I’m a Beauty Editor Who’s Tried Tons of Travel Toiletry Bags—These Are the Best for Any Trip
Before we dive into this review of the best travel toiletry bags, there’s something you should know about me. I’m a pouch girl through and through. There’s just something I love about packing all my things into their own little bags, and having everything organized when I travel. I become the girl who has it all. You need a bandaid? I have it. Any medication under the sun? Yep. Extra sunscreen? Obviously. Through years of refining my travel pouches—toiletry and makeup bags included—I’ve come to be a bit of an expert in the category.
And over the last couple of years, I’ve been lucky enough to go on a few long, international trips that really put my pouch and toiletry bag system through trial and error. Now, I can confidently say that no matter what kind of trip I am going on, I have just the toiletry bag for the job. Keep reading for in-depth reviews of seven of my favorite toiletry bags that I’ve tried. And know that as a beauty editor, a pouch queen, and a frequent traveler, I’ve tried a lot.
Planning your next getaway? Find tips, itineraries, and destination ideas in The Everygirl’s Ultimate Travel Guide.
What to Look for in a Travel Toiletry Bag
Like most things in life, what to look for in a toiletry bag depends a lot on your needs and preferences. However, I can say with confidence that most people (myself included) would look for a travel toiletry bag for women that is:
- Compact enough to pack but still fits everything you need
- Sturdy but not too difficult to squeeze into a suitcase
- Functional (with organizational features) and reliable
- Easy to clean
- Aligned with personal budget
Personally, I’ve found myself gravitating toward the bags that offer lots of organizational pouches, dividers, and loops. This helps me stay organized when I travel—especially on a girls trip where makeup and skincare can tend to end up everywhere. However, I do find uses for my large pouch-style bags as well, such as for hair tools and care, art or tech supplies, and even swimsuits.
The Best Travel Toiletry Bags for Every Type of Trip
From a $30 budget buy that pulled its weight in this ranking to a $145 investment option that I truly think is worth it, each of the travel toiletry bags I tried serves its own purpose in my book. Sometimes I’m a chronic overpacker, and sometimes I know that I will only be putting on cream blush and eyebrow gel for an entire trip. What bag I choose also depends on what suitcase I’m packing (AKA, how much room I have) and if I’m checking a bag or not. Below, I’m breaking down exactly why I love each of these seven toiletry bags—plus what I use them for.
Best Clear Toiletry Bag: Calpak Clear Train Case with Top Compartment
Overall Rating: 9/10
Price: $85
TL;DR
- Gorgeous design
- Keeps everything secure and organized
- Products can stand up
- A bit bulky to pack
If you’re on the hunt for a TSA-approved toiletry bag, definitely give the Calpak Clear Train Case some consideration. As soon as I saw it on Calpak’s website, I knew I wanted to try it out. I don’t have any other train-case style toiletry bags, so I like having this option for when I want my products to be able to stand up. I always have this packed to the brim, and I stay in awe over how much it can fit.
The top compartment allows me to keep a few things more easily accessible, which I really appreciate. I use this for smaller or flat products that might get lost in the main compartment. This bag earns the award for the most aesthetically-pleasing option I own.
Material: Polyurethane (PU) & PVC
7.75″ L x 7.0″ H x 5.25″ D
10+ colors available
Best Toiletry Bag for Makeup Lovers: Étoile Jet Setter Travel Case
Overall Rating: 8/10
Price: $95
TL;DR
- Easy-to-clean nylon material
- Folds down for easy access to products
- Very versatile
- Easy to pack
- A bit pricey
Makeup-loving girlies, the Étoile Jet Setter Travel Case is for you. The black nylon material is not only very easy to clean, but it makes me feel like a professional MUA. This pouch-style bag has a ton of pockets for organization, including small elastic dividers inside and two zippered pockets on the outside (these are great for a travel makeup mirror and an eyeshadow palette). The top portion of the bag unsnaps from the sides and folds over, so that all your products can be easily accessible at your destination.
Étoile offers a few other gorgeous styles that I am curious to try. Their vegan leather vanity cases—which come in multiple shapes and sizes—get tons of rave reviews online.
Best Compact Toiletry Bag: Cincha Small Travel Toiletry Bag
Overall Rating: 8/10
Price: $45
TL;DR
- Compact but fits a lot
- Two sides make it easy to separate hair products, makeup, etc.
- Can pack it zipped up or flat
- Favorite for a Europe trip
I can’t even lie, I saw the Cincha Small Travel Toiletry Bag in an Instagram ad and immediately fell in love. What stuck out to me first was the stunning burgundy and red color combo, but then I realized just how functional this bag could be. Before we go any further, the colorway that drew me in is currently sold out, but there is a new espresso brown that is seriously gorgeous (do I need another?… kidding… maybe).
This bag is my go-to for a trip that requires me to pack more minimally. It fits super easily into a carry-on, and allows me to keep skincare on one side and haircare on the other (packing my makeup separately). The zipper pouches on the inside are a sturdy plastic-y material that’s incredibly easy to clean.
Material: Nylon
10″ L x 5″ H x 6″ D
8 colors & 2 sizes available
Best Investment Toiletry Bag: Leatherology Daily Small Travel Case
Overall Rating: 10/10
Price: $145
TL;DR
- My daily driver
- Fits all the makeup essentials and can be thrown in any bag
- Stunning look and feel
- An investment
Another thing to know about me? I’m constantly running late (it’s an awful habit, I know). So that means that more often than not, I’m doing my makeup on the go. This bag has become the perfect little solution for keeping all of my everyday makeup in one place, that I can then just throw in my bag on my way out the door. It’s also the ideal size for when I’m trying to pack a minimal makeup routine—either due to limited space or when I know I won’t be wearing much makeup, like a beach or lake vacation.
For anyone who likes to travel with their makeup separate from the rest of their toiletries, I’d highly recommend this. Although it’s an investment, it is absolutely one of the best travel cosmetic bags that I’ve tried. It has just the right amount of organizational pockets without including anything unnecessary.
Material: Leather
8” L x 5″ H x 2.25” D
8 colors & 2 sizes available
Best Budget-Friendly Toiletry Bag: Bagsmart Blast Hanging Toiletry Bag
Overall Rating: 12/10
Price: $30
TL;DR
- Not that cute, but it’s so good that I don’t care
- Soooo many pockets and pouches
- Waterproof front pocket perfect for toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hidden hanger for when you’re in a place with no counter space
I have to admit: I genuinely hoped I could find a better toiletry bag than this one, simply because of looks. You might judge me for that, but I know that the girlies that get it, get it. This bag isn’t offensive in looks by any means, I’m just saying that there are way cuter ones on this list. But when it comes down to functionality, this bag truly has it all.
The waterproof front pocket solves the issue of where the heck to put a toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag without getting water everywhere or worrying about your toothbrush touching something it shouldn’t. The entire interior is lined with elastic loops and pockets that keep everything organized. The top has two small pockets that perfectly fit things like travel perfumes, nail care, combs, hair ties, etc. And the kicker? It has a hidden hook that makes it into a hanging toiletry bag. All that for $30? This one is hard to beat.
Best Lay-Flat Toiletry Bag: The Flat Lay Co. Marshmallow Bag
Overall Rating: 9/10
Price: $45
TL;DR
- Adorable! Comes in a ton of cute prints
- Love the mini bag and brush case as well
- Can see everything
- Not as organized as others
Any bag that lays completely flat immediately catches my attention, and The Flat Lay Co.’s Marshmallow Lay Flat Bag is doing it best. Not only does it come in a ton of ridiculously adorable patterns, but its soft, squishy material makes it easy to pack into any travel bag. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy cleaning. I also love The Flat Lay Co.’s Standing Brush Case and Lunar Flat Lay Pouch.
I love to use this bag when I know that I will want easy access to my full-glam makeup routine—like if I’m going to be getting ready with the girls. It makes it so easy to see all your products at once, without having to dig through things and make a mess.
Material: Nylon
8.66″ L x 4.72″ H x 4.72″ D
10+ colors and patterns available
Best Oversized Toiletry Bag: Weezie Large Patterned Toiletry Bag
Overall Rating: 8/10
Price: $78
TL;DR
- HUGE
- Love it for art supplies or hair tools
- Easy to clean
- No organizational features
The best thing about the Weezie Large Patterned Toiletry Bag is how BIG it is. You can seriously fit your whole bathroom cabinet in here. I actually usually use this bag to store art supplies, but I wanted to include it because I think it’s very versatile. This would be an ideal bag for anyone with an extensive haircare routine, because you could fit brushes, products, and even tools in it. It would also be great to pack swimsuits or even as a mini diaper bag for the moms out there!
It comes in nine fun patterns, three sizes, and offers the option to personalize, so you can truly make this bag your own. Plus, the exterior coating makes it easy to just wipe down to clean.
Material: Polyester/Cotton Blend with Protective EVA Exterior Coating
11.5″ L x 8″ H x 4″ D
9 patterns & 3 sizes available
Jessica Welsh, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Jessica oversees and edits all fashion and beauty content on The Everygirl. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, and more. She was previously the Commerce Editor for The Everymom, where she oversaw all shopping content on the site and social. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, DSW, and Kohl’s.
Feature graphic images credited to: Jessica Welsh.
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