A cluttered space equals a cluttered mind. This adage rings especially true when it comes to your makeup drawer. Did you know the average woman spends over $1,200 on cosmetics annually? Yet, without proper organization, many of these products end up lost, damaged, or expired.
Step 1: Empty Your Makeup Drawer Completely
The first step to organizing anything is to see what you’re working with. Lay down a towel or cloth on a flat surface, then empty your makeup drawer entirely. Yes, every lipstick, compact, and stray bobby pin. This clean slate approach not only helps you see your full inventory but also allows you to clean the drawer thoroughly. A quick vacuum or wipe-down with a damp cloth will work wonders.
Step 2: Declutter Makeup and Discard Expired Products
Here comes the hard part—sorting through your collection. Ask yourself: Do I use this? Does it suit my skin tone or routine? Is it still safe to use? Use these makeup expiration guidelines to decide:
Mascara: 3-6 months
Liquid eyeliner: 3 months
Lipstick and gloss: 1-2 years
Powders and blush: 2 years
Anything expired, broken, or unused should be discarded. For gently used items in good condition, consider donating to local women’s shelters.
Step 3: Categorize Your Makeup for Easy Access
Divide your products into categories. Everyday essentials like foundation, mascara, and concealer go in one group, while less-used items like bold lipsticks or party eyeshadow palettes belong in another. This step sets the stage for a more intuitive drawer layout.
Step 4: Invest in Makeup Drawer Organizers
Investing in the right organizers is key to keeping your drawer tidy. For example:
Modular trays: Perfect for separating lipsticks, blushes, and brushes.
Expandable dividers: These adjust to fit any drawer size.
Clear bins: Great for grouping similar items while keeping everything visible.
Tip: Use drawer liners to prevent products from sliding and to add a touch of elegance.
Step 5: Optimize Makeup Drawer Layout for Accessibility
Place frequently used items front and center for easy access. Reserve the back or less accessible areas for items you rarely use. Consider labeling sections if you share your drawer with others or simply enjoy extra organization.
Step 6: Maintain Your Organized Makeup Drawer
Maintenance is crucial. Wipe down your drawer and containers monthly to keep dust and residue at bay. Clean your makeup brushes weekly (baby shampoo works well!) to avoid buildup that can harm your skin and prolong your brushes’ lifespan.
Pro Tip: Use Vertical Storage for Makeup Drawer Overflow
If you’re low on drawer space, don’t forget about vertical solutions. A small tiered organizer or stackable acrylic boxes can help store palettes, compacts, or backup products without crowding your primary drawer.
pe
Transform Your Makeup Drawer with Professional Home Organizer in Vancouver Area
Ready to tackle more than just your makeup drawer? At Organize by Flo, we specialize in creating harmonious, clutter-free spaces that fit your lifestyle. Whether you need help organizing your bathroom, kitchen, or entire home, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today and take the first step toward a more organized, stress-free life. Your dream space is just a call away!
With these tips, your makeup drawer will no longer be a chaotic catch-all but a functional and stylish feature of your daily routine. Let’s get organized!
I wear at least some make-up every day, but I doubt I spend $100/year on cosmetics. I guess I'm "below average" but man, $1200 is more than a rent check! Whoo! I only keep what will fit in my cosmetic bag: BB cream, blush, eye liner, two eyes shadows, blush and shadow brushes, mascara, and one of those eyebrow/eyelash combs. The only thing that doesn't fit is my little pot of loose face powder. My trick is to have a flat wicker tray with a pretty hand towel covering it, and then everything is laid out in the order I'll use it (like a surgical tray), and then put back in place before I pick up the next thing. Then,…
Organizing the make-up drawer can make days flow much better. Getting rid of the expired products or ones that don't look good creates space for the 'keepers.'
Your expiration chart is helpful, too. Often, we don't realize that make-up (like food) has a life. You can also use the sniff test. If a product doesn't smell right, it's best to let go, expired or not.
I am a big fan of the clear drawer organizers. They make the drawer look nice, and you can slide a label underneath a section if you want. Many years ago I got a vertical organizer... it holds makeup standing up on it's end, good for mascara, lipstick, etc. Lots of sections. When I moved, it didn't fit in my center drawer, which is shallow, but it works well in a pull-out cabinet that is next to it. Keeping all these little items organized is key. I honestly don't use much makeup, but I store other tiny things in this space. It does require periodic maintenance. I always forget how long mascara lasts!
These are all great tips to organize a make-up drawer and the maintenance. I can never remember when I bought a product so I took some advice from Sabrina. Now, I put the date on each product when I bring it home so I know when it will expire. I use a fine tip indelible marker. Without the date on each product things could live in my make-up drawer way past their expiration date!
Organizing make-up can be a time consuming job when there is a lot of products. I sometimes think that keeping certain products in one place eg night time creams near the sink for after you wash your face can be helpful. Although the products may not be all in one location, the way we usually say to organize, having smaller groups of items closer to the location you apply them may make it easier to keep them organized. All for your tips are great and will help to have an organized system.