24) to wear it over your shoulder. Would you want to wear your cosmetic bag over your shoulder? Well, maybe! I’ve stayed in hostels before and had to carry all my stuff into the shared shower room and then hang it on the door handle with straps to keep it from falling on the wet floor.
The large bag has three small pockets on the back for things like lip balm, and the center pocket has a built-in carabiner. The main compartment is fairly roomy, with a zippered pocket on one side and a small hole to hang a toothbrush. The main feature of this bag is the protective toothbrush cover, which prevents the bristles of your toothbrush from coming into contact with other items in the bag. The main compartment could be better organized, but I mainly use it for my hairbrushes. Finally, there is a zippered pocket on the outside, as well as two mesh pockets and a zippered pocket on the inside. My main complaint is that everything is pitch black. I wouldn’t mind other colors, or at least a lighter color on the inside to make it easier to see when grabbing things in the dark. ——Julian Chokkattu
Does the average traveler need a toiletry bag made partly out of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)? The material is 15 times stronger than steel of the same weight. Maybe not, but it’s definitely a fun toiletry bag. Part of Aer’s new 10th anniversary Ultra collection, this durable, thick, and compact toiletry bag is made from Ultra400X fabric (available in black only) supplied by Challenge Sailcloth, a company known for its high-performance sails for regatta and kite surfers. The fabric is durable and slightly shiny, and its crinkled look is definitely unique, even if it doesn’t remind you of your average toiletry bag that’s been accidentally washed.
Despite its sturdiness, this travel kit is still very lightweight at just 8 ounces, and I love that it can be left on a countertop without taking up much space, or hung on a hook that tucks neatly away (though the hook is thick plastic and too small for a towel rack). There are zippered pockets in the front and back, multiple interior pockets (one of which is lined with neon green fabric for better visibility in a dark room or suitcase), and a two-piece elastic organizer inside. Another downside, though 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, and both 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 have a huge capacity (2 liters), but its contents are clearly visible and easy to access. The sturdy construction allows it to stand alone on a countertop, it takes up just 2 inches of floor space, and its slim profile fits easily into a backpack or purse. It also includes a removable loop handle for easy carrying, or you can use it as a purse, handbag, or electronics case. The genuine leather is available in brown, black, and dark brown.
Reviewers Nena Farrell and Buthaina Chochran rave about the thoughtful design details of Béis (see above, here, and here), and the company’s cosmetic bags are no exception. Its design is deceptively simple: a rectangular box with a handle on top that opens like a lunchbox—perfect for weddings and other social events where you need an extra vanity for more than just storage. But its unique features, like an easy-to-clean makeup brush holder (that attaches magnetically) and a large, removable mirror, make it the easiest-to-use cosmetic bag I’ve ever tested.
I also like that it comes in seven neutral colors and is easy to clean since all the interior surfaces are coated with what Bays calls a “washable coating.” The downside is that it’s bulky, weighing just under a pound each, making it heavy, and there are no small compartments to store fragile items or easily damaged makeup (like eyeshadow).
This is one of the few toiletry sets I was sad to pass up. It’s a soft, easy-to-clean 7.5-inch tall cylinder with a removable mesh velcro closure, an elastic loop at the back for the brush, and a zippered pocket at the top. If you just need more space, you can take out the liner.
In my testing, I found that my eyeshadow brush was a little tall and would stain the “lid” of the bag (though both the lid and exterior were easy to wipe clean). The storage compartments in the bag 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 closures with velcro, the carabiner on the lid for elastic bands or jewelry, and the extra zippered pocket on top for smaller items like pins. I also love that I can stuff smaller individual eyeshadow palettes into the mesh compartments and know they won’t get damaged. (While the bag doesn’t have a hard case, I still wouldn’t want to get it dirty.) There’s also a smaller version that’s $20 cheaper. While we haven’t tested it yet, it appears to have the same design, just a bit thinner.
If you’re looking for an understated, luxurious aesthetic, you’ll love this sleek zip-up makeup bag, available in black, pale pink, and cream. It’s made from premium Italian pebbled leather inside and out, with gold hardware and discreet “Cuyana” lettering on the bottom. It opens with a flip-top lid and features a snap closure inside the lid that hides a brush holder with an elastic loop. A removable organizer pocket clips to the lid, and the main compartment also has a pocket for tubes, bottles, and small tools.
Unlike other makeup bags I’ve tested, the contents of this makeup bag aren’t as easily accessible as other makeup bags, but they are more protected. While testing the product, I dropped my makeup bag from about 5 feet onto hard tile and all of the makeup and toiletries inside were still intact, even a few eyeshadow palettes. (If I had a roomier makeup bag like the Beis, I wouldn’t have been so lazy.) The foldable makeup bag is thin, and while it’s great for smaller items like eyeliner and mascara, it won’t fit larger tubes or jars. Even for a makeup bag, this bag is on the heavy side at 1.6 pounds, but if you can afford the price, this bag is well made and a classic piece of travel gear worth investing in.
I’ve tried just about every type of makeup bag in the last five months and thought I’d seen it all, but this thoughtfully designed makeup bag from Cincha blew my mind. I don’t usually travel light unless it’s for business or an emergency. My hair routine is complex, and includes a travel straightener and a few full-size products, as well as makeup and first aid supplies for the entire family. In fact, I often carry two or even three makeup bags. Until I discovered this monstrosity from Cincha (the makers of Oprah’s favorite bags), which is essentially a toolbox in a makeup bag. Unzipping the middle reveals four roomy compartments—two on each side, each with a small translucent vinyl zippered pocket at the top.
I couldn’t believe how much stuff this thing could hold and how it closed even when full. I took it on a five-day trip where I had to share a bathroom with two other people. I found that to save counter space, I could flip it over and open the “lid” from either side, which was great. The bag comes in black, blue with black zippers, and burgundy with red zippers, and a smaller size for those with limited space.
Sea to Summit is well known for its ultralight camping and backpacking gear, and we love their sleeping bags and tents, so it’s no surprise that we also love their feather-light hanging toiletry bag. This toiletry bag is made from waterproof 30D Ultra-Sil Cordura fabric (available in blue, orange, and gray). I tested the larger version, which features two zippered mesh pockets and a small shatterproof mirror that slides in and out. Travelers can hang the toiletry bag from a tree or towel rack, or place the 11 x 9.5-inch case on a rock or bathroom vanity. However, I will admit that when it’s not hanging, it feels very floppy and bulky.
For those who don’t pack it on their travels, its lightweight, unstructured body can be easily stowed in a suitcase, which is great for packing, but not so great for fragile items like glass containers. The main compartment is also very roomy, so things can be easily rolled around. For those watching their weight, the large size is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 4 ounces including the mirror, making it the lightest of all the packs we tested. Backpackers and those looking for something lighter can opt for the smaller bag, 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 of stuff. It comes in two sizes. I tested the “regular” model, which had more room than I needed. The body is durable, slightly wrinkled, made from Coyote X-Pac Ocean Edition material (aka 100% recycled fishing net), and 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 layers to dig through: pockets on one side for vertical storage, a zippered pocket in the middle compartment with more pockets inside, and a large compartment on the other side for larger items like combs. There’s also a small pocket at the top of the middle compartment that closes with a magnet — you can store a toothbrush in there without the bristles touching anything else.
I had no trouble fitting all the little essentials I usually take on a trip in there: a small bottle of cologne, a small jar of toothpaste, a bottle of face cream, travel shampoo and conditioner, a comb and a razor. If you have a lot of long cosmetics, they may not fit vertically in some small bags, so you’ll have to lay them flat on the bottom, making it difficult to find what you’re looking for. –Julian Chocato
The Vera Bradley bag, once a staple of the wardrobes of Southern college girls and their grandmothers in the early 21st century, is back with a new face (Zooey Deschanel) and new styles in modern fabrics like smooth twill and cotton gabardine. (Dedicated fans can rest assured that the classic paisley quilted pattern is still available.)
The new collection includes a variety of cosmetic bags that are lightweight and easy to carry, perfect as gifts, and can add a touch of color and personality to your travel gear. I tried a few, and my favorite is the Lay-Flat Travel Organizer, with two clear zipped compartments and three mesh slip pockets inside. It’s roomy but convenient enough to hold all my morning essentials, and even spilled soap is quickly removed from the large pockets. However, while the fabric is lined and may offer some protection to the contents inside, the exterior is less absorbent and isn’t machine washable (unlike other styles), so be aware that light-colored styles may show stains.
The Birmingham, Alabama-based sportswear store known for its high-quality jackets, field caps, and vests for fishing and waterfowl hunting also makes the Dopp suit in 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, and a roomy interior with three small pockets inside the waterproof lining. (I tested the lining by pouring a small pitcher of water inside, and while the liquid beaded up at first, it quickly began to seep into the seams of the rope-like fabric. While they dry quickly, I recommend placing items that are likely to spill in separate plastic bags.)
It matches the sleek Southern style of the rest of Tom Beckby’s collection of travel bags and related accessories, like the camo whiskey bag and insulated shooting gloves. This is definitely the kind of toiletry bag the Marlboro Man would use if he ever left the ranch. The only downside is that the bag is quite large and the interior is dimly lit, since there’s only one compartment. However, my brother helped test drive the bag (a former diesel mechanic who described its quality as “somewhere between a military Humvee and a King Ranch edition Ford F-350”) and it’s become his favorite bag, especially since it has room for a hair clipper and beard trimmer in addition to the usual toiletries. So this bag might be especially appealing to those who frequently travel with a lot of toiletries.
This family-owned leather goods store was founded in 1917 and has been in business for four generations. The company originally made headlight shades and luggage corners, and is now known for its duffel bags and business totes. The Ryder Dopp Leather Suit is as simple as it gets: It’s made from premium 5% American cowhide, features a roomy compartment, snap fastenings at the sides, and a tartan twill lining. The bag is available in black and various shades of brown, and the small tartan front panel can be customized with block lettering for an extra $35.
“I can smell my grandfather’s bathroom just looking at it,” my husband said as he watched me sample the bag. It was smooth to the touch and smelled like a new luxury car. In fact, it looks almost exactly like the same wash and conditioner set my dad has had for over 40 years. If you have someone on your gift list who loves vintage luxury, this bag would definitely make a great gift.
This compact bag from Cotopaxi is perfect for storing not only toiletries, but all sorts of other items as well. It’s made from lightweight recycled nylon (so if you carry glass bottles or anything that requires a soft lining, this might not be the option for you) and weighs only 6.5 ounces. Your color combination will definitely be unique!
I love its unexpected 4-liter capacity, which is divided into three different compartments: a large center compartment holds a quart of liquid, and the other two compartments have separate, smaller pockets for travel-sized toiletries like dental floss, lip balm, or a toothbrush. It also has a loop to hang it in the bathroom, so it’s technically a hanging makeup bag. However, I have to admit that I prefer hooks to loops, and a fold-over makeup bag is much easier to hang than this one, which can’t be hung once it’s open. ——Adrienne So
We’ve tried a lot of great bags, but none of them have the features or design that would earn them a spot among the best 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: Made primarily of waterproof, easy-to-clean PVC (I tested this material), this clear cosmetic bag unzips and folds to reveal two zipped compartments and a small mesh zipped pocket. With 16 stylish colors, dual handles, and metal studs on the bottom, it looks like a cute little purse. It’s not as easy to access as other top-only cosmetic bags, though: The Calpak has to be laid flat to open the sides, which takes up a 16-by-10-inch space, and the completely clear design isn’t exactly discreet.
Nex Dopp, $75: The Dopp toiletry bag I tested is the same size as the Nex 2024 Hawaiian collection and features a spacious single compartment with a double zipper. They’re made from microfiber leather, a premium synthetic leather that’s said to be softer and more durable. These bags are sturdy and well-structured, and they feel like they’d keep my makeup safe in my carry-on. The microfiber has a slightly synthetic smell, but it’s not a pleasant one since you have to get your face close to see what’s inside the roomy single compartment. I also found the zipper to be either in the way or unzipping, which meant it took up too much space on my hotel bathroom counter. Otherwise, this is a great choice that comes with a lifetime warranty and unlimited exchange program.
State Bags Benson Cosmetic Bag, $68: This sturdy, simple cosmetic bag features three mesh pockets and a removable plastic pouch for bathroom essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, or soap. The navy version I tested has a washable polyester exterior and an interior made from recycled plastic bottles, and I like that it has a hanging feature. Its storage features are a bit more basic than similar products we’ve tested, though, and it lacks some of the thoughtful details found on other cosmetic bags in this price range, like a quick-access pocket on the back and a larger hook with a rubber tip to prevent slipping. (The plastic hook on this bag is so thick and small that it’s not even big enough to hang from a towel rack.)
July Hanging Cosmetic Bag, $85: I own and love a July carry-on, so I was eager to try out the brand’s popular hanging cosmetic bag. The bag has a beautiful design with a zippered pocket in the back that unzips to reveal a PVC compartment and a zippered pocket, and a large metal hook with a rubber tip that can be tucked away. It’s well-made and stylish, with leather trim and bronze hardware. But my husband took it on a business trip and found that the pockets are actually quite small, which confirmed my fears when I tried it out in the bathroom at home. It would be fine if the bag were smaller, but it takes up a quarter of the space in my carry-on suitcase.
Fjallraven Kanken Toiletry Bag, $55: I love this one; it makes me feel like a Red Cross nurse on a World War II battlefield. It’s made from Fjallraven’s signature blend of 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 bottom compartment, my toothbrush and deodorant fit in the top compartment, and mesh pockets and MOLLE webbing make it easy to browse through small items. 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 bag for you. ——Adrienne So