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The best makeup organizer will do wonders for even the most extensive cosmetic collections. As much as I try to live like Marie Kondo, I always find my bathroom shelves and cabinets looking more like a mini Sephora after an earthquake rather than the clutter-free, pristine powder room I aspire to have. I’ve debated getting rid of everything, but for some reason, I feel the need to have every shade of highlighter, lipstick, and blush known to man. So to keep my arsenal of cosmetics neat and tiny, I rely on a few beauty organizers.
Our Top Picks:
- Best for a Carry-on: Cuyana Travel Beauty Case, $298
- The Travel Case: Paraval See-All Vanity Case, $95
- The Makeup Pouch: Naghedi Portofino Cosmetic Bag, $100
- The Vanity Counter: Ameitech Makeup Organizer,
$50$20 - The Makeup Brush Holder: byAlegory Makeup Beauty Brush Organizer, $18
- The Cosmetic Tray: OXO Drawer Bin Set, $33
- The Standing Organizer: PB Teen Beauty Tower, $299
In This Article:
- What is the pro’s secret to organizing makeup?
- Are makeup organizers worth it?
- How to Choose a Makeup Organizer
- Meet the Experts
As my skin and makeup collections grow, I've found that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetics storage. From acrylic tubes designed to help makeup brushes stand upright on display to narrow carts that keep my daily essentials handy in my quaint New York City bathroom. For travel, I’ve even discovered beautiful leather pouches and toiletry bags that safeguard my goods organized on the go. Honorable mention also goes to the classic hard-case Caboodles kit—a vintage solution that still rings useful today. In searching for the best makeup organizers, you’ll find there’s really something for everyone. All these and more ideas to spruce up and declutter your bathroom cabinets, drawers, and vanities below.
Best Stacking Unit: Readaeer 3 Piece Cosmetic Storage Case
- Why We Love It: Available in black, clear, and white, this plastic makeup organizer has everything you could need. It features two oversized drawers, two large drawers, two small drawers, and 16 top compartments, perfect for storing makeup brushes, lipsticks, nail polishes, eyeliners, and eyeshadow palettes. Each row is detachable, allowing you to stack additional drawers on top or use them separately, like a customizable beauty Lego set.
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 9.33 x 5.4 x 11.6 inch
- What It’s For: Organizing beauty products in a customizable manner
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| Customizable layout allows for stacking | When fully loaded, the organizer might become heavy and less portable |
| Easy to clean | |
| Plenty of drawers and compartments for storage |
Best Travel Case: Paravel See-All Vanity Case
Why We Love It: For those who prefer to catch flights, not feelings, a travel case is the easiest way to keep everything organized and intact when on the go. From our favorite conscious luggage and case-maker, this see-through pouch is quite chic and can be monogrammed when ordered directly from Paravel.
- Material: Canvas, Vegan Leather Details
- Size: Standard (8.5”x5.5”x3.75”), Mini (5.5”x4.75”x2.5”)
- What It's For: Housing all of your go-to toiletries in a TSA-friendly way, including shampoo, serums, creams, and toothpaste.
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| Good amount of space for your toiletries and makeup | The material is a bit thin, so it may not be ideal for heavy or delicate products |
| Easy to clean in case of spills | |
| Won’t add unnecessary weight to your suitcase |
Best for a Tote: Béis The Cosmetic Case
Why We Love It: We prefer a travel case that is spacious enough to fit everything you need for a night out, with a handle for easy transportation and various internal compartments to keep everything secured in one place. Some cosmetic cases can become awfully bulky, making it hard to pack, especially if you’re trying to fit in a work tote that’s already spilling over, but not this one from Béis. It has a top handle that lays flat to prevent damage and can easily fit into your bag, much like a game of Tetris.
- Material: Vegan leather, polyester, water-resistant lining
- Size: One size (9.5”x7x4”)
- What It's For: All of your toiletries and makeup; even has vessels for your makeup brushes and a mirror.
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| Built-in mirror for easy makeup application on the go | Built-in mirror for easy makeup application on the go |
| Detachable brush holder to keep brushes separate and organized | Detachable brush holder to keep brushes separate and organized |
| Made from sturdy materials with a wipeable lining for easy cleaning | Made from sturdy materials with a wipeable lining for easy cleaning |
| Lacks interior dividers, so glass makeup items may shift around | Lacks interior dividers, so glass makeup items may shift around |
Best for a Carry-on: Cuyana Travel Beauty Case
Why We Love It: Traveling with just a carry-on does not mean you have to pare down your beauty routine completely—especially when you get your hands on Cuyana’s beauty case. Crafted from Italian pebbled leather (in three colors), this slim case features a removable pouch, two elastic pockets, and four brush holders to house all your necessities with ease. Plus, the interior lining is easily cleaned with soap and water—meaning, no stress for cosmetics spills.
- Material: Italian pebbled leather
- Size: One size (6.2” x 10.2” x 3.1”)
- What It’s For: Your makeup and skincare necessities while traveling for a quick trip or midday refresh.
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| Made from luxurious LWG-certified leather | Relatively small compared to other organizers |
| Elastic bands securely hold beauty brushes in place | |
| Available in three chic shades |
Best Large Cosmetic Case: Étoile Collective Duo Vanity Case
Why We Love It: For many of us, a vanity case does the trick to organize our makeup collection—particularly for those frequently on the go. Featuring two compartments with a removable divider insert, this case has room for all your essentials, and nothing wiggles around. After all, there’s nothing worse than not being able to find your lipsticks or realizing that your foundation bottle has cracked, leaking over your new cashmere sweater.
- Material: Faux leather
- Size: One Size (9.4”x7.1”x6.7”)
- What It's For: Organizing your makeup on the go; there are pockets for brushes, pencils, mascaras, and an included mirror.
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| Tall enough to fit bottles standing upright | Takes up more space in a suitcase compared to other organizers |
| Bonus fold-out mirror for easy touch-ups | |
| Includes a removable divider insert for added organization |
Best Washable Makeup Bag: Naghedi Portofino Cosmetic Bag
Why We Love It: Vanity cases are great, but they can often be bulky or too big for a quick overnight getaway or for storage in your tote or gym bag. This handwoven cosmetic bag is not only beautiful; it’s water-resistant, machine-washable, and has a nylon lining that makes it super easy to clean—stains are inevitable when it comes to toting makeup around.
- Material: Hand-woven neoprene and nylon
- Size: Standard (11”x6”x5”)
- What It's For: Everyday essentials and cosmetics for travel.
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| Available in three beautiful neutral shades | Medium size may be limiting for those with a lot of products |
| Artfully handwoven from durable material | |
| Easy to clean |
Best Spill-Proof: Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag
Why We Love It: If you like pouches but hate that everything gets thrown together, this one from Dagne Dover has interior elastic loops and mesh pockets to keep everything in place. Plus, did we mention that it’s water-resistant?
- Material: Repreve polyester
- Size: Large (8”x2.5”x2”) and Small (6.5”x4.5”x0.25”)
- What It's For: Daily toiletries and essentials.
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| Water-resistant neoprene protects against spills | Size may be limiting for larger products |
| Large 3-liter capacity for ample storage | |
| Designed to fit easily into luggage for travel convenience |
Best Clear Pouch: Stoney Clover Lane Clear Front Large Pouch
- Why We Love It: A clear front makeup pouch makes it easier than ever to find everything you need, especially when you’re getting ready in a time crunch (a situation we find ourselves in far too often).
- Material: Nylon
- Size: Standard (11”x8”x5”)
- What It's For: Organizing your daily toiletries and being able to see everything you've packed.
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| Plenty of cute colorways to choose from | Lacks internal organization as there are no dividers or pockets |
| Clear front makes it easy to see what you have packed | |
| Large size fits a variety of items |
Best Leather Pouch: Longchamp Le Foulonné Cosmetics Case
Why We Love It: Pouches are lightweight, convenient, and with so many cute options available from our favorite bag designers like Longchamp, it’s easy to find one that feels uniquely you. We love Longchamp for its classic designs, and this makeup case is no different—lightly textured leather in black or navy that you’re proud to bring around with you.
- Material: Leather
- Size: Standard (6.75”x4.75”x2.5”)
- What It's For: Small, everyday cosmetics.
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| Crafted from soft, supple cowhide leather | Pricey compared to other organizers on this list |
| Compact and functional design | |
| Holds a lot while remaining lightweight |
Best Swivel Tower: Ameitech Makeup Organizer
Why We Love It: When applying makeup, it helps to have everything organized so that you can easily experiment with new looks or always have your favorite lipstick shade and blush within reach. If you find it easier to swivel towards your products, consider this organizer over its acrylic drawer counterparts.
- Material: Acrylic
- Size: Standard (9.84”x14.17”x9.84”)
- What It's For: Arranging makeup, perfume, and skin care in an accessible, tiered way and being able to rotate the tower 360 degrees.
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| Rotates for easy access to all products without needing to move the organizer | Requires assembly, which may take some time |
| Adjustable shelves accommodate products of different sizes | |
| Holds a large number of items |
Best Minimalist Tower: Umbra Bellwood Cosmetic Organizer
Why We Love It: It’s easy for products to pile up in chaotic disarray without a vanity counter to organize and separate them. Consider this a structural tower suitable for any bathroom counter or drawer (depending on how deep it is, of course)—designed with a removable cup and wooden handle to move it around as needed.
- Material: Wood
- Size: Large (4.25”x20.4”x10.1”), Medium (13”x3”x8”)
- What It's For: Providing storage for cosmetics, thereby freeing up counter space.
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| Three tiers provide ample storage | Compact design may not accommodate larger or taller items |
| Detachable cup for storing makeup brushes | |
| Handle makes it easy to move around |
Best With Mirror: Joseph Joseph Viva Makeup Organizer
Why We Love It: If you prefer everything neatly stacked and compartmentalized, this cosmetic organizer is for you. It features a removable mirror, which will be a gamechanger for someone liable to get ready anywhere and everywhere around the home.
- Material: Glass, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Size: Large (7.68”x11.73”x4.72”)
- What It's For: Large compartments for cosmetics with removable parts for organization and cleaning. A good one to keep at your desk, perhaps!
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| Multiple compartments, including deep and shallow options | May not accommodate larger cosmetics |
| Magnetically secured drawers | |
| Comes with a 2-in-1 mirror that offers 3x magnification on the back |
Best Swivel Organizer: West Elm Cascada Cosmetic Organizer
Why We Love It: For a modern take on the swivel organizer, look no further than Umbra’s Cascada design. Through two stackable compartments and nine removable dividers, this allows one to easily find—and store—what they are looking for.
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 9.8”. x 6.7”
- What It's For: Organizing and stacking your cosmetics in your own unique way.
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| Spinning base allows easy access to all items | The compartments are on the narrower side |
| Can also double as an organizer for office supplies | |
| Multiple tiers and compartments for efficient storage |
Best Tiered Shelf: Pottery Barn Stella Beauty Organizer
Why We Love It: Pottery Barn’s Stella organizer gives any cosmetics enthusiast the best of both worlds: ample open space to keep your products on display and a spacious drawer to tuck precious items away.
- Material: Wood, metal
- Size: Standard (14”x7.5”x7.5”)
- What It's For: For those looking to store everything in a clean, contemporary organizer.
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| Contemporary look that complements various decor styles | Limited color options available |
| Drawer provides extra storage for smaller items | |
| Made from durable medium-density fiberboard |
Best Rotating Tabletop Drawer: West Elm Moona Storage Box
Why We Love It: The Umbra Moona Storage Box combines the convenience of its three individually rotating drawers with a modern, minimalist design for an all-around great cosmetics storage solution.
- Material: Poplar Wood
- Size: Standard (10”x8”)
- What It's For: The rotating drawers can hold anything from jewelry, office accessories, to skincare products.
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| Three rotating drawers for easy access to stored items | May not accommodate larger cosmetics |
| Stylish and modern look | |
| Fits on most countertops, vanities, dressers, and tables |
Best Clear Brush Organizer: Byalegory Makeup Beauty Brush Organizer
Why We Love It: Ah, brushes, the unsung heroes of most makeup routines. They deserve to be organized too, especially considering the amount of grime and dust they’d collect lying flat on your vanity. Wave goodbye to that messy bundle of makeup brushes when you swap in this organizer and drying stand that keeps finding your next tool simple.
- Material: Acrylic
- Size: Standard (3.5”x3”x8.6”)
- What It's For: Both tall and wide makeup brushes, as it’s designed not to topple over.
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| Made from high-quality acrylic | A bit heavy, making it harder to move around |
| Spacious design allows for larger products | |
| Can also organize small items |
Best Cup Holder: Hermès Circe Makeup Brush Holder
Why We Love It: If you don’t want something as obvious (read: acrylic), we’re also partial to a beautiful cup holder. This hand-painted porcelain brush holder also serves as a showpiece on your vanity—consider it a two-in-one where fashion meets function.
- Material: Porcelain
- Size: 3.1” x H 3.9”
- What It's For: Makeup brushes you’re proud to display.
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| Made from high-quality porcelain and smooth taurillon leather | High price point compared to other makeup brush holders |
| Hand-painted details for an artisanal touch | |
| Doubles as stylish decor for the home |
Best Travel Brush Holder: Narwey Makeup Brush Holder
Why We Love It: To truly upgrade your travel organization, consider getting a makeup brush holder. It keeps everything organized, preventing your foundation brushes and eyeshadows from getting jumbled together in the bottomless pit that is your suitcase.
- Material: PU Leather
- Size: Standard (3.1”x3.1”x9”)
- What It's For: Traveling with your makeup brushes.
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| Sleek, dustproof case | Plastic material may not feel as luxe as other options |
| Spacious design accommodates a variety of brush sizes | |
| Lightweight and travel-friendly |
Best Beauty Tower: PB Teen Beauty Tower
Why We Love It: There comes a time in everyone’s life when you realize that you’ve acquired too many beauty items. That person who owns piles upon piles of cosmetic goodies will love a standing beauty tower to keep skin, makeup, and body products organized.
- Material: Fiberboard, Acrylic
- Size: 12”x13.5”x37”
- What It's For: A dedicated space to house all of your cosmetics. You can also use it store other bathroom essentials, like hair brushes, blow dryers, curling irons, and towels.
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| Made from high-quality materials | Large size may be a limitation for smaller areas |
| Plenty of compartments and drawers for organized storage | |
| Stylish and modern aesthetic |
Best Rolling Cart: PB Teen Blake Mini Beauty Cart
Why We Love It: The best thing about this standing organizer meets vanity is that it has both a mirror and wheels, allowing you to roll it over to whichever area in your house has the best lighting for getting ready.
- Material: Acrylic, Metal, Glass
- Size: 14”x14”x24”
- What It's For: Being able to move your organized cosmetics from room to room.
| Love It: | Leave It: |
|---|---|
| Compact design fits into smaller spaces | Requires assembly, which may take some time |
| Wheels make it easy to move around | |
| Plenty of drawers and compartments for organized storage |
Best Storage Unit: Kartell Componibili Storage Unit
Why We Love It: If you simply need the extra room or want to keep all of your skin and hair items in one convenient place, this storage unit is beyond helpful. While this classic design piece isn’t technically meant for beauty products, it’ll do the job wonderfully.
- Material: Injected-Molded Polycarbonate
- Size: 23”x12.75”x12”
- What It's For: Beauty products you don’t want to be displayed visibly; it also works as a side table or nightstand.
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| Chic Italian design | Prone to scratches and marks |
| Compact size fits seamlessly into different spaces | |
| Lightweight yet sturdy for easy movement |
Best Tiered Cart: Spacekeeper Rolling Storage Cart
Why We Love It: For beauty-lovers with a lot of products to store, a rolling cart with four tiers is a great option—plus, we love the mobility. The poles are also adjustable so that you can store taller items.
- Material: Acrylic
- Size: (6.5”x9.5”x16”)
- What It's For: Beauty products you’re proud to display, or if you’re short on cupboard space.
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| Wheels make it easy to move around | Not ideal for holding very heavy items |
| Spacious design can hold a lot of items | |
| Adjustable shelves accommodate different product sizes |
Best Drawer Bins: OXO Drawer Bin Set
Why We Love It: If you prefer to keep your beauty items in a drawer, trays are an easy way to keep things organized and out of sight. This option offers four modular pieces to outfit your drawers to your beauty and skin-care needs.
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 12.01” x 12.01” x 3.28”
- What It's For: Organizing all of your cosmetics in a drawer.
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| Features a removable, adjustable divider for customizable organization | Compact size may not accommodate larger objects |
| Equipped with non-slip feet to prevent the bin from sliding | |
| Versatile design works well in bathrooms, offices, and various drawers |
Best Clear Drawer Organizer: Ravinte Drawer Organizer
Why We Love It: The size you choose really depends on what you’re looking to store, but thankfully, many come with an assortment of sizes, so you're free to play around with it. Undecided about how much storage you’ll really need? Each set of Ravinte's drawer organizers comes with 13 storage bins in five different sizes.
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 9” x 3” x2”
- What It’s For: Anyone who likes to itemize their beauty products will find it easy to separate and compartmentalize all of their most used beauty products—from lipsticks and glosses to wands and even the smallest tools, like a blending sponge.
| Love It: | Leave It: |
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| Includes 13 plastic storage bins in five different sizes | The bins are not adjustable, which may not suit all drawers |
| Made from high-quality plastic | |
| Equipped with non-slip silicone pads at the bottom to keep bins in place |
Best Acrylic Tray: Mutellstory Vanity Tray
Why We Love It: If you like to keep things at eye level (it’s really easy to forget what you own), this neon acrylic tray looks great on your vanity and comes in two sizes.
- Material: Acrylic
- Size: 12”x 6” x 1.2”
- What It's For: Displaying your beauty items on a brightly-colored surface that’ll stand out.
| Love It: | Leave It: |
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| Comes in seven chic neon shades | Limited storage capacity |
| Made from high-quality acrylic | |
| Comes with four silicone non-slip pads |
Everything You Need to Know
What is the pro’s secret to organizing makeup?
According to Grishan Roof, known in the industry as the “kit whisperer” and the queen of organization, “The key to a well-organized kit is efficiency.” She explains that every product should have a designated place, and that place should make sense. Start by categorizing: group skincare, complexion products, bronzers, blushes, eyeshadows, and brow products separately. Then, organize by brand and shade. Finally, arrange everything in order of use, ensuring the products you reach for most are the easiest to grab.
She adds that professionals take it a step further by tracking purchase and expiration dates, not just for hygiene, but to protect their investment. “Many artists maintain a database of their kit, which proves invaluable in case of loss, theft, or fire.”
Are makeup organizers worth it?
According to Roof, makeup organizers are absolutely worth it, but only if they’re functional and adaptable. She emphasizes that clear, modular organizers with adjustable compartments are the best investment since beauty products are never a one-size-fits-all situation.
Storage location matters, too. She recommends avoiding skincare and cream products near windows or in steamy bathrooms, as heat and humidity can degrade active ingredients, melt formulas, and create a breeding ground for bacteria, especially in clean beauty products.
For any extras you might have on hand, she advises following the golden rule: newest products go in the back so older ones get used first. And for professional artists, arranging everything by category, brand, and shade helps streamline workflow. “If it takes more than a second to find, it’s not organized.”
How to Choose a Makeup Organizer
“Choosing the right makeup organizer depends on your space and how you work,” says Roof. For smaller bathrooms or vanities, she recommends stackable, clear containers to maximize vertical space. If you have more room, drawer systems and cabinetry help keep everything streamlined and out of sight. And for those constantly on the go, a sturdy, well-compartmentalized case is a must.
Roof advises skipping rigid lipstick organizers, as they only fit specific brands and lack flexibility for a growing collection. Instead, she recommends dividers or acrylic pencil cups that can hold lipsticks, brushes, concealers, and liners, all in one place. “The best organizers aren’t designed for a single product; they evolve with your collection,” she adds.
For professional artists who depot, Roof stresses the importance of storing products in a cool, dark place to maintain their integrity. “Your kit isn’t just a collection—it’s your career. Organize it like it matters.”
Meet The Experts
- Grishan Roof is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and makeup artist and the founder of Depot Chopra.
