It’s important to have an idea of how many products you own (along with general sizes), and you’ll want to have a rough idea of the dimensions of any drawer or flat surface you’re using.

If you have drawers, you want to ensure that the drawer organizers you’ve purchased aren’t going to be too tall or too wide!  You may want to work out how you can fit together multiple organizers together so you can get sizes that work for your products but also the space.

On a budget or want to recycle? You can reuse boxes from online orders or gift sets (often more decorative and sturdier cardboard without being a literal, brown cardboard box).  You can also take the box of many cosmetic items and cut it in half to store it–you can even glue them together to create your own drawer organizer (like for lipstick).  You can use scrapbooking paper or stickers to decorate a lackluster box to better suit your aesthetic!

Best Drawer Organizers for Makeup

I like more freestyle organization systems, as this allows me to adjust the use of any organizer on the fly.  If I have more glosses, I can store them in the same container I might use for eyeliners.

If you’re someone who acquires or declutters infrequently, having a more defined storage system (like an acrylic lipstick organizer) may be perfect.  If you’re a bit unsure, freestyle systems give you more flexibility to learn as you go and figure out how best to organize in a way that’s useful to you.

The Container Store Linus Drawer Organizers ($3.99 to $9.99) are my personal go-to.  I use these everywhere in my home.  I use a combination of the Shallow Drawer Organizers and Deep Drawer Organizers.  My pro-tip: REALLY measure and figure out the sizes you need, and if you need a lot, wait for a coupon for 15% off one item and buy a box of the size you need.

Here’s a breakdown of the various sizes and what I use them for…

• 3″ sq. (Shallow) — not recommended for makeup; works well for hair ties, rings, very small things
• 4″ sq. (Deep) — lipglosss, eyeliners, eyeshadow pencils, cream eyeshadows, lipsticks
• 3″ x 6″ (Shallow) — eyeliners, liquid eyeliners, lipglosses, lip balms, small compacts (think a MAC/Urban Decay eyeshadow)
• 6″ sq. (Shallow) — virtually anything! often use these for cream eyeshadows, larger bronzer/blush compacts, lipsticks (stood up), lipglosses (stood up)
• 6″ sq. (Deep) — same as the shallow version, just taller sides, and I use it similarly, though I often use this size for standing glosses or lipsticks up
• 4″ x 8″ (Deep) — a taller, slightly wider medium rectangle that is excellent for holding larger compacts, like eyeshadow quads, blushes and bronzers, etc. (MAC MSFs, Chanel quads, Dior quads all fit perfectly in this width); also excellent for lipglosses if you want to stand them up (taller sides)
• 3″ x 12″ (Shallow) — small compacts (most eyeshadow compacts fit, like Bobbi Brown, MAC, MUFE, UD), smaller blushes (MAC blushes fit, for example), lipsticks (stood up), lipglosses (stood up or lying down with two “sets” lying down with labels facing outward)
• 4″ x 12″ (Deep) — a longer version of the 4″ x 8″, it just holds more of the same; this is one of the sizes I use most often
• 6″ x 9″ (Shallow) — again, anything, as it’s a medium rectangle in size; I often use one of these for brands I don’t have a lot of products for, as I can fit an assortment of products together in it
• 6″ x 12″ (Shallow) — a larger version of 6″ x 9″–just longer–so it fits a slew of things; I use them often for cream and powder eyeshadows
• 6″ x 15″ (Shallow) — the largest rectangle-shaped drawer available; I don’t use this as it doesn’t fit my system (mine fits 12″ with about 3/4″ to spare)
• 4″ x 16″ (Deep) — a longer version of the 4″ x 12″ — as it is too long for my system, I don’t have any of these but they would work similarly to the others! Great for larger compacts, blushes, quads, palettes, etc.

Other Favorites:

• The Container Store Clear Storage Boxes ($1.89 to $21.99) are another personal-go to for all things organizing throughout my home.  I use these for larger items, like skincare and hair care.  I think these are less practical for someone who a few items; I use these for more bulk organizing for something like “100 liquid lipsticks I have to swatch someday” and less for products I want to use one-by-one (like in a vanity).
• The Container Store Clear Stackable Drawers ($12.99) come in a few sizes, and you can also purchase dividers (the best part about the system).  I like these for how they store product BUT I am not personally enthused over the feel and quality (they just feel very thin and squeak when I pull drawers out).  For The Container Store, I was ho-hum on them, but they are very functional… they’re just far noisier and thinner than anticipated.
• The Container Store Luxe Acrylic System ($7.99 to $29.99) is a modular system using acrylic pieces, including drawers, open units, and things like lipstick holders (see my review here).
• byAlegory Makeup Organizers ($9.99 to $22.99) are for those who either have smaller collections where spending $20 on a holder for a dozen lipsticks is acceptable or for someone who has a big budget and wants to go all-in on acrylic organizers.  I find acrylic organizers just get to be very expensive and aren’t as space-efficient for my personal needs (since I have a metric ton) but are gorgeous for those who more edited stashes or aren’t looking to maximize every bit of storage space.  I reviewed their various organizers extensively here.
• iDesign Onyx Organizers at Ulta ($9.99 to $39.99) — iDesign seems to be the same company that makes a lot of favorites, and if Ulta is more accessible, it might be a good option!

Best Makeup Organizers for Brushes & Eyeliners

First, you’ll want to determine whether you want to keep your brushes covered, protected, or on display.  Some are concerned about dust, while others fear a pet getting hold of a brush!  Others may prefer the convenience of having them reachable on top of a vanity.  What works well for brushes tends to work well for eyeliners, as they have similar length and diameter!

Covered Solutions

There are two major types here:  continuing to use drawer organizers, which allow you to keep your brushes tucked in a drawer (perhaps even a bin with a lid if you want to store on a shelf) or a brush roll, which is designed to hold a myriad of brush shapes and sizes.  The latter is really great for those who travel with their makeup, as it’s a compact, tidy solution and travel-friendly.

You can also try using pencil cases and soft, makeup bags to hold brushes, though I’ve found that this can sometimes result in larger, less-dense brushes getting misshapened.

• Brush Rolls — pricing varies, and my favorite place to shop for this type of solution would be on Etsy! (If you sew, you could even make your own.)
• Clochees and Bell Jars — these are domed, glass tops that can be used to protect more open-based solutions — perhaps you don’t mind leaving brushes open when in heavy use but want to keep them protected when on vacation.
• Glass Canisters with Lids ($9.99 to $19.99) which are often used for food storage can work well to visually see your brushes with the protection offered by the lid–I prefer ones that lift off for ease of use (make sure to measure the length of your longest brush and add some extra to give space; you’ll likely want something wide enough to easily pull a brush out of it, too).
• MyKitCo. My Brush Buddy ($48.00) has four sections to help divide tools for on-the-go use, and it’s easy to clean.
• Sephora PRO Brush Caddy ($24.00) works well for at-home (by having it open, you’ll get two “cups” effectively) or travel and stands up well on its own.
• Sephora PRO Easel ($32.00) has 32 slots for brushes and stands up like an easel. It’s kind of like the makeup lover’s brush binder.
• Smith Cosmetics Smithfolio ($96.00) is a well-crafted, leather case with three brush plates and a mesh pocket; it’s pretty much the ultimate, more indulgent solution for storing makeup brushes and/or eyeliners on the go.  This is what I typically use for travel (if it’s a longer trip).

Open Solutions

Anything that is cup-shaped effectively can work well as a brush or eyeliner holder/organizer.  This means pencil cups, glassware, barware, toothbrush holders, candle holders, empty candles, vases, mugs, utensil holders…

My recommendation is to find something that allows you to evenly divide brushes by function (e.g. eyes brushes in one holder, face brushes in another) or keep them all in one holder (so go for a wider holder).  It is ideal to have something that has enough height to support the weight and length of multiple brushes, too.

Pro tip:  If you want the fancy glass beads that are often found in brush holders, the only place I’ve found that’s really reliable has been here ($6.99 for 1lb. bag, and I find 1lb. bag works well for two glass tumblers).

• CB2 Cement Pencil Cup ($5.95) is a more industrial look and feel that isn’t as commonly seen, so I wanted to share it as a suggestion!
• CB2 Solid Brass Pencil Cup ($14.95) — gold, cylindrical pencil holder
• CB2 Swirl Coffee Mug ($9.95) — porcelain with gray swirls
• CB2 Tack Metallic Hurricane Candle Holder ($19.99) — black with gold accents
• Godinger Montery Glasses ($50.00 for 4) are tumbler glasses with an iridescent rainbow effect
• Lund London Nordic Triple Storage ($19.99) is an acrylic pencil holder with three compartments
• Poppin Pencil Cup ($5.99) is a square-shaped pencil holder with two compartments
• Remi Square Utensil Holder ($19.95) — ceramic, off-white utensil holder
• Target Glass Tumblers — there are a ton of different sizes, shapes, and price points, but I’ve bought all my clear glass tumblers from Target for my brushes!

Makeup Traincases

A traincase is a larger storage unit that holds everything, opens and expands in place, but then quickly folds back up for easy on-the-go traveling. They’re popular with makeup artists, but I found it essential when I lived in a college dorm and traveled home for the weekend or a holiday break.

Oh, and depending on your aesthetic, a tacklebox (for fishing!) may work just as easily, but with the accessibility of products via the internet, it’s a lot easier to find an array of traincases at lower price points these days.

• Caboodles Beige Train Case ($69.00) still relevant when it comes to organizing on the go and in a compact format!
• Creative Optinos Crafters Train Casee ($32.64) — this is one of an endless array of options on Amazon
• Sephora Large Traincase ($110.00) is a hard traincase that can be locked, making it particularly good for travel and shared spaces.
• Sephora PRO On the Go Traincase ($52.00) is not as heavy as full-on, metal cases and still has a lot of compartments for makeup.

Having a vanity is a luxury and gives one the space to apply makeup as well as to contain and/or display it. It also keeps makeup out of humid spaces, like a bathroom (which is usually not advocated but not always realistic).

If you’re fortunate enough to have more space and can create a dedicated area to house your collection in more furniture-like organizers, then a dedicated storage system might be the option you’re looking for!

A vanity is really no more than a table top, which may include a built-in mirror and a drawer or set of drawers, but it is a lot like a desk, too.  I find that “vanity” is often like the word “wedding” and can just add an upcharge for being a “vanity.” 

You can easily turn most desks into vanities by adding a mirror onto the wall or getting a standalone mirror to put on top of the desk.

Vanities + Desks for Makeup Storage

There’s a reason why you see a lot of Ikea makeup storage solutions on YouTube… they’re cheap, effective, and fairly accessible (at least in the US).  A makeup vanity is usually has a flat surface, room to slide a chair or stool under it, and has a mirror; it may or may not have drawers. The mirror might be attached.

This is why items that might be thought of desks also work well as a makeup vanity–the only modification they need is the addition of a mirror, which is easy and allows for customization. You could get a standalone mirror, like simplehuman’s Pro Sensor Mirror (a favorite of mine) or mount one on the wall (I actually have both — I use the standalone as a magnifying mirror and the wall-mounted one as my big picture view).

I personally use Ikea’s Besta Burs (mine is wider than what’s sold these days), which has two drawers and a glossy finish (super easy to clean).  I love mine, and the only complaint I have is that the drawers could extend further out to make accessing the back of the drawers easier. 

Here are some more classic vanity options available that should work in a variety of spaces. I’ve found that vanities have a smaller footprint than typical desks, so they have less depth (which you may or may not prefer) and aren’t as wide, which allows them to fit in more situations.

• Alexis Bathroom Vanity with Stool ($199.99) — attached mirror, two drawers, flat surface, and stool
• French Furniture Wood Vanity Set ($99.00) — attached mirror, single drawer, stool for small spaces
• Gloria Vanity Set ($303.99 to $328.99) — attached mirror, fluffy stool, visible shelf of storage, glass
• Vasagle Vanity Set ($133.39) — mirror flips up so provides a fully flat surface area for a part-time desk or work station while maintaining a smaller footprint

Here are thoughts on other Ikea desks that I think would work well for a makeup lover:

• Ikea Micke ($49.99 to $99.99); the smaller version would work well for tighter spaces, maybe a corner in a bedroom, for getting ready. It will not offer tons of storage but should hold some of your basics like face products, brows, a few blushes, etc. within its drawer.  The larger version is just about double the size, so it’ll offer a lot of area to spread out, which works in larger spaces, but it will be a poorer choice if you still need to fit actual storage units or drawers with it.
• Ikea Alex ($149.00) now comes in a desk-form with two pull-out drawers.  The Alex series is hugely popular for its drawer system, and if you like the look and feel of an Alex, you might actually prefer getting a standalone table top and laying it across two Alex drawer-units instead of the desk, which would work for smaller stashes and those with more space.
• Ikea Linnmon / Alex ($126.99) is exactly as I mentioned: Alex drawers with a tabletop, though this system has two legs on the right side with the drawers on the left. I’ve seen many set-ups that have drawers on both sides.  I use an Ikea tabletop with legs as my photography table and find it has held up extremely well over the years (at least five).  This version would work well for someone with lots of space or who wants their vanity to double as their work space (as an actual desk).
• Ikea Knotten ($159.00) is a standing desk, available in white and birch, with two open shelves and small drawers. This would work well for someone who prefers to stand and do their makeup and is tight on space. It is not going to be the most effective for storing all the products but would work well for someone who has less (or more storage space elsewhere) and wants to display their products.

For those who are looking for more stylish pieces, here are some stunning options:

• CB2 Avalon Desk ($699.00) includes three drawers with a gold-hued base
• CB2 Drommen Desk ($599.00) is a wood desk with two tiers for good display and accessibility of items
• CB2 Fullerton Modular Desk with 2 Drawers ($1,640.00) is a stunning option for those who have larger budgets and would work well for storing a mix of larger and smaller products in the drawer units (but pay attention to the larger bottom drawers and how they’d work for your purposes–good for hair dryers, body lotions but not so much for lipstick!).
• CB2 Runway Acacia Wood Desk ($499.00) is very similar in look and feel to the Micke but is a more expensive option that may be more aesthetically pleasing to some.

Bookshelves as Vanities (and Storage!)

Bookshelves double as excellent storage solutions that display makeup well (for easy access of your favorites!) and often come in shelf/desk hybrids for those who like to sit or enable those who prefer to stand to do so.

I think they’re a good fit for those who have items they really want to arrange and display in a more aesthetically-pleasing manner and/or prefer to stand while doing their makeup or may do more of their application in a separate area (like the bathroom).

Here are some options:

• 45MInSt 5-Tier Bookcase ($189.99) — I have something very similar and use it to hold various makeup organizers, bins, etc.
• CB2 Helix Walnut Desk ($249.00) — two shelves and a desk section for the more minimal beauty lover
• CB2 Helix Bookcase with Drawers ($499.00) — two shelves, plus a lower section with flat surface and two drawers
• CB2 Helix Bookcase ($219.00) — includes four, open shelves (I see this unit in backgrounds often!)
• CB2 Tesso Bookcase ($349.00) — available in a mix of glass and metal (black, silver, or brass) with five shelves is sleek, slim, and perfect for standing

Dressers as Standing Vanities + Makeup Storage

For those with larger stashes, dressers might provide the necessary storage space while also keeping things tidy. For the majority of the products I’ve kept, I keep them in large dressers that have a lot of drawers (16 each!).

Dressers are an excellent choice for someone who has a lot of larger items–say a lot of haircare, hair tools–or has a larger collection. It is also good for someone who wants everything to look tidy but isn’t known for keeping their things tidy, so being able to tuck everything away in drawers maintains an illusion of tidiness to your guests!

The downside to dressers is that they can encourage over-purchasing, since they often hold more, and it can be harder to see what you have at a glance. If you’re someone who needs to see what you have to use it, this might not be the best option.

Dressers also come in a lot of different heights and widths, so they are versatile; they can fit in a lot of space sizes and vary as much as our individual heights can (for those who like to stand and do their makeup).

I use the Ikea Besta drawer system, which is extremely customizable, and I ended up customizing to have 16 drawers in high-gloss black–they were not inexpensive but have held up through four moves (and I’ve moved with the makeup IN those drawers!).

The Ikea Alex system is also very, very popular as office storage as well as for makeup storage. It comes in different heights, and it works well tucked under a wider desk.

I like them but find that some of the drawers are too short for my preference (part of why I prefer my Bestas!) but they work just beautifully for most collections–if you are a big lipgloss lover, you’ll need to store those laying down in most instances!

Organizing your collection makes sure that you’ll know what you have, and it should give you a better sense of what you love, what you like, and what hasn’t worked out for you (the latter being products you could declutter!).

My own collection has evolved from personal to ever-growing to certainly one of the larger collections on the planet (surely, right?), and I’ve learned a lot about makeup organization over the years.  The less organized I am, the messier everything gets, and even with as much organizing as I do, there’s still at least one makeup item in just about every room in my house.

1. Take Inventory of What You Have

When you start an organization process, it’s important to assess what products you have, how much you expect you may add to your collection over time, where you’ll store everything, how you prefer to access or look for products, what you’ll use to keep everything sorted/organized, and so on.

We highly recommend using our Vanity tool to do a full inventory of the products you own! It makes it easier to track what you have.

2. Declutter Your Makeup Collection

The art of decluttering is really getting in touch with YOU and YOUR needs.  I can tell you why I declutter something, but it won’t necessarily apply to you.  Here are some questions to get you thinking about your needs, if you’re still figuring it out:

• Why do I use makeup? How do I use it?  Is it functional? Is it creative?
• What products do I use regularly? What products can I recall off the top of my head?  Which ones do I never use?
• Will I really wear something that is outside my “comfort zone” or do I just like the idea?
• If I never use X product, why am I keeping it? What purpose is it serving?

The easiest way to declutter is simply by getting rid of older products that are expired/turned/gone bad.  I highly recommend checking older products for viability and whether any of them have gone past their usability, like dried out eyeliners or old mascaras or lipsticks that have lost their scent. 

Whether you follow the strict use-by guidelines or go by changes in smell, texture, etc., when you start to organize or reorganize, it’s a good time to make sure you’re putting away and keeping products that are still usable!

For some categories of gently used beauty products, you can donate them to places like Project Beauty Share, which accepts mailed in donations as well.

You can also call around to local non-profits, and it may take awhile to find one that will accept gently used (most require new products), but you never know.  You’ll want to donate products that can be sanitized (so not mascara, lipgloss, etc.) and are in good (almost new!) condition.  Donating is about passing something on to have a better life in someone else’s hands, not a way to dispose of trash.  If it can’t be donated, see if you’re able to remove any product to be able to recycle the packaging.

When it comes to the harder part of decluttering, a lot of it is learning to let go of products that you don’t use, whether it’s because you don’t like them, they’re poor quality, or you like other products better, and that can be an emotional journey, which can be harder for some. 

Decluttering is important when the amount of products you have gives you negative feelings; it’s not about being a minimalist or using up everything you own–it’s about enjoying what you have.  Only you can decide how much is right for you, and it’s not a competition to see who can have the least or have the most.

• If a product is poor quality and you have a better quality option, why are you keeping the poor one?  Why would you choose to use an inferior product when you have a great version at the ready?
• If you never wear red lipstick, why do you have five of them?  Why not keep the best one for your coloring? (Maybe make a point to wear it, even if it’s just around the house!  Or try dabbing it on as a wash/light stain.)

I heartily recommend checking out r/MakeupRehab for more support if you’re struggling with your collection, buying habits, and/or letting things go.

3. Organize by How You Use It!

Think through your makeup routine from the types of products you use most often to how you apply them to how you decide what to wear when you wear makeup.  It’s often easiest to organize your collection once you have an idea of how you think about products to look for.  If you have a great memory and remember products by name, then organizing by brand/formula/shade may make sense, but if your memory doesn’t keep space in it for names, it may make more sense to organize by something like color or finish or function.

Products you use more often should be the easiest to access at any given point, so that might mean making your go base products like primer, foundation, and powder nearest and altogether, rather than grouped by type (like all foundations together). 

If you tend to have “everyday” or “work-safe” products and “weekend” products, having them separated in this fashion will make it easier to pull from for the occasion.  It’s not a bad way to organize one’s products by putting some “special occasion” colors together so that when the occasion occurs… easy!

For example, here’s how I think about my own use and how I have things setup on my end, which likely will not apply to you but may give you an idea of the thought process and what drives the how of organization! 

As I spend the bulk of my time trying new products, there are only a limited number of basics that I keep ready, such as foundations that work well for me, a few lip colors that can go with a variety of cheek colors when I’m swatching 10 in a row, blush/highlighter shades that go well with a variety of lip colors when I’m swatching 30 in a row, and then some of my favorite products that I’ll wear if I get a moment. 

I tend to remember formulas and some shades, so I organize most of the products I have (that aren’t as readily accessible) by brand and formula–I’ve found that I’m more apt to think “I want this one red shade by Bite…” or “I want to wear a Pat McGrath LuxeTrance…”

4. Create the Space for Your Collection

Now that you’ve figured out what you’ll need to organize and have a roadmap for how it should be organized, you’ll want to make sure you have the appropriate area for it all, whether that’s a new area or an existing area. 

This can be a makeup traincase, for easy on-the-go storage, which was my preferred solution when 1) I had a smaller collection, and 2) when I was attending college, as it made it easy to take everything with me when I went home for holidays or summer vacation.

If you have more space, you might be able to create a dedicated space with your own vanity. A vanity is really a flat surface with a mirror, so it can timeshare as a work desk and vanity with a mirror mounted on the wall or a standalone mirror. You can use writing desks, vintage vanities, desks, dressers, bookshelves, and what have you.

If you like to stand to do your makeup, I’d recommend using the top of a taller dresser or a tall bookcase with adjustable shelves.

What types of organizers and what might be practical will usually be dictated largely by your space.  You might have to think vertical or outside-the-box to make smaller spaces work, but there are so many ways to organize one’s stash, regardless of space!

Next: Best Makeup Organizers / Best Makeup Vanities & Desks.

ByAlegory Organizers are acrylic containers designed to fit various types of makeup. They have a range of sizes/types of organizers, and I picked up one of almost all (they came out with another style after I bought mine) to take a look at, see how they fit different types of makeup, and of course, to share that information with you. In general, I think these types of organizers are great for someone with a stash that will fit them OR for storing go-to/daily products, but if you have a lot of product, acrylic organizers add up quickly!  The acrylic felt sturdy and scratch-resistant enough for regular use; it didn’t feel cheap or thin.  They can be used vertically or horizontally, though I’ve shown them all horizontally (or flat, if you prefer). The organizers are available in different colors, as well, which isn’t as common with acrylic systems: Clear, Pink Clear, Purple Clear, Black Clear, White Solid, Black Solid.

Worth noting, since I bought these, I have seen the brand have regular sales/incentives, so there is that to watch for, and they are sold through Amazon Prime (also known as one of the best things ever), which is where I purchased all of mine.

ByAlegory Lipstick Organizer ($14.89) is a short, long tray with three columns (eight slots each for a total of 24 slots) designed to hold lipstick. It measures 8.6″ in length, 3.5″ in width, and 1.4″ in height with 0.85″ interior compartments. It holds a variety of lipsticks across many brands, and the wells are deep enough to keep most sizes upright, though they could easily extend the height by a half of an inch to ensure greater stability across some of the slimmer-style tubes. Things that fit: A lot of lipsticks (I tried Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Dior, MAC, NARS, Urban Decay)

ByAlegory Oversized Lipstick Organizer ($12.99) is a smaller, rectangular-shaped tray with three columns (four slots each for a total of 12 slots) designed for larger-shaped tubes. It measures 5.19″ in length, 4.02″ in width, and 1.18″ in height with 1.02″ square, interior slots. The standard lipstick organizer fits a fair number of brands, but more square-shaped and decorative tubes tend not to fit, so this is the option for storing those. Things that fit: Tom Ford Lipstick (full-size), Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick, Buxom Lipstick, Marc Jacobs Lovemarc Lipsticks, Givenchy Le Rouge, Guerlain Rouge Automatiques (if you have label facing up, the slider won’t fit in the standard holder), YSL Rouge Volupte Lipsticks

ByAlegory Lipgloss Organizer ($23.99) is designed to fit taller, narrower tubes of product. It measures 8.6″ in length, 3.5″ in width, and 3″ in height with .85″ square, interior slots (you’ll want to measure from the widest point of the lipgloss/product that will be in the container). It can hold up to 24 items. It definitely accommodates lipgloss well, but it can also house liquid lipsticks, eyeliners, lip liners, thinner-handled brushes (probably not your favorite face brushes, but most eye brushes fit fine in it). This was one of the most versatile units that I tried; I felt like there was little in the way of “tube-shaped things” that wouldn’t fit. Things that fit: Most liquid lipsticks (including Kat Von D, ColourPop, Anastasia), most lipglosses (I couldn’t find a formula that didn’t fit), eyeshadow pencils, lipstick crayons, most face brushes (even some of my thicker Marc Jacobs face brushes fit in easily)

ByAlegory Cream Shadow Organizer ($13.99) is a short tray with square-sized compartments designed to fit small compacts and pots. It measures 11″ in length, 5″ in width, and 0.75″ in height with interior compartments of 2″ in length and 2″ in width. The tray is really short, so it works well for short drawers and spaces. The organizer is ideal for someone who likes to store their products and visually be able to see the color/shade instantly. Smaller gel eyeliners and cream eyeshadows fit with some space around them, so they shift a little in their respective compartment. I wish each compartment was a little wider, perhaps 2.25″ as it fell just shy of holding smaller-sized blushes (Clinique Cheek Pops) and larger eyeshadows (like MAC Mineralize Eyeshadows, MAC Large Eyeshadows, Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadows).  It is a shallow tray, so while you can keep things on their side, it doesn’t feel quite as secure as would be ideal, but if you keep yours in a drawer and aren’t moving the trays often, it could work. Things that fit: ColourPop Blushes barely(!) fit, MAC Paint Pots, MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pots, MAC Fluidlines, Chanel Illusion d’Ombres, ColourPop Super Shock Shadows, L’Oreal Mono Eyeshadows, Illamasqua

ByAlegory Eyeshadow Organizer ($19.99) is a two-column tray (16 slots in all) designed for smaller compacts, like eyeshadow. It measures 8.6″ in length, 4.73″ in width, and 1″ in height while each compartment’s interior dimensions are 2″ in length, 0.86″ in width, and 0.78″ in height. It’s a smaller organizer, and it really does seem to fit primarily single eyeshadows best; anything blush-size doesn’t fit and some of the more rounded compacts sit a little higher in the compartment but are close enough to fitting that it isn’t a concern (it would be if these were stacking or you had a very short drawer you were putting these into). Things that fit: MAC Mineralize/Large Eyeshadows, NARS Single Eyeshadows, NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadows, MAC Eyeshadows, Burberry Eyeshadows, ColourPop Super Shock Shadows, Urban Decay Eyeshadows, Milani Eyeshadows, L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows

ByAlegory Palette Organizer ($29.99) is a larger, customizable organizer that can have up to eight distinct compartments, but you can remove the dividers to create larger compartments if desired, and you can fit more than one palette in each slot (even as-is) depending on the thickness of the palettes you’re putting in it. It measures 9.75″ in length, 9.5″ in width, and 2.7″ in height with interior compartments measuring 1″ in length, 8.6″ in width, and 2.3″ in height.  I love that there’s some ability to customize here, which at least lets you stack even more palettes (say all your Nakeds) together if desired.  You can also double or triple up for slimmer palettes.   They’ve also released a Small Palette Organizer ($25.99). Things that fit: Any palette that is shorter than 8.6″, as the width can be customized and each compartment is larger than almost all palettes (except a few bulky holiday mega sets); notably, Natasha Denona palettes were just a little too long to fit.

ByAlegory Compact Organizer ($19.99) is a short, single-column tray that can hold eight slim compacts. It measures 8.6″ in length, 3.5″ in width, and 2″ in height with interior dimensions of 2.95″ in length, 0.90″ in width, and 2″ in height for each slot. This is more accommodating for most blushes but doesn’t quite fit larger products like MAC Beauty Powders/Mineralize Skinfinishes perfectly (they sit about a half inch above the bottom of the compartment). Things that fit: MAC Mineralize Blush, Chanel Blush, Burberry Blush, Clinique Cheek Pops, MAC Blush, NARS Blush, Tarte Blush, theBalm Blush, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors

ByAlegory Oversized Compact Organizer ($24.99) is a large tray with two columns with five slots each (10 in total) designed to hold larger compacts. It measures 10″ in length, 8.5″ in width, and 2.6″ in height with each compartment’s interior dimensions being 3″ in length, 1.75″ in width, and 2.16″ in height. This is the most free-form of their offerings, as the larger slots can store a slew of products, from small to large, tall to short.  What’s nice about this one is that you can use it for larger compacts, as intended, or you can adjust and store different parts of your everyday routine in it as well. Things that fit: Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Blushes, Slimmer Palettes, MAC Eyeshadow Quads (and most other eyeshadow quads), Loose Powders, Foundation Bottles, Perfume, MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes, Physicians Formula Powders

ByAlegory Eye/Lip Liner Organizer ($19.99) is designed to fit very tall, narrow cylinder-shaped products, like eyeliners and lip liners. It measures 5″ in length, 2.16″ in width, 2.16″ in height with two interior-sized slots–20 0.34″ round slots and 6 0.50″ round slots. Of all the organizers, this was the least useful to me; I think the slots are a little tight for some eyeliners with caps (a lot of eyeliners have the colored end/label on the end, not the cap-side).  It worked well for holding most eyeliners, most eye brushes, larger eye crayons, and smaller face brushes (a lot of my Japanese cheek/highlighter brushes fit). Things that fit: Most pencil liners (Urban Decay, Sephora, Stila, Marc Jacobs, MAC, Zoeva, Tom Ford, Chanel, Illamasqua), NYX Jumbo Pencils (in large slot only), brushes (with narrower tapers–a lot of eye brushes fit no problem in the larger slots, smaller face brushes)

See more photos!

ByAlegory Organizers

ByAlegory Organizers

ByAlegory Organizers

ByAlegory Lipstick Organizer

ByAlegory Lipstick Organizer

ByAlegory Lipstick Organizer

ByAlegory Lipstick Organizer

ByAlegory Oversized Lipstick Organizer

ByAlegory Oversized Lipstick Organizer

ByAlegory Oversized Lipstick Organizer

ByAlegory Lipgloss Organizer

ByAlegory Lipgloss Organizer

ByAlegory Lipgloss Organizer

ByAlegory Lipgloss Organizer

ByAlegory Cream Shadow Organizer

ByAlegory Cream Shadow Organizer

ByAlegory Cream Shadow Organizer

ByAlegory Cream Shadow Organizer

ByAlegory Cream Shadow Organizer

ByAlegory Eyeshadow Organizer

ByAlegory Eyeshadow Organizer

ByAlegory Eyeshadow Organizer

ByAlegory Palette Organizer

ByAlegory Palette Organizer

ByAlegory Palette Organizer

ByAlegory Compact Organizer

ByAlegory Compact Organizer

ByAlegory Compact Organizer

ByAlegory Oversized Compact Organizer

ByAlegory Oversized Compact Organizer

ByAlegory Oversized Compact Organizer

ByAlegory Oversized Compact Organizer

ByAlegory Eye/Lip Liner Organizer

ByAlegory Eye/Lip Liner Organizer

ByAlegory Eye/Lip Liner Organizer

Shopping for an acrylic makeup organizer? Hopefully this post will have you covered! I reviewed, stuffed, and critically eyed four systems: Muji 2-Drawer ($25.25), Muji 5-Drawer ($27.95), The Container Store’s Luxe Acrylic Modular System ($109.95), and Sherrieblossom’s Icebox ($415.00). It was important to me to see how the highest, more luxury-priced system compared to a more affordable system, because then I can tell you with confidence whether something is worth it or not, or where the trade offs are.

Full Reviews

Click the links below to view the full review for each system along with more photos.

• Muji 2-Drawer ($25.25)
• Muji 5-Drawer ($27.95)
• The Container Store’s Luxe Acrylic Modular System ($109.95)
• Sherrieblossom’s Icebox ($415.00)

It’s hard to compare the pricing of each system at a total unit cost, because each unit is a different size. I tried to take the equivalent of one, full-span drawer and its interior space, which is really what matters. I looked at the price per drawer and calculated the square inches in each drawer, which gives you an idea of the drawer’s space for a single layer of product, as it ignores the vertical space that exists but may not be used. I also took the volume of the interior of each drawer in cubic inches to get a price per cubic inches, which accounts for the ability to layer or stack products. For both measurements, keep in mind that it is very difficult to fully use every single inch of space, but it is a more helpful way to compare across the units, I think, that is more objective.  (I really hope I did all the calculations right!)

Muji 2-Drawer ($25.25) is going to be your worst-value proposition, as each drawer is typically too short to layer products but tends to be a little too tall for a really efficient single layer drawer. However, for storing makeup brushes like fluffy face and cheek ones, it is ideal, as it gives enough height for the brushes to slide in and out without getting caught, whereas the shorter 5-Drawer may be too short. The best aspect of the 2-Drawer system is that it should stack the best, so as you grow, it can grow and stack nicely. I would eye the use of this very, very critically and see if you are storing products that would really fill up the height well or if the shorter 5-Drawers would work just as well for you.

• Best For:  Large/Face Makeup Brushes, oversized eyeshadows or blushes, thicker palettes
• Pros:  Designed to be stackable, so good for expanding collections; drawers slide on well, low entry cost
• Cons:  Costly for the space you get, not tall enough to layer most products but taller than a single layer of most products, may be hard to see in person, more prone to scratches
• Where to Buy: Muji

Muji 5-Drawer ($27.95) is the best bang for your buck when it comes to displaying products in single layers. I also found the width of it to be slightly better for the majority of items I tried–things just fit better across with less wasted space. It could be deeper, as could the 2-Drawer, by an inch or two and be more efficient for makeup storage. The drawers slide on easily, full extend or can be removed and placed like trays on a surface, so it’s easy to access any part of your stash. Each drawer is shorter, so something like a foundation bottle will not fit, but it is ideal for blush, lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliners, eye brushes, lipgloss, etc. stored flat in a single layer. It is the cheapest for storing products as a single layer.

• Best For: displaying products as a single layer — eyeshadows, lipsticks, gloss, blush, eye brushes, most palettes
• Pros: Affordable/good price per sq. in., drawers slide in and out well, sturdy enough for most uses
• Cons:  More prone to scratches, less stackable (rubberized feet, but you should be able to stack one more on top and keep heavier items in the bottom one), may be hard to see it in person
• Where to Buy: Muji

The Container Store’s Luxe Acrylic Modular System ($109.95) consists of components so you can build your own system, so the one I purchased cost $109.95, but the pieces range from $11.99 to $29.99, so the actual cost will depend on what components you select (I made some combination recommendations here). I really liked that there was an option for a taller size, which would allow you to store quads, palettes, blushes, powders, and lipsticks vertically; the latter is more important to me, because labels facing upwards is my preferred way to find lip products. However, the tall is not tall enough for lipgloss (not even MAC Lipglass, which is a shorter gloss). Makeup storage systems are so dependent on very personal factors: 1) what you own, 2) how you use and reach for your makeup, and 3) how much you own, which is why the customization aspect of the height and width of the drawers is a huge advantage of this system. The major downside is that the drawers are flush with the exterior, so you can sometimes hear the drawers squeak as it rubs against the base, and if the drawers slid out more like the other three systems, it would be near perfect.  I felt like this was storing endless combinations and types of products, and things tended to fit well without having to offset a lot.

• Best For:  versatility, you can store the greatest type and amount of products across the various sizes; form and function (higher quality than Muji but lower initial investment cost compared to Icebox)
• Pros:  customizable/versatile as you can select your components to best fit your stash and how you use/reach for products, quality acrylic, ability to see it in-store (to a degree; not everyone will be close enough to a location), stores a lot, enough weight to keep everything in place, easily expanded or rearranged as needs change (can also easily be repurposed for other things if you decide one component doesn’t work as well)
• Cons:  drawers are flush with the exterior holder portion, so they don’t slide as smoothly as the other systems; possibly overwhelming on how to choose your components (they should create some “buy it all” combinations)
• Where to Buy: The Container Store

Sherrieblossom’s Icebox Wide ($415.00) (provided as a press sample) seemed to have the highest quality of the four systems I tested. Muji’s acrylic is the thinnest at 2mm on its drawers, while Container Store’s was 3mm; Icebox had 5mm, so significantly thicker and more durable. It was also the one that looked the best after sustained use, and it had a clearer, more crystal-like quality to it. To me, this one is only worth getting if you really need the size (it’s quite large) AND you expect to layer your products, because then you can maximize the vertical space of each drawer. As it is a single unit, it is sturdier than the Container Store’s option. For storing single layers of product, there is a lot of wasted vertical space in each drawer. I also highly recommend the Skinny over the Wide, because the top section is 5 inches in height for more versatility, if going with this option. My favorite part about this system was how well each drawer slid out (they also can be removed) and inclusion of inserts for dividing up the space of each drawer. I think the functional use of space could be improved, even the quality of the unit is high.

• Best For:  layering products — the two inch drawer height begs you to layer your products, can also store the average single eyeshadow on the side, which may be practical for more “long term” storage, or for someone who wants a higher quality acrylic
• Pros:  high quality acrylic that’s very clear, thick, and sturdy; single unit means it is sturdier and the thicker acrylic contributes a lot of weight even when empty; drawers slide beautifully in and out, hinged lid enables you to use the top section without height restraints, inserts enable you to divide the wide drawers into compartments
• Cons:  price (high investment cost and still expensive on a price per square inch/cubic inch basis), lower accessibility, will have a lot of wasted vertical space if you don’t expect to layer products
• Where to Buy: Sherrieblossom

I personally found the The Container Store’s Luxe Acrylic Modular System to work best for storing makeup overall.  Its strength is that aspect of customization and that made it the most functional for me.  It’s not a cheap system, but it can be built in stages or as your needs expand, so you can spread the cost out over time.  I also really liked the Muji 5-Drawer and think it is an excellent solution for storing products in single layers with little wasted space, and the best part is that it ended up being the most cost-effective of the four systems.  Between the two, I highly recommend considering how you currently store your products; do you want them all laid out, do you want to store anything vertically, and so forth.  I don’t think anyone who’s housing their stash in acrylic organizers is throwing the units across the room, and the Mujis are plenty sturdy for sitting on a desk or vanity.

Acrylic organizers are best suited for stashes that fit inside one entirely, or for storing your favorites, essentials, or current rotation.  I think that an organizer on top of an Ikea Alex drawer unit (9-drawer is the most popular and costs $129) is an excellent solution that’s clean, looks good, stores a lot, but it offsets some of the cost of housing bulkier products or ones you don’t reach for as often by using the Alex for that purpose.

What do I use for storing makeup?  First, keep in mind that I have an archive of makeup, so my storage needs are extremely high.  I’ve gone through various systems over the years, but I’ve been happy with my current solution for the last four years.  I use a 16-drawer Ikea Besta unit with high gloss black drawer fronts, which you can see here, and I have three of them; this is the more permanent, long-term storage, and I use organizers within each drawer to maximize space and still be able to find things (this post details what I use).  They don’t sell the Besta frame I use anymore, but they have a single column frame (as well as smaller frames), which runs you $70, plus the cost each drawer and front (this is where it gets pricey).  Mine were $560 each, but the height of the drawers was more effective for me compared to Alex 9-drawers, as I can stand lipglosses vertically.  I use a Besta Burs (70″ version) as my vanity, and it has two pull-out drawers; it is not particularly efficient for storing products (and I hate that the drawers don’t fully extend), but it’s narrow and perfect for me as I keep the majority of makeup stored on the Besta units and only keep things like foundation, favorite blushes, and so forth in the vanity.

See more photos!

Muji 2-Drawer Acrylic Drawers

Muji 2-Drawer Acrylic Drawers

Muji 2-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 24 x MAC Lipsticks

Muji 2-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — Brushes

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 23 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 12 x NARS Blushes

The Container Store Luxe Acrylic Modular System

The Container Store Half Short Luxe — 14 x NARS Lipglosses

The Container Store Wide Medium Luxe — 35 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows (plus four on the side)

The Container Store Half Tall Luxe — 70 x NARS Audacious Lipsticks

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 24 x MAC Blushes (Grid Insert)

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 4 x NARS Blushes, 5 x ColourPop Super Shock Cheeks,
8 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows (per layer), 8 x MAC Lipsticks, 8 x NARS Lipglosses,
2 x Make Up For Ever Artist Palettes (Grid Insert)

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 36 x NARS Lipglosses + 8 x NARS Blushes (Slide Insert)

My personal system: Ikea Besta Burs 70″ High Gloss White Vanity

My personal system: Ikea Besta with 16x pull out drawers, High Gloss Black

My personal system: Interior of drawer (Guerlain products; those Rouge Gs are stacked,
so there are actually four trays of them in this drawer, alphabetized and separated by status)

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide ($415.00) contains five drawers and one top section (with lid), even in height. The unit is 15 inches / 38.1 centimeters in width, 12 inches / 30.5 centimeters in depth, and 12.5 inches / 31.75 centimeters in height. Each drawer has an interior space of 14.5 inches / 36.8 centimeters in width, 11.5 inches / 29.2 centimeters in depth, and 2 inches / 5 centimeters in height. The system comes with three sets of removable/adjustment inserts–an X (creates four triangle-shaped compartments), Slide (for dividing space into three columns), and Grid (creates six compartments) (each additional insert is $15).

It’s the heaviest, sturdiest, and uses the thickest acrylic out of the organizers I’ve reviewed today (full post of comparisons and thoughts coming next). The acrylic on the actual drawer component is 5mm in width, which is almost double the width of the other systems. There are indentations on the side of the interior of the unit for each drawer to slide out more easily so they don’t slide on top of each other. The acrylic used in the Icebox was also the clearest/cleanest in appearance from what I have tried. The unit comes altogether, so there’s no worry about drawers sliding off of each other. It comes with rubberized feet, but you’ll need to fill it or else I found that pulling one drawer would cause the whole unit to move forward (I had just one drawer filled and the others were empty, but when they were all filled, I didn’t have trouble).

These are all good things, but like I am with most things, function is also quite important. I really love that it comes with inserts so you can divide up the wide space and create smaller compartments, which I think works well for someone with a few of different types of formulas or a variety of brands, since like can be with like (which almost always uses space more efficiently). I don’t like the height of the drawers. I would rather see one drawer at four or five inches, another at three inches, and then shorter ones at one or one and a half inches, because I think you could make better use of the vertical space this way. It will be difficult to find the shade you’re looking for if you have two or three layers of products, as you’ll have to dig through it all. This is a default when you have a ton of products to organize, but this type of system really lends itself better to displaying products so you can easily pick the ones you want to use for the day. As a result, it is ideal to have things in single layers, and most products are either short or very tall (think eyeshadow vs. lipstick, stored vertically) and having every drawer have a two inch height is overkill for that purpose, yet it’s way too short to accommodate anything stored vertically.

I would have loved to see this unit come with a large, four inch tall drawer at the base, three drawers at one and a half inches tall, and then the top compartment at five inches. It could also work with shorter drawers overall and a large top compartment. The Icebox Skinny has a five inch tall top section, but the drawers underneath are the same two inch height, but I think that would be a better use of vertical space than the Wide based on my attempt to fit various products into it. The Icebox Wide fits a fair amount of product, so it is ideal for someone who has more than a traincase-full but not enough for a “makeup room”! It’s extremely well-made, and I can see a lot of thought into some of the details (like how the drawers slide out, customization of interior space), but I definitely had trouble maximizing the space in a way that I felt was efficient but still practical (from a usability standpoint).

What each drawer can hold…

• 28 x MAC Blushes | no dividers, three rows of six, two rows of five
• 24 x MAC Blushes | with divider (creates six compartments), each compartment holds four offset
• 30 x ColourPop Super Shock Cheeks | with divider (creates six compartments), each compartment holds five
• 48 x MAC Lipsticks | with divider (creates six compartments), each compartment holds eight
• 25 x NARS Blushes | no divider, five rows of five, up to three layers, or six rows of five staggered
• 24 x NARS Blushes | with divider (creates six compartments), each compartment holds four, up to three layers
• 62 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows | no divider, seven rows of eight each, plus six offset on the side, up to two layers
• 48 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows | with divider (creates six compartments), each compartment holds eight flat, up to two layers, can accommodate them on their side
• 54 x NARS Lipglosses | three columns of eighteen each, up to three layers
• 2 x Make Up For Ever Artist Palettes | divided compartment holds two layered, up to three layered
• 24 x NARS Blushes | with divider (creates three vertical compartments), each compartment holds eight flat, up to three layers
• 62 x ColourPop Super Shock Shadows | no divider, seven rows of eight, plus six along the offset on the side

What the top compartment can hold…

On the Icebox Wide, the top compartment opens with a lid, which is on a hinge and lays flat against the back of the unit when opened, or it can rest against a wall, if it is leaned up against one. If you leave the lid open, you can create an area where vertical space isn’t restrained. The Icebox Skinny has a much taller top section (5 inches). After using this one, I would highly recommend the ability to have a much deeper top section if you tend to have a lot of product syou’d want to store vertically, assuming you want to keep the lid closed. The top section comes with a cross-grid that divides it into four triangles. If you plan to store a lot of products vertically in this area, I would recommend swapping out the X divider for a Grid, as you can get six, rectangular spaces, which are much easier to work with and enable you to sort by type/brand/size and not have to fill each compartment as full in order to keep them all standing vertically. (Be careful pulling the X insert out, as it is very tightly fit into the space.)

• 55 x NARS Lipsticks | fit an assortment of Audacious and regular lipsticks
• 55 x MAC Lipsticks | fit them horizontally, but as these have curved tops, you’ll need to pack it full in order to keep them standing
• 3 x Urban Decay Naked + 2 x Naked Basics Palettes | fit three full-sized Naked palettes, plus the two smaller palettes flat and stacked
• 3 x Z-Palettes + 2 smaller palettes | these sections were good for storing these wide, tall kind of products/palettes (your lid won’t close, if that wasn’t obvious!)
• 3 x Liquid Foundations + Loose Powder | one section fit three liquid foundations (lying down) and a loose setting powder, so you could close the lid with this set-up; the foundations obviously can be stood up, too, and then the space would accommodate more bottles

See more photos!

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 55 x NARS Lipsticks

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 3 x Z-Palettes + 2 x Make Up For Ever Artist Palettes

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 28 x MAC Blushes

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 24 x MAC Blushes (Grid Insert)

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 4 x NARS Blushes, 5 x ColourPop Super Shock Cheeks,
8 x MAC Lipsticks (Grid Insert)

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 4 x NARS Blushes, 5 x ColourPop Super Shock Cheeks,
8 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows (per layer), 8 x MAC Lipsticks, 8 x NARS Lipglosses,
2 x Make Up For Ever Artist Palettes (Grid Insert)

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 54 x NARS Lipglosses

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 36 x NARS Lipglosses + 8 x NARS Blushes (Slide Insert)

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 62 x ColourPop Super Shock Shadows

Sherrieblossom Icebox Wide — 25 x NARS Blushes

The Container Store Luxe Acrylic Modular System ($11.99 for $29.99) includes a variety of individual units that can be stacked onto each other to create a customized makeup organization solution for your needs. I didn’t purchase all the different types of units, but I purchased a few to give a good idea of what you could store or how it might work. I decided on the Wide Medium Luxe Acrylic Modular Drawer ($29.99), Half Tall Luxe Acrylic Modular Drawer ($19.99), two Half Short Luxe Acrylic Modular Drawers, and Large Acrylic Makeup Organizer ($29.99) to sit on top of the other units. The system you’re seeing in this post cost a total of $109.95.

The widest and largest component is the Wide Medium Luxe Acrylic Modular Drawer ($29.99) is 12.5 inches / 31.75 centimeters in width, 8.5 inches / 21.6 centimeters in depth, and 2.5 inches / 6.35 centimeters tall. There is also a tray version, which could be placed on top of your system of components, which is shorter (1.25 inches / 3.2 centimeters in height) and has no drawer/lid, but it would work for storing things like piecemeal acrylic organizers (like a lipstick holder), perfumes, foundation bottles, and so forth.

The smallest component is the Quarter Short Luxe Acrylic Modular Drawer ($11.99), which would be useful for storing things like eyeliners, shorter makeup brushes, five or so lipglosses, or a few single eyeshadows; this is half the width of the Half Short Luxe Acrylic Modular Drawer ($14.99) (which is featured in this post). There is also a Quarter Tall Acrylic Modular Drawer ($14.99), which is double the height of the Quarter Short and half the width of the Half Tall Luxe Acrylic Modular Drawer ($19.99) (which is featured in this post).

I like the idea of the Quarter Short and having two stacked on top of each other; one holding eyeliners and one holding eyeshadow primers–I could see that working well. I wouldn’t go for too small of sizes unless you have a good idea of how you plan to separate and organize your products, as they can be limiting if you’re not quite sure. On the other hand, the Half Tall drawer is better suited for larger products or oddly-sized ones; while it can fit things crammed in, you will have trouble seeing what’s in it, so keep that in mind.

The strength of this system is its ability to be customized, so if you have a lot of single eyeshadows, you can get the right drawers for that. I like that they have the taller drawers available, as most lipsticks will fit vertically (labels facing you), which makes finding the one you want easy. Most lipglosses are not going to fit vertically, which is a challenge for nearly all drawer systems, so your best bet is to lay gloss flat or store them in the top unit, which has no height restraints. The acrylic is sturdy and has good clarity, and it doesn’t feel cheap by any means.

The system is modular, but it is really held together only by rubberized feet on the bottom of each component; they do not interlock by any other mechanism. The empty components are moderately heavy, and when stacked up, they stayed put despite shaking the table strongly. Once you load it up with your makeup goodies, it seemed even sturdier, so for most, I think it should be sufficiently stable. The drawers are also nearly flush with the holder itself, so you can hear the acrylic squeak sometimes as you pull out the drawer. They do not pull out as smoothly as I would like, though this seems to be common with acrylic drawers that are more flush.

What a Wide Medium Luxe Acrylic Modular Drawer can hold…

Exterior: 12.5 inches / 31.75 centimeters in width, 8.5 inches / 21.6 centimeters in depth, and 2.5 inches / 6.4 centimeters in height. Interior: 12 inches / 30.5 centimeters in width, 8 inches / 20.3 centimeters in depth, 2 inches / 5 centimeters in height. It’s tall enough to layer some products if desired, and it is wide enough to fit an assortment of types of products or a combination of products.

• 35 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows | five rows of seven in each, up to three layers, and you can have them on their side, though it will be a challenge to find things, of course!
• 35 x ColourPop Super Shock Shadows | five rows of seven in each, up to two layers, you can have them on their side as well
• 3 x Urban Decay Naked + 2 x Naked Basics Palettes | single layer of three of the larger palettes, the two smaller ones stacked; you can stack all three of the larger Naked palettes together
• 12 x NARS Blushes | three rows of four each, up to three layers
• 36 x MAC Lipsticks | two rows of fourteen each, plus a few loose ones in the excess space
• 28 x NARS Lipglosses | one row of eighteen, plus two vertical rows above of five each

What a Half Tall Luxe Acrylic Modular Drawer can hold…

Exterior: 6.25 inches / 15.9 centimters in width, 8.5 inches / centimeters in depth, 3.5 inches / 8.9 centimeters in height. Interior: 5.6 inches / 21.6 centimeters in width, 8 inches / 20.3 centimeters in depth, and 3.25 inches / 8.3 centimeters in height. I found that in practice that I didn’t like this size as much as I expected to. The height works well for storing products vertically, like lipsticks or short lipgloss, but you need a lot of them to keep them from falling over or else create a divider. I would go for the Quarter Tall, which halves the width but keeps the height. This wider size will be better for more of a mish mash of products or larger, more oversized products that don’t fit elsewhere–say extra foundation bottles, eyelash curler, or giant bronzer. It can also be used to store some palettes, depending on how large they are. It may be more ideal for quads and the like as well if you have more than a handful.

• 36 x NARS Blushes | two columns of fifteen, plus six along the side
• 70 x NARS Audacious Lipsticks | ten rows of seven fit perfectly
• 70 x MAC Lipsticks | ten rows of seven fit with a little give but nothing will fall over
• 17 x MAC Powders | two rows of seven each, plus 3 along the back
• 20 x MAC Blushes | two columns of ten each
• 7 x Urban Decay Naked Palettes | all three of the full Naked palettes fit along the depth, and you could likely fit at least four more or so (or other comparable palettes)
• MAC Quads, Dior Quints, Chanel Quads | these fit within the height of the drawer

What a Half Short Luxe Acrylic Modular Drawer can hold…

Exterior: 6.25 inches / 15.9 centimeters in width, 8.5 inches / 21.6 centimeters in depth, and 2 inches / 5 centimeters in height. Interior: 5.6 inches / 14.2 centimeters in width, 8 inches / 20.3 centimeters in depth, and 1.25 inches / 3.2 centimeters in height.  This is a great size for single layers of products that you want to keep separated, rather than in a single, wide drawer.  I like that there isn’t too much height, so you don’t get a lot of wasted vertical space when using a single layer of products.  It fits a good variety of products as well.

• 14 x NARS Lipglosses | one column of five, one row of nine, up two layers
• 11 x ColourPop Super Shock Cheeks | two columns of four each, plus three on the side, one layer only
• 15 x ColourPop Super Shock Shadows | five rows of three each, one layer only, excess space on the side
• 4 x MAC Powders | four fit offset, very inefficient use of space
• 6 x NARS Blushes | two columns of three each, up to two layers; you can fit eight if staggered slightly
• 18 x MAC Lipsticks two rows of seven each, plus four loose at the top, labels facing outward, one layer only
• 6 x MAC Blushes three rows of two each, one layer only
• 15 x Marc Jacobs Eyeliners one row of fifteen, up to two layers possible
• 16 x Sephora Eyeliners one row of sixteen, up to two layers possible

What a Large Acrylic Makeup Organizer can hold…

It’s 12.5 inches / 31.75 centimeters in width, 8.4 inches / 21.3 centimeters in depth, and 3.5 inches / 8.9 centimeters in height. This component has several different compartments, so it really can fit an endless combination of things. It also includes a removable acrylic lipstick organizer that fits twelve (each has a defined square-shaped slot).

From the left side, there are three wide components (about half the width), and the bottom one is designed to hold the removable lipstick holder. These larger compartments can hold a variety of things. My recommendation would be for taller items (like foundation) as well as for anything you might reach for every single day without fail.

On the right side, there are four smaller square compartments next to a medium rectangle at the top with a larger, wide square on the bottom right. The smaller square compartments would be ideal for eyeliners and makeup brushes; anything with a small diameter and more length. These could also hold something like mascara, but you can only fit one tube of an average-sized mascara in it, so it’s not the most efficient use of space. Here are somethings that fit well into it:

• 8 x MAC blushes | two columns of four each on the bottom right compartment
• 12 x Lipsticks | organizer naturally holds twelve lipsticks in the bottom left compartment
• 4 x NARS Lipglosses | each small square compartment fit four
• Makeup Brushes | each small compartment on the top right half of the unit fit brushes well
• 35 x Eyeliners | when placed in the top right most compartment
• 3 x Urban Decay Naked + 2 x Naked Basics Palettes | fit in the top left most unit (two of the full-sized stacked, and then the two Basics palettes stacked with the third full-sized)
• 2 x Eyeshadow Palettes | upper left most component fits up to two MAC/Z-Palettes

Some combination ideas…*

• Extra Large | 2 x Wide Medium Luxe (bottom two drawers), 1 x Half Tall Luxe, 2 x Quarter Tall Luxe, 2 x Half Short Luxe, 1x Large Acrylic Makeup Organizer ($163.92)
• Large | 1 x Wide Medium Luxe (bottom drawer), 2 x Quarter Tall Luxe, 2 x Half Short Luxe, 1 x Large Acrylic Makeup Organizer ($119.94)
• Medium | 1 x Wide Medium Luxe (bottom drawer), 2 x Half Short Luxe, 1 x Large Acrylic Makeup Organizer ($89.96)
• Small | 1 x Half Tall Luxe, 2 x Half Short Luxe, 1 x Large Acrylic Makeup Organizer ($79.96)
• Brushes | 3 x Wide Medium Luxe ($89.97)
• Eyeshadows/Lipglosses | 6 x Half Short Luxe ($89.94)

* Please note, it’s hard to really quantify someone’s collection, so these are just suggestions. For instance, if your stash is more like mine, this system isn’t going to work for all of it, but it can work for essentials, favorites, or a current rotation. About one drawer of my personal organization system fits into the acrylic organizer I bought for this post.

See more photos!

The Container Store Luxe Acrylic Modular System

The Container Store Large Acrylic Makeup Organizer

The Container Store Large Acrylic Makeup Organizer

The Container Store Half Short Luxe — 14 x NARS Lipglosses

The Container Store Half Short Luxe — 11 x ColourPop Super Shock Cheeks

The Container Store Half Tall Luxe — 36 x NARS Blushes

The Container Store Half Short Luxe — 15 x ColourPop Super Shock Shadows

The Container Store Half Short Luxe — 4 x MAC Powders

The Container Store Wide Medium Luxe — 35 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows (plus for on the side)

The Container Store Half Short Luxe — 6 x NARS Blushes

The Container Store Half Short Luxe — 18 x MAC Lipsticks

The Container Store Half Short Luxe — 6 x MAC Blushes

The Container Store Half Short Luxe — 15 x Marc Jacobs Eyeliners

The Container Store Half Tall Luxe — 70 x NARS Audacious Lipsticks

The Container Store Half Tall Luxe — 17 x MAC Powders

The Container Store Half Tall Luxe — 20 x MAC Blushes

The Container Store Half Tall Luxe — 3 x Urban Decay Naked + 2 x Naked Basics Palettes

The Container Store Wide Medium Luxe — 3 x Urban Decay Naked + 2 x Naked Basics Palettes

The Container Store Wide Medium Luxe — 3 x Urban Decay Naked Palettes stacked

The Container Store Luxe Acrylic Modular System (Empty!)

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers ($27.95) is a single unit with five drawers that pull out completely, so you can take out a drawer and set it down like a tray, which gives you greater access to anything you put into it. The unit measures 10.2 inches / 26 centimeters wide, 6.9 inches / 17.5 centimeters in depth, and 6.6 inches / 16.5 centimeters in height. The interior space of each drawer is 9.4 inches / 23.9 centimeters in width, 6.5 inches / 16.5 centimeters in depth, and 0.9 inches / 2.3 centimeters in height. These drawers are shorter than the 2-Drawer system by 0.85 inches / 2.1 centimeters, and while you can stack this on top of the 2-Drawer unit, it is a tiny bit wider and slightly deeper.

The weight of your products help to keep the drawer from falling out, even when extended quite far, but you can also fully remove the drawer to access anything stored in the back. I prefer this, personally, as it means you can really maximize every inch of the drawer. It’s also a nice way to store lipsticks with labels facing outwards so you can read them quickly, rather than having to pick up, read, pick up, read to find the right one. The 5-Drawer has a moderate thickness on its exterior sides, while the drawers themselves are slightly thinner. The unit sits comfortably on counter tops without sliding around as it has rubberized feet on the bottom to prevent slippage. The drawers sit on “tracks” so they pull out easily without rubbing against the drawer above or below it.

The shorter drawers won’t allow you to hold products like foundation bottles, larger tubes, and cylindrical loose powder containers (among other things!). The short height is ideal for someone who only wants to have a single layer of product per drawer, as it wastes very little in vertical space as a result–too tall drawers often waste space unless you plan to layer or have specific products that are tall enough to fill it. These drawers fit eyeshadows, lipglosses, lipsticks, blushes, bronzers, pressed powders, slim palettes, eye brushes, eyeliners, eyeshadow primers, and things of that nature very well. It has a decent footprint, where it’s not going to fit for everyone’s play space, but it is a good option for those with a vanity about two to three feet in width or on top of an Ikea Alex drawer unit.

What each drawer can hold…

• 23 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows | four rows of five each, plus three offset on the side, one layer maximum
• 23 x ColourPop Eyeshadows | five rows of five each, plus three offset on the side, one layer maximum
• 8 x MAC Blushes | two rows of four each, with a fair amount of space, one layer maximum; the two rows fit more comfortably in this unit than the 2-Drawer unit due to the greater width
• 2 x URban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palettes | fits two next to each other with space along the right and bottom of them (could fit
• eyeliners along the bottom, possibly eyeshadows on the right)
• 20 x NARS Lipglosses | two rows of ten each comfortably, one layer maximum
• 14 x ColourPop Super Shock Cheeks | three rows of five each, two offset on the side
• 6 x MAC Powders | two rows of three each
• 24 x MAC Lipsticks | two rows of twelve each
• 9 x NARS Blushes | three rows of three each with some excess space on the right OR stagger them slightly and get four rows of three each with labels facing up; if laid flat, you can get two layers in
• 29 x Marc Jacobs Eyeliners | single row, single layer; two layers possible
• 29 x Sephora Eyeliners | one column of 18, one row of 11; two layers possible
• Brushes | fits brushes of various length; round or fluffier face brushes may have too large of a diameter to fit well but will work for eye brushes and smaller/flatter face brushes

See more photos!

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 23 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 23 x Urban Decay Eyeshadows

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 23 x ColourPop Super Shock Shadows

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 8 x MAC Blushes

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 2 x Urban Decay Palettes

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 20 x NARS Lipglosses

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 14 x ColourPop Super Shock Shadows

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 6 x MAC Powders

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 9 x NARS Blushes

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 12 x NARS Blushes

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 28 x Marc Jacobs Eyeliners (should fit 29-30)

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — 29 x Sephora Eyeliners

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers — Makeup Brushes

Muji 5-Drawer Acrylic Drawers