The Best Makeup Organizers

Buying Guide

Whether your makeup collection is large or small, putting it in an organizer will offer you convenience so you can find and grab what you need more easily. In addition, a makeup organizer offers your items some protection; they’re less likely to fall on the floor and get damaged or leak out and cause a mess. An organizer may also serve as a decorative piece or make transporting cosmetics during travel easier.

Start by considering your collection size and your personal needs. Know what kind of items you want to keep in the organizer and how much room they’ll take up. Also keep in mind where you plan to use it. Some makeup organizers sit well on a vanity while others offer features that make them ideal for moving around from place to place.

Many makeup organizers are made of a hard, clear plastic, so it’s easy to see what’s inside immediately. These may sit on a table or other surface and contain easy-to-reach compartments for things like brushes, lipsticks, palettes and nail polish bottles.

While you can find basic styles, rotating carousel organizers have become popular since they feature multiple layers and spin so you can access different compartments. If you’re seeking a more custom solution, you can also find plastic organizer trays that either stack or can be placed inside drawers.

If you value portability, look for makeup bags and cases small enough to bring with you. Cases made of metal or plastic with a carrying handle offer great protection and features you’ll like. For example, one might have a mirror under the lid, an organizer tray for small items and open space at the bottom for your favorite makeup items. You could alternatively choose a makeup bag, which are often made of cloth or plastic and feature a strap. Some have adjustable compartments for flexibility.

Other makeup organizers suit sizable collections that you’d like to keep all together. For example, you might opt for a cloth and plastic hanging organizer that goes over your door or closet rod, which features dozens of pockets for small makeup items. Or you might prefer a more traditional wooden makeup cabinet that you attach to your wall, with plenty of storage inside.

• When picking a makeup organizer, you’ll want something easy to clean, since both dust and makeup residue will build up. Plastic organizers tend to be easiest to wipe down with just soap and water on a soft cloth. If you have a cloth makeup bag, however, you’ll find the cleaning process more involved. Some manufacturers allow you to wash such makeup bags on a gentle cycle in a machine, while others advise you to hand-wash the bag inside and out with a mild detergent.
• If you want your makeup organizer to last, make sure it’s durable enough for your needs. A reasonably sturdy plastic one should be fine if it will just be sitting on a table or vanity. However, travel makeup organizers require more consideration. For example, you’ll likely want a travel makeup bag made of a sturdy material that’s resistant to water and heat and features a good zipper and strap.
• You don’t want to leave your makeup stored indefinitely or continue using the same opened product for too long since makeup does eventually go bad. For example, an unopened tube of lipstick might stay good for a few years but have a one-year life span once you’ve opened it. Liquid foundation might go bad within six months of opening and liquid eyeliner within three months. Perfume, on the other hand, could stay good for up to a decade.
• Going with a few makeup organizer options can offer more flexibility and suit a large collection. For example, you might get a small makeup bag to hold your everyday basics when you go on a trip or want to freshen up after the gym. At the same time, you might hold the bulk of your collection in one or more vanity-top plastic organizers and have a hanging organizer for extra cosmetics and larger toiletries.
• You can also find custom makeup organizers for certain types of items such as lipstick tubes or brushes.

• Finding a good makeup organizer is just the first step, since you’ll then need to know how to prep and arrange your collection. First, get rid of anything you don’t plan to use or that seems to have gone bad. then, decide how to sort items into your organizer. Make sure to take advantage of vertical space if you start to run out of room, but don’t overload your organizer so much that you can’t access what you need easily.