💄 Foundation / liquid makeup

A full-size bottle of liquid or cream foundation — typically 30ml to 50ml — is actually within the 100ml limit, so it will pass through as long as it fits in your 1-litre clear liquids bag. If you carry multiple foundations and they push your liquids bag over capacity, a screener will ask you to remove items until the bag closes. The excess will be confiscated if you cannot remove it.

In the US, EU, and UK, powder makeup is unrestricted while liquid and cream formulas face the 100ml limit — this distinction is consistent worldwide. The exception to watch for is that large containers of powder (over 350ml) may face additional screening at some US and Australian airports under enhanced powder screening rules introduced in recent years.

Foundation is one of the most common items in the liquids bag and screeners are very familiar with it. They will not question what the product is. However, some thick cream formulas can appear denser than typical liquids on an X-ray, which may occasionally prompt a trace swab — this takes moments and is not a sign of any problem.

Place all liquid and cream makeup — foundation, BB cream, concealer, lip gloss, and mascara — in your 1-litre clear liquids bag before you reach the airport, and make sure the bag zips shut without forcing it. Powder blush, eyeshadow, and pressed powder can stay in your main bag since they have no restriction. Decanting foundation into a smaller travel bottle is worth doing if your usual bottle is over 100ml.