I never travel without a makeup bag. Whether it's packed inside of my carry-on for a weeklong vacation to Italy or tucked away in my weekender for a one-night stay in the Hamptons, it's always with me—fully stocked with my favorite beauty products. As essential as a makeup bag is for me, though, I struggled to find one that I truly swore by. That all changed when I got my hand's on Parallelle's game-changing makeup bag. And now after a year of regularly using the medium-size kit, I can honestly say it's the best makeup bag I've ever traveled with.
Most cosmetic cases on the market today are simply a large empty pouch, no pockets in sight, where products get dumped on top of one another. This used to mean that when it was time for glam, I spent twice as long rummaging through my bag to find what I needed as I did actually putting on makeup. It also meant that if my foundation leaked or a lipstick tube opened in transit, my entire collection was a mess (and yes, that happened plenty of times). When I would arrive at a hotel or an Airbnb, I would have to empty my entire makeup bag and lay everything out on the bathroom counter just to find what I needed. Parallelle's makeup bag, on the other hand, keeps my products more organized and easier to reach than ever before.
Dimensions: 8" x 7" x 4.5"
Weight: 8.5 oz.
Materials: Vegan leather and water-resistant canvas; water-resistant twill lining
Pros: Durable exterior protects your products; several compartments and pockets for items of all sizes; two-way zipper closure; flat base for stability
Cons: Can be a little bulky inside a small weekender or carry-on; expensive
Why I love it
The standout feature of Parallelle's makeup bag is its foldable shape. After you unzip the bag, each side can be pulled down to lie flat, allowing you see all of your products at once. It's designed to keep each product secured in an upright position, again making them easy to spot and reducing the risk of any spills. The bag's structured silhouette and flat base offers the stability and durability I want all of my breakable—and expensive—beauty products to have while in transit.
The other features I love: thoughtful pockets and flexible compartments. The medium-size case features 16 wall pockets, 4 elastic mesh pouches, and 3 adjustable compartments. The small wall pockets are ideal for holding slim products like mascara, eyeliner, lip liner, or lipstick. The four elastic mesh pouches hold loose items, like blush, bronzer, and pressed powder. The adjustable compartments are where you can stash bottles and containers, like foundation, makeup remover, and setting spray.
A few months ago, Parallelle launched an updated model of its original makeup bag that includes five elastic loops for makeup brushes. This upgrade saves me from needing to pack a separate case for my brushes—which is always helpful for an overpacker like myself. There's a place for everything in this makeup bag—and I mean everything.
How it's held up
I've taken the Parallelle makeup bag with me on countless trips near and far. It's accompanied me on a number of weekend getaways down the Jersey Shore, a bachelorette trip to Scottsdale, and most recently a few days in Banff National Park. Whether it's squeezed into an overpacked suitcase or at the bottom of a small duffel, the sturdy bag never lets me down. No spills or leaks, and everything is always in the correct place. When it's time to get ready for dinner in Old Town or an afternoon exploring Lake Louise, I simply pull out each product I need and slip it right back into place after I'm finished with it.
After countless trips, makeup products like blush and press powder have on occasion transferred onto the inside of the bag. The interior is made with a water-resistant twill lining, so it can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. I'll admit, the inside of my makeup bag doesn't look brand new, but for how often I fill it with both liquid and powder products, it's in pretty good shape—and all of the elastic loops and adjustable compartments are hanging on just fine. The outside of my bag, however, looks the same as the day I got it. Its sturdy and flexible material allows it to handle endless wear and tear.
More sizes available
The bag is available in three different sizes: The Small Traveller is a compact case that holds just enough for your daily routine. I use this smaller case when I need to get ready for work on the go or when I'm not planning to wear much makeup, like on a beach day. If you're someone who keeps their everyday beauty routine simple (tinted moisturizer, mascara, brow gel, and a lip balm), this is the size for you. The medium-size option is what I use the most; it's best suited for short trips and weekend getaways (although this size offers me more than enough room for everything I'd need on a longer vacation too).
The Large Traveller is pretty tall and extra spacious. It's best for extended trips or destination weddings when you're checking a bag. It's a nice option if you plan to pack skincare products inside too. Inside, you'll find a whopping 20 pockets, 6 mesh pouches, and 2 adjustable dividers. It's worth noting that the large size does not feature the elastic loops for makeup brushes that the small and medium versions have. But don't worry: There are plenty of pockets and pouches to hold face and eyeshadow makeup brushes in.
I recommend the medium size for most travelers. I have it in a sweet shade of blush pink, but each size is also available in hues of brown, beige, bronze, olive, indigo, lilac, and more. The only con is the price tag: $110 for a makeup bag isn't cheap, but it really is worth it. I've never used anything like it before—its smart design makes it stand out against any other makeup bag I've seen or tried. Its durability means I'll be packing this travel essential on countless future vacations and weekend trips ahead.
More colors available:
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
