The Tiny house Blog

How to Perfectly Organize Your Makeup Drawer for a Clutter-Free Space

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
August 31, 2024
How to Perfectly Organize Your Makeup Drawer

Image Source: Canva

Organizing your makeup drawer for a clutter-free space starts with a thorough clean-out. I always begin by emptying the drawer completely and giving it a good wipe-down. Next, I sort my products into categories—face, eyes, lips. It's essential to declutter at this stage, discarding expired or unused items. Choosing the right organizers, like acrylic bins or drawer dividers, helps keep everything visible and accessible. I arrange products by usage frequency and label each section for quick identification. Maintaining this organization requires regular reassessment. Ready to transform your beauty space? Let's break it down step by step.

Empty and Clean

The first step in organizing your makeup drawer is to empty and clean it. Start by taking everything out of the drawer. Lay your products on a clean surface like a table or a towel on the floor. This gives you a clear view of all your items and helps you assess what you have.

Next, clean the drawer itself. Use a damp cloth or disinfecting wipes to remove any dust, makeup residue, or spills. Make sure to reach into the corners and edges. If your drawer has separators or inserts, take those out and clean them as well. Allow everything to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

While the drawer is drying, take a moment to wipe down your makeup products. Use a slightly damp cloth or a gentle disinfectant to clean the outsides of compacts, tubes, and bottles. This helps keep your products hygienic and prevents cross-contamination.

Lastly, consider placing a drawer liner or some paper towels at the bottom of the drawer. This will make future clean-ups easier and protect the drawer from spills. Now that your drawer and products are spotless, you're ready to organize efficiently.

Categorize Your Products

Now, let's categorize your products to make the organizing process smoother. Start by grouping similar items together. Lay everything out on a clean surface. This visual spread will help you see what you have and identify any duplicates or items that need attention.

First, separate your face products: foundation, concealers, and powders. Next, gather eye products: eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascaras. For lips, group all lipsticks, glosses, and liners. Don't forget about your brushes and tools, placing them in their own category.

Within each category, you can further subcategorize. For example, arrange your lipsticks by color or type (matte, glossy). This additional step makes it easier to find exactly what you need quickly.

Consider the size and shape of each product. Bulky items like palettes might need a specific spot, whereas smaller items like single eyeshadows can go in a different section.

Lastly, think about usage frequency. Place your most-used items in the most accessible spots, and less frequently used ones towards the back.

Declutter Unused Items

Once you've categorized your products, it's time to tackle the clutter. Start by identifying items you haven't used in the last six months. If you didn't reach for that eyeshadow palette or that lipstick shade, it's unlikely you'll use them anytime soon. Be ruthless; it's vital to create a space that only holds items you love and use regularly.

Next, check the expiration dates. Makeup has a shelf life, and using expired products can lead to skin issues. Toss anything past its prime, including that mascara from last year. Not only will this free up space, but it also guarantees you're not putting your skin at risk.

Consider donating gently used products. Many organizations accept lightly used makeup for those in need. This way, you're reducing waste and helping others. Anything that's broken, dried out, or nearly empty should go straight to the trash.

Choose Suitable Organizers

Finding the right organizers can make all the difference in maintaining an orderly makeup drawer. First, consider the types of makeup you own. Do you have a lot of lipsticks, eyeliners, or palettes? Knowing this helps you select organizers that fit your specific needs.

Acrylic organizers work great for visible storage. They're transparent, so you can see everything at a glance. For items like brushes and eyeliners, I recommend a cup or holder with divided sections. This keeps them upright and easy to grab.

Drawer dividers are another excellent option. They create separate sections within your drawer, making it easy to categorize items. You can even find adjustable ones to fit your unique drawer dimensions.

If you have smaller items like single eyeshadows or sample-sized products, look for stackable containers. They maximize vertical space and keep tiny products from getting lost.

Lastly, don't forget about portability. If you travel often or like doing your makeup in different rooms, a portable case with compartments might be ideal.

Choosing the right organizers not only makes your drawer look neat but also saves time during your beauty routine. Now, let's get those organizers and transform that chaos into order!

Arrange by Frequency

After selecting the perfect organizers, the next step is to arrange your makeup based on how often you use each item. Start by sorting your products into three categories: daily, occasional, and special occasions. This will help you quickly access what you need without rummaging through everything.

Place your daily essentials, like foundation, mascara, and lip balm, in the most accessible section of your drawer. These are the products you reach for every day, so they should be front and center. Try to keep this area clutter-free to maintain efficiency during your morning routine.

For items you use occasionally, such as specific eyeshadows or blushes, assign them a secondary spot that's still within easy reach but not in the way of your daily essentials. This way, you can find them quickly when you need them, but they won't clutter your primary space.

Lastly, store special occasion items like bold lipsticks, glitter, and dramatic eyeliners in a less accessible area. These products don't need to be at the forefront since you use them less frequently. By organizing your makeup this way, you'll streamline your routine and keep your drawer neat and clutter-free.

Image Source: Canva

Utilize Drawer Dividers

Utilizing drawer dividers can greatly improve the organization of your makeup drawer. When I first added dividers to mine, it transformed the chaotic mess into a neatly arranged space. Drawer dividers help you separate your products into categories, making it easier to find what you need quickly.

Start by measuring your drawer to guarantee you get dividers that fit perfectly. You can find adjustable options that adapt to different drawer sizes, which is especially handy. Once you have the right dividers, think about how you want to categorize your makeup. For instance, I grouped my lipsticks, eyeshadows, foundations, and brushes separately.

Place the dividers in the drawer, creating sections for each category. This not only keeps everything in its place but also maximizes the use of space. You'll notice that you can fit more items in the drawer without it looking cluttered. It's also easier to maintain since each item has its designated spot.

In addition, drawer dividers prevent products from rolling around and getting damaged. This small investment can save you time and money in the long run, as your makeup will stay organized and in better condition.

Label Each Section

Once you've set up your drawer dividers, labeling each section is the next step to achieving a well-organized makeup drawer. This simple yet effective method helps you quickly locate your products and guarantees everything goes back to its designated spot, maintaining a clutter-free space.

First, decide on the categories you'll use. Common labels might include "Lipsticks," "Foundations," "Eyeshadows," and "Brushes." Tailor these to fit your collection. Next, choose your labeling method. You can use a label maker for a polished look or write on small adhesive labels with a marker for a personal touch.

Position the labels where they're easily visible. For example, place them on the front edge of the divider or the top if the dividers are low. Make sure the labels are secure and won't peel off easily.

Don't forget to periodically reassess your labels. As your makeup collection evolves, you might need to update or add new categories. Keeping your labels current guarantees your system remains efficient.

Labeling each section streamlines your routine and adds a sense of order. It's a straightforward task that makes a significant difference in maintaining a tidy and functional makeup drawer.

Store Everyday Essentials

Having a dedicated spot for your everyday essentials can make your morning routine much smoother. Imagine reaching for your favorite foundation or mascara without rummaging through a cluttered drawer. The key is to prioritize the items you use daily and store them in an easily accessible area.

First, identify your go-to products. For me, that's foundation, mascara, eyeliner, blush, and a couple of lipsticks. Group these items together. Next, consider using clear acrylic organizers or small bins. These are perfect for keeping everything visible and within reach. I place my daily essentials in the top drawer or front section of my makeup storage, ensuring I don't waste time searching.

It's also helpful to keep these products upright. For example, I use a small cup for brushes and eyeliners, which keeps them organized and ready to grab. Additionally, a compartmentalized tray can be a game-changer. It provides designated spots for each item, preventing them from rolling around and getting lost.

Maintain Regularly

Now that you've got your everyday essentials neatly organized, the next step is to keep them that way. Maintaining a clutter-free makeup drawer requires a bit of regular attention, but it's totally doable. First, set aside a few minutes each week to do a quick inventory. This helps you spot items that are running low, expired, or simply not being used.

Next, develop a habit of returning each item to its designated spot right after use. It might seem trivial, but this small act prevents clutter from accumulating over time. If you find that certain products consistently end up out of place, consider whether their current spot is truly convenient for you.

Another helpful tip is to periodically clean your makeup tools and drawer. Dirty brushes and sponges can lead to product buildup and even affect your skin. Wipe down the drawer and any organizers to keep everything looking fresh and hygienic.

Customize Your Setup

With regard to organizing your makeup drawer, customizing your setup is key to making it truly functional. First, assess what you have. Lay out all your products and group them into categories like lipsticks, eyeshadows, brushes, and skincare. This gives you a clear view of what you need to accommodate.

Next, choose storage solutions that fit your specific needs. Drawer dividers are excellent for separating different types of products. If you have a lot of small items, consider using small containers or trays to keep them from rolling around. Acrylic organizers are also great because they're transparent, so you can easily see what's inside.

Think about accessibility. Place the products you use daily at the front of the drawer or in the most easily accessible spots. Less frequently used items can go towards the back.

Conclusion

By regularly decluttering and maintaining your makeup drawer, you'll enjoy a clutter-free, efficient beauty space. Use dividers and bins to keep everything in its place and label sections for quick access. Prioritize everyday essentials and arrange items by frequency of use. Customize your setup to fit your unique needs and reassess periodically. With a bit of effort and organization, your makeup routine will become smoother and more enjoyable. Happy organizing!

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