One of my favorite readers (you know who you are!) inspired me to throw together this list of the best different types of makeup bags all in one place. I’m not sure why, but the makeup bag is one of my biggest obsessions/constant struggles.
It just feels like the one thing I continually try to perfect (and never do). My makeup bags or kits never seem quite right. Or quite enough.
So here is a full collection of makeup kits of all types, within a certain size, that I present to you in the hopes that you find your makeup set-bag/perfect-match.
.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying links. This means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
.
.
.
I decided to start with backpacks as they are truly a great option for looking after your posture, and should be used more often. We lug around so much product and as you know, it gets heavy. Really heavy!
So let’s kick off our ultimate makeup kit list with the humble and unsung hero, the backpack.
.
Backpacks
Endurax Large Hardshell Camera Backpack
Size 17.5″ x 12″ x 6″
Pros
- hardshell exterior for rough terrain and transportation protection
- water-resistant polyester material
- padded inserts for customizable storage and organization
- great for on-the-go makeup artists
- 1 year warranty
cons
- may not be large enough for full makeup kit
.
Pro Case Heavy Duty Clear Backpack
Size 16.5″x 11.2″x 5″
Pros
- sturdy and solid
- clear for seeing exactly what you have inside
- backpack allows for good posture and looking after your back
Cons
- clear allows for no discretion
.
Zuca Artist Backpack
Size 11″ x 16″ x 16″
pros
- vinyl-lined internal sections for smaller products and plenty of organization
- built-in straps to connect to rolling Zuca
- thermal pocket for hot irons or to keep cold drinks in
- can be used as a mobile workstation
- padded straps for comfortable backpack-style carrying
- sturdy and high-quality fabric and construction
- 4 smaller vinyl pouches for easy organization
- FAA carry-on approved dimensions
Cons
- may not be enough storage space for artists requiring a larger capacity
.
Relavel Makeup Backpack
Size 11″ x 16″ x 16″
pros
- best of both worlds – backpack combined with two-layered makeup case
- waterproof exterior fabric
- external USB charging port for phone charging
- can be used as mobile workstation
- padded straps for comfortable backpack-style carrying
- 10 adjustable partitions for custom-making compartments to your personal needs
- brush holder sections inside lid for easy access
Cons
- may not be enough storage space for artists requiring a larger capacity
.
Mosiso Backpack
Size 17.32″ x 11.8″ x 7.5″
- 1-year warranty
- removable modular padded inserts for fully customizable organization
- compact and secure hard shell protection for your makeup
- waterproof hardshell exterior
- waistbelt for added support
- baggage strap to fit over suitcase handle
Cons
- may not be enough storage fo full kit, only a setbag or mobile makeup artist
.
.
Over the Shoulder Makeup Bags
Zuca Artist Set Bag
Size 11″ x 14′ x 10.5″
Pros
- tough exterior and well made
- vinyl lined interior for easy cleaning
- versatile straps for shoulder, hand carrying and across body
- secures to rolling Zuca
- available with 2 small and 1 large utility pouches
- plenty of hidden pockets for easy storage and organization
Cons
- none
.
ZUCA Artist Shoulder Bag
Size 16″ x 9″ x 10″
- internal sections for easy organization
- adjustable, detachable shoulder strap
- high quality
- FAA standards for carry-on baggage
- sleek, professional black finish looks professional and discreet
- fits on Zuca wheely bag
cons
- no cons
.
Relavel Cosmetic Bag Bundle
Small Case Size 10.3″ x 9″ x 3.5″
Large Case Size 15.8″ x 11.4″ x 6.3″
pros
- adjustable compartment dividers for customization
- perfect for downsized products (Vueset etc.) for maximum storage
- portable work station-type storage – quick set-up time
- affordable
- the small case is a perfect “mini-kit” option (I love it)
- sleek and professional looking
- shoulder strap and handle options
cons
- may not have the longest shelf life if handled roughly
.
Ethereal Professional Makeup Artist Bag
Size 12.5″ x 4″ x 8″
pros
- open, easy-access set bag
- shoulder strap and secure waist strap options for tricky working conditions
- great for personal actor bags
- clear compartments on the outside for easy-to-see access
- good price
cons
- none
.
Angrek Large Hairdressing Salon Bag
Size 13.8″ x 8.7″ x 8.3″
pros
- smaller size to avoid over-loading
- discreet looking set bag
- good for holding multiple actor bags
- affordable
- great storage for barbers/hairstylists
cons
- not the hardiest of qualities but for the price is still good value
.
Bafaso Large Makeup Bag
Size 13.5” x 8” x 9.5”
Pros
- heavy-duty nylon fabric
- easy to clean PVC interior
- plenty of storage and organization options with detachable dividers
- 2 transparent pouches for further organization
- multiple pockets and additional sections for easy storage
- front storage area for brushes with protective flap
- clean and sleek design
- perfect for standby or on-set makeup work
cons
- none
.
Z Palette Travellers Setbag
Size 10″ x 12″ x 7″
Pros
- durable material
- customizable interior withh optional dividers for 1-4 compartments
- full standard-sized tissue box holder
- detachable zipper lid for easy access and protection
- compact size perfect for personal artist work
cons
- compact size may be too small for some artists
.
USA GEAR S7P Carrying Case
Size 11.5″ 8.5″ x 4″
Pros
- sleek, tidy and professional design
- discreet – nobody will see what you’re using on your performer
- good for personal artists for one performer only
- 3 year warranty
- padded dividers to separate equipment inside
- high quality
cons
- not designed as a makeup bag, but for electronics – may be suited better for studio work, and one performer only
.
The Bette
Size 12″ x 5.5″ x 10.6″
Pros
- tailor-designed for makeup artists
- sturdy and heavy-duty materials
- 6 internal pockets
- internal elasticated band to store brushes and tools
Cons
- expensive
- hard to find
- often out of stock
- UK tissue box dimensions on outer tissue dispenser (different from standard US-size tissue boxes)
.
Cool Zuca
Size 8″ x 9.5″ x 10″
- cooler perfect for remote and hot locations to keep your makeup cool
- sturdy design
- top hatch for easy access
- floor panel converts to create sections in interior
- works in harmony with rolling Zuca case
Cons
- more expensive than other coolers
.
The Eva
Size 10″ x 10″ x 5″
Pros
- simple, user-friendly design
- clear for efficient use
- 4 internal sections
Cons
- can be hard to find
.
Bafaso Makeup Bag Cosmetic Bag with 4 Inner Removable Pouches
Size 10″ x 8.25″ x 11.5″
Pros
- sleek and professional looking
- heavy duty nylon built
- 4 internal transparent lid pouches for organization
- side pocket for brushes or flat items
- many hidden pockets for extra storage and convenience
cons
- might not be big enough for some artists (this may also be seen as a plus to some!)
.
Bagail Clear Tote Bag
Size 12″ x 12″ x 6″
Pros
- clear for easy access and view
- shoulder strap and across body strap for extra support
- simple design with zipper closure
- ideal for larger capacity standby needs
- easy to clean, durable PVC plastic
cons
- not so discreet material – the whole world sees what you got in there!
My Kitco Backstage Buddy
Size 32″ x 20″ 15″
Pros
- good quality construction
- makeup artist owned brand
- full US-sized tissue holder with zip
- pletny of sections and pockets for organization
- clear and durable black nylon for easy cleaning and durability
Cons
- none
MUA Approved Set Bag 009
Size 8″ x 6″ x 9″
pros
- clear and black durable design
- easy access zip opening
- padded shoulder strap
- perfect for personal work for one performer
Cons
- none
The Gloria
Size 12″ x 8.7″ x 7.8″
Pros
- tailor-made for makeup artists
- deep space for ample product storage and organization
- clear, easy access zip lid
- plenty of compartments for organization
Cons
- can be hard to find
.
MUA Approved Set Bag 110
Size 9″ x 3″ x 7″
Pros
- simple, open-plan bag
- perfect for hair products as well as minimal makeup set-kit
cons
- may not be enough compartments for some artists
- might be too small for some artists
Monda Studio Clear Set Bag MST-260
Size 14″ x 12″ x 6″
Pros
- clear and easy access to all compartments
- good quality materials
- full-size tissue holder
- good medium size set bag
cons
- not always available
.
Samas MUA 04
Size 9.4″ x 9.8″ x 6.2″ (small size)
pros
- highest quality craftsmanship
- solid and sturdy
- available in three different sizes
- clear zipper lid for easy access
- dirt/dustproof closure
- waterproof
- rigid frame
cons
- more expensive but worth it for the quality
- often out of stock
.
MUA Approved Set Bag 103
Size 10″ x 4.5″ 7″
pros
- good, smaller size for actor bags, minimal set bag
- button side pockets
- zipper side pocket
- sturdy quality
cons
- none for the size
.
MUA Approved Caddy 115
Size 8″ x 5.5″ x 8.5″
pros
- open and easy access layout for on-person wearing
- compact design (impossible to overload)
- high-quality durability
Cons
- open concept may be un-feasible for harsh location work
- may be too small for some artists
Catty Bag
Size 10″ x 12″ x 10.5″
Pros
- over 45 compartments for organization-obsessed artists
- durable, strong material
- perfect, easy-access open concept for on-set work
Cons
- may not be best solution in harsh locations where dust, rain or other environmental elements can get into bag
.
Waist bags
Linear Standby Belts
Size varies (see indiviual pouch sizes on the website)
Pros
- high-quality clear vinyl and durable black polyester
- highly bespoke pouches to fully customize your own system
- pefect for actor bags to mix’n’match when artists swap out set duty
- sleek design
- endless options of features and pouches
- ergonomic and great for back pain and good posture
- belts available in all sizes
cons
- none
.
The Makeup Light – Vivienne’s Set Bag
Size 8.5″ x 12″ x 6″ (as well as tissue tote additional 9.75″ x 6.25″ x 2.5″)
Pros
- high quality and durable material
- easy to clean
- waist strap and shoulder strap for extra support
- custom-designed for and by makeup artist Vivienne Baker
- plenty of storage and organization options
- a good option for personal makeup artists
cons
- may benefit from decanting into smaller palettes and require extra prep work to do so
- expensive but worth the investment
.
.
On Floor Bags
Large Clear Tote Bag with Small Pouch
20″ x 14″ x 6″
pros
- clear, easy access “throw it all in” bag
- larger size for catchall on set bag
- affordable
cons
- not very discreet due to the clear material
.
Stilazzi Pro Large
Size 19″ x 7.5″ x 10.5″
Pros
- plenty of pockets and storage options
- clear
- standard universal makeup set bag with US size tissue compartment
Cons
- easy to mix up with someone else’s bag as they can all look the same!
.
The Gretta
Size 15.8″ x 23.6″
Pros
- simple tote design
- one space for loading up at fast pace
- clear for easy viewing
Cons
- expensive for a simple tote
.
Creative Green Life XL Tote Bag
Size 22″ x 14″ x 8″
pros
- discreet, large “throw everything in” bag
- zip closure
- high-quality
- flat base to stand up on ground
- water-resistant
- affordable
cons
- none
.
The Ingrid
Size 15.8″ x 15.8″
Pros
- sturdy quality
- clear for easy access and viewing
- plenty of pockets and compartments for organization
- D-rings for adding accessories from The Makeup Armoury
Cons
- on the more expensive side
.
.
Wheelie Bags
Hulken Bag on Wheels
Size 16″ x 12″ x 20″
pros
- sturdy stainless steel frame and wheels
- 3 unbreakable handles
- stylish carry-all
- converts from wheelie bag to carry bag easily
- folds completely flat when not in use
- zipper closure
- stylish large storage solution
cons
- minimal compartments may not be the most efficient organizing system
- noisy rollers – yep, they’ll hear you coming before they see you!
.
Tuscany Pro Makeup Cart
Size 24″ x 16″ x 43″
pros
- innovative design to combine storage bag with chair and cart in one
- great carry-all for on-set work or working on the move
- includes cup-holders and trash compartment
- heavy-duty wheels
- convenient all-in-one storage option
- personalized labeling option for easy identification
- 10-year warranty
cons
- minimal compartments may not be the most efficient organizing system
.
Samas MUA 02 Rolling Case
Size 24.5″ x 16″ x 18″
- rigid frame and sturdy build
- spacious and compact case
- tailor-made for makeup artists
- plenty of pockets and compartments inside and out for organization
- outside pockets are removable (great for actor bags)
- high-quality wheels for easy transport
cons
- expensive
- often hard to find online
.
Zuca Rolling Case
Size 19.5″ x 10.5″ x 13.5″
Pros
- strong and durable
- available with 4 Zuca utility pouches for easy organization
- convenient and discreet chair top
- FAA Carry-on approved (check models as not all ZUca ROlling Case models are carry-on approved dimensions)
- additional internal pockets and side sleeves for extra storage
Cons
- may seem expensive but this investment will last you years and is well worth paying for
Tenba Roadie Roller 18 International
Size 9″ x 14″ x 18″
pros
- designed as a camera bag, solid and sturdy
- compact size for small kit travel
- perfect for personal makeup work, or one-person gigs
- carry-on size
cons
- expensive, but worth it for quality
.
.
Hard Cases
Pelican Air Case 1535
Size 21.96″ x 13.97″ x 8.98″ (exterior) 20.39″ x 11.20″ x 7.21″ (interior)
pros
- crushproof, water-tight and dustproof PVC material
- ‘Air’ range is lighter than competitors
- customizable foam insert options for sturdy packing
- large size for full kit on hand at all times (other size options available)
- stainless steel lock hasps
- retractable handles on certain models
- Pelican guarantees its cargo cases “for a lifetime against breakage or defects in workmanship”
cons
- can get heavy when loaded, but solid as a rock
- investment pricetag which is well worth it (I have 1 of these and 3 1610s which are even bigger!)
.
.
Meijia Waterproof Portable Hard Case
Size 19.88″ x 12″ x 18″
Pros
- waterproof and watertight
- customizable foam inserts for added protection for shipping/rugged transportation
- deep dimensions for storing materials upright if necessary
- retractable handle
cons
- may get heavy if filled with heavy goods
.
Nanuk 950 Waterproof Hard Case with Wheels
Size 20.5″ x 15.3 ” x 10.1″ (interior) 22.8″ x 18.3″ x 11.7″ (exterior)
Pros
- solid, sturdy hard shell exterior
- foam insert sheets for customizing and protecting interior
- waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof
- padlock holes
- ideal for your “holds everything” on-set kit
cons
- is likely to get heavy when full
- may seem expensive but is solid, high quality
.
Deco Gear 3-in-1 Travel Camera Case
Size 13.5″ x 9.5″ x 19.5″
Pros
- waterproof and shockproof
- versatile wheeled bag, backpack or handbag carrying options
- well-padded, sturdy construction
- contains a rainfly for weather protection
- customizable foam inserts to change storage to suit your needs
- sleek design for travel
cons
- while not strictly a makeup bag (it is a camera bag), this is a great option for a sturdy medium-sized makeup kit
.
Slaycase Marble Bella Train Case
Size 24″ x 13″ x 18″
Pros
- all-in-one travelling makeup case and station
- quick set-up time for travelling artists
- convenient and sleek design
- built-in lights (require power) and bluetooth speakers
- adjustable dimmer switch for lights
- retractable handle
- 360° rolling wheels
cons
- heavy weight before stocking with your makeup
.
And that’s it. I think it’s close to 50 of the best makeup bags of all sizes, types and roles. All under the one roof for you to peruse and drool over. I don;t like picking favorite brands, but honestly, if I had to, I would say Zuca for sure.
And Relavel.
And Pelican.
Aaahhhhh, you get the idea.
.
Now I have a little favor to ask. If you know someone who needs to know about these makeup bags, please share this article with them! Sharing the wealth helps them, and it helps me, and you know I love providing great info for you, so go ahead and share at the buttons on the left. Cheers!
.
Featured Image by Liubov Ilchuk
