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The clock is ticking. You have only a few minutes left before have to head out the door and you can't seem to find your trusty mascara. You rummage through your makeup bag hoping to locate your items but you accidentally crack your favorite blush in the process. All of this could’ve been avoided if you'd purchased the makeup storage tower that’s been sitting in your cart for weeks. We weren’t all born Virgos, but we can adopt the sign's most admirable quality: organization.
Makeup organizers help to declutter even the most expansive beauty collections. Plus, they're great for neatly storing your most prized products in their rightful place so the majority of your makeup routine isn’t spent playing hide and seek with eyeliners.
Even better, there are so many organizers that come in different shapes, sizes, and finishes to fit any size space, or style. Scroll down to meet the makeup organizer of your dreams.
Pros
- Can hold a lot despite its compact size
- Makes it easy to view products inside
Cons
- May not be as sturdy as other options
For a basic, budget-friendly option, look no further. This plastic design has three clear drawers for storing small tubes, compacts, and containers, as well as a partitioned top shelf for keeping a handful of bottles and brushes organized.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love how this is tall and doesn’t take up too much space but still fits all of my products. I used a drawer for eye palettes, one for my blush/bronzers, and one for my mascaras, eyeliners, etc.”
Pros
- Comes with separate, customizable pieces
- Opaque design for those who prefer it
Cons
- Some drawers may be too small to hold eyeliners and larger palettes
Readeer’s makeup organizer is designed as three separate pieces that can be stacked to fit various spaces. Featuring six shallow to deeper drawers, this organizer also has a top shelf with 12 mini compartments for holding lipsticks and nail polishes. And in case you’re someone who doesn’t like to have their entire assortment on display, the opaque design will keep a range of items hidden.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “This thing has transformed my bathroom counter!! It holds waaaay more than you may be expecting; the different-sized drawers, along with the top piece, really help to get you organized and in a way that’s easy to maintain. Oh, and each drawer has a nice little black liner. Not talking velvet here but just a nice touch.”
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Pros
- Tall cabinet for storing larger bottles
- Four drawers
Cons
- Pricey
This mod-style organizer makes it easier to store your go-to skincare and makeup products all in one place. It has four drawers and an extra-tall cabinet made to hold full-size cleansers, toners, perfumes, and more.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “My bathroom was looking cluttered because of all my perfumes. I bought this, and wow! My bathroom looks so neat now and my bottles aren’t dusty. One wipe of the top and that’s it. My cleaning has been cut by a lot and the bathroom countertop looks clean and organized.”
4
Most Innovative Makeup Organizer
Miss Puff Makeup Organizer, Cosmetic Storage Display Cases with Mirror
Pros
- Has a lighted makeup mirror, fan, and phone stand
- Lots of storage, including for larger bottles
- Pieces separate
Cons
- May not be the sturdiest option
Not only does this techy style come with four drawers and two tall storage cabinets, but it also has a lighted makeup mirror to help you seamlessly blend and buff. There’s even a fan to help keep you cool and a phone stand, so you can stream beauty tutorials or take FaceTime calls while prepping and painting your mug.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Love it so much. All things work, and it’s so stunning. Totally recommend!”
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5
Best Makeup Organizer Bins
The Container Store Water Hyacinth Bin Natural
Pros
- Various sizes
Cons
- Basket can shed
An ELLE-writer favorite, these wicker bins add an elegant dose of texture to any room and are super versatile to meet a variety of storage needs. They come in sizes x-small to x-large and are stackable.
Container Store rating: 4.8/5 stars
“As a beauty writer, my stock of beauty products grows daily. When seeking a makeup organizer, I knew I wanted something that a) would keep my items inconspicuous b) look sleek on my open, under-sink bathroom shelving, and c) be able to fit a sizable number of products without being bulky. I have two x-small versions of these chic bins, and they don’t disappoint. They allow for creative stacking and organization possibilities—think like a satisfying game of Tetris!—and fit even my clunkiest compacts and palettes that many drawer-laden styles never could. I also love that these bins keep my items mostly out of sight but are open up top, so I can easily bend down and grab what I need.”—Sam Peters, ELLE.com contributor
Pros
- Pockets for makeup brushes
- Doubles as a jewelry organizer
Cons
- No dividers in main storage compartment
Up your travel game with this roomy, waterproof makeup case, complete with special pockets for makeup brushes and a smaller detachable pouch you can pop in your purse on the go. Another perk: It doubles as a jewelry organizer.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I needed to take [the] majority of my makeup out of town, and this bag held everything! I love it. Nothing spilled and I had n0 issues with it inside of my luggage.”
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Pros
- Tall design
- Comes with a removable, pocketed insert
Cons
- Felt insert may be difficult to clean
Glossier never fails to churn out some of the buzziest beauty finds, so it’s no wonder the brand supplies an equally coveted makeup bag that will keep your products safe and streamlined. The colorful silhouette is tall enough to store products upright so you can avoid unwanted spills, and comes with a removable insert for extra organization. And thanks to its four exterior pockets, you can skip endless rummaging and have your favorite lippies close at hand.
Glossier rating: 4.4/5 stars
“This pretty pink Glossier bag is by far my favorite travel accessory. Besides the packaging that’s easy to spot in any luggage, nestled inside the bag are a bunch of compartments to keep my mini skincare goods away from jewelry, toiletries, and other necessary knickknacks I lug around. I should warn that it can get pretty tight in there, so when I say this can only really fit travel/mini-sized products—I mean it!—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
8
Best Makeup Organizer Set
MIUOPUR Large Makeup Organizer with Brush Holder
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Has a lid to protect brushes
Cons
- Pricey
This adorable set comes with a larger case for storing full-sized bottles and a lidded brush holder to keep your brushes dust-free. Go for the classic white set or choose a pink or green version to create a fun pop of color on your vanity.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Way bigger than I thought, so I love it more. Helped me get rid of so much clutter; I have a place for everything now.”
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9
Best Large Makeup Organzier
Sorbus Cosmetic Makeup and Jewelry Storage Case Tower Display Organizer
Now 11% Off
Pros
- Stackable
- Over a dozen drawers/compartments
Cons
- May not hold wide palettes
With 12 drawers of varying sizes and a compartmentalized top shelf, this is one of the most spacious standing makeup organizers on our list. Ideal for storing everything from perfumes to lipsticks to foundations, it’s also stackable, so you have options.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love these storage cubes. They have room for everything! It makes everything neat and put away. Without these units, I had a mess on my hands, but not anymore. I love that this one comes in three pieces. I out the center piece under my mirror to raise it up—works like a charm! Great value and would definitely recommend!”
10
Best Makeup Train Case
Joligrace Makeup Train Case
Pros
- Has three extendable tiers
- Comes with a makeup brush holder
Cons
- May tip over if heavier products are placed on top
If you're an MUA or makeup hoarder always traveling with a massive collection, this stylish rose gold train case is calling your name. Inside are three extendable tiers, a sizable base compartment, and a removable makeup brush holder. What’s more, the attached mirror will help you achieve a full face beat anywhere.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Bought my friend this makeup case for her birthday, and she loves it! It expands quite a bit, and has a bonus portable mirror and cup holder. Def a great purchase and worth the money! It’s durable and fits all her makeup!”
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Pros
- Elegant design
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey for the size
Part necklace tree and part makeup organizer, this bamboo style is as pretty as it is functional. From its top shelf feature to small open compartments, it can stylishly showcase a range of products in your lineup.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is a very well-made and beautiful product! I was a bit skeptical about how it would fit on my nightstand, as I didn’t want it taking up more than half. And it fits so well! I checked the dimensions before I bought it, and it all checked out; it takes up a little less than half of the area on top, which is perfect for me. It’s small but has a lot of storage, and the bamboo is very smooth and soft. The assembly was simple enough.”
Pros
- Compact
- Comes with two detachable parts
Cons
- May not be as sturdy as other options
For all those extra glosses and travel-sized palettes laying around, pick up this clear, compact organizer. It has two short and two long drawers, 12 designated lipsticks slots, and four additional top compartments you can use to house a few other goodies like brushes and polishes. There’s also removable velvet padding to help prevent scratches.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
“I’ve had my organizer for about seven years, and it has seen just about everything from jewelry to lip gloss and lipstick to powders and has remained intact throughout it all. Plus, it’s easy to spot whatever product you’re looking for, thanks to the clear casing.”—NP
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Pros
- Stackable
Cons
- May scratch easily
Pop these drawers into a cabinet or stack them atop your bathroom counter for simple makeup storage you don’t have to think too hard about. Note: They’re deep enough to hold some skincare items as well.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “We have a lot of travel-sized items and other smaller medication bottles that I needed to have better storage for in our hall cabinet. This worked and fit well. I even have room behind the storage cubes to fit taller bottles on the shelf. I also like that I was able to get other storage drawers and they could stack together nicely.”
Pros
- Lid for extra protection
- Spacious
Cons
- May scratch easily
We get it, you’ve got a ton of product. Keep things tidy with this sizable acrylic organizer that has plenty of space for your everyday skincare, makeup, and fragrances.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “It is soo worth the money! It holds so many things, and it’s sturdy. Also, there is a cover, so dust won’t collect on your makeup or brushes.”
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Pros
- Tiers of different heights
- Offers easy access to products
Cons
- May not be as durable as other options
A rotating makeup organizer makes it super easy (and fun!) to locate your staple products. This one has tiers of varying heights to accomodate different-sized items and shouldn’t take up too much space on any surface.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
“I blame this purchase on the YouTube era of beauty gurus strategically placing their own clear rotating makeup organizers in the background of their videos. What I love most about this particular organizer is how easily adjustable the pillars are. You can move the clear bases up or down depending on how big or small your products are, which makes it a cinch to store an entire routine worry-free.”—NP
Pros
- Layered design
- Tons of storage
Cons
- Only comes in one color
This Etsy design has a large, tall compartment that can be separated from the bottom drawers to reveal yet another layer of storage. It’s a great option if you’re looking to fit your entire routine, and, it’s portable.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says saying: “I’m really happy about this item. The quality is great. The shipping was very fast and it arrived very well wrapped. All my skin products fit inside plus my makeup in the drawers, I love the simplicity and the color...couldn’t be happier!”
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Pros
- Sturdy
- Elegant Design
Cons
- Doesn’t hold a ton of products
Minimalist home decor enthusiasts will swoon over this stunning marble tray, which many customers say actually fits a considerable amount of makeup. Conveniently, the stone slabs are removable for cleaning.
Amazon rating: 4.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I was looking for a bigger organizer for all my skincare where I could see everything. This arrived quickly and was well packaged in a big box. The item itself is beautiful and very sturdy. It is well worth the price and holds a lot of items.”
Pros
- Five drawers
- Easy to move
Cons
- No wheel locks
When you want something that can hold lots of goodies and be moved from room to room in a snap, try a rolling storage cart. This nearly two-foot-tall design includes five 8.5-inch by 11-inch drawers, meaning it should fit plenty. A built-in divider up top also keeps a few essentials handy.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Awesome! Even has little spots on top to put stuff in. I’m using this for makeup storage and now I have room for even more!!!”
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Pros
- Durable
- Can hold at least 24 brushes
Cons
- No lid to protect brushes from dust
Need a hack for storing your seemingly never-ending stash of makeup brushes? By Alegory’s acrylic organizer has 24 slots for brushes and should be compact enough to fit inside most drawers, if needed. Thousands of customers also praise the design’s smooth, rounded edges and rave that it’s sturdy.
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I desperately needed to organize my makeup brushes and saw this. It is perfect to hold all of my Morphe brushes, and I still have room for more. The materials used are pretty high quality and feel expensive. 10/10 recommend!”
What to look for in a makeup organizer
Finding the right makeup organizer depends on your needs and space. Evaluating the size of your collection and where you will be using your makeup organizer will help determine how big or small of a unit you’ll need. To make the most of limited square footage, a tall unit with many compartments will be your best friend.
Also, consider the types of products you’ll be storing. Those looking to house both a range of makeup and skincare items will want to seek options with at least one tall, roomy compartment that can hold full-sized bottles. If you have lots of larger compacts and palettes, look for a style with deeper, longer drawers or an open bin that can accommodate them.
In terms of aesthetics, choose a clear makeup organizer or design with open compartments to show off your collection. If you prefer to keep things hidden, go for an opaque organizer, a makeup bag with dividers, or an expansive makeup train case—the latter two will also work well for travel.
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.
Sam Peters
Senior Commerce Editor
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoysunpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.