Is Mascara Considered a Liquid When Flying?: Airport Security

We all know how exciting the fact of traveling by air is, isn’t it? But this excitement often also goes hand in hand with the challenge of navigating through airport security. Especially for beauty enthusiasts like us, a burning question must arise in our mind and that is, Is mascara considered a liquid when flying? or how can I travel with all my liquid beauty products without the risk of leaving behind them at the airport?

Every country has a regulatory body that ensures travel safety for the passengers and preplanning by adhering to these rules is often pretty challenging. But, don’t worry because in this article we are going to be helping you guys to pack all your belongings including the liquid stuff as per the regulations so that you don’t have to face the unwanted situation of leaving your favorite cosmetics product including your favorite mascara behind.

We are going to be talking about what the security regulations look like in the USA and various other countries, how to pack your stuff to avoid unwanted situations, and will be also debunking some popular myths among travelers regarding mascaras.

So, without further wasting any more time, let’s directly jump into the topic and leave you nothing to worry about your stunning look while traveling.

WHAT IS TSA and WHAT DO THEY DO?

TSA is basically a governing or regulatory agency who are responsible for the security of the transportation system within and/or connecting to the United States. TSA also stands for Transportation Security Administration.

TSA is also responsible for screening passengers’ carry-on luggage which includes identification requirements, full-body scanners, pat-downs, electric device restrictions, and also explosive screening. 

WHAT IS a LIQUID ACCORDING to TSA GUIDELINE?

It’s not clear to understand and neither it’s easy to determine what are the things that TSA actually considers as LIQUIDs. Yes, there are some obvious things like water, beverages toiletries etc. that are liquids to TSA.

However, there are some items we have found from the experience of facing TSA that may surprise you. Such surprising items are – 

1. AEROSOLS – Various items like your deodorant spray, your hairspray, and shaving creams in aerosol cans fall under the liquid category by TSA. 
2. CREAMS and PASTES – Moisturizers, hand creams, and tubes of toothpaste are also regarded as liquids.
3. GELS – Gel-based products like your hair gel, and styling gels are also classified as liquids by TSA.

UNDERSTANDING TSA REGULATIONS for LIQUIDS

So, when it comes to carrying liquid TSA is based on the 3-1-1 rule, which actually restricts the amount of liquid you can carry in your carry-on luggage while traveling. Under this rule, each passenger is allowed to bring liquid kinds of stuff in a clear plastic bag that is no more than 3.4 ounces or no more than 100 milliliters each.

Also, all the liquids brought by the passengers have to fit into a single, quart-sized, and clear plastic bag. This TSA rule is applied to various liquid items which include toiletry items, beverage items, and various cosmetics products like mascara, eyeliner, etc. And, since mascara is a gel-based product it also has to adhere to the liquid instruction rule imposed by TSA. 

So, if you’re flying or traveling by air remember to ensure you pack your beloved mascara or other cosmetics item carefully like below so that you can smoothly pass the TSA screening process.

1. PACK LIQUIDS in 1 QUART-SIZED CLEAR PLASTIC BAG – To make life easier for both of you and the security personnel pack your mascara and other cosmetics into a single, quart-sized, transparent, and resealable plastic bag.
2. 3.4 OUNCES or 100 MILLILITERS – Pack all your liquids for example – shampoo, lotion, contact lens solution, mascara, or any other liquids in the above types of containers that are no more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters each. 
3. 1 BAG PER PERSON – As each passenger can take only one quart-sized plastic bag you must ensure that. If possible, place your liquid bag in a separate bin while TSA is screening during security.
4. CHECKED LUGGAGE – Pack your mascara or other liquids if it exceed the declared limit of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. This will help you prevent any issues that might occur during TSA’s security screening process.

HOW THE TSA SCREENING PROCESS LOOKS LIKE

So as you know about TSA and what they do? Let’s now go through step-by-step about what their screening process actually looks like so that you can have a clear picture of the actual screening process and the potential inspections

• TSA SCREENING PROCEDURE STEP-BY-STEP – 

1st STEP: SEPARATE YOUR LIQUIDS – Before reaching the airport make sure the quart-sized bag containing all your liquids is easily accessible to save time in the screening process. 

2nd STEP: PLACE the BAG IN A BIN – Once you reach the airport and approach the security scanner, take your quart-sized bag out from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate bin so that TSA agents can easily inspect your liquids without rummaging through your belongings

3rd STEP: WAIT for THE TSA INSPECTION – In the next step, your bin carrying the liquids will go through the scanner this will allow the TSA agents to get a visual look through your liquid stuff. If they have any further concerns they might ask you to take a closer look at your liquid belongings.

4th STEP: ANSWER SECURITY PERSONNEL’s QUESTION POLITELY – If the TSA agents ask you about your mascara or any other liquid stuff in your bag answer them politely and honestly that you have packaged all your liquid in compliance with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.

5th STEP: BE PREPARED for SECONDARY SCREENING – Often times TSA agents might want to conduct a secondary screening for additional checks on your mascara and other liquid items. Secondary screening is pretty common to verify whether the packed liquids are compliant with the regulations or not. 

• HANDLING SCENARIOS WHERE MASCARA is DEEMED NON-COMPLIANT – 

STAY CALM and COOPERATIVE – Try to be calm and cooperative throughout the TSA screening process. TSA agents are there to ensure every passenger’s safety thereby any potential screening is a routine security measure.

OFFER TO CHECK YOUR MASCARA – If your mascara or other liquid items are deemed to be non-compliant or exceed the allowed size you can ask to check it in your luggage instead. Most airports throughout the world have separate areas where you can repack your items in your checked bag. 

SEEK ALTERNATIVES – And, if in case you fall into a situation where your mascara cannot be brought on board you can consider seeking powder or cream-based mascara alternatives available at duty-free shops or airport convenience stores.

Always, remember TSA’s main job is to provide each and every passenger’s safety and whether or not everyone is adhering to the safety and regulations to ensure a smoother and more secure travel experience for you. 

IF MASCARA IS GEL-BASED, WHY IT FALLS UNDER THE LIQUID CATEGORY?

To be honest with you, it’s not just mascara rather pretty much every cosmetics categorization is often pretty confusing. 

What you have to understand is that certain terms of cosmetics might not always give you an actual reflection of the precise nature of the product. For example – in the case of mascara though it’s gel-based it’s under the categorization of liquid cosmetics. And the biggest reason behind this is the classification is often primarily based on its applications and its consistency.

Mascara is made up of various useful liquid or gel-like textures that allow you to apply mascara for a flawless lash look with the help of a wand or brush. And as mascara is not a solid or powder which is some other common cosmetics category it falls under the classification of Liquids by TSA and thus you must adhere to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule when it comes to traveling with it.

HOW TO PACK MASCARA WHILE FLYING

So, as you now know mascara and various other cosmetics items can fall under the liquid category and the travel hassle you might have to face. Let’s now talk about the best practices for packing your liquids or how you can pack your mascara in such a manner that you can pass the TSA screening process without any hassle.

• OPT for TRAVEL-SIZED CONTAINERS – To avoid a hassle in the screening process of TSA you can invest a very tiny amount in travel-sized containers that can hold 3.4 ounces or less. Various cosmetic brands sell travel-sized mascaras you can also opt for that.
• SEAL CONTAINERS – Ensure that all of your liquid items including mascaras are properly sealed to avoid any mishaps that occur during traveling. The best is to seal with an extra piece of clear tape around your liquid container’s cap to provide an extra layer of protection.
• SEPARATE MAKEUP BAGs for LIQUIDs – It’s always the best idea to organize your makeup bags into separate compartments for liquid and non-liquid items. In this way even if any leakage occurs it will not affect the rest of your belongings.
• SAMPLE MASCARA TUBEs – Sample-sized mascara tubes are great for not only traveling but also for experimenting with various brands without even spending for a full-sized option. While shopping for mascara online or in a cosmetics store look out for brands that offer sample-sized mascaras.
• REUSABLE TRAVEL CONTAINERS – If your favorite mascara comes neither in sample-sized nor travel you should definitely buy a travel-sized container. And, before flying you should learn and transfer a very small amount of mascara from one tube to the other to comply with TSA guidelines.
• USING ZIPLOCK BAG – You can also opt for a small-sized ziplock bag to prevent leakage mishaps. This won’t help you prevent mishaps from occurring but this can surely provide you with an extra layer of protection.
• TRY STORING MASCARA UPRIGHT – While packing your mascara try to pack it in your bag in such a manner that the likelihood of mascara staying upright is high. 
• TEMPERATURE CONSIDERATION – Extreme temperatures while flying can cause mascara to dry out. And, to prevent your mascara from drying out, try to keep your carry bag in a temperature-controlled area.

If you consider all these suggestions you will not only be able to pass the TSA screening process but can also ensure that you’re well prepared to prevent any mishaps like getting mascara in your clothes or in your other belongings.

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL TIPS for HASSLE-FREE MASCARA TRANSPORTATION

Thoughtful pre-planning and properly organizing liquids as per the regulation is the key, when we talk about hassle-free travel. Let’s talk about some essential travel tips that can streamline the security process and ensure a stress-free air travel experience. 

• PRE-PLANNING TIPS – 

CHECK GUIDELINES – Guidelines of the airport security regulatory bodies around the world including TSA guidelines can occasionally change. Before the actual trip, you must familiarize yourself with the regulatory body’s guidelines of the country you’re visiting to avoid stress.

CHOOSE FLY-FRIENDLY MASCARA – Most cosmetic categorization is often pretty confusing and doesn’t reflect the actual nature of the product. Mascara is a good example of it, though its gel based it is often considered as a liquid. So it’s always best to opt for powder-based mascara or cream-based mascara as they can easily meet the regulatory guidelines. 

ARRANGE DOCUMENTS and BOARDING PASS – Have all of your security documents like your boarding pass or your ID readily accessible to speed up the security screening process.

• ORGANIZE CARRY-ON BAGS TO EASE THE SCREENING PROCESS – 

USE TRANSPARENT TOILETRY BAGS – Organize your liquid items and makeup like mascara in clear transparent resealable zipper bags to aid the regulatory agents for faster screening.

PACK ELECTRONICS SEPARATELY – Pack your electronic gadgets like your laptop and power bank in a separate bag and place it in a separate bin during the screening to save your gadget from tangling or damaging in the screening process.

KEEP VALUABLES SAFE – Store your valuable items like your jewelry, watches, and documents in a secure compartment of your carry-on bags to prevent them from being misplaced or lost during the inspection process.

By considering all these factors you can streamline the regulatory bodies’ screening process and can also ensure a smoother and hassle-free journey with all your belongings.

ALTERNATIVES to TRADITIONAL MASCARAs for TRAVELERS

If you’re not feeling confident enough in taking your liquid mascara on board you can also consider various other alternatives to traditional mascaras to make your lashes look flawless wherever you go. Let’s discuss what to use instead of traditional mascara – 

NON-LIQUID MASCARA OPTIONS – 

• POWDERED MASCARA – Powdered mascara is an excellent choice for travelers who want to pass the airport screening process faster without any issues. Powdered mascara usually comes in a dry and compact form and with a brush applicator through which you can apply your mascara for your desired captivating look. 

• CREAM-BASED MASCARA – Cream-based mascara comes in a solid form which makes it a viable option to pass the regulatory bodies’ screening process smoothly. It usually offers a creamy consistency that can add not only volume but also length to your lashes.

DIY MASCARA SUBSTITUTES – 

Another good option for you to look flawless can be making your own mascara. Various recipes are there to aid you in making your own mascara using very accessible ingredients all throughout the world. You can get a detailed list of ingredients to use and the recipes you have to follow from our article on How to make your own mascara for the ingredients list and the step-by-step process.  

REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTIONS – 

• EYELASH EXTENSIONS – Eyelash extensions are a semi-permanent solution that requires a skilled technician to complete the process using eyelash glue. The actual process is pretty straightforward and comfortable for a detailed guide you can read our article Eyelash Extensions: Everything you need to know. It’s a pretty popular alternative to looking flawless without taking the hassle of mascara. 
• MAGNETIC LASHES – Magnetic lashes are another popular alternative to traditional mascara to get a stunning lash enhancement. They are reusable and hence becoming more and more popular nowadays. It actually works by sandwiching your lashes between two magnetic strips. For a more detailed guide be sure to check our article on how to apply magnetic eyelashes.

PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENTS – 

• EYELASH PERMS or LIFTS – Eyelash perms and lifts both are used to give your natural lashes a long-lasting curl to make your lashes look a stunning appearance. Lash perms or lifts are usually carried by a lash technician. For a more detailed guide on lash perms and lifts, you can check our article Eyelash perms VS eyelash lifts.
• EYELASH TINT – Lash tinting is another viable salon treatment you can consider if you’re not wanting to take the mascara hassle. It is effective in adding depth and definition to your natural lashes and can also make them look a lot darker than they actually are. The lash tinting process is also pretty straightforward You can learn about lash tinting details from this article Eyelash Tint: Everything you should know.

DEBUNKING POPULAR MYTHS around TRAVELING with MASCARA

MYTH 1: ALL MASCARA IS BANNED IN CARRY-ON LUGGAGE.

DEBUNKED: Whether it’s liquid mascara, gel-based, cream-based, or waterproof, no mascara is banned as long as it’s packed in appropriate containers and within the quantity limit of the regulatory bodies.

MYTH 2: MASCARA CAN be PACKED IN ANY SIZE

DEBUNKED: Mascara can’t be packed in any other size or container than you’re destined country’s airport security agencies’ guidelines. So, while planning on the trip make sure to check your visiting country’s airport security guidelines beforehand to avoid any unexpected situations.

MYTH 3: NON-LIQUID MASCARAs ARE LESS EFFECTIVE 

DEBUNKED: Non-liquid mascaras like cream-based or powder-based mascaras can be as effective as liquid ones as long as you choose the best powder-based or best liquid-based mascaras from a reputed well-known brands.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Finally, always remember being well-prepared beforehand is the key to having a smooth and seamless journey. Throughout this article, we tried to equip you with the knowledge of passing the airport security stage with ease when it comes to traveling with your liquid belongings and cosmetics like mascara.

We hope you have liked the article, Share it with friends and family so that they can also be careful while packing for air travel, and be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get such amazing tips right into your inbox.

If you’ve more concerns regarding mascara you can check our other mascara-related blog articles or you can also shoot your questions and concerns directly to us via the Contact Us page.

BON VOYAGE!!