I never travel without a makeup bag. Whether tucked into a carry-on for a week in Italy or stashed in a weekender for a one-night stay in the Hamptons, mine is always packed with my favorite products. For years I bounced between pouches until I tried Parallelle’s Traveller line. After a year using the medium size regularly, it’s the best makeup bag I’ve traveled with.
Specs
– The Medium Traveller: 8″ x 7″ x 4.5″; 8.5 oz.
– Materials: Vegan leather and water-resistant canvas exterior; water-resistant twill lining.
– Pros: Durable exterior; multiple compartments and pockets for small and large items; two-way zipper; flat base for stability.
– Cons: Can feel bulky in a small weekender or carry-on; on the pricey side.
What sets it apart
Most cosmetic cases are a single pouch where products get jumbled. Parallelle’s standout feature is its foldable design: unzip and each side pulls down to lie flat so you can see everything at once. The interior is built to keep items upright, making them easy to spot and lowering spill risk. The bag’s structured silhouette and flat base give stability for fragile and high-end products during transit.
Organization and features
The medium case I use includes 16 wall pockets, 4 elastic mesh pouches, and 3 adjustable compartments. Small wall pockets suit slim items—mascara, eyeliner, lipsticks—while mesh pouches hold powders like blush and bronzer. Adjustable dividers secure bottles and larger containers like foundation and setting spray. A recent update added five elastic brush loops to the small and medium sizes, removing the need for a separate brush roll.
Real-world use and durability
I’ve brought this bag on countless trips—weekends at the Jersey Shore, a bachelorette weekend in Scottsdale, and a few days in Banff. It performs the same whether squeezed into an overpacked suitcase or buried at the bottom of a duffel. I haven’t experienced leaks or major spills; everything stays in place and is easy to pull out and put back after use.
After heavy travel, powder transfer has occurred occasionally onto the interior, but the twill lining wipes clean with a damp cloth. The interior shows signs of use, but all elastic loops and adjustable compartments have held up. The exterior remains largely like-new thanks to the sturdy, flexible materials.
Sizes and who they’re for
– The Small Traveller ($85): Compact for daily essentials—great for minimal routines, a work bag, or a beach day.
– The Medium Traveller ($110): My go-to—best for most short trips and weekend getaways; roomy enough for longer vacations if you pack efficiently.
– The Large Check-In Traveller ($135): Tall and spacious for extended trips or checked luggage; inside it offers 20 pockets, 6 mesh pouches, and 2 adjustable dividers. Note: the large does not include the brush loops found on the small and medium.
Colors and final thoughts
The medium comes in shades like blush pink (my pick), brown, beige, bronze, olive, indigo, lilac, and more. The major drawback is price—$110 for the medium isn’t cheap—but the smart design and durability make it worth it if you travel with cosmetics often. There’s genuinely a place for everything, and that thoughtful organization has saved me time and prevented messes on trips. I’ll be packing this bag on many future vacations.
