Since 2006, airport security has been the unofficial boss of your beauty routine. At Gatwick, the rule is clear: all liquids, gels, and pastes must be in containers of 100ml or less, and they all must fit into a single, transparent, resealable bag. Yes, that includes your fancy face serum and the emergency hand sanitizer you bought at Boots.
Fun fact: the 100ml limit was inspired by a plot to mix liquid explosives—think of it as the world’s most inconvenient, but necessary, cocktail restriction. If you’re wondering why the rule hasn’t changed, it’s because the UK is still phasing in new CT scanners. Gatwick is part of that rollout, but for now, old habits die hard.
What counts as a liquid? (Spoiler: more than you think)
Your toothpaste? Yes. That tub of peanut butter? Surprisingly, yes. Even a snow globe you picked up at the airport shop counts, because security doesn’t sleep. The rule applies to anything that can smear, spill, or splash—so your lip gloss and mascara are also on the list.
Pro tip: if you’re unsure, treat it like a liquid. Better to hand over your jam jar than have it confiscated and become a viral TikTok lament.
