Is Mascara Considered a Liquid When Flying? TSA Rule

When packing for a trip, there’s always a lot to think about, from what to bring to how much to pack. While we usually handle essentials like food and drinks according to our needs, makeup can sometimes be tricky. As beauty lovers, we might want to take all our favorite products, but TSA guidelines can limit what we bring. One common dilemma is whether mascara is considered a liquid when flying or if it counts as a solid.

The short answer is yes. According to TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines, mascara is considered a liquid, and any other items that can flow are considered a liquid. This means you must pack it according to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule. But what exactly is the 3-1-1 rule, and how should you properly pack liquids?

What is TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule?

As you may know, there are various liquid explosives available on the market today, and smugglers often attempt to bring them onto airplanes. To reduce this risk, the TSA introduced the 3-1-1 rule, which limits the amount of liquid you can bring in your carry-on luggage (handbag). Here’s a breakdown of the TSA 3-1-1 rule:

• 3 in this rule states that the container of the liquid must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less than this.
• 1 means you can only bring one quart-sized clear (transparent) plastic bag to keep your liquid containers.
• Other 1 says that each passenger can only bring one quart-sized bag with them in their carry-on bag.

These rules apply to all the liquid products, including gel, paste, and aerosols. In short, all items that flow, including any food, toiletries, or makeup (also mascara).

Since mascara is a gel-based product and is considered a liquid by TSA, this means you need to meet the above 3-1-1 rule to take mascara with you.

Note: This 3-1-1 rule only applies to carry-on bags, and there are no restrictions on the amount of liquid you can take with you in our luggage. This means you can pack as much mascara as you want in your luggage bag.

What to Know Before Packing Mascara in Your Carry-On?

If you are planning to take your favorite mascara with you on your trip, then you need to take care of a few things. You need to pack it correctly to avoid any problems at the security checkpoints. Well, how to do this actually:

1. Pack Mascara in a Quart-Sized Bag

You need to pack all your liquid products, including the mascara, in a clear plastic bag. A TSA agent can ask you to remove those plastic bags to inspect what you are actually carrying.

Additionally, you need all your liquid items, including mascara, shampoo, and conditioner, in the same place in the same quart-sized plastic bag.

2. Check Container Size

Generally, all commercial mascaras come in small tubes, which are around 0.2 to 0.3 ounces. And this is too below the TSA limit of 3.4 ounces. So you don’t need to worry if you are carrying single liquid products and your mascara bag is not larger than normal (which is rare).

3. Remember Other Liquid Makeup

While mascara is the top priority for the beauty traveler, you still need to think about the other liquid-based products besides mascara. This can be your foundation, cream eyeshadow, or liquid eyeliner. Well, keep in mind the limit is for all the liquid products you can take with you, not a single mascara.

4. About Solid Makeup Products

As you know, not all makeup products are liquid, and many are in solid forms. So do you also need to pack those solid products in the plastic bag? Well, no, you can take these products according to your requirements and don’t need to follow the 3-1-1 rules, which are only applicable to liquid products.

Can I Pack Mascara in Checked Luggage?

Yes, you can pack mascara in your checked luggage. Also, there is no such limit, like the carry-on bag for the liquid items. This means you can pack liquid mascara as you need. Still, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration:

1. No Size Limits for Liquids

There is no limit to packing any liquids in the checked luggage, so you can take as much mascara as you need. If you want more, you can pack your favorite mascara in the large shampoo bottle without worrying about the TSA’s liquid restrictions. You can also pack other liquid makeup products as much as you want.

2. Avoiding Spills and Damage

There is no limit to packing liquid in luggage; still, you need to take precautions to avoid any damage or spill. The liquid products may sometimes burst or leak due to higher pressure on the flight. So please check the quality of your liquid bottle before packaging.

Here are a few tips to protect your mascara (liquid products) in your checked bag:

• Keep all your makeup items (especially liquid makeup) in a separate bag to avoid any spoilage.
• Wrap your liquid bottle with a soft cloth or a sponge to protect it from getting rusty.
• Wrap your liquid bottle with a soft cloth or a sponge to protect it from getting rusty.

Do TSA Rules Differ by Country?

If you are flying internationally, you may be worried whether this 3-1-1 rule applies to all countries or not. And do you need to worry about more security guidelines for your destination? Well, the simple answer is yes. Almost all countries, like the European countries, the UK, and the US, follow the similar liquid 3-1-1 rule. Still, it is a better choice to check the destination country’s restrictions for liquids before the flight.

For example, the liquid limits of 100 ml (3.4 oz) apply in most countries globally; however, the inspection process may vary by country. So it is crucial to understand the rules for both the departure and arrival countries to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Additional Travel Tips for Makeup Lovers

Above are all the tips and rules for liquids. However, if you are a frequent traveler and a makeup lover, there are a few more tips that you should take into consideration. Below are some additional traveling tips for makeup lovers like yourself.

1. Consider travel-friendly alternatives: If you are someone who used to travel frequently but still loves makeup, then switching to solid or powder makeup products can be a better choice. You can switch to solid mascara, powdered foundations, or even pressed skincare products to avoid any liquid restrictions.
2. Prepare your liquids for screening: Always pack your liquid mascara in a quart-sized pack and keep it in an easily accessible place. This will help you get through the security check faster.
3. Pack makeup wipes instead of liquid remover: You can pack makeup wipes or cotton pads pre-soaked in makeup remover to reduce your liquid count, making it easier to pass through security. Additionally, consider using tubing mascara, which can be removed with just warm water, eliminating the need for liquid makeup remover.

|| Also Read: Which Color Mascara Is Best for Your Eye Color?

Final Thought

Finally, the answer to the question “Is mascara considered a liquid by TSA?” is yes, it is considered a liquid. You need to follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule, which means you can take a maximum of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of mascara with you, all in a single quart-sized transparent plastic bag. This rule is designed to control the smuggling of any liquid explosive.

But there is no restriction on the amount of liquid you can bring with you in your checked luggage. So you can take all your favorite liquid items without worrying about size limits, but only in your checked luggage. Just ensure you have packed them properly to prevent spills.

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