The Best Makeup Organizers to Keep Your Stash Tidy

/ 55 years
October 16, 2024
0
12 min read

As if cluttered makeup bags weren’t already hard enough to deal with, worse yet is when the contents of those bags become haphazardly strewn about our vanity tables. So here’s a word of advice: Take inventory of the makeup you do have (to avoid unnecessary purchases in the future) and get rid of anything you likely won’t touch again. Once your stash is pared down, it’s time to organize your beauty products.

Makeup organizers come in all different sizes and looks. There are those that operate as mini vanities (LED mirror included), and others designed with drawers of varying sizes to accommodate anything from eyeshadow palettes to vibrant lipsticks. Some are acrylic, some rotate, and others can be easily packed up and taken with you on the go. We combed through what’s out there and rounded up the best organizers in varying materials, sizes, and colors.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Best for Brushes:

Best Bag:

Best Budget:

Best Splurge:

Best Acrylic:

Best Rotating:

Best Classic:

Best for Travel:

Best Innovation:

Best Overall

Sorbus Clear Cosmetic Makeup Organizer

Amazon

$33

$29

$30

What We Like

Two different drawer options
Minimalist appeal
Clear to easily see makeup supplies

What We Don’t Like

Could be more durable

While it’s transparent enough to know exactly where you relegated each of your products, the stack comes in a range of colors—even marble, for you minimalists. It has three wide drawers for palettes and four at half the size for smaller items. That’s not to mention, of course, the brush holder, lipstick compartment. This is the organizer for the makeup obsessive who wants everything to have its own home.

Material: Clear Acrylic Plastic | Color: Pink | Size: 9.25 x 6.25 x 14.25 in.

Best for Brushes

byAlegory Makeup Beauty Brush Organizer

Amazon

$22

$23

What We Like

Designed with three hole sizes
Holds 12 brushes
Attractive rounded edges

What We Don’t Like

Difficult to get brushes in and out

When it comes to brush holders, the byAlegory organizer is the Rolls Royce. To use, just extract a brush and thread it back into its individual hole after you’ve finished. It also makes it simple to clean your brushes between uses. Instead of squeezing together handles and hoping the bristles dry at the other end, this stand separates each brush so they never have to touch. Did we mention its crystal-reminiscent design is insanely cute?

Material: Clear Acrylic Plastic | Color: Pink, White | Size: 5.12 x 5.12 x 13.03 in.

Best Bag

KUSSHI Signature Makeup Bag

Kusshi

$45

$69

What We Like

Multiple zippers for easy access
Many different size options
Machine washable
Comes in vegan leather

What We Don’t Like

Compartments could be larger

There’s a reason influencers everywhere, and Byrdie’s very own Hallie Gould, can’t get enough of this makeup bag. The structured soft-case keeps makeup intact on the most turbulent of trips, but malleable enough to squeeze into tight spaces. Its dual-sided zip reaches down to the base of the bag so there’s no need to rummage around for that elusive eyeliner sharpener—it also always comes in discreet charcoal or black, with a brightly-colored liner of your choice for optimal visibility. If you really want luxury, opt for the leather version, which features two secret pockets.

Material: Nylon, Mesh | Closure: Zip | Size: Various

Best Budget

Sonia Kashuk Countertop Makeup Tray Organizer

Courtesy of Target

$12

What We Like

Stylish, contemporary gold rim
Can easily access makeup products
Long-lasting

What We Don’t Like

Compartment proportions could be larger

An old classic and personal favorite, this gold-rimmed clear countertop organizer gives you pretty much everything you need, including a range of compartment sizes. The one downside is that large palettes will have to find their own home, but for smaller products, this can’t be beaten.

Material: Acrylic Plastic | Color: Clear | Size: 8.125 x 6.125 x 4.5 in.

Best Splurge

Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Cosmetic Case

Mark & Graham

$99

What We Like

Comes in eight colors
Very roomy
Chic vintage look

What We Don’t Like

Not ideal for countertop storage

Looking for luxury? We’ve got you covered. The cosmetic case is objectively beautiful—available in eight colors with contrasting leather straps, and striped lining. You can also customize it with your initials if you’re really feeling fancy. It’s also not just a pretty face, but high-quality and practical too: Its hard exterior protects your products, and individual pockets store brushes and favorite lipsticks so you never have to dig.

Material: Polycarbonate, Leather, Polyester | Closure: Zip-Around | Size: 11.5 x 8.0 x 8.5 in.

Best Acrylic

Ikee Design Makeup Storage Case

Amazon

What We Like

Offers plenty of space
Appealing color
Many compartments

What We Don’t Like

Drawers are a bit squeaky

This one’s for you in-betweeners. If you don’t want the commitment of a heavy-duty organizer, but still want to optimize your organization, this is by far the best acrylic option. With two full-size display drawers, two half-size as well as top compartments, you can finally consolidate all your products in one place. For those who do need a little more storage, this does also come in a bigger size. Oh, and you can order it in a slightly less-sheer diamond pattern.

Material: Acrylic Plastic | Color: Brown, Clear | Size: 9.25 x 5.375 x 11.625 in.

Best Rotating

Jerrybox 360-Degree Makeup Organizer

Amazon

What We Like

Seven compartments with large capacity
360-degree rotation
Adjustable
Accommodates at least 30 makeup brushes

What We Don’t Like

Shipments may sometimes be missing parts

Finally, a smorgasbord for makeup. A cylindrical shelving system that spins for your convenience? Yes, please. The Jerrybox Organizer has seven levels of trays that you can adjust to the most applicable height, and it’s small enough so as to not consume your countertop. It also rotates completely silently and is easy to wash. Cut your get-ready time in two with this dream.

Material: Plastic | Color: Black | Size: 11.81 x 9.49 x 2.01 in.

Best Classic

Caboodles On the Go Girl Makeup Bag

ULTA

$22

$23

What We Like

Auto-open tray
Secure latch
Flip-lid mirror
Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like

A bit bulky

Ah the Caboodle, hello, old friend. The Caboodle has been in rotation as a portable makeup organizer by those in the know for a long time. If you’re en route to a location with dubious mirror space, this is the organizer to bring. Folding out two tray levels and a full mirror stand, get ready everywhere and anywhere, then pop it in your overnight bag and keep it moving—the hard shell will ensure your makeup stays safe.

Material: Plastic | Closure: Latch | Size: 13.0 x 6.0 x 8.0 in.

Best for Travel

Relavel Travel Cosmetic Case Organizer

Amazon

$20

What We Like

Adjustable compartments
Comes in two colors
Waterproof, shockproof, and anti-wear interiors

What We Don’t Like

Might be too tiny for some

As a perpetually in-transit makeup fiend, this one is a personal favorite. The case is structured by movable sections (you can take them out altogether to make it softer and flatter if you need space in a suitcase), which keeps your makeup from being crushed. A side pocket on the flap fits palettes, while brushes fit snugly into the compartments. In short, there’s truly no product this doesn’t accommodate— and it’s pretty enough to sit on your vanity if you’re so inclined.

Material: Plastic | Closure: Zip | Size: 10.16 x 9.53 x 4.06 in.

Best Innovation

Fancii Gala Vanity Mirror

Verishop

$40

What We Like

Horizontal and vertical orientation
True-to-life color-correct details
Built-in 10x magnification
Can be powered by battery or USB

What We Don’t Like

Pull out mirror could be bigger

You don’t wear a lot of makeup on the day-to-day, but you do want your products neatly accessible: meet the Modern Makeup Mirror. The LED mirror has a small pull out magnification mirror to get up-close-and-personal, and its base doubles as a makeup organizer for the essentials. Save yourself rooting around in a larger unit, and keep the basics on hand to swipe on in a flash.

Shape: Square | Type: Freestanding | Size: 4.5 x 7.3 x 14.6 in.

Best Eco-Friendly

Sorbus 360° Bamboo Cosmetic Organizer

Amazon

$37

What We Like

Has eight sections
Double-sided
Conveniently rotates

What We Don’t Like

Engineering quality could use more attention

Save the planet and shelve your makeup practically with this organizer created from bamboo. This stand may not rival its acrylic competitors when it comes to a ton of specialized compartments, but it does do a great job of keeping you covered with all the necessities. There are holes for brushes, and shelves of various heights to suit a range of different products. It’s a great pick to store products in the bathroom. Did we mention it’s double-sided?

Material: Bamboo Wood | Color: Natural/Brown | Size: 10.0 x 7.1 x 11.7 in.

Best Rolling

Devaise 7-Drawer Chest

Amazon

$130

What We Like

Large drawers
Can be rolled or locked into place
Good value

What We Don’t Like

Quality could be better

If you’re looking for serious storage for your bathroom or beauty space, you can’t go wrong with this roomy chest on wheels. Featuring seven large drawers, this chest is designed for office storage but also works beautifully for holding makeup products. It has wheels and casters to lock it into place, and is relatively easy to assemble.

Material: Particle board | Color: White | Size: 18.9 x 15.7 x 34.5 in.

Best Rotating

AmeiTech Rotating Cosmetic Storage Display Case

Amazon

$26

What We Like

Range of compartments
360-degree rotation
Adjustable

What We Don’t Like

Quality could be better

Finally, a smorgasbord for makeup. A cylindrical shelving system that spins for your convenience? Yes, please. The AmeiTech Makeup Organizer has eight levels of trays that you can adjust to the most applicable height, and it’s small enough so as to not consume your countertop. It also rotates completely silently and is easy to wash. Cut your get-ready time in two with this dream.

Material: Acrylic | Color: Clear | Size: 9.8 x 14.2 x 9.8 in.

Final Verdict

The Sorbus Cosmetic Makeup and Jewelry Storage Case is our top pick. With two different drawer options and a clear, minimalist look, you’ll be able to store and see your different-sized products. And if you’re on a budget, the Sonia Kashuk Countertop Makeup Tray Organizer looks sleek and beautiful on a desktop vanity and offers a good range of compartments.

What to Look For in a Makeup Organizer

Style

Makeup organizers come in many different styles, from see-through drawers to cosmetic bags that keep products together for traveling. There are also organizers designed for holding specific products like eyeliner, brushes, and your favorite eyeshadow palettes. You”ll want to consider where and how much space you have to store your organizer: do you want a small-ish bag you can take on the go, like the Caboodles On the Go Girl Makeup Bag? Or, consider a countertop option like the byAlegory Makeup Beauty Brush Organizer and Drying Stand. There are so many ways to customize your makeup display with organizers—it all comes down to your personal preferences.

Storage

Storage capacity is a big factor in whether a makeup organizer is the one for you. Some organizers have many sections designed for storing specific products, like brushes or lip products, while others don’t. Choosing the amount of storage you need is dependent on how many products you have. Take a close look at the compartments offered to be sure the organizer will house your products.

FAQ

How do you clean a makeup organizer?

Just as it’s important to clean your makeup and makeup accessories, you’ll want to keep your makeup organizer free of dirt and bacteria. To clean a makeup organizer, you’ll need a solution of mild soap and water. Also, using a microfiber cloth will remove fingerprints without damaging the organizer’s surface. Begin by blowing away any loose dust or debris. Apply the solution using a soft cloth or sponge then rinse the organizer with water. Pat dry the surface and storage areas.

Which makeup organizer is best for small spaces?

Look for a tall but narrow countertop option or makeup bag if you’re looking to save space. Many countertop options come with several layers to save countertop space.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.