How to Organize Your Makeup Collection

how to organize makeup

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Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Steal the Style

Are you purchasing multiples of the same lipstick because it keeps getting lost in your drawer? Do you find that it’s more of a pain than a joy doing your makeup in the morning? It may be time to consider organizing your makeup collection.

Although makeup organization doesn’t seem like the best way to spend your Saturday, we guarantee that it will help you fall in love with cosmetics all over again.

Not only will you be able to make informed purchases based on what you actually have in stock, but you can also beautify your vanity or countertop at the same time.

Read on to learn how to organize your makeup in the easiest way possible!

Start Sorting

The easiest way to begin is by taking everything out–things are going to look a little messy before they start looking better. You’ll want to throw out all the expired makeup, perfume or brushes that has run out before you start organizing. This is because you’ll end up with less product, making organizing all the easier.

You can also take the time to clean up the outside of the packaging with disinfectant wipes, though this isn’t necessary. Keep a note of all your favorite products and make sure you set those aside!

Makeup Organizer, 360 Degree Rotating Adjustable Cosmetic Storage Display Case with 8 Layers Large Capacity, Fits Jewelry,Makeup Brushes, Lipsticks and More, Clear Transparent

Utilize Drawers

For your bathroom or vanity, we recommend using your drawers if you have a large makeup collection. The reason for this is because you can lay out your makeup in such a way that everything is visible as soon as the drawer is open. This also enables you to separate your favorite items away from the rest so that they’re always in easy reach.

Makeup vanities with storage are the best for easy organization. If you only have two drawers, look for drawer organizers and dividers that can help you divide your drawer into multiple sections. These are usually affordable no matter where you get them!

Sorbus Cosmetics Makeup and Jewelry Big Storage Case Display - Stylish Vanity, Bathroom Case (3 Large, 4 Small Drawers, Clear)

Purchase Makeup Organizers

At this point, you should have divided your favorite, most-used items away from the makeup you have stored away in your drawers. There may also be some surplus items that couldn’t fit in your drawers or makeup brushes, and that’s perfectly okay! Your next step is to find makeup organizers to sit on top of your vanity.

It’s important to remember that there is no one best makeup organizer. Instead, you’ll want to use several according to the types of products you’re storing. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

STORi Audrey Stackable Cosmetic Organizer Drawers | Set of 2 | Clear | 4.5-Inches Tall

Stack Your Products

When it comes to makeup organization hacks, if you’re dealing with a small surface space the best idea is to go vertical. Look for Lazy Susans that have multiple levels or any special makeup organizer that has several levels. These can be great for nail polish, foundation, and perfume because you can see these products clearly even if you’re sitting.

mDesign Decorative Plastic Makeup Organizers for Bathroom Vanity, Countertop, Cabinet - Stack for Vertical Storage - Easy-Access Cosmetic Storage with 4 Drawers, 16 Compartments - Set of 2 - Marble

Jars and Cups

If you’re wondering how to organize your makeup brushes, we have a storage hack for them too. We recommend collecting a couple of clear jars or cups in order to stand them up vertically with the brushes upward. The reason for this is because it’s the most hygienic way to store makeup brushes and also helps them last longer.

We recommend separating your brushes. Keep one container for brushes you use on your face, and another for brushes you use on your eyes.

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Use Clear Organizers

When it comes to your blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick, we recommend clear organizers or glass. When you have a large collection, it’s easy to forget what you have simply because you can’t see it! To avoid this problem, turn your lipsticks so that the labels are clearly eye-level.

Blush, eyeshadow, and bronzer may be harder to see in an organizer, but if you keep them stacked near each other, you can begin to memorize what’s available.

Sorbus Cosmetics Makeup and Jewelry Big Storage Case Display - Stylish Vanity, Bathroom Case (3 Large, 4 Small Drawers, Clear)

Trays

Not every product in your collection will have a place, and that’s okay. For the products that are always roaming around like certain perfume and lotions, we recommend utilizing trays. Not only do trays look beautiful and classy, but they also help corral all the loose items of your collection into one place.

You can also place other items you use such as cotton swabs and cotton balls that are stored in clear containers on the tray.

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Maintain Your Makeup

Makeup organizer ideas aren’t helpful in the long run if you don’t keep maintaining your collection. Every six months or so, make sure you’re throwing out used up or expired products and keeping your collection organized. You’ll also find that some methods are working better for you than others.

For instance, if you find that you’re not using the makeup in your drawers as much, perhaps this is a hint to start storing more on your counter.

How to Organize Your Makeup: Make It Fun

If you’ve been wondering how to organize your makeup but haven’t yet, it may be because it doesn’t seem like a worthwhile activity. However, if you have a large collection, you’ll find that organizing it will help you become more invested in the products you currently own.

Try listening to music or playing a podcast while you’re throwing out expired products. Listening to an audiobook as you clean your vanity and makeup is also a great way to pass the time. When you’re done, you’ll find that you have an attractive new space in your home wholly devoted to your favorite hobby.

Even better, you won’t make the mistake of purchasing an eyeshadow palette or lipstick again, only to find that you already have it buried in a drawer.

Ready for more beauty tips? Keep reading our blog for fun and informative articles!