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best makeup bags
Iryna Veklich / getty images

Small but mighty, these makeup bags are your stylish holiday companion

Pretty enough to sit on display on your hotel vanity

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Few things compare to the feeling of heading back to your hotel room after a day spent lounging in the sun, ready to get glammed up for an evening of al fresco dining. That is, until you realise you left your makeup scattered across the bathroom sink. The solution is small but mighty: a good makeup bag.

Forget flimsy pouches, we're talking spacious, rummage-free makeup bags - just big enough to fit your holiday beauty routine, but won’t use up too much precious luggage space. And of course, one that will keep your makeup safe and sound, even if your suitcase gets jostled around at the airport. After all, nothing is worse than assembling your perfect holiday beauty routine just to find your foundation leaking or your bronzer smashed to pieces (it hurts even to write that!)

So, ahead of your summer escape - whether you’re jetting off on a girls trip or a romantic getaway, you’ll want to invest in a good one. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to something that’s a little more luxe, or in search of something that is completely fuss free - we’ve found 12 of the best makeup bags that are sure to tick everyone’s boxes.

The best part? These bags aren’t just practical, but they are so gorgeous that they’ll be worthy of a place of honour on your hotel vanity.

1

Elizabeth Scarlett Embroidered Open Flat Bag

Elizabeth Scarlett Embroidered Open Flat Bag
Credit: Nobody's Child

This limited-edition collaboration with Elizabeth Scarlett is a show-stopper. It makes for a perfect, luxe payday treat. Plus, the open flat design and handy compartments keeps everything organised and in sight.

2

Space NK Summer Society Large Lemon Travel Bag

Summer Society Large Lemon Travel Bag
Credit: Space NK

Are you an overpacker? Always left emptying out your entire makeup bag to find that specific lipstick? Then this one's for you. Transparent panels makes it quick and easy to hunt down the product you need. Plus, it's fully wipeable - no mess here!

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3

The Flat Lay Co Drawstring Makeup Bag

The Flat Lay Co Drawstring Makeup Bag
Credit: Boots

This genius drawstring bags opens completely flat in just seconds, saving you time and it means you can see all of your makeup laid in front of you. Handy brush slots and a zipper compartment will help to keep things organised and safely stowed away. Oh - and of course, the print embodies summer.

4

Pink Stripe Makeup Bag

Pink Stripe Makeup Bag
Credit: Damson Madder

Damson Madder's bestselling makeup bag has returned, and this time, in a gorgeous stripe print - reminiscent of mornings spent lounging on a beach towel. You can even buy a matching tote!

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5

Boots Box Bag

Boots Box Bag
Credit: Boots

You can never go wrong with Boots. If you're in search of a simple makeup bag without a hefty price tag, this is the one. At just £6, this boxy pouch will hold all your essentials in style.

6

Long Sun Tile Padded Wash Bag

Long Sun Tile Padded Wash Bag

No one does summer quite like Oliver Bonas! This gorgeous, sun motif wash bag not only looks gorgeous, but is protective too. The quilted finish will keep your makeup safe, and the wide design means there's even enough room for your straighteners too!

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7

Lemon Print and Gingham Reversible Makeup Bag

Lemon Print and Gingham Reversible Makeup Bag
Credit: Next

La dolce vita indeed! This roomy pouch is sure to make your life a little sweeter with it's gorgeous lemon print. Or, if you fancy a change, it's reversible too, featuring a gorgeous yellow gingham print on the other side. At £15, it's a steal.

8

Béis The Dopp Kit

Béis The Dopp Kit
Credit: Beis

Now, while this is the priciest bag on our list - it's for good reason. Béis bags are designed with travel in mind. This handy bag is double-layered, opens wide, has a clever loop for hanging on a towel rack - oh, and it even has a dedicated compartment for your toothbrush!

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9

Inara Fuchsia Freesia Cotton Wash Bag

Inara Fuchsia Freesia Cotton Wash Bag
Credit: Wolf & Badger

This gorgeous cotton wash bag takes inspiration from the bright blooms of South African funnel-shaped flowers. A bold print that is sure to brighten up the bathroom sink.

10

Narwey Large Makeup Bag

Narwey Large Makeup Bag
Credit: Amazon

Another affordable winner! This spacious, open-wide pouch means everything you need can be accessed with ease, while handy pockets mean you can tuck away smaller items. With 20 different designs, the choice is yours.

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11

The Flat Lay Co. x ASOS Exclusive Jelly Makeup Box Bag

The Flat Lay Co. x ASOS Exclusive Jelly Makeup Box Bag
Credit: ASOS

The Flat Lay Co deserved another mention with their gorgeous ASOS exclusive range. This roomy, box-shaped bag opens completely flat making it easy to see all your products at once. And, of course, the exclusive summer motif print is a stunning addition.

12

Medium Block Print Wash Bag

Medium Block Print Wash Bag

This organic cotton pouch is simply gorgeous. As part of Aspiga's block print accessory range, this quilted bag will keep your products safe in style.

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