We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Throwing caution to the wind isn't quite as idyllic when it comes to packing. Rather than tossing all your things in a bag, invest in a toiletry bag that neatly stashes and organizes your cosmetics, skincare and more. You'll be able to breeze through TSA with a clear pouch for liquids and allot less cleanup time for any foundation spills with a waterproof-lined case.
The Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab and Textiles Lab teamed up to put together our list of recommended travel toiletry bags made with durable fabrics and roomy capacity, including picks from top-tested brands like Away and Calpak. Each works perfectly for giving your bathroom essentials, from tinted moisturizers to pretty blushes to skincare staples, a temporary home away from home. Ahead you'll find the best toiletry bag that matches your need — hanging, zippered and all — no matter if it's a simple overnighter or a sojourn abroad.
Our top picks:
Keep reading below for more on what to look for in a toiletry bag. If you're still stocking up on travel essentials, take a look at our guides to the best luggage brands to shop and the best carry-on luggage.
Pros
- Editor favorite
- Clear design for easy stashing
Cons
Checking off all the best qualities of a toiletry bag, this Calpak case works for even the most compulsive over-packer. Our experts love it, too. "Calpak luggage not only aces Lab testing for durability, but I love the chic appearance of their bags!" says Senior Textiles Analyst Emma Seymour. They also make some of the best college backpacks. Its deep compartments are roomy for cosmetics and travel-sized toiletries but compact enough to avoid adding extra bulk to your luggage. Plus, the clear casing makes it easy for showing off liquids at security check.
Size | 11.5 in x 5.25 in x 9 in |
---|---|
Exterior | PU & PVC |
Interior | Polyester |
Pros
- Includes an outer zippered pocket
- Roomy inside
Cons
- Some online reviews say it's flimsy
As a top seller on Amazon, this toiletry bag boasts 4.5 out of 5 stars. Plus, it's under $10. The handled bag with a roomy inner makes it easy to carry everything from toothbrushes and toothpaste to shaving cream and razors. No worries about getting it wet as it's made from nylon, a fabric our pros love for its quick drying. While it's intended as a bathroom bag, some reviewers were pleasantly surprised at how it comfortably fit a pair of headphones, a couple of pairs of glasses and other tech.
Size | 8.6 in x 3.1 in x 5.9 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Nylon |
Interior | Nylon |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- TSA-approved
- Available in mini, standard and jumbo sizes
Cons
- No organizational divider
Elegant, practical and durable, Truffle's toiletry bag offers great sizing for domestic and international trips, especially if you pack like a minimalist. Clear paneling makes it easier for traveling through security, yet it never looks messy thanks to its chic leather frame, says GH Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann.
Size | 7.5 in x 2 in x 5.25 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Leather |
Interior | TPU |
Pros
- Offers several pockets designed specifically for makeup
- Sturdy, durable outer material
Cons
- A bit bulkier compared to other options
Glossier makes cosmetic bags cool: Its aesthetically pleasing pink outer houses a side zippered pocket and a red inner removable pouch. Four genius inner pockets help organize loose eyeliners, lip glosses and blushes, plus plenty of middle space for tall bottles of foundation or setting spray. The bag feels structured and compact, so you can store a lot without anything getting tossed around when you stash it in a tote bag or backpack.
Size | 9.5 in x 7 in x 3 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Cotton |
Interior | Polyester and rayon |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Fits a lot
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Expensive
Don't let its compact structure deceive you — this holds so much more than meets the eye. "When traveling, I'm able to keep all of my toiletries in this one bag, including skin care, body care and makeup," says GH Updates Editor Raena Loper. Its removable mesh pouch allows for optimal storage for makeup brushes, compacts and other small items, so no worries about ditching your essentials. Our Textiles pros also appreciate the brand's travel-friendly toiletry bags as it makes items easily accessible. What's more, we found its neoprene fabric super easy to hand wash. However, keep in mind that neoprene can pill, which a fabric shaver can remedy.
Size | 9 in x 4.75 in x 5.5 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Neoprene |
Interior | Neoprene and mesh |
6
Best Hanging Toiletry Bag
BAGSMART Large Toiletry Bag with Hanging Hook
Pros
- Great organization
- Includes four roomy pockets
Cons
- Some online reviews say it gets dirty easily
Fit your entire skincare routine, go-to makeup and even some hair care products all in this hanging toiletry bag. Rather than laying out your cosmetics on a counter, its fold-out design with accompanying hook and transparent compartments make it easy to unpack onto a closet rod. We appreciate that the zippered pockets and elastic bands ensure your products won't roll around on the move. "I'm a frequent traveler for business and have burned through countless (cheaper) cosmetic bags," says one Amazon reviewer. "Love how it keeps everything in place."
Size | 12.6 in x 9.1 in x 4.1 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Synthetic suede |
Interior | Polyester |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- TSA-approved
- Sturdy zipper
Cons
- Not ideal for large cosmetics
Cut down on the TSA line time with this prepped-and-ready carry-on bathroom bag. Our pros love that its clear casing is perfect for showing off liquids from the jump. The zippered seams ensure you can reuse it. One Amazon reviewer marvels, "I was able to completely stuff one with travel-sized bottles that were under 100 ml until the sides were bulging out, and the zipper never gave out."
Size | 7.5 in x 5.9 in x 2.2 in |
---|---|
Exterior | PVC Plastic |
Interior | PVC Plastic |
Pros
- Cute color options
- Thoughtful exterior pocket
Cons
- Some online reviewers say the optional embroidery was off-center
As evidenced by our best packing cubes guide, our Textiles pros love Away for its perfectly sized travel gear. The zippered two-pocket carry-on pouch works great for light packers and stashes nicely into weekender bags. It's made from the same water-resistant nylon and mesh inner that drew us to its packing cubes. Plus, its coated wipeable interior deems messes a simple cleanup.
Size | 8.3 in x 3.15 in x 5.5 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Nylon |
Interior | Mesh pockets |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Best Small Toiletry Bag for Makeup
Saie Lilac Oversized Makeup Bag
Pros
- Roomy
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- Some online reviews says the inside lining gets dirty from makeup
No one knows a makeup bag better than a beauty brand, and Saie proves that theory. Its oversized interior lets you comfortably stack full-sized bottles, while our textiles experts love its soft, sturdy leather outer that totes it all with ease.
Size | 6 in x 8 in x 3 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Synthetic leather |
Interior | Lined vegan leather |
Pros
- Includes a removable brush holder and mirror
- Trendy, easy-to-clean leather finish
Cons
- Some reviewers noted loose threads
Luggage newcomer Beis keeps trending for its sleek and smarter travel designs. Its Cosmetic Case helps its track record thanks to its inner wipeable and stain-proof coating. The brand's reviewers say it's "quite roomy" and seems it'd "wipe down easy after a spill." While we haven't tested this brand, we love that the most fun perk for makeup users comes with its slip pocket that safeguards an included mirror. Plus, the removable brush holder keeps makeup brushes tucked away.
Size | 9.5 in x 4 in x 7 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Synthetic leather |
Interior | Polyester |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Great for a stashing in a tote bag
- Aesthetically pleasing design
Cons
- May be harder to remove stains
Not your ordinary school pencil pouch, but one uniquely designed by Selena Gomez's beauty brand. Keep brushes, eyeliners, et al. separate from the bunch with this cushion pouch topped with a soft silicone zipper. We appreciate that the makeup bag can keep things more sanitary and away from dirty compacts. "Love this! I use it to take makeup with me on days I go [out] for an easy [natural] finish," raves one reviewer.
Size | 7.5 in x 2 in x 2 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Synthetic cushioning |
Interior | Lined |
12
Best Hard Shell Toiletry Bag
Exttlliy Mini Hard Shell Hard Travel Cosmetic Case
Now 17% Off
Pros
- More drop-proof
- Great for duffel bags
Cons
- Harder to pack
Designed to protect, hard shell toiletry bags come in clutch if you're more hesitant about stowing away valuables. Our Textiles Lab pros love this type for long vacations to secure makeup and skincare — even when accidentally dropping it. This one boasts 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. "No more spills in my luggage … this has been a lifesaver," raves one reviewer.
Size | 9.05 in x 12.6 in x 5.5 in |
---|---|
Exterior | ABS with rubber detailing |
Interior | Mesh pockets |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Keeps contents cool
- Spacious pockets and two inner side pockets
Cons
- Not ideal for longer trips
Protect lipsticks and other cosmetics that melt easily from the sun in this heat-resistant bag. Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn says the small, soft-sided toiletry bag kept her items at a safe temperature inside the pristinium-lined pockets. Its small, compact sizing also doubles as a clutch or storage bag to keep phones out of the sunlight.
Size | 7.5 in x 6.5 in x 2.25 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Synthetic saffiano leather |
Interior | Pristinium |
Pros
- Perfect for beauty gifts
- Cute linen outer
Cons
- Takes longer to make and deliver
A great gift for frequent travelers, this bag shows off a custom monogrammed design. Not only are they adorable, but they also have a plastic coating inside. "My foundation bottle opened on a flight once, leaving foundation all over my bag; all it took was a couple of wipes to clean up," says Malzahn.
Size | 6 in x 4 in x 3 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Linen |
Interior | PVC |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Cute satin finish
- Roomy inside
Cons
- Better for dry items
Rather than dig around for loose sunglasses or wallets, our textiles experts stash their necessities in these pouches for safekeeping. Made in a pretty satin finish, they're also versatile enough for traveling, though it's best to leave liquids behind to avoid spilling.
Size | Set varies; Includes small, medium and large |
---|---|
Exterior | Polyester satin |
Interior | Polyester |
Pros
- Includes a convenient carrying handle
- Roomy storage
Cons
- May not be ideal for longer trips
Keep it simple with this basic toiletry bag with a waterproof lining for no-fuss cleans. We love Herschel's sturdy fanny packs and backpacks. Using it for years, one textiles pro loves the standard's compact size, which makes it easy to pack. It also comes in carry-on and extra large sizes, depending on whether or not you're a heavy packer.
Size | 6 in x 9.5 in x 4.5 in |
---|---|
Exterior | Nylon |
Interior | Mesh pockets |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
How we chose the best toiletry bags
The GH Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and travel product experts who test all types of luggage, travel accessories and more. We picked the best toiletry bags from brands that performed well in past Lab evaluations (including tested brands from our college backpacks, packing cubes and fanny packs roundups), come recommended by our Beauty Lab experts or feature useful extras so you can fit everything you need and then some.
What to look for in a toiletry bag
✔️ Sizes: Cut down on unnecessary baggage by finding a toiletry bag that best suits your needs. If you're going for a short trip, a smaller everyday bag or pouch can handle your toothbrush, toothpaste, contacts and more. For those longer travels that require checked bags, you can usually get away with packing a bit bulkier.
✔️ Material: Fabric options tend to reign supreme among our textiles and beauty experts. The structure is typically more forgiving and thus much easier to pack. Our fabric experts prefer polyester and nylon for their stain-resistant and easy-to-launder qualities. Though, if you're on the clumsier side or travel with soft duffels or backpacks, a hard shell toiletry bag gives that extra protection for more delicate items.
✔️ Features: We also recommend looking for lined toiletry bags to prevent any liquid spills from seeping through. Transparent bags also means less digging around. When you need a bit more heft, a hanging bag or one with multiple pockets stow away your must-haves in a way that's efficient and lets you get to them quickly.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH's Associate Editor of Product & Reviews Jacqueline Saguin regularly collaborates with the GH Institute and its wide breadth of experts. For this roundup, she sourced picks from our Beauty Lab pros and Textiles Lab pros alike. Several experts contributed their expertise to our guide on how to shop, including Textiles Product Reviews Analyst Grace Wu and Executive Director of the Textiles Lab Lexie Sachs, who relied on previous Lab tests, data and evaluations to make these picks.
Jacqueline Saguin
Jacqueline (she/her) was a commerce editor for Good Housekeeping from 2021 to 2024. Prior to joining GH, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.