When traveling for business, it’s pretty common to have a meeting soon after landing. Now, there are some women who will show up to the airport with a full face of makeup and meeting-attire clothes on.

I am not one of them. 

I like to travel fresh-faced (especially on early morning flights) and or this reason, I typically have my makeup stashed in my carry on, ready to apply at the airport after arrival. 

However, bringing makeup in your carry-on can be SUCH a hassle. I’ve had some horror stories, like trying to bring on an expensive face lotion I *thought* was regulation but was not, only to have it thrown away before my eyes. 

Secondly, have you ever had a compact break? It spills powder everywhere and explodes when you try to open your bag again. Needless to say, it can turn into a disaster pretty quickly if you’re not careful. 

I can think of so many instances where my makeup either had to be tossed, broke or made a mess while I was traveling on business. Being prepared could have mitigated these disasters 90% of the time. 

To ensure others don’t make the same mistakes I did, here’s a handy visual about traveling with makeup. For example, placing a cotton ball in your compact can help you avoid my above issue of the crumbling compact. 

Another great tip? Buying all-in-one makeup product can not only save space but, if you use cream, can avoid spillage as well. I like cream blushes and highlighter that double as eyeshadow or lipstick.

And one of the most obvious tips that seems so simple — know the airline restrictions for liquids and creams! They must be under 3.4 ounces (100ml) and able to fit in a 1-quart plastic bag. Of course, you should also check any specific regulations for your country and airline.

Check out the tips below. Maybe it will save you some time and sanity on your next flight!