How should you organize makeup?

If you have a minimal makeup routine, you can organize everything in one place, whether that’s a small dedicated makeup organizer or a makeup bag. But if your makeup collection consists of multiple items in every category, you can also organize makeup by product type, gathering all of your lipsticks, eye pencils, highlighters, concealers, and blushes in one place, so you can easily keep track of what you have and avoid buying repeats. Special occasion makeup or lesser-used palettes can be stored in harder-to-reach compartments or drawers to keep them away from direct sunlight and dust between uses.

Where should you keep a makeup organizer?

Wherever you apply your makeup. For some, this is a bathroom cabinet or counter. For others, a dressing table. If you don’t have room to store makeup in an openly accessible place, you can store it in a nearby drawer, under the sink, or in a storage closet.

How do you clean a makeup organizer?

To clean an acrylic makeup organizer, first take out all of your makeup and wipe down any dust or cosmetic residue on everything using a microfiber cloth. Wash makeup brushes and sponges and leave to air dry, and wipe down tools such as eyelash curlers and tweezers with rubbing alcohol to sterilize them. Next, clean the makeup organizer itself with mild dish soap diluted in water or your favorite cleaning product, and wipe until thoroughly dry. Then replace your clean makeup and brushes into your clean makeup organizer. Be sure to do this regularly (at least once a month) to keep your makeup station clean and hygienic.

The 12 Best Makeup Organizers of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

If you're like most makeup wearers, you've probably accumulated many cosmetics over time and have storage issues. Whether it's an overflowing toiletry bag, a cluttered, chaotic bathroom drawer, or beauty products strewn across your counters because they don't have a designated place, it sounds like you could probably use an organizational solution.

The best makeup organizer for you depends on your needs. The good news is the perfect one for you is out there. The variety is endless: freestanding countertop options, in-drawer solutions, stackable products, on-the-go satchels, and full-on vanities.

Here are the best cosmetics organizers for you to consider for your space.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dotted Line Cece Makeup Organizer at Wayfair

Made of clear acrylic, this medium-sized countertop organizer makes it easy to locate all your favorite makeup products.

Read Review

Best Color Options:

Ikee Design Makeup Storage Case at Amazon

You can choose from transparent purple, pink, gray, brown, or standard clear.

Read Review

Best Spinning:

AmeiTech Makeup Organizer at Amazon

This lazy Susan-style makeup case effortlessly spins around and holds a substantial amount of makeup and beauty products.

Read Review

Best Stackable:

The Container Store Luxe Modular Makeup System at The Container Store

Pick and choose from different inserts, drawers, top compartments, and bases to create a custom stackable makeup case.

Read Review

Best for Drawers:

iDesign + The Spruce 9.75 x 3.25-Inch Insert Drawer Organizer at Lowe's

Made of durable plastic with four non-skid feet, this drawer insert is durable, stackable, and versatile.

Read Review

Best Large:

DreamGenius Makeup Organizer at Amazon

This clear makeup organizer has 12 lipstick compartments and nine interlocking drawers, which can slide out entirely.

Read Review

Best Small:

STORi 6-Compartment Makeup Organizer at Amazon

This organizer has sloped sides, which ensure smaller products are accessible in the front and larger items can be stored upright in the back.

Read Review

Best Bag:

Norwey Travel Makeup Bag at Amazon

It has four sizable sections on the base, plus pouches on the lid and a handy zippered pocket.

Read Review

Best for Lipsticks:

The Container Store 24-Lipstick Organizer at The Container Store

This lipstick caddy can be placed on a counter, dresser, vanity table, or in a drawer.

Read Review

Best for Brushes:

HBlife Makeup Brush Holder at Amazon

With three compartments, this acrylic makeup stand can be used to hold and sort all your brushes by shape, size, or category.

Read Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for When Buying a Makeup Organizer
Why Trust The Spruce?

of 12

View On Wayfair

If you want a high-quality at-home solution that won't break the bank, the Dotted Line Cece Makeup Cosmetic Organizer is the way to go. This freestanding countertop case has seven drawers (three large and four small), plus handy top compartments for stashing perfume, lipstick, or anything else you reach for daily.

Measuring 14.25 x 6.25 x 9.25 inches, it's an ideal size for most bathroom counters or vanities. We also appreciate that it's made of durable, versatile clear acrylic. It helps when you can see all your makeup products, so you won't waste time wondering where your favorite lipstick or eyeshadow color went.

of 12

Ikee Design Cosmetics Makeup and Jewelry Storage Case Display

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Many makeup organizers are only found in transparent, clear acrylic—not the Cosmetics Storage Case from Ikee Design. You can get it in clear acrylic, pink, purple, light brown, or gray and choose between smooth or diamond texture.

This makeup organizer comes in multiple sizes, and your choice of three, four, or 11 drawers. There's plenty of room for all your primers, creams, shadows, powders, brushes, and tools. You can keep it on your dresser, vanity, bathroom counter, or desk to declutter, store, or display your makeup.

The 7 Best Light Bulbs for Bathrooms in 2021

of 12

360 Degree Rotating Adjustable Cosmetic Storage Display Case

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Lazy Susan-style storage solutions are perfect if you want to keep things out of the way and organized but also accessible. We love the 360-degree rotating design of the AmeiTech Makeup Organizer for makeup access at a spin.

Measuring 10.3 inches in diameter and 15 inches in height with adjustable shelves and compartments of varying heights and sizes, this round case is built to hold your entire stash. It can accommodate more than 60 brushes and 30 makeup items, including your nail polish and perfume.

of 12

View On The Container Store

The best stackable organizer we found is the Luxe Acrylic Modular Makeup System from The Container Store. Each piece is sold separately so you can pick and choose from different drawers, divided inserts, bases, and top compartments. They stack together securely, and you can rearrange them as you like.

This modular makeup case is made of UV-resistant acrylic, which means you won't have to worry about sunlight fading your products. Plus, it won't discolor over time, as some plastic organizers are prone to do.

of 12

9.75-in x 3.25-in Plastic Multi-use Insert Drawer Organizer

View On Lowe's

If you're looking for something to tidy up your makeup drawer, check out the iDesign + The Spruce Plastic Multi-use Insert. This low-profile drawer organizer is made of durable clear plastic. Thanks to its four anti-skid feet, you don't have to worry about it slipping around when you open and close your drawer.

This particular product is 9.75 x 3.25 x 2.25 inches, but the iDesign + The Spruce line includes many drawer inserts. You can stack multiple containers of the same size or get different sizes and create a Tetris-style makeup organization system in your drawer.

of 12

View On Amazon

If you've got a substantial cosmetics collection, we suggest the DreamGenius Makeup Organizer. This large-capacity storage solution has nine drawers of varying sizes, plus a top tray with 12 lipstick compartments and room for all your grab-and-go items. Each interlocking drawer can slide out entirely without impacting the integrity of the stack.

of 12

View On Amazon

For more modest makeup collections, we recommend the STORi 6-Compartment Vanity. This freestanding makeup organizer measures 8.74 x 7.09 inches on the bottom and 5.28 inches up the back. With sloped sides, it stores all your tall products upright in the back while keeping smaller items easily accessible in the front.

of 12

Travel Makeup Bag Large Cosmetic Bag Makeup Case

View On Amazon

The best on-the-go solution is the Norwey Travel Makeup Bag. Measuring 9.8 x 8.14 x 1.6 inches, it's perfectly compact. You would be surprised by the number of beauty products it can hold. The base has one big section and three small compartments for your large makeup items. It has four separate pouches for brushes, eyeliners, and mascara, plus a large zippered pocket for palettes and flat compacts.

This makeup bag is water-resistant inside and out. Its soft cushioning protects all your products while in transit. You can choose from a variety of fun prints like leopard, floral, and marble.

of 12

View On The Container Store

Lipstick aficionados will appreciate The Container Store's 24-Lipstick Acrylic Organizer. As the name implies, it has a whopping 24 compartments for keeping all your lip colors organized at the ready like toy soldiers. You can place it on your bathroom counter, bedroom dresser, vanity table, or even in a deep bathroom drawer.

of 12

View On Amazon View On Walmart

It can be frustrating when you can't find a specific makeup brush when you need it. The HBlife Brush Holder solves this problem. It's made of notably strong and UV-resistant acrylic with three sections for holding and organizing your brushes and beauty tools by size, shape, or category. Measuring 7.2 x 2.83 x 3.15 inches, it's also conveniently compact.

of 12

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart

If you collect eyeshadow or contour palettes, you can put them on display with the iDesign Dakota Palette Organizer. Made of real marble, this countertop stand is stunning and durable. It is 6 x 3.5 x 2.04 inches and can be placed anywhere in your bathroom, bedroom, or vanity area.

The 6 Best Makeup Mirrors of 2021

of 12

View On Wayfair

Our top choice for vanities is the George Oliver Proto. This compact desk-style piece of furniture is made of solid and manufactured wood. The legs have a natural finish, and the tabletop features a white melamine veneer coating.

This chic and modern vanity has three drawers for makeup storage and organization, plus an attached mirror. To keep things tidy within each drawer, consider getting an in-drawer organizer. A seat is not included, so keep that in mind before you check out.

The 9 Best Drawer Organizers of 2021

Final Verdict

Overall, the best makeup organizer is the Dotted Line Cece Makeup Cosmetic Organizer (view at Wayfair) for its mid-sized design and versatile storage compartments. The best option for frequent flyers or makeup on the go is the Norwey Travel Makeup Bag (view at Amazon).

Material

Clear acrylic is a popular material for makeup organizers since it is easy to clean and allows you to see everything you have. Choose between transparent acrylic and tinted or frosted acrylic if you want to lightly obscure makeup clutter. Choose a UV-resistant acrylic to help protect your makeup from the fading effects of direct sunlight if using in an area with lots of natural light.

Capacity

Choosing a makeup organizer should be dictated by how much makeup you use. If you’re a minimalist, a small organizer with separate compartments or simply a sturdy makeup bag that can be stored in a drawer might be all you need. If your makeup collection includes 12 shades of lipstick and an eye palette for every season, you might want to consider a larger organizer with special compartments, or a customized modular organizer that can be expanded over time.

Structure

Makeup organizers come in a range of formats. Choose the model that works best for your needs. This might mean a simple little chest of drawers, some in-drawer inserts, a multi-tiered rotating lazy Susan-style storage unit, a specialized lipstick caddy, or a modular stacking organizer with room for a makeup artist’s arsenal of products.

FAQ

How should you organize makeup?

If you have a minimal makeup routine, you can organize everything in one place, whether that’s a small dedicated makeup organizer or a makeup bag. But if your makeup collection consists of multiple items in every category, you can also organize makeup by product type, gathering all of your lipsticks, eye pencils, highlighters, concealers, and blushes in one place, so you can easily keep track of what you have and avoid buying repeats. Special occasion makeup or lesser-used palettes can be stored in harder-to-reach compartments or drawers to keep them away from direct sunlight and dust between uses.
Where should you keep a makeup organizer?

Wherever you apply your makeup. For some, this is a bathroom cabinet or counter. For others, a dressing table. If you don’t have room to store makeup in an openly accessible place, you can store it in a nearby drawer, under the sink, or in a storage closet.
How do you clean a makeup organizer?

To clean an acrylic makeup organizer, first take out all of your makeup and wipe down any dust or cosmetic residue on everything using a microfiber cloth. Wash makeup brushes and sponges and leave to air dry, and wipe down tools such as eyelash curlers and tweezers with rubbing alcohol to sterilize them. Next, clean the makeup organizer itself with mild dish soap diluted in water or your favorite cleaning product, and wipe until thoroughly dry. Then replace your clean makeup and brushes into your clean makeup organizer. Be sure to do this regularly (at least once a month) to keep your makeup station clean and hygienic.

Experienced beauty writer and makeup fanatic Theresa Holland researched and wrote this roundup. As a regular contributor to The Spruce, MyDomaine, and Byrdie, she specializes in cosmetics, home goods, and organizational solutions.

The 12 Best Makeup Organizers of 2021

Tidy, practical organization for your cosmetics

Best Overall: Dotted Line Cece Makeup Cosmetic Organizer

Best Color Options: Ikee Design Cosmetics Makeup and Jewelry Storage Case Display

Best Spinning: AmeiTech Makeup Organizer 360 Degree Rotating Adjustable Cosmetic Storage Display Case

Best Stackable: The Container Store Luxe Acrylic Modular Makeup System

Best for Drawers: iDesign + The Spruce 9.75 x 3.25-Inch Plastic Multi-Use Insert Drawer Organizer

Best Large: DreamGenius Makeup Organizer 4 Pieces

Best Small: STORi Clear Plastic 6-Compartment Vanity Makeup Organizer

Best Bag: Norwey Travel Makeup Bag

Best for Lipsticks: The Container Store 24-Lipstick Acrylic Organizer

Best for Brushes: HBlife Clear Makeup Brush Holder Organizer

Best for Palettes: iDesign Dakota Palette Organizer

Best Vanity: George Oliver Proto Vanity with Mirror

The 12 Best Makeup Organizers of 2021

Tidy, practical organization for your cosmetics

Best Overall: Dotted Line Cece Makeup Cosmetic Organizer

Best Color Options: Ikee Design Cosmetics Makeup and Jewelry Storage Case Display

Best Spinning: AmeiTech Makeup Organizer 360 Degree Rotating Adjustable Cosmetic Storage Display Case

Best Stackable: The Container Store Luxe Acrylic Modular Makeup System

Best for Drawers: iDesign + The Spruce 9.75 x 3.25-Inch Plastic Multi-Use Insert Drawer Organizer

Best Large: DreamGenius Makeup Organizer 4 Pieces

Best Small: STORi Clear Plastic 6-Compartment Vanity Makeup Organizer

Best Bag: Norwey Travel Makeup Bag

Best for Lipsticks: The Container Store 24-Lipstick Acrylic Organizer

Best for Brushes: HBlife Clear Makeup Brush Holder Organizer

Best for Palettes: iDesign Dakota Palette Organizer

Best Vanity: George Oliver Proto Vanity with Mirror

What to Look for When Buying a Makeup Organizer

Material

Capacity

Structure

Why Trust The Spruce?