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Liquids in Carry-on Luggage: How to Pack Makeup and Skin Care

Do you travel a lot internationally or are you already planning your next trip? Then pay attention to your liquids in your hand luggage – because these are limited. This...

Do you travel a lot internationally or are you already planning your next trip? Then pay attention to your liquids in your hand luggage – because these are limited. This applies not only to drinks and hygiene products, but also to make-up and skin care. However, keeping track of the countless regulations and exceptions is not always easy. Read on to find out what you should consider and where you can make compromises!

Liquids in hand luggage: What counts

Are you currently packing your bags for your upcoming vacation? Then you might be wondering what you can stow in your bag or backpack and which products should disappear into your suitcase. Because incorrectly packed liquids in hand luggage will cause you unnecessary trouble at airport security. However, with some cosmetics, the consistency is not clearly recognizable as to whether they are too watery or already solid enough to be taken on board.


A woman with a hat and a rolling suitcase in her hand looks out of a large window at landing and taking off airplanes
Photo: © Kiattisak, Source: Adobe Stock

As a general rule: If it were to leave residues or stick to the wall when thrown against it, it is considered liquid and is subject to certain guidelines. This includes, for example:

  • All beverages: It is best to take refillable bottles with you. After the security check, you will find water dispensers and won't have to buy expensive drinks.
  • thick liquids: soups, yogurts, jams, honey, spreads, etc.
  • hygiene products: shower gel, conditioner, shampoo, hair oil or wax, toothpaste, etc.
  • cosmetic products such as lotions, oils, creams and perfume
  • liquid and gel-like make-up, including foundation, nail polish, mascara and similar.

If your items fall into one or more of these categories, either pack them in your checked baggage or follow the applicable regulations. We will explain these to you below.

A person throws four small Dear Klairs cosmetic products into the air
Photo: Provided by Dear, Klairs

These liquids are allowed in hand luggage

Since November 2006, comprehensive regulations on liquids in hand luggage have applied in the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Similar regulations also exist in other countries, but they have different names there. For various security reasons, it was unanimously decided to limit the quantities that can be carried to a minimum. Exceptions apply only to duty-free purchases, medicines and baby food. Here are the most important points at a glance:

Product type Information
Duty-free items
  • can be purchased at the airport after the security check
  • have been allowed in hand luggage since January 2014
  • must be sealed in a security bag with a red strip, along with the receipt, after purchase
  • can only be opened upon arrival in the destination country
Liquids
  • a maximum of 1 liter in total is permitted per passenger
  • you may carry a maximum of 100 ml containers of each individual product
  • Important: The volume of the bottles or cans counts. Your half-empty 200 ml perfume contains the correct amount, but is too large.
  • store the up to 10 different packages in a clear, resealable 1 liter plastic bag
  • all other liquids must be packed in your suitcase
Medications
  • Medicine you need during your trip may be taken regardless of its aggregate state.
  • are permitted, even if they exceed the 100 ml guideline (e.g. insulin or asthma spray)
  • You may need to provide proof of necessity. Carry the prescription or medical certificate with you.
Baby food
  • Baby milk or powder, normal or sterilized water, purees and juices that are needed for the duration of the flight may be taken with you
  • do not need to be in a transparent bag
  • the infant must be a maximum of 2 years old
  • the child must actually be flying
Four small Corsx cosmetic samples on a white background
Photo: Provided by cosrx

Make-up – I'm packing my suitcase and taking with me

We have already established that some of your make-up products or cosmetics are quite difficult to pack. Therefore, you should always ask yourself whether you really need them during your flight or if you can save space for other liquids in your hand luggage. If you are still not sure what actually counts as liquid in hand luggage based on our example above, here is an overview:

you can take with you without any problems subject to the guidelines
  • solid blush
  • solid bronzer
  • solid eyeshadow and lipstick/lip balm
  • moist and make-up remover wipes
  • any powders
  • eyeliner and kohl pencils
  • eyebrow gel
  • concealer
  • liquid eyeshadow and lipstick/lip gloss
  • mascara, liquid eyeliner
  • foundation and mousse
  • hairspray and deodorant
  • nail polish
  • shampoo, conditioner, shower gel
  • lotion, cream, oil, serum
  • perfume

So take a close look at this list while packing and consider what is essential for your trip. It also makes a difference whether you are traveling for more than 15 hours or just flying a short distance. In the latter case, you probably won't even have a large suitcase with you. So that you still don't miss anything, we have a few helpful tips for you at the end.

An open, packed suitcase with a camera, hat, headphones, clothes and many other items
Photo: © Kittiphan, Source: Adobe Stock

Effectively packed – these essentials should not be missing

Once you have decided where you are going and how long you will be traveling, you can gather your belongings. If you are not checking in a large bag, you should of course consider what your absolute must-haves are. Don't forget that you will probably be taking make-up as well as skin care with you. Eight of your liquid, maximum 100ml items should therefore consist of the following cosmetics, for example:

  1. Concealer, foundation and mascara. With these, you can apply basic make-up correctly.
  2. Opt for a liquid lipstick or lip gloss. If you only have a small bag, your stay probably won't be very long anyway, and you'll save space for other products. Alternatively, you can of course also choose solid lipstick or balm.
  3. Sun protection: A cream against UV radiation is always needed.
  4. A cleansing foam, water or oil to keep your skin clean.
  5. Face cream to keep you adequately moisturized.
  6. Serum to provide your face with important nutrients.

The less make-up you have with you, the more space you naturally have for skin care. Choose the weighting that suits you best. For short distances, we also recommend taking only the most necessary liquids in your hand luggage.

A striped cosmetic bag from which small bottles with pink lids peek out
Photo: © MK studio, Source: Adobe Stock

For pleasant long-haul flights

If you have the option of checking a suitcase, you don't have to worry as much. Just check in your make-up and everything you need for your 10 Step Korean Skin Care and pack only helpful liquids in your hand luggage. These should ideally help you protect your skin from the dry cabin air. For us, the following items are definitely included:

  1. With the nourishing eye patches you combat unwanted puffiness. Because let's be honest, you can't really sleep well sitting up.
  2. Alternatively, sheet masks are also excellent for on the go. Both on board and during longer layovers at the airport.
  3. Face oil or a moisturizing serum, to strengthen the natural barrier of your epidermis and shield against dry air. You can also rub the former into your cuticles to care for your hands at the same time.
  4. The same applies to your lips. It's best to pack a lip balm for this.
  5. A neutral moisturizer that suits your skin type is also wonderful. Because with this, you can not only cream your face, but also your hands and lips if necessary.
  6. For a perfect finish, it's best to also take a face spray with you. This way, you provide yourself with a moisture boost in between.
  7. Our insider tip: a sleep mask, with which you can rest much more undisturbed on long-haul flights. Ideally, it should be made of silk or satin, as this area can be quite sensitive.
A mini set consisting of three iUnik Centella products
Photo: Provided by iUnik

No matter what type of flight you are packing for – some bottles or cans exceed the guidelines. At this point, you either resort to smaller refill containers or practical travel sizes. Free perfume samples are also advantageous. Other utensils such as nail scissors, nail files or tweezers are generally allowed, by the way. The blades must not be longer than 6 cm. If possible, still deposit them in your suitcase. Some security officers like to decide by feeling. Also, for safety's sake, check the regulations of your destination country again before departure.

 Further links www.sorglosfliegen.de/fluessigkeiten-im-handgepaeck/ www.bundespolizei.de/.../was-darf-ich-mitnehmen_node.html www.beautyressort.de/meine-in-flight-essentials-auf-diese-produkte-setze-ich-ueber-den-wolken/

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