Can I take makeup from the UK to the USA?
Yes — you can take makeup from the UK to the USA. Liquid and gel items follow the 100ml rule.
Solid makeup (lipstick, powder, eyeshadow, blush) has no restriction. Liquid foundation, mascara, gel eyeliner, lip gloss and cream products must be 100ml or smaller in cabin.
Triple check before you pack
Airport security, airline baggage rules, and destination border rules are three different checks. Passing one does not guarantee passing the others.
Check the airport security rule for makeup before you fly.
Check airline and baggage rules for makeup on this route.
Check the USA import rules for makeup.
Liquid/gel makeup — 100ml each, in the 1L bag
Mascara, liquid foundation, gel eyeliner, lip gloss, cream blush, liquid concealer and perfume samples all count as liquids/gels — must be 100ml or smaller, in your single 1L clear bag. Pressed powders, lipstick bullets, solid eyeshadow palettes, brushes and sponges travel freely in cabin.
Checked luggage — no liquid limit
Full-size foundation, setting sprays and any liquid cosmetic over 100ml goes in checked. Pack pressed-powder palettes between clothes — they shatter easily. Nail polish is allowed up to 500ml per container and 2L total (flammable liquids cap).
US customs — no declaration needed
Cosmetics for personal use don't need to be declared. Avoid counterfeit branded products — these can be seized at the border.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting mascara and liquid eyeliner count as liquids — they must go in the 1L bag.
- Packing pressed-powder palettes loose in checked luggage and finding them shattered.
- Bringing perfume samples without putting them in the liquids bag.
- Carrying nail polish remover over 100ml in cabin (flammable, will be seized).
Pre-flight checklist
- All liquid/gel makeup containers ≤100ml in cabin
- Liquid makeup fits inside the single 1L clear bag
- Pressed-powder palettes padded between clothes in checked
- Nail polish under 500ml per container, 2L total
- Solid makeup (lipstick, powder, blush) packed freely in cabin
Official sources
Last reviewed May 26, 2026. Rules can change at short notice. Airport security staff and customs officers have final discretion at the checkpoint or border.
Frequently asked questions
Does mascara count as a liquid?
Yes. Mascara is treated as a liquid/gel at airport security and must be 100ml or smaller in cabin, inside your 1L bag.
Can I take nail polish on the plane?
Yes. Up to 100ml per bottle in cabin; up to 500ml per bottle and 2L total in checked luggage (flammable liquids cap).
Are powder cosmetics restricted?
No. Pressed and loose powders are not liquids and have no quantity limit at UK or US security.
Packing checklist for this trip
A short checklist for this trip — pack what you need to stay within the rules above.
Get a return-flight reminder
We'll remind you before your return flight if your airport uses stricter liquid rules.
Related corridor guides
LiquidLimits.com is a travel planning tool, not an official airport or government source. Rules can change between trips and between terminals. Always check the official airport or aviation security guidance before you travel, and when in doubt pack to the stricter 100ml cabin-bag rule.