The 10 Best Train Cases
This wiki has been updated 34 times since it was first published in February of 2016. Travel by rail might not be as common today as it was in the past, but organizing your personal effects, whether on the go or not, is still important. Our selection of train cases has all of your cosmetic categorization requirements covered, whether you're a professional artist lugging jewelry and makeup to a location or simply need to tidy the area underneath your bathroom sink. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. NYX Professional Makeup Organized Chaos
2. Caboodles On-The-Go Girl
3. Creative Options Crafters
Editor's Notes
April 10, 2020:
We've opted to remove a few options at this time over concerns about long-term quality, including the Ollieroo Large and the Cameo Carry All. And, unfortunately, the Caboodles I Candy Cheetah has become hard to find, so we've removed it, as well. But there are still great models available from this iconic makeup storage brand, including the Caboodles On-The-Go Girl and the Caboodles Lovestruck. The Lovestruck is a sleek, refined choice that suits professionals who only need a moderate amount of space; it locks for your peace of mind. The On-The-Go Girl is the classic case many will remember from the 80s and 90s, offered in a wide range of colors and providing hard-sided protection for your delicate items.
Of course, there are plenty of choices from other brands, as well, including the Lancome Paris Organizer, a two-layer, simple model that works equally well as a makeup case as it does a travel jewelry case. For something around the same size, but in more color options, there's the Shany Mini. It isn't balanced as well as some, but for lightweight use, it's fine. At the other end of the size and price spectrum is the NYX Professional Makeup Organized Chaos. It weighs in at 16 pounds but has wheels, so you won't struggle to carry it along with you. And although the main case is large, it comes with six bags and four organizers, so it's no challenge to keep everything separated. There's also the Yaheetech 4 in 1, a relatively similar but more budget-friendly alternative; note that it's not as durable as the NYX model, though.
Special Honors
NYX Professional Makeup X-Large Because of the price and the size, which are both on the more ample side, the NYX Professional Makeup X-Large might be a little excessive for home or casual travel. On the other hand, professionals on the go will find that it has plenty of room for tons of products, and it even converts to a free-standing portable makeup station. nyxcosmetics.com
Louis Vuitton Boite Flacons The Louis Vuitton Boite Flacons requires an investment similar to that of some used cars, but if you have a refined sense of style and demand the ultimate in quality, it's one to consider. It boasts the brand's iconic monogram canvas as well as a sturdy S-lock closure with two keys. louisvuitton.com
Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Cosmetic Case A great gift for the traveling fashionista, the Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Cosmetic Case can take some abuse thanks to a robust polycarbonate construction. On the inside, you'll find a handsome liner with several pockets, and you can choose to add a monogram to the exterior for a personalized feel. markandgraham.com
4. Monstina 3 Layer
5. Yaheetech 4 in 1
6. Caboodles Lovestruck
7. Shany Mini
8. Relavel Travel
9. Lancome Paris Organizer
10. Jumbl Leopard Print
Why Use A Train Case?
Handbags and messenger bags aren't always perfectly suited to toting heavy loads.
Whether you're a professional makeup artist or simply a collector of cosmetics, a train case is a great way to stay organized on the go. Beauty enthusiasts will appreciate being able to sort their tools ahead of time rather than having to fish them out of a standard backpack or undersized handbag in front of a friend or client. Train cases always contain plenty of separate sections and pockets, so even if a tube of bright lip gloss breaks, the majority of your packed collection can avoid the mess.
There are several other advantages to using a train case. First, they provide an enhanced level of protection against the elements and other environmental hazards, which will come in especially handy if you're a frequent flyer or if your daily commute entails taking public transit. You'll have peace of mind if a fellow commuter should bump into your case, or if you have to tow your supplies around town on a rainy day.
Hauling around a sizable hoard of cosmetics can be tough on the body. Handbags and messenger bags aren't always perfectly suited to toting heavy loads. Many train cases are designed ergonomically so as to minimize strain and discomfort. You don't always have to carry your case either, as many of the larger models come with wheels for hassle-free transport.
Train cases are also ideal for keeping your collection orderly. If you're a makeup artist, a train case will make your job much easier. It allows you to arrange your products according to how often you use them, which will save time and help you work more efficiently in general.
What To Look For In A Train Case
With so many options on the market, it's important to figure out which features will best meet your unique needs. Assess the exact size of your arsenal of cosmetics before purchasing a case that's too big or too small, and also take into account the variety of items in your collection. Don't forget to consider the level of protection your goods require, which depends on how regularly you travel or commute, and in what kinds of conditions.
These are the way to go if you're a professional makeup artist with a more substantial collection.
There are two basic varieties of train case exterior that you can choose between: hard and soft. A soft case, with its fabric construction, is the best solution for individuals looking for an appropriate method for transporting smaller collections. They're light and easy to haul, but with all the nooks and crannies necessary to keep your makeup in order. Hardside cases, on the other hand, have a solid exterior. These are the way to go if you're a professional makeup artist with a more substantial collection.
As mentioned above, there's no reason anyone should have to struggle traveling with an awkward, cumbersome case when there are lots of models available that you can wheel from point A to point B. Always take into account your physical well-being when searching for the right train case.
Beauty gurus are likely to be concerned not just with a train case's practical features, but with its appearance, too. Luckily, there are tons of colors and patterns to choose from, ranging from conservative to downright flashy. Solid color cases look professional and sophisticated, which makes them a nice choice for the career-minded beautician. Those who prefer to put their personal style on display might opt instead for a fun animal print. Besides prints, some train cases come with textured exteriors for even more flair.
Tips On How To Store And Organize Cosmetics
It's tempting to just toss all of your makeup into a container and deal with it later, but there are actually quite a few simple tricks to keep your precious products organized and properly stored. Staring down a mixed up heap of tubes and compacts can be overwhelming, but if you follow these tips before leaving the house, things will run much more smoothly when the time comes to open up that train case. Basically, if you can find just a little extra time to dedicate to packing, you'll save yourself a lot of stress later.
This hint may seem obvious, but keeping similar products stored together is a great starting point for sorting cosmetics.
This hint may seem obvious, but keeping similar products stored together is a great starting point for sorting cosmetics. Grouping your items by category is one of the best ways to ensure you always know exactly where all of your makeup is. Pack lip products in their own section or pouch, and do the same for cheek, eye, and face items. You can use the same approach with tools and other beauty products like skin and hair care.
Here's another no-brainer, but a crucial rule for anyone transporting liquids: make sure your containers are closed tightly. If you have glass containers in your train case, surround them in padded materials like cotton balls, cloth, or even bubble wrap for insurance against breakage and spills. You can also use plastic bags as an additional measure of protection for your delicate items.
It's probably been a while since you edited your arsenal of cosmetics, so why not take a few moments to examine your stash? Do you really need that years-old pan of blush? Discard products that are past their expiration date (yes, beauty products can go bad) and those that you don't use terribly often. The goal is to create and maintain a collection of quality products that you use on a regular basis, whether you're a professional or not.
When you pack up your makeup, keep in mind that you're dealing with substances that come in a variety of forms, like liquids, powders, and solid tools. A good rule of thumb is to arrange your collection so that the heavier items are secured at the bottom of your case. There's nothing worse than opening your case to reveal your bottled moisturizers and hair gels have crushed your favorite, fragile powder eyeshadow palette. With careful planning and the right train case, your cosmetics will be safe and sound for the duration of your trip.
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.