Train cases offer a blend of convenience and style, serving as the ideal solution for transporting your cherished cosmetics and toiletries while traveling. These chic carriers are available in a diverse range of styles and sizes, all unified by a signature top handle, ensuring effortless portability wherever your journey takes you.
To identify the most exceptional options, we rigorously tested 21 train cases, evaluating them across crucial aspects such as capacity, durability, portability, design, quality, and overall value. Our Travel + Leisure editors embarked on a two-week trial, fully packing each case with a variety of products, carrying them through various travel scenarios, and assessing their ease of integration into suitcases or personal items. We meticulously noted which cases truly stood out as worthwhile investments. Our evaluation extended over six months of continued use, observing their performance in diverse travel situations, and this article reflects our updated findings.
Just as with any piece of luggage, the perfect Makeup Traveling Case should harmoniously blend style and function. Our final selections showcase products that are not only incredibly practical but also exude elegance and timeless appeal. Below, discover our curated list of the best and most robust train cases to accompany you on your next adventure.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Etoile Collective Duo Vanity Case at Amazon
Most Durable:
Calpak Ambeur Vanity Case at Calpaktravel.com
Best Compact:
Monos Metro Cosmetic Case at Monos.com
Most Stylish:
Brahmin Charmaine Train Case at Amazon
Best With Matching Luggage:
Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Cosmetic Case at Markandgraham.com
Best Monogram:
Leatherology Medium Train Case at Amazon
Best Large Capacity:
Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Beauty Case at Amazon
Best Packable:
Mark & Graham Bella Vegan Leather Cosmetic Case at Markandgraham.com
Best Mirror:
Vanity Planet Baia The Everything Beauty Bag at Vanityplanet.com
Best Clear:
Paravel Mini See-All Vanity Case at Tourparavel.com
Best Overall
Etoile Collective Duo Vanity Case
$100 at Amazon $100 at Revolve $100 at Anthropologie
Why We Love It: This stunning makeup traveling case boasts a generous capacity and includes a highly functional leather divider insert, ensuring optimal organization for your beauty essentials.
What to Consider: The interior features a suede lining, which may pose a challenge to clean in the event of accidental spills.
Even seasoned overpackers might find it difficult to fully utilize the spaciousness of this train case. During our tests, we packed a comprehensive range of face and body skincare products, along with a full makeup collection, and still found ample room remaining, particularly when the leather divider was removed. This divider stands out as a key highlight, effectively compartmentalizing belongings and preventing shifting during transit.
The dual-compartment design proved exceptionally practical for accommodating items of varying sizes and shapes. For instance, the top compartment readily housed eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, and lip balms, while the bottom section comfortably fit moisturizers and foundation bottles. For touch-ups on the go, a removable mirror is conveniently located in the top compartment. A point to note is the suede lining’s potential cleaning difficulty should spills occur, though we observed the exterior to be easily cleaned with antibacterial wipes throughout our six-month extended testing.
We were impressed by the case’s ability to maintain its structure throughout testing, contrasting with flimsier alternatives. The hardware, including buttery-smooth zippers, operated flawlessly. While ideal for train journeys or car travel, its size might make it less suitable for fitting within a weekender bag or backpack for air travel. Real-world testing indicated its larger size meant it was less frequently used for flights, suggesting it’s better suited for checked luggage.
The Details: 9.4 x 7.1 x 6.7 inches | 2.1 pounds | Vegan leather | Available in 11 colors
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Most Durable
Calpak Ambeur Vanity Case
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Why We Love It: The robust hardside exterior provides exceptional durability, safeguarding the case’s contents even when subjected to shaking or drops.
What to Consider: This is a substantial and weighty case, likely to be considered a personal item on flights due to its size.
If you’ve ever felt anxious about your valuable beauty and skincare products being crushed within a flimsy soft pouch, the Calpak Ambeur Vanity Case is a worthy upgrade. From its incredibly strong, suitcase-grade polycarbonate shell to its smart internal organization and spacious capacity, this makeup traveling case justifies its investment. After rigorous testing, the exterior showed only minor scratches, while the contents remained completely intact – no breakage, spills, or damage whatsoever. And we truly packed it to capacity, from shampoo and conditioner bottles to delicate makeup, fragrances, and skincare essentials.
Resembling a miniature suitcase, this train case features a clamshell opening, revealing two large, zippered compartments. Mesh panels and pockets offer dedicated storage for smaller items like cotton swabs or tweezers. Given its size, this case is designed for carrying rather than packing inside a carry-on, and its robust handle and included removable shoulder strap will not disappoint. Wear it as a crossbody or utilize the convenient trolley sleeve on the back to securely attach it to your rolling luggage handle. Six months of consistent use and repeated drops confirmed no internal damage, assuring us of its protective capabilities.
The Details: 13 x 9.75 x 6.75 inches | 3 pounds | Polycarbonate | Available in five colors | 12.9-liter capacity
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Best Compact
Monos Metro Cosmetic Case
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Why We Love It: Its streamlined, compact design ensures effortless visibility and access to all contents, while maintaining exceptional portability.
What to Consider: The case’s height is insufficient for storing bottles in an upright position.
Say goodbye to frantically searching through oversized cosmetic bags to find what you need. The Monos Metro Cosmetic Case is a sleek, compact vanity case, ideal for travelers who value quick and easy access to their essentials. Its smooth, dual zippers allow for effortless opening and closing on the move. The structured vegan leather shell stands upright and maintains its form, and despite being one of the smaller options, it packs easily into a carry-on or personal item bag.
Even when packed inside a suitcase, we experienced no issues with crushing or spills. Though the vegan leather showed minor scuffing after repeated travels during our six-month extended test, this small makeup traveling case offers impressive storage capacity. It includes a removable pouch for items like cotton swabs, elastic loops in the lid for brushes, and a see-through zippered pocket for flat items. Elastic loops on the main compartment’s side optimize space by securing bottles, though full-size bottles exceed the case’s height.
The Details: 9.4 x 5.2 x 6.4 inches | 14 ounces | Vegan leather | Available in two colors | 3.81-liter capacity
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Most Stylish
Brahmin Charmaine Train Case
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$165 at Amazon View on Brahmin.com
Why We Love It: The distinctive textured leather and vibrant color options ensure this beautiful case makes a bold style statement.
What to Consider: This is a higher-priced option, and the fabric lining might present cleaning challenges.
The Brahmin Charmaine Train Case excelled in every testing category, particularly for its standout style. Renowned for luxurious leather goods, Brahmin clearly spared no detail in crafting this opulent makeup traveling case. Spacious enough for full-size makeup products, its robust exterior and structured form maintained shape and effectively protected valuables, even when subjected to bumps and tight packing within checked luggage.
Despite its premium price, we appreciated the high-quality construction, comfortable top handle that lays flat when not in use, and thoughtful design. The case features a roomy main compartment and a side pouch with elastic closure to prevent items from shifting. Our packing included skincare and makeup, with ample space remaining. While no wear, tear, or spills occurred during testing, the fabric lining, lacking water-resistance, could make stain removal difficult.
The Details: 8.5 x 5.75 x 5.25 inches | 14.88 ounces | Leather | Available in seven colors
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Best With Matching Luggage
Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Cosmetic Case
Why We Love It: As part of Mark & Graham’s Terminal collection, it perfectly complements matching suitcases for a cohesive and stylish travel set.
What to Consider: Zipper operation was slightly stiff around corners, and it lacks a trolley sleeve on the back.
If coordinated luggage sets align with your travel aesthetic, the Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Cosmetic Case is an excellent choice. It matches seamlessly with various suitcases in Mark & Graham’s Terminal collection. Available in white or navy, with matching carry-on and checked suitcases in diverse styles, all offer monogramming with up to three letters. Our single-letter vinyl decal monogram showed no wear after testing. Given its larger size, a shoulder strap or trolley sleeve would enhance portability.
Beyond aesthetics, this makeup traveling case excels in organization. The lid features multiple pockets, not just straps, and the main compartment sides have a mix of elasticized straps and pockets for beauty tools, brushes, bottles, and containers. Ample space accommodated even jewelry pieces. Both the lining and polycarbonate exterior are easily wipeable. While zippers are intact after six months, their smoothness is less impressive than others tested.
The Details: 11.5 x 8 x 8.5 inches | Polycarbonate, leather | Available in two colors
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Best Monogram
Leatherology Medium Train Case
$215 at Amazon View on Leatherology.com
Why We Love It: Extensive monogramming options, including fonts, sizes, and colors, allow for truly personalized customization.
What to Consider: Monogramming incurs an additional cost, with prices varying by style.
The Leatherology Medium Train Case is simply exquisite. The leather quality is remarkable, resisting scuffs and scratches even when packed alongside ski gear. Monogram options elevate its appeal. Unlike the vinyl decal of the Mark & Graham option, Leatherology offers debossed, handpainted, or trapunto quilting monograms. Personalization adds to the cost, but font, size, and color choices enable complete customization. The leather makeup traveling case is available in 12 colors, from classic neutrals to vibrant hues.
We tested the medium size, finding it compact enough for larger bag packing yet spacious enough for beauty and skincare essentials, even a small hair straightener, for multi-day trips. Smaller and larger sizes are also available. While its leather construction is less structured than some, its packability is enhanced, easily fitting amongst other items. The nylon lining also simplified spill cleanup during our six-month testing.
The Details: 7.5 x 5 x 5.2 inches | Leather | Available in 13 colors | 3.28 pounds
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Best Large Capacity
Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Beauty Case
$164 at Amazon View on Delsey.com $120 at Bloomingdales
Why We Love It: This substantial case accommodates a significant volume of products, perfect for destination weddings or extensive beauty routines.
What to Consider: Its size suggests it’s more suited as a personal item for air travel.
For destination weddings or travelers with extensive beauty product collections, the Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Beauty Case offers unmatched capacity. We packed a large assortment of makeup and skincare, including full-size items in original boxes, and it remained far from full. A removable partition aids organization, and a built-in lid mirror is convenient for on-the-go application. A mini pouch accommodates smaller essentials.
Another option with matching luggage, it complements Delsey’s stylish Chatelet Air collection. For Delsey suitcase owners, this makeup traveling case is an ideal addition. While large and bulky, its tank-like durability ensures product protection. It’s less suitable for suitcase packing but features a trolley sleeve. Six-month testing confirmed its size impracticality for all travel situations, but ideal for road trips or when multiple personal items are permissible.
The Details: 10 x 13.5 x 8.75 inches | 2.43 pounds | Polycarbonate | Available in four colors | 15-liter capacity
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Best Packable
Mark & Graham Bella Vegan Leather Cosmetic Case
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Why We Love It: The softside exterior offers flexibility, making it easily packable within larger bags.
What to Consider: Limited organizational features with only one pocket.
For those preferring to pack their makeup traveling case within other luggage, rather than carrying it separately, the Mark & Graham Bella Vegan Leather Cosmetic Case is ideal. Its flexible vegan leather construction occupied minimal space and added little bulk when packed in a backpack during numerous long flights over our six-month testing period. Caution is advised with fragile items due to its soft structure.
Its 10.5-inch length accommodated longer items like hairbrushes and electric toothbrushes, and it held a surprising amount for its size. Organization is minimal, with only a lid mesh compartment, but accessing items is easy due to the top lid’s near full-perimeter zipper.
The Details: 10.5 x 7 x 4 inches | Vegan leather | Available in six colors
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Best Mirror
Vanity Planet Baia The Everything Beauty Bag
Why We Love It: Incorporates a built-in LED mirror with adjustable light settings, ideal for makeup application in transit or dimly lit spaces.
What to Consider: Makeup pockets and brush holders are somewhat snug.
Beauty aficionados will appreciate the Vanity Planet Baia The Everything Beauty Bag for its organizational design, storage capacity, and, most notably, its removable LED mirror. It transforms any space into a personal vanity, providing illumination for makeup application on planes or in dark hotel rooms. Its structured build offers excellent protection, and removable dividers customize organization. Adjustable dividers accommodate various product sizes, though the velvet lining can stain easily and is difficult to clean, as noted during six-month testing.
A Velcro swatch secures the mirror, interchangeable with a section for makeup brushes, though pockets are tight, best suited for slim brushes. The dimmable mirror features three light settings, adjustable for cooler or warmer tones, and includes a charger. The outer shell is firm, but care is needed to prevent drops that could damage the mirror.
The Details: 11.9 x 9.6 x 6 inches | 4.14 pounds | Vegan leather | Available in two colors
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Best Clear
Paravel Mini See-All Vanity Case
View on Tourparavel.com $75 at Modaoperandi.com
Why We Love It: Clear construction allows for immediate content visibility, and easy cleaning simplifies spill management.
What to Consider: Smaller size and lacks pockets.
For trips where a full vanity case isn’t necessary, the Paravel Mini See-All Vanity Case proves invaluable. Despite its mini size, it still accommodated a full-size deodorant, moisturizer, eye cream, and numerous travel-sized items during our six-month testing. Its clear, sustainable material offers instant content visibility, eliminating rummaging for specific items. Durable canvas top and bottom sections feature silicone coating with anti-spill and water-resistant properties. Though lacking dividers or pockets, this didn’t detract from its usability. Its lightweight nature didn’t compromise item protection.
The Details: 5.5 x 4.75 x 2.5 inches | 4 ounces | Canvas | Available in two colors
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Best Sustainable
Stephanie Johnson Tropea Jenny Train Cosmetics Case
Why We Love It: Constructed from recycled preconsumer polyester and cotton, appealing to eco-conscious travelers with ample organizational pockets and compartments.
What to Consider: Zipper operation was somewhat stiff.
For environmentally conscious travelers who value organization, the Stephanie Johnson Tropea Jenny Train Cosmetics Case is ideal. Made from recycled cotton and polyester, it’s excellent for liquids, makeup, and beauty tools, with an easily wipeable lining, proven during our six-month spill tests. The sturdy handle withstood heavier loads without strain.
Dual compartments separate toiletries and makeup, and a removable mini case adds versatility. While zippers weren’t as smooth as others, its eco-friendly materials and organizational features are strong selling points. It’s available in a neutral cream and tan with a bright blue interior.
The Details: 5 x 9 x 7 inches | Recycled cotton and polyester | Available in one color
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Best Splurge
Coach Essential Vanity Case
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Why We Love It: This designer case, crafted from thick, premium leather, justifies its splurge-worthy price point with exceptional quality.
What to Consider: The top handle felt slightly awkward to use.
Coach’s reputation for high-quality leather is evident in the Essential Vanity Case. Its robust and durable construction impressed us, withstanding a cruise without scuffs or scratches. Initially stiff zippers became smooth with use.
Packing was efficient, accommodating a standard beauty bag’s contents, brushes, hair accessories, and foundation/primer bottles. Side straps secured blush sticks and smaller items, while an extra pouch held tools. The top handle felt slightly awkward, but its size suits packing within another bag. A small lid mirror is helpful for touch-ups, though the lid doesn’t stay open independently. After several trips and spills over six months, it maintains its excellent condition.
The Details: 8 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | Polished pebble leather, nylon lining | Available in two colors
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Other Train Cases We Liked
Despite not making our top selections, these train cases offer valuable features that some travelers may find appealing.
Calpak Trnk Vanity Case: This case features a main compartment with ample space for essentials, including hairstyling tools, and proved highly durable in testing. Similar to the Calpak Ambeur, its larger size makes it a personal item for flights. We found the Ambeur slightly more portable due to its less bulky shape.
Mac Cosmetics Carry All: An excellent makeup case with a built-in mirror and carrying strap. Perfectly sized for foundation bottles, primers, and brushes, with dedicated storage pockets and straps. However, the lid tended to close during use, making it less convenient on the go.
Pottery Barn Quinn Makeup Bag: This elegant case impressed with its storage capacity and rigid structure, maintaining shape regardless of packing volume. Despite a wide opening, fully unzipping and keeping it open was challenging.
Frenessa Makeup Train Case: We were impressed by its sturdiness and durability. Useful compartments and drawers provide easy access. However, shallow top drawers may not suit full-size products.
Our Testing Process
We evaluated 21 train cases, assessing material quality and organizational and travel-friendly features. Each case was packed with typical travel items – skincare, makeup, toiletries, and accessories – to assess capacity and features like pockets, pouches, and zippers.
Carrying fully packed cases tested handle strength and portability. We also packed cases inside suitcases and smaller bags to evaluate packability. Durability, item security, and features like straps or mirrors were assessed. Lining cleanability was also noted.
Editors continued using cases for six months, providing long-term feedback incorporated into this updated article.
Tips for Buying Makeup Traveling Cases
Determine the Size You Need
Average train cases are cuboid, 8-12 inches wide and tall, and 3-5 inches deep, with a wraparound zipper and top handle. Sizes vary by brand and materials. Consider your needs: personal item for flights? Large or extra-large sizes fit under seats. For packing inside larger luggage, choose a smaller size. For basic cosmetic bag use, a small size suffices.
Consider Compartments and Organizational Features
Capacity and organization are key. Most makeup traveling cases include wall pockets, elasticized bands, or lid pockets. Removable dividers are useful for smaller items. Multi-layer cases with trays and a main compartment offer maximum storage.
Decide How You Plan to Carry It
Consider how you’ll use and carry your makeup traveling case. For suitcase packing, prioritize compact size and flexible sides. Shoulder straps or handles are less crucial. For personal item use or non-flight travel, larger, sturdier cases with crossbody straps or trolley sleeves are ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I put in a train case for travel?
Train cases, also called beauty cases, are practical for cosmetics and beauty tools: makeup brushes, masks, rollers, travel razors, and toothbrushes. Historically, they carried household items. Depending on design, padded cases can hold cameras and lenses, cables, chargers, snacks, jewelry, and accessories.
- What’s the best material for a train case?
Material depends on purpose. Hardside cases best protect hand luggage. For purse, carry-on, or checked luggage packing, nylon, polyester, leather, or canvas offer flexibility. Water- and stain-proof linings are always beneficial.
- How do you clean a train case?
Most cases wipe clean with a damp cloth. Check care instructions. Hardshell cases may tolerate antibacterial wipes. Leather requires scratch and humidity protection, but spot cleaning softer materials is usually possible. Polyester or nylon linings are often waterproof and easily cleaned with soap and water.
- Do train cases come with mirrors?
Mirrors are convenient for on-the-go makeup, but not standard. Some featured picks include mirrors, like the Vanity Planet Baia with a removable LED mirror and the Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 and Etoile Collective Duo Vanity Case with built-in lid mirrors. Check product details if a mirror is desired.
- What’s the difference between a train case and makeup bag?
Train cases originated for train travel makeup and toiletries in the early-mid 1900s. They feature compartment storage, sturdy handles/latches, and a rigid box shape. Versatile for makeup, hairstyling tools, cameras, and jewelry. Makeup bags are less structured, pouch-like, and primarily for makeup.
You May Also Want
Looking for travel organization? Consider these travel essentials:
LINE+ARC The Dopp Kit: Large, waterproof silicone bag fitting large eyeshadow palettes.
Steamline Luggage The Palm Cosmetics Set: Set of three recycled water bottle pouches in vibrant prints, for toiletries or general travel organization.
Veken Packing Cubes With Laundry and Shoe Bag: Durable set with four packing cubes, shoe bag, and laundry bag, made from thick nylon and polyester.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Lifestyle writer Dobrina Zhekova and T+L editors compiled this best train case list. Drawing on editor testing, product details, consumer reviews, and Zhekova’s decade of travel expertise, they identified key features for this luggage category.
Edited by Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco is a testing editor at Travel + Leisure, planning product tests and writing/editing travel product reviews based on in-depth testing. Former travel agent, journalism degree, eight+ years covering products and gift guides, 100+ TV appearances on consumer products and shopping trends.
Updated by Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual Italian writer from Rome, based in Boston. Focuses on food, travel, and history, covering travel products to medieval judicial duels.
and Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor is an updates writer at Travel + Leisure, keeping articles current. Avid traveler to 23 countries, tests products for better trips. News media bachelor’s, seven+ years as writer and editor.
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