10 Makeup Storage Ideas to Get You Organized ASAP

It’s never a bad time to get not only your life, but your makeup, in order too. No more dumping all your products into a junk drawer or makeup bag. You can’t even find your favorites that way! Think about how much easier it’ll be to get ready if your eye makeup, face makeup, and lip colors are actually organized. Wouldn’t that be nice? And you don’t even have to find your own makeup organizer ideas. We’ve already gathered our 10 best makeup storage ideas—including a few DIYs—and are sharing them right here. Whether you fancy the acrylic makeup organizers you’ve seen all over YouTube and Pinterest or prefer to keep your products tucked away in a drawer, we’ve got you covered.

MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA #1: USE AN ACRYLIC MAKEUP ORGANIZER

One of the most aesthetically pleasing makeup storage ideas, a clear makeup organizer makes tidying up your collection a breeze. These come in varying shapes and sizes with pre-determined compartment sizes meant for all of your different makeup must-haves. Use small slots to store lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Les Macarons Scented Liquid Lipstick, and larger spaces for foundation and makeup primer.

MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA #2: UPCYCLE CANDLES

You know that candle you spent way too much on, just for the chic jar? It certainly looked cute on your coffee table for a month or two but not so much once it’s empty. Well, you don’t have to toss fancy schmancy candles once they’ve burnt their way to the very bottom. You can always give old candles a second life by cleaning them out and turning them into a DIY makeup organizer. Once you’ve removed the remaining wax from the containers and given them a good scrub down, use them to store makeup brushes, eyeliners, mascaras, and lip glosses. Basically, anything tall and skinny will work! Your storage will look cute, and you can pat yourself on the back for recycling.

MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA #3: REPURPOSE OFFICE SUPPLIES

If you’ve already turned your desk into a makeshift vanity, you may have noticed that the office supplies you already own are often reminiscent of makeup organizers. Instead of shelling out your hard-earned cash for products specifically meant to hold makeup, you can go ahead and make use of products designed for a desk. Do you have a file sorter that used to organize folders and papers? Try using it to hold makeup palettes, like the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette. Are you not sure what to do with a dingy pencil cup? Give it a coat of spray paint, then toss your lip liners, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner, inside. The options are practically endless.  

MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA #4: KEEP CLUTTER OUT OF SIGHT

Acrylic makeup organizers may be all the rage, but if you’re prone to making a mess, it isn’t for you. If you find that things quickly go disarray after an organization spree, you’ll be happy to have chosen storage that allows you to hide away your mess. Instead of storing makeup in clear, acrylic drawers or out in the open on shelves, keep anything you don’t need easy access to tucked away in drawers and boxes that aren’t see-through.

With that said, your drawers don’t have to be messy either. That’s where makeup drawer organizers come in. You can buy dividers specifically for drawers, cut up old boxes to create your own, or upcycle small boxes from makeup subscription services and jewelry purchases. That way, even your clutter is organized!

MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA #5: MAKE IT MAGNETIC

Magnets aren’t just for securing an abundance of holiday cards and photos to your fridge. They come in handy for makeup storage, too! You can keep your makeup out of your way, and off the bathroom counter, by storing it on a magnetic board, (securely) affixed to the wall. You can even DIY your board by covering a metal pan with the fashionable fabric of your choosing. Once you’ve finished finding your magnetic surface and hung it up, all you have to do is add magnets to the back of your makeup. Try it with smaller items, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage and L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick. When you’re ready to use your products, just pull them off the board, then stick them back when you’re done—it’s that easy.

MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA #6: CONDENSE YOUR COLLECTION

Sometimes you’ll love a product, but not its packaging. Giving up your favorite products in order to rid yourself of bulky packaging doesn’t seem right, but what’s a gal who needs to save space to do? Instead off tossing those eye shadows and lipsticks altogether, ditch the packaging and keep the product. Yes, it’s possible! You can purchase empty palettes to store them in.

Editor’s tip: This is also a great tip for saving products that are broken. No more trying to apply a lipstick that’s snapped in half! Not only will you be cutting down on how much space your makeup collection requires, but the palettes filled with your condensed cosmetics will be perfect for times when you’re on the go.  

MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA #7: STOW SAMPLES IN YOUR TRAVEL BAG

We’re pretty sure it’s true that every makeup lover has a bunch of makeup samples that they rarely reach for but can’t bear to get rid of. If that holds true for you, it’s time to force your hand a little. Throw away any samples you have no interest in trying and place all the rest of your samples in a makeup bag. Store the makeup bag with your suitcase, and that way, next time you’re traveling, you’ll be reminded to make use of the tiny products you might not bother to touch otherwise.

MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA #8: TRY AN OVER-THE-DOOR ORGANIZER

Those over-the-door organizers you see people using for jewelry? They can also be used to keep your makeup organized and tucked away! This is a great option if you live in an apartment with limited space, or simply don’t care to have all your makeup product out on display.

MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA #9: USE A CUPCAKE STAND

Cupcake stands aren’t just for displaying sweet treats! They can double as a way to display your makeup favorites. Use each shelf for a different type of product: separating by lip, eye, and face makeup. We recommend using the bottom shelf for your face makeup, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation, and then following suit with eyes and lips.

MAKEUP STORAGE IDEA #10: PULL OUT THE DRAWERS

Of course, using a makeup drawer organizer is one of the easiest options for tidying up your collection. Better yet, you don’t have to use one designed specifically for makeup! Just grab a small set of drawers that can easily fit on your desk or vanity, then stock it full of products. We love the look of a clear makeup drawer organizer.

Ready for more organization tips? Here’s How to Organize Your Skin Care Products.