10 Beauty Storage Solutions

Image of Pamela Barksy pouch via Weheartit

In the words of Truvy from Steel Magnolias (aka the great Dolly Parton): “There is no such thing as natural beauty.” So where to stash all the stuff that helps you fake it? We collected storage ideas from the pro artists at New York’s Rouge Makeup Salon and other beauty gurus. Go forth and organize your gloss!

1. Divide and Conquer

Before we start, toss any mascara or liquid eyeliner that’s more than three to five months old. See? Already looking less chaotic! Then put essential products (the go-to stuff) in one make-up bag.“That keeps everything organized,” says pro Meirah Dunn. “Also, if I need to take my makeup with me anywhere, it’s already packed and ready to go.” (Consider the genius Lay N Go bags, which start flat and convert to travel-ready clutches.) As for your not-for-everyday make-up (like that teal shadow you purchased in the spring of 2010, which you should probably toss, by the way), store them in a separate bag.

Image via Pinterest

2. Go Clear

Meet the Muji acrylic container. It will change your life. Not only can you see your products, the case makes them look pretty enough to leave on a counter or dresser. (It’s also great for jewelry.)

Image via Pinterest

3. Brush up with a Mason Jar

"I decorate mason jars or flower vases and put marbles at the bottom to store my brushes and pencils,” says pro Asia Veriline. (Remember to always place brushes with bristles facing up, so they hold their form.) You can also use coffee beans to anchor the tools — maybe the smell will help wake you up in the morning?

Image via Pinterest

4. Hide the Uglies

There’s no way around it: Bulky hot tools are typically eyesores. “I keep mine under the sink, out of sight,” notes Veriline. Hang ‘em in a cabinet with Command hooks.

Image via Pinterest

5. Re-purpose a Rack

Dish or magazine racks make a great home for palettes. You do have palettes, don’t you? If not, get some! They’re a great (usually cheaper and more space-efficient) way to collect an array of eyeshadow, blush and lipstick colors that work for you.

Image via Kandeej

6. Put ‘em on Ice

If you prefer single eyeshadow pots to palettes, corral them in ice cube trays, why don’t you? It’s a cheap, simple way to access all of your colors. Bonus points: Organize them by shade.

Image via Pinterest

7. Use a Cookie Jar

The smarties at Daily Makeover figured out that cookie jars are an ideal spot for stray nail polishes. You can see all the colors at once! (Stow out-of-season shades in a shoebox under your bed.)

Image via Daily Makeover

8. Spice it Up

Basic spice racks (like the below from Ikea) make a lovely landing spot for nail polishes, perfumes and other beauty accessories. Plus, they allow you to go vertical, freeing up prized sink space.

Image via Pinterest

9. Doll Up a Drawer 

You can’t get much easier than a drawer organizer—and putting everything in its place is extremely rewarding.

Image via Lovethispic

10. Try a Tray

Image via styleathome

It’s trite because it’s true: A tray makes everything better, turning random objects into a real collection. Make the version above with this quick DIY project from Style at Home.