Is there anything better than makeup storage that not only tidies, sorts and organises all your precious products but looks good too? No, we didn’t think so either.
It's the perfect time for a spring clean and maybe even a bit of a declutter. There's nothing better than finding ways to be a little savvier with our space. What's more, a tidy home is proven to boost mental health and even make you snack less!
For us as beauty junkies, that means spending hours on Pinterest looking for beauty storage ideas not to mention losing hours on Instagram and TikTok watching people sorting their makeup and skincare into perfectly organised and stored options. So much so that #makeuporganizer has had over one billion - yes, one billion - views on TikTok. And while we may not all be blessed with oodles of storage space in our bathrooms and bedrooms, by investing in some clever storage not only can you maximise the potential of whatever space you do have but by being able to see what products you have will not only mean you use them more regularly. And knowing which products you're stocked up on will prevent you buying new products you don't need as well as seeing when you need to stock up on your next best budget mascara or best cream blusher.
For the best storage solutions that both streamline our morning routines and create a beautiful, uncluttered living space read on.
1. On-the-go glam box: Beautifect Box in Nude, £279
Not a cheap option but a very practical one, especially if you move around a lot or don’t have a dedicated getting-ready spot. This gorgeous-looking carry-case opens up to reveal a distortion-free mirror that also comes with lighting on either side with five different modes and three brightnesses. There is no chance of having a makeup mishap on social media with this bit of kit as it will ensure your makeup is picture-perfect. The storage space isn’t the biggest, but then you do need to be able to carry it around with you as you’re paying for the portability with this plus the high-tech lighting but there’s enough room on either side for a full range of brushes, eyeliners and pencils as well as your other staples in the base.
2. Compact and concise makeup bags: The Flat Lay Co. Open Flat Makeup Jelly Box Bag, £19.99
All of the Flat Lay makeup bags are genius in their ability to store even the most substantial amount of products but where they really come into their own is opening up as they flatten out allowing you to see everything you've got in one go. No rummaging required. GTG Beauty Director SJ loves the box bags because she can stack them on top of each other so when space is limited you can max out how much product you can store away.
3. Rotating display organiser: Kacydi Rotating Turntable, £14.99
If you like to have all your products on display and to hand so you can use them rather than hidden away then this rotating turntable (or a lazy Susan if you want a slightly less glamorous description) could be just what you’re after. It’s deep enough to be able to get all your daily essentials (and more) in there and you can simply whizz it around to easily get to all of them. Plus it comes in quite a few aesthetically-pleasing tones.
4. Acrylic beauty storage: The Home Edit & iDesign at John Lewis £3.20 - £30
Images: thehomeedit.com
From £3 for a simple hook to £99 for an entire wheely trolley, you'll find every shape and size of stackable Perspex for your cleansers and shampoos. Shelfies never looked better and you'll never have to rummage for that mascara again. GTG's commercial projects manager and fashionista Catherine Fulwood is fully committed!
P.S. If you've got the bug, read The Home Edit, Conquering the Clutter With Style by Joanna Teplin and Clea Shearer, £16.70.
5. Muji Acrylic Drawers , from £1.45
When we visited Trinny Woodall's bathroom a couple of years back she showed up her 97 drawers full of makeup and skincare - and she's told us that since then that they've definitely multiplied. Her go-to is the classic Muji stackables and drawers, all clearly labelled with a digital label maker. For labelling, we love the Brother P-Touch £32
6. Amazon rotating makeup organiser tower, £26.99
A very organised friend sent this to our editorial director Victoria (above) after she saw the state of her bathroom. Victoria immediately bought a second one for the overflow in her bedroom. Very easy to assemble with adjustable shelves for big and small pots and brush holders; this is the perfect space and time-saving solution. As it's open storage it needs a dust every now and then, but worth it.
7. Under sink bathroom cubby hole organisers
Image: thehomeedit.com
If your ten-step skincare routine is beginning to crowd the bathroom somewhat, you’ll relate to the 80 per cent spike in Pinterest saves for ‘under-the-sink bathroom storage’. According to Pinterest’s home report, our bathroom focus is firmly on building in more room for an increasing array of products while keeping them fresh and dry. If you’ve dropped a considerable amount of cash on a serum or face mask, it figures that you’ll want to house it with care, and keeping said investments under the sink is both handy and out of the way at the same time. Storage needn’t be built-in either - from wrought iron shelves to lined woven baskets and linen hampers, creating an under-sink beauty stash doesn’t require actual building work. If you like drawers and open boxes as above, try Like-It Modular Plastic Storage, £13 upwards, from John Lewis.
8. Vintage trunks, luggage and baskets
Image: Amazon Fashion EU
As a counter to utilitarian acrylic storage, Pinterest details that saves for vintage trunks, luggage and baskets as storage have increased by over 160 per cent. Whether you’re keeping your brush collection in mini wicker basket or have stacks of makeup tucked away in a rose gold travel trunk (pins for ‘copper’ storage are up by 67 per cent), beauty storage as statement decor is a nifty multipurpose interior styling tip for small homes and flats in particular. Guests may never guess that the retro suitcase they’re sitting on contains all of your cosmetic worldly goods.
We love the statement hammered Habitat Galvanised Storage Trunks, £45
9. Plant pots and window boxes
Image: ApartmentTherapy.com
Pinterest analysts are noticing a 60s style ‘bring nature inside’ revival, from verdant green tiles (up 28 per cent) and leafy wallpaper to garden centre inspired storage. Think plant pots as makeup brush holders and terrariums full of lipstick. Even if your city flat has zero outdoor space, creating a horticultural feel is very much en vogue. Try this H&M Home Metal Window Box , £34.99 which simply hooks over your towel rail and a matching smaller Planter Box, £19.99 . Plenty of room for your makeup jars and a plant too.
10. Shabby chic drawers
If acrylic makeup storage is just a little too minimalist for your tastes, makeup artist Lisa Potter-Dixon 's solution will appeal. If you’re feeling really crafty, get upscaling some furniture and perfecting your calligraphy for labelling. Looks design mag worthy and takes care of all manner of beauty storage even if you’re a cosmetic hoarder like me.
11. Candle jars
When you’ve burned down your favourite bath candle , clean the jar out using boiling water (and possibly a scourer/ toothbrush), dry and use it to store everything from makeup brushes to hair grips to eyeliner. Unsurprisingly Diptyque (from £35) takes on this trend are much pinned and hashtagged, but everything from simple, clear glass to larger, louder, more ornate candle holders work a treat. Mix it up, and it’ll encourage you to down tools and chill in an effort to melt the wax away. By that logic, lolling in the bath/ on the sofa is essentially housework. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway.
12. Woven eco baskets: Dunelm Paper Rope Storage Baskets £6 for 3 and Dunelm Water Hyacinth baskets £35 for 2
There are plenty of plastic-free options. Woven baskets look homely and can be made out of anything from paper to water hyacinth.
13. Pretty fold-away crates: Spesh Crate, £18 for two
Image: Instagram @shannonrpeter
These pretty pastel folding crates are a good size, affordable really do practice what they preach - they collapse flat when you don't need them for easy storage. They come in a variety of colours if you like a 'system'. Beauty editor Shannon Peter is a fan.
MORE GLOSS: 25 actually fun ways to clean your makeup brushes