Alright, besties, let’s talk about something that I KNOW most of us makeup lovers are guilty of: having a wild, messy, out-of-control makeup stash. Picture this (lol, just kidding—I promise I won’t actually make you imagine anything): drawers packed with half-empty foundation bottles, random eyeshadow palettes, and 20 different lipsticks that you swear all look just slightly different on you. It’s a madhouse in there, am I right?
Honestly, I get it! As a 28-year-old makeup artist, my collection turned into more of a disaster than beauty. But listen—there’s hope. You don’t have to live like a makeup hoarder forever.
Today, we’re talking storage solutions! You know, so that finding your holy grail concealer doesn’t feel like a treasure hunt. Let’s dive in and get you some organization glow-up goals, because when you’re organized, you’re unstoppable.
Why You Need to Organize Your Makeup (Like, ASAP)
Okay, okay. First things first, WHY does this even matter? Some of y’all might be thinking, “Umm, as long as my makeup is cute, who cares where it’s stashed, right?” Well, here’s why keeping things organized will 100% LEVEL UP your makeup game:
- Saves Time:
Girl, it’s 2023; do we really have extra time to waste hunting for that one eyeliner? When your makeup is organized, you save SO much time getting ready. Everything will be in its place! You can be that friend who’s always ready to go, instead of digging through that black hole of a vanity. - Hygienic AF:
Dirty, dusty makeup (and brushes omg) equals breakouts. You do not want that bacteria chilling on your favorite beauty sponge. Keeping your stuff neat = fewer germs, and that means clear skin. Simple as that.
If your makeup collection is giving off more “walking dead” than “glam queen,” it’s time to switch it up!
- Satisfaction, but Make It Aesthetic:
Have you ever seen a perfectly organized makeup drawer or vanity on TikTok? Yeah, it’s like therapy for the soul. Plus, a cute setup makes you more excited to do your makeup. Trust me.
Step One: Declutter!
Alright, babes. Here’s the tough part… before we even start talking organizers, let’s purge. I know, I know. Hearing me say “throw out makeup” probably sent your pulse racing BUT:
- Anything expired or smells off. TOSS. (Yes, that mascara from 3 years ago… girl, it’s gone.)
- Products you’ve got as gifts but straight-up never use. (Give them to friends!)
- That second or third bronzer you haven’t opened because you just keep reaching for your old fave.
Quick tip? Anytime you’re unsure about whether something’s gone bad, look for the tiny jar symbol on the packaging. It’ll have a period like “12M” which means it’s good for 12 months after opening.
Now that half your makeup bag’s probably on its way out, let’s get into the FUN part.
Step Two: Choosing the Best Makeup Storage for You
Aesthetic. Functionality. Space-saving. These are basically the holy trinity of makeup storage. Here’s a breakdown of some bomb ideas depending on how much space you’re working with! You know I got my Cali girls living in small apartments in this too. 😉
For the “I Have Way Too Much Makeup” Hoarder
This one’s for you if makeup is practically spilling out of your drawers. You can barely tell where your skincare ends and your makeup begins.
Get yourself some clear acrylic drawers! These are the best (ask anywhere on beauty TikTok). Not only are they chic AF, but they also let you see everything you have without opening and closing a million containers. I love stacking a few drawers on top of each other and dividing them up: one for foundations, one for blushes, one for lipsticks, etc.
- Pro Tip: Stick little labels on the drawers! You can totally DIY it with washi tape and some marker. Trust me, future you will thank you.
Check this out: If you’ve got a ton of products, organizing them by type helps.
| Product Type | Storage Idea |
|---|---|
| Foundations | Deep acrylic drawer (to fit those bottles comfortably) |
| Eyeshadow | Use a palette organizer OR stand palettes up vertically in a wide drawer |
| Lipsticks | Lipstick holders with slots (so you can see the shades at a glance) |
| Brushes | Brush holder with dividers OR stick them in a cute mason jar with beads at the bottom (super cute) |
For the “Minimalist Vibes But I Want It Cute” Girlies
Maybe you’re not drowning in product but you still want to keep things sleek and stylish. I see you minimalist babes sticking to just the essentials. Respect. You don’t need huge storage solutions here; we want cute, accessible, and functional.
My favorite hack? Magnetic makeup boards! They’re like a DIY project that’s equal parts cute and practical. Grab a magnetic board, a few tiny magnets, and hot glue the magnets at the back of your makeup products.
Then, just stick the products on your board for a floating shelf look like something out of a futuristic makeup store. Mount it to your wall, and instantly: easy access without taking up surface space.
Another option? Small vanity trays. These are an aesthetic moment. Place just your go-to products on the tray: some foundation, concealer, blush, and boom. Organized and ready to ride.
Brushes Everywhere? Let’s Handle That.
BRUSHESSSSSS. Nothing is more irking than reaching for a bronzer brush and having to sift through a 100 different tools. But keeping makeup brushes organized and clean is life-changing.
If you’re tired of the basic brush holders, think about getting a brush roll (the same kind artists use for paintbrushes). Not only is it super portable for when you’re going from home to work or school, but each brush gets its own slot. They stay clean and separate from each other. It’s especially cute bringing it out on a job or on-the-go.
For that at-home chic vibe though, mason jars are a vibe. Bonus if you fill them with tiny pebbles or beads to help the brushes stand upright.
Organized brushes = flawless blending, sis. There are no excuses. 😏
TBH, you can even take mason jars to the NEXT LEVEL by DIY-ing it. Grab some paint or glitter stickers and go wild! You’ll have cute custom handmade brush holders no one else has.
The Vanity Setup Goals You Didn’t Know You Needed
Okay, let’s be honest. A dream vanity setup is the goal for a lot of us, right?
Here’s what I swear by: Compartmentalized drawers or bins within the vanity. Having small compartments is the easiest way to ensure everything has its little spot. You can grab some dividers from IKEA or even the Dollar Store—anything’s better than mixing everything up together.
And girls, a rotating lazy Susan could CHANGE your life. Pop your go-tos on it (skincare, foundation, setting spray…) and give it a spin next time you’re getting ready like it’s a makeup TikTok challenge.
Lastly? Get yourself a mirror with drawers. Double whammy. You’ve got the mirror in front while keeping key products right under—easy access and space-saving.
Skincare & Makeup = Separate Storage, Babe
Let me keep it real with you: mixing skincare and makeup is just chaotic energy. Separate. Them. Out.
Treat your skincare routine like the pampering queen that you are by keeping these products in a bathroom drawer caddy or a small shelf of its own. Maybe keep the serums on the top shelf and masks down below. This keeps your vanity space FUN—focused on the glam—while your bathroom spotlights the glow-up essentials.
You’ll thank me next time you’re doing a clay mask and not hunting through a pile of four bronzers to find it.
Bonus Fun Ideas for the Extra ✨Aesthetic✨ Obsessed
We all want our vanity set-ups to look a bit like the YouTube and IG baddies we follow, without spending half our rent on acrylic organizers. So here’s some extra lil’ hacks for those looking to make their space ✨extra✨ cute:
- Decorate with your Product Boxes: You know that cute packaging from Fenty Beauty or Too Faced? Display it! Use pretty boxes as storage for cotton balls, q-tips, or just as decorations to flex how many bougie makeup brands you own. 🤩
- LED Lighting: Get a strip of those low-cost TikTok-worthy colored LED lights to wrap around your vanity or mirror for major aesthetic points. You’ll feel like you’re at the club even if you’re just doing your makeup on a Sunday afternoon.
- Vintage Vibes Only: If you’re thrifting this weekend, FINE some vintage organizers like a classic jewelry box. Use that to store lashes, makeup minis, or even earrings when you’re not using them. Cute AND eco-friendly!
Final Thoughts
Girl, you deserve that glam station of your dreams. Remember, makeup should spark joy, not stress. Whether you’ve got 1000 products or just the basics, finding an organization system that vibes with your personal aesthetic makes all the difference.
Let’s be real… nobody’s perfect (and neither is a perfectly clean vanity), but there’s something that feels so good about knowing exactly where that Fenty highlighter is when you’re getting ready.
So go organize (just like one drawer, you’ve got this) and DM me that pic when your makeup station is on point, because you KNOW I wanna see it!!
Happy organizing ✨
xo, Su
