Most makeup wearers have encountered storage issues, whether it's a cluttered, chaotic bathroom drawer, an overflowing toiletry bag, or beauty products strewn across a vanity. If you don't have a designated place for your makeup, you could benefit from an organizational solution for tidying things up.
So, what are the best makeup organizers? "It definitely depends on the amount of stuff you currently own or the types of products you gravitate toward," says celebrity makeup artist Natalie Dresher. She recommends taking stock of what you have to determine what size and features you need. We rounded up a range of top-tier products for organizing cosmetics for your daily at-home makeup routine and on-the-go glam.
Our Top Picks
Best Features:
Best Large-Capacity:
Stackers Supersize Makeup Organizer at The Container Store$91
What We Like
Clear design makes it easy to find products
Several colors available
Lots of drawers and separated sections
What to Consider
Could be more durable
Material: Acrylic | Size: 14.25 x 9.25 x 6.25 inches
"I love acrylic," says Dresher, who recommends getting a clear makeup organizer so you can easily see everything and don't have to rummage through each compartment to find products. That's one reason we like this cosmetics case—but not the only one. With three large drawers on the bottom, four smaller drawers just above, and a detachable top compartment with sections for smaller items, you should have plenty of room for your entire makeup collection.
The tabletop design can go on your bathroom counter, vanity, or dresser and takes up only about half a square foot of space. This makeup organizer comes in several colors—from pink to black to retro brown—all of which are transparent.
What We Like
Very affordable
Midcentury-glam aesthetic
Rotating compartment
What to Consider
Somewhat small capacity
Material: ABS | Size: 13.6 x 5.8 x 5.6 inches
Looking for something more affordable? This makeup organizer won't run you more than $20. We love how the midcentury-meets-glam aesthetic has an oval shape, ridged sides, and splayed anti-slip legs. What's more, the taller circular compartment conveniently rotates. The capacity is on the smaller side, but you can still fit the essentials—and then some.
Best Features
LZDMY Makeup Organizer Storage Box
What We Like
Numerous compartments and sections
Designated lipstick storage
Space for tall bottles
What to Consider
Says "storage box" on front
Material: ABS | Size: 13.4 x 11.8 x 7.9 inches
We also like this thoughtfully made cosmetics case. The feature-rich design has two large drawers on the bottom, two lipstick storage compartments, and four smaller sections that rotate outward on hinges. Then the lidded top has spots for both tall bottles and smaller items like nail polish, and there's additional storage space on the bottom sides.
The only potential drawback is that the case says "storage box" in gold lettering on the front. This seems unnecessary but isn't a deal breaker for us.
What We Like
Stackable
Transparent for easy finding
MUA-recommended
What to Consider
Technically for shoes
Material: Plastic | Size: 11.75 x 6 x 3.25 inches
Dresher tends to go for clear acrylic or plastic organizers. "My favorite organizing hack for makeup is to get the small shoebox container drawers from The Container Store and store products by category in them," she tells Byrdie. This stackable drawer comes in other sizes, so you can mix and match to create your perfect storage solution for beauty products.
What We Like
Easy viewing and access to products
Rotates silently
Adjustable tray heights
What to Consider
Shelves don't always stay in their slots
Material: Acrylic | Size: 12 x 9 inches
Dresher likes spinning cases, especially those with room for brushes, like the Jiavarry Rotating Makeup Organizer. Like a lazy Susan for your vanity, this tabletop display turns 360 degrees for full access to your entire makeup stash without moving things around.
We appreciate that you can adjust the trays to different heights. Some reviewers have said the shelves don't always stay in place, but this shouldn't be an issue if you secure them with the included silicone rings.
What We Like
Minimalist appearance
Modular design
Removable dividers for palettes
What to Consider
Only comes in white
Some chemicals may cause cracks or discoloration
Material: Recycled plastic | Size: 10.50 x 9.75 x 7.25 inches
Prefer a more pared-down design? You might like this minimalist cosmetic organizer from Umbra. This makeup case has two drawers and multiple trays with removable dividers for eyeshadow and contour palettes. And it's modular, so you can stack and separate the pieces to meet your storage needs.
Though the only available color is white, the simple hue is undoubtedly versatile. And we think it complements the rounded corners.
Best Large-Capacity
Stackers Supersize Makeup Organizer
What We Like
Large bottom drawer
Sizeable upper caddy
Upright product storage optimizes space
What to Consider
Some chemicals may cause peeling
Material: Faux leather, PVC | Size: 9.1 x 7.5 x 7.1 inches
If you need something bigger, the Stackers Supersize Makeup Organizer might be your best bet. It has a large pull-out drawer at the base for things like palettes and spray bottles and a sizable open caddy on top. We like that the caddy has various sections and compartments to hold everything from makeup brushes and eyeliners to foundation, lipstick, blush—you name it. And you can store many products upright to optimize space.
What We Like
Compact with minimal footprint
Magnetic closure
Various compartment sizes
What to Consider
Only comes in one color
Material: ABS | Size: 7.7 x 7.3 x 4.7 inches
This compact organizer from Joseph Joseph is ideal for smaller makeup collections. It has a pull-out drawer on the bottom with magnetic closure—we love a good magnet. The upper caddy has both shallow sections for items like blush, lip products, and powders and deeper compartments to hold taller items like brushes and liners. We also appreciate that you can dismantle the parts for easy cleaning.
Best In-Drawer
Vtopmart 25 PCS Clear Plastic Drawer Organizers Set
What We Like
Customizable solution
Four tray sizes
Stackable trays
What to Consider
Will need to play around with configurations
Material: Plastic | Size: 4 sizes
If you prefer to keep your makeup collection out of sight when you're not using it, consider an in-drawer solution like this tray set. It comes with 25 trays in four sizes, so you can customize the pieces to fit in your drawer—Tetris-style. They can also be stacked, so if your drawer is deep enough, you can store less-used items on the bottom layer.
What We Like
Cushiony exterior protects products
Collapsible handle
MUA-recommended
What to Consider
May not fit entire makeup collection
Material: Nylon | Size: 10.2 x 6.2 x 4.9 inches
"I love pillowy, cushiony cases," says Dresher. She's particularly fond of Rare Beauty's Puffy Toiletry Bag because of its dual compartments and padded exterior which safeguard makeup while on the go. "The bottom compartment is perfect for storing brushes, while the top can hold all your travel makeup essentials." We like that it has a collapsible handle, which adds to its portability.
What We Like
Structured exterior prevents crushing
Removable magnetic brush holder
Mirror for on-the-go touch-ups
What to Consider
Mirror pocket stitching may loosen over time
Material: Faux leather, textile | Size: 9.5 x 7 x 4 inches
This travel organizer is structured to prevent makeup products from getting squeezed or crushed en route. It has two small zippered pockets and a removable brush holder that reattaches with magnets and doubles as a divider for the main compartment. There's also a handy mirror with its own pocket, but you can take it out if you don't need it and want to lighten your load.
What We Like
Compact yet spacious
Clear compartments prevent rummaging
Elastic loops for longer items
What to Consider
Clear sides may get smudgy
Material: PU, PVC | Size: 7.75 x 7 x 5.25 inches
For those who ride the train or bus to work or do their makeup at the gym, this train case from CalPak might be the way to go. The main compartment is clear, so you can see exactly where all your products are when it's zipped up. Inside are elastic loops to hold makeup brushes and mascara and a smaller zippered section underneath the lid. This carrier may be compact, but it can fit quite a lot.
What We Like
20 brush pockets
Sits upright on any flat surface
Fold-down sides for easy access
What to Consider
No handle
Material: Faux leather, cotton, polyester | Size: 9.5 x 9.5 x 5.25 inches
If you're a makeup artist or just someone who likes to travel with their entire makeup collection, you may want a designated carrier for brushes. We suggest this one from Parallelle, which has three adjustable compartments, six mesh pouches, and a whopping 20 brush pockets—that might be enough for each makeup brush to have its own spot.
Unfortunately, this carrier doesn't have a handle. But with a reinforced base and fold-down sides, it sits upright on any flat surface and offers easy access to all your tools.
Best Classic
Caboodles On-The-Go Girl Makeup Organizer
'80s and '90s nostalgia
Fold-out tray and mirror
Hard shell protects products
A bit bulky
Best for teens and tweens
Material: Plastic | Size: 13 x 8 x 6 inches
Caboodles were popular in the '80s and '90s among teens and tweens. But whether your draw to them is nostalgic or in appreciation for an era before you were born, they actually make pretty decent makeup organizers. Inspired by the—dare we say, very practical—tackle box, the Caboodle has a flip lid and a tray with an attached mirror that automatically folds out when you open it. The hard shell is a nice feature, as it protects your products within a gym bag or suitcase.
Lighted mirror for detailed makeup application
Unique modish design
Hidden compartment behind mirror
Charges with USB cable
Only one colorway
Material: Plastic | Size: 15.5 x 13 x 11 inches
This modish, egg-shaped makeup organizer had a moment on TikTok, and we can see the appeal. The clever design has three drawers on the bottom and a lighted LED mirror that gives you a better look at your face while applying glam. Not only that, but the mirror rotates to reveal an additional compartment that fits setting spray, perfume bottles, and other larger items you want to keep upright.
What to Consider When Buying a Makeup Organizer
- Home or On-the-Go Use: The first thing to consider when buying a makeup organizer is if you plan to use it at home, on the go, or both. Dresher is a fan of acrylic drawer-style organizers and spinning cases for at-home use. You can also get a tabletop system with various drawers, sections, and compartments. When traveling, Dresher recommends a padded case that protects the contents—whether in your backpack, suitcase, or gym bag.
- Size and Capacity: You'll also want to think about the size, not just in terms of how much makeup the organizer can fit but also where it'll go in your home. Some are ideal for bathroom counters or vanity tables, while others may need to be tucked away. "See what type of organizer will fit in your drawers or cabinet space to best optimize the area," says Dresher.
- Storage Features: Pay attention to the specific storage features. This may include drawers, an open caddy, fold-out sections, adjustable shelves, or removable dividers. Which of these will be most useful when organizing and accessing your products? "If you have a ton of lipsticks, then a lipstick holder would be a great addition to your makeup vanity," says Dresher. "If you have a ton of eyeliners, then maybe a long rectangular compartment would be best for you."
- Color and Style: Your makeup organizer might be out of sight in a cabinet or drawer, but if its permanent home is on your counter or vanity, consider it an accent piece. Look for something with aesthetic appeal that complements your existing interior design scheme. "I also always recommend clear makeup organizers," adds Dresher. "That way, things are more eye-catching, and you're going to use the products you own more."
FAQ
Are makeup organizers worth it?
If you wear makeup regularly and have a decent amount of products—or an expanding collection—then a makeup organizer is absolutely worth buying. For some people, a bathroom drawer or cosmetics bag will suffice, but having a designated spot for all your makeup items can make it easier to find things when you need them. This might cut down on your getting-ready time.
What makeup organizer is best for small spaces?
The best makeup organizer for small spaces might be a tall, narrow countertop option like a multi-tiered spinning case. A makeup bag with different pockets and sections can also work, and it can be moved around as needed.
How do you clean a makeup organizer?
To clean a makeup organizer, you'll need a solution of mild soap and water. Dampen a clean cloth with the soapy solution and gently scrub down the exterior and interior, getting into the corners of each compartment. Then dampen a cloth with clean water and wipe it down again to rinse away any soapy residue. A pre-moistened disinfectant wipe or cleaning cloth can also work—just be careful, as some chemicals could cause discoloration, cracking, or peeling.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers makeup, skincare, accessories, apparel, and lifestyle products. As a commerce writer specializing in travel, luggage, home goods, and organizational solutions, she's keenly familiar with what to look for when buying makeup cases and toiletry bags.
Meet the Expert:
- Natalie Dresher is a celebrity makeup artist based in Miami.