Vanity Cases for Makeup

A vanity case is a taller, structured makeup case with a deep lid, built so serums, pumps and sprays can stand upright instead of lying on their side. Choose one if your routine is mostly skincare in tall bottles. Our three vanity cases range from 5.51 to 7.09 inches tall.

Buying guide: choosing a vanity case

Vanity case or makeup bag: the difference is height

A makeup bag is long and low, designed so small, flat items sit side by side where you can see them. A vanity case is designed around a vertical layout: taller than it is deep, with a lid that opens high, so bottles can stand. Standing upright keeps weight off pumps and caps, which is where most leaks start. Vanity case vs makeup bag walks through the decision with measurements.

Compare our three vanity cases

Case L × W × H (in) Weight Inside Price
Mini Vanity Case 8.27 × 4.72 × 5.51 0.92 lb Removable divider; carry-on-friendly size $105.95
Vanity Case 7.87 × 5.12 × 7.09 1.1 lb Divider, deep lid, lower zipper for easier access, shoulder strap $129.95
Duo Vanity Case 9.45 × 7.09 × 6.69 1.76 lb Two compartments, removable divider, brush loops, deep lid $149.92
Travel Makeup Bag 9.84 × 4.72 × 4.72 0.85 lb For comparison: our flatter makeup bag, opens 180° $79.92

Exterior dimensions from each product page; interior height is slightly less. Prices at time of writing.

Which vanity case fits your kit

  • Mini Vanity Case: an everyday routine in a compact, carry-on-friendly case that still stands on the counter.
  • Vanity Case: the tallest of the three, for tall serums and sprays, with a strap for carrying it hands-free.
  • Duo Vanity Case: for anyone who currently travels with a makeup bag and a skincare bag. Makeup on one side, bottles on the other. It is also the heaviest, so less suited to a strict carry-on packer.

Packing full-size bottles

In a U.S. carry-on, each liquid must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. Many “full-size” serums and moisturizers are already under that, so read the number on the label before decanting. Larger bottles belong in checked luggage, packed upright. Full-size bottles and travel explains which bottles can fly where, with sources from TSA and the FAA.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a vanity case and a makeup bag?

Shape. A makeup bag is long and low, so items sit side by side and can be seen from above. A vanity case is taller and structured, with a deep lid, so bottles can stand upright and the case can sit on a counter.

Which vanity case holds the tallest bottles?

The Belle Vault Vanity Case, at about 7.09 inches tall on the outside. The Duo Vanity Case is 6.69 inches tall and the Mini Vanity Case 5.51 inches. Interior height is slightly less than the exterior figure, so measure your tallest bottle before you choose.

Can a vanity case go in a carry-on?

The Mini Vanity Case, at about 8.3 × 4.7 × 5.5 inches, is designed as a carry-on-friendly size. Any liquids inside still need to follow the 3.4 oz rule and go through screening in a quart-size bag.

Why are vanity cases heavier than makeup bags?

Structure. A vanity case holds its shape with bottles inside, which takes stiffer walls. Our cases weigh 0.92 to 1.76 lb, against 0.85 lb for our Travel Makeup Bag.

Can I keep makeup and skincare in one case?

Yes. The Duo Vanity Case has two compartments and a removable divider, so makeup can sit on one side and tall bottles on the other.