BEAUTY Cosmetics

Small Makeup Bag Designs MUAs Swear By

small makeup bag
Written by Bryce

These small makeup bags are ideal for carrying and storing your most important beauty gear.

Whether you’re stashing your fave Greek makeup buys from a far-flung vacation, dermaplaning blades or your fave flat-back earrings, having the perfect small makeup bag is essential.

What to look for in the best small makeup bag

A design you love is essential, but the materials you choose are even more important. “Definitely focus on construction, waterproof or water-resistant materials and easy closures,” says Tanya Lefferts, a Brooklyn, New York-based makeup artist.

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“Expect to spend anywhere from $15 to $50 on a great small makeup bag. Cheaper than that and you’re in toss-away territory.”

Makeup artist-approved small makeup bag picks

Quilted Makeup Pouch

bagsmart small quilted makeup pouch, small makeup bag
Merchant

We love this high-end design. It comes at a decidedly affordable price (around $10) and is perfect for lip balms, small makeup brushes, your fave Pantone Peach Fuzz cream blush and other essentials.

Specs:

  • Waterproof material
  • Reinforced zipper closure
  • Comes in dozens of colors
  • 8.7″ x 5.5″ x 1.6″

2-Piece Checkered Small Makeup Bag Set

small makeup bag, two-piece matching checkerboard makeup bags
Merchant

Why have one when you can have two? We love this affordable set because it makes it so easy to separate items as needed. Put brushes in one, makeup in the other. Or separate by day and night items.

The choice is yours, and the elongated design makes bringing your fave spoolies and mascaras a breeze.

Specs:

  • 2 makeup bags in the set
  • One bright pink, the other a bold green (easy to spot in luggage!)
  • Elongated design makes fitting brushes, tweezers and mascaras a simple task
  • Water-resistant material
  • Easy to clean
  • Choose from over 30 colors

Small Makeup Organizer with Window

small makeup bag, small black makeup organizer
Merchant

This clever small makeup bag is a genius pick for type-A organizer types. It offers neat little spaces for all your makeup essentials like brushes, tweezers, brow tamers and lipsticks.

We love how easy it is to carry, clean and maintain. You’ll have this piece for years to come, and it’s so affordable you’ll want to buy one for a friend, too.

Specs:

  • Loads of organized compartments for all your makeup and beauty essentials
  • Affordable price point (around $10)
  • Fast, easy and free shipping for Prime members
  • Easy to clean and carry
  • Choose from dozens of neutral colors
  • Zipper window

Transparent Small Makeup Case

transparent makeup case, small makeup bag
Merchant

Take everything you need—and possibly a little more. This clever small makeup bag is perfect for longer items like brushes and all those oddly-shaped beauty essentials like perfume bottles and contour creams. We love this makeup pouch pick for the airport when you’re forced to show the carryon goods to TSA agents.

The bottom disconnects with a quick zipper function so you can take it on the go in your purse if necessary. It’s the perfect size to carry lip and eyeliners, spoolies, mascaras and blush brushes.

Specs:

  • Transparent upper portion fits all your beauty essentials
  • Zippered lower portion is detachable
  • Elongated bottom is ideal for eyeliners, lip liners, brushes and other hard-to-fit items
  • Affordable price point
  • Waterproof construction
  • Heavy-duty zippers

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About the author

Bryce

Bryce Gruber is a New York mom to five growing kids, wife to one great husband and professional shopping editor. You've seen her work in Reader's Digest, Taste of Home, Family Handyman, MSN, Today's Parent, Fashion Magazine, Chatelaine, NBC and so many other beloved brands.