How to Organise A Makeup Drawer

Ever feel like your makeup drawer is more chaotic excavation site than beauty haven? Does getting ready in the morning involve a frantic search for misplaced essentials? Fear not, makeup enthusiasts! This comprehensive guide will be your roadmap to how to organise a makeup drawer effectively. By utilising a well-chosen makeup organiser and implementing smart storage techniques, you'll not only save precious time in your routine but also rediscover forgotten favourites and ensure your makeup is beautifully displayed and easily accessible. So grab your makeup and get ready to conquer the clutter with the power of makeup organisation!

Step 1: The Great Makeup Declutter

Before diving into organisational bliss, a ruthless decluttering session is key. Here's how to become a makeup Marie Kondo:

• Empty the Drawer: Take everything out, giving the drawer a quick wipe down. This allows you to assess the full battlefield.
• Toss the Expired: Makeup has a shelf life, just like food. Check expiration dates and toss anything past its prime. Mascara, for example, should be replaced every 3 months to prevent bacterial growth.
• Be Honest with Yourself: Do you really need 10 shades of nude lipstick? Be brutally honest about what you genuinely use and what's just collecting dust. Donate gently used items or recycle packaging where possible.

Step 2: Categorise Makeup and Conquer

Now that you have a leaner, meaner makeup collection, it's time to categorise. Here are some popular methods:

• By Product Type: Group similar items together – foundations with foundations, eyeshadow palettes with palettes, and so on. This creates a visual map for easy product location.
• By Use: Organise based on your makeup routine. Keep base products (foundation, concealer) at the front for quick access, and eye products (eyeshadow, mascara) behind.
• By Colour: This is a visually pleasing option, especially for eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks. Arrange them from light to dark or by colour family for a satisfying rainbow effect.

Step 3: Makeup Storage Solutions

Now comes the fun part: choosing the perfect storage solutions to house your categorised makeup. Here are some popular options:

• Acrylic Organisers: A classic for a reason! Clear acrylic allows you to see everything at a glance, while compartments keep things neatly separated. Tiered organisers maximize vertical space.
• Drawer Dividers: Adjustable dividers create custom compartments, perfect for lipsticks, glosses, or palettes. Consider expandable dividers to adapt to different drawer sizes.
• Makeup Trays: Keep frequently used items like foundation or setting spray readily accessible on a tray at the drawer's front. Rotating  makeup organisers allow easy access to items in the back.
• Upcycled Containers: Repurpose old jars, tins, or decorative boxes for a unique touch. Ensure they are clean and dry before storing makeup.

Step 4: Maximise Space and Maintain Order

• Utilise Vertical Space: Stackable organisers or a makeup organiser box make the most of limited drawer depth.
• Label Everything (Optional): For those with extensive collections, labelling organisers with categories can be a time-saver. Clear labels allow for easy identification.
• Embrace Compartmentalisation: Use small containers or organisers within drawers to further categorise items like brushes, lip liners, or cotton swabs.

Step 5: Brush Up on Brush Care

• Invest in a Brush Holder: Upright brush holders with separate compartments keep brushes organised and bristles from touching, preventing bacterial growth. Choose a brush holder that complements your storage solutions and vanity space. Consider a brush holder that can be easily cleaned to maintain hygiene.
• Regular Cleaning: Wash your brushes weekly with a gentle shampoo and air dry them flat on a towel. Deep clean occasionally with a dedicated brush cleanser for a more thorough clean.

Step 6: Maintain the Magic

An organised makeup drawer is a thing of beauty, but it requires upkeep. Here are some tips:

• Return Products to Their Place: Get into the habit of putting everything back after use. This prevents clutter from creeping back in and ensures you can easily find what you need next time.
• Regularly Re-evaluate: As your makeup collection evolves, so should your organisation system. Reassess and adjust categories or storage solutions as needed. Perhaps you've acquired new makeup necessitating additional compartments, or maybe a different organisation method better suits your current routine.
• Embrace the Purge: Conduct mini-decluttering sessions every few months to remove expired items or makeup you no longer use. This prevents your collection from growing unwieldy and ensures you're using products that are safe and effective.

Bonus Tip: Lighting is Key!

For flawless makeup application, good lighting is crucial. Consider adding LED strip lights to the underside of your vanity drawers or the mirror itself. This provides bright, clear light that eliminates shadows and allows you to see your makeup application accurately.

Your Organised Makeup Oasis Awaits

By following these steps, you can transform your makeup drawer from a disorganised mess to a beautifully curated space. Remember, an organised makeup drawer not only saves you time but also sparks joy (and flawless makeup application) every morning. So, grab your makeup bags, brushes, and a touch of organisational magic, and get ready to conquer the chaos!

The Art of Accessibility: Optimising Makeup for Daily Use

Beyond organisation, consider how you can optimise your drawer for daily use. Here are some additional tips:

• Create a "Grab-and-Go" Section: Allocate a designated area for your most frequently used items like foundation, concealer, mascara, and everyday lipstick. This allows for quick and easy access during your morning routine.
• Utilise Makeup Pouches: Keep travel-sized versions of your essentials in a makeup pouch for on-the-go touch-ups or overnight stays. This eliminates the need to rummage through your entire drawer and keeps essentials readily available.
• Embrace Double-Sided Storage: For deeper drawers, consider a drawer divider with hanging storage pockets on the back. This allows you to utilise the often-unused space behind the divider for storing palettes, brushes, or other bulky items, maximizing storage capacity.

Personalise Your Makeup Haven

An organised makeup drawer should not only be functional but also reflect your personal style. Here are some ways to personalise your space:

• Incorporate Decorative Touches: Add a touch of personality with decorative trays, trinket dishes, or small artwork.
• Embrace Wallpaper or Contact Paper: Line the bottom of your drawers with decorative wallpaper or contact paper for a pop of color or pattern. Choose a design that complements your vanity or bathroom décor.
• Display Favourite Items: Showcase your most treasured makeup items like a limited-edition palette or a vintage lipstick case on top of your drawer organisers.

Maintaining the Magic: Long-Term Strategies

Here are some long-term strategies to keep your makeup drawer organised:

• Schedule Cleaning Sessions: Dedicate a specific time, perhaps once a month, to wipe down organisers, clean brushes, and declutter any expired items. This regular maintenance prevents clutter from accumulating and ensures your makeup stays fresh and hygienic.
• Embrace New Products Strategically: Before adding new items to your collection, consider if they fit within your existing organisation system. Perhaps it's time to declutter an existing category to make space for the new arrival. This ensures your drawer doesn't become overwhelmed by new purchases.
• Inspire Yourself: Browse online makeup organisation inspiration for new ideas or storage solutions. Pinterest boards and makeup organisation tutorials can be a great source of inspiration to keep your organisation system fresh and functional.

Conclusion: A Final Touch

By following these steps, you can transform your makeup drawer from a disorganised mess into a beautiful and functional space that sparks joy every time you open it. Remember, organisation is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, personalise your system, and enjoy the time you save (and the compliments you receive) with your perfectly organised makeup haven.