As a beauty obsessive that has more makeup than Boots and Selfridges combined, storage and organisation is always somewhat of an issue. I like to be able to see what I have on offer, know exactly where to reach and be safe in the knowledge that I don't have something lurking round the back that I should've used up nine months ago. If you live out of overflowing makeup bags, cardboard boxes of nail varnish and piles of skincare dotted around your bathroom, then you may want to have a read of my top tips for organising your beauty products effectively.
![]()
1. Look At What You Have
The first part of the organisation journey is taking a step back and looking at all the products you actually own. I always use the technical method of 'chuck everything on the bed' so I can see exactly what I've got and where my problem areas are. If I've suddenly had an influx of lipsticks then I know I need to sort that out pronto; if facial serums are an issue, then I may need to invest in some specific storage containers. It's incredibly hard to organise effectively if you don't survey what the issues are and try to rectify them in turn - treat it like a puzzle that you need to solve!
2. Invest In A Storage System
Although little boxes, five makeup bags and a pile of body cream may be cost effective, making a real investment in a workable storage system will allow you to get truly organised and stay on top of your stash. If you know what you've got and where it is you're much more likely to use up products and reach for ones you'd forgotten about, ensuring you get value for money out of every single purchase. I love acrylic and plastic storage units, as they're roomy and allow me to see exactly where everything is; Muji do some amazing units that are buildable and affordable, ensuring you can add to your collection over time. There are more and more specific makeup storage units being launched too, which although expensive are a real investment in your beauty routine - what's the point in spending £30 on a lipstick you can't find?
3. Categorise And File
Rather than chucking everything into empty spaces willy nilly, categorising products and filing them away in logical places will make your life a lot easier (and your purse a lot heavier.) I split my makeup into face, eyes and lips, with each category being separated further - I have a drawer for eyeliners, mascara, eyebrow tools, lipgloss, lipstick, lipbalm, foundation, powder, highlighters and blush, plus loads more. Seperation is definitely key; it makes it so much easier to get ready in the morning, as well as encouraging you to 'shop your stash'. I also have separate baskets for hair products, body products and skin care so I know exactly where to reach when I'm in a rush; having a basket also limits how much stuff I can have, encouraging me to regularly clear each unit out and ensure I'm only storing products I use. (Wilko's do some fab ones that only cost a few pounds.)
4. Store As You Apply
If you're always short of time when it comes to getting ready, storing your beauty and makeup products in the rough order that you use them will make your life a lot easier. My makeup is organised starting with base products, moving up to face, eyes and finally lips - it simply means I'm working my way up my storage unit, rather than scrambling in lots of different places and juggling drawers that inevitably fall out and cause a mess. If you always start your routine with body lotion, make sure that's your storage starting point; if you always finish with hairspray make sure that's filed at the end - it's like a conveyor belt you need to work through!
5. Have Ready Made Bags
If you're a regular gym bunny, runner or swimmer, then why not have a specific pre-made bag of all the things you need to take with you? I've started swimming a couple of times a week so I've made myself a little beauty bag that contains talc, body moisturiser, lip balm, face oil and shampoo so I don't have to scramble around every single time. It makes life a lot easier in the long-term and will avoid your stash overflowing with things you're not going to use every day. Similarly, I have a couple of little day makeup bags that I fill with things I know I like to take out with me, including powder, lip balm, hand cream and a refresh spray - it removes the rush in the morning and ensures I have everything I need in one place; I just need to remember where I put the bag!
Do you have any top tips for storing your beauty products?![]()
1. Look At What You Have
The first part of the organisation journey is taking a step back and looking at all the products you actually own. I always use the technical method of 'chuck everything on the bed' so I can see exactly what I've got and where my problem areas are. If I've suddenly had an influx of lipsticks then I know I need to sort that out pronto; if facial serums are an issue, then I may need to invest in some specific storage containers. It's incredibly hard to organise effectively if you don't survey what the issues are and try to rectify them in turn - treat it like a puzzle that you need to solve!
2. Invest In A Storage System
Although little boxes, five makeup bags and a pile of body cream may be cost effective, making a real investment in a workable storage system will allow you to get truly organised and stay on top of your stash. If you know what you've got and where it is you're much more likely to use up products and reach for ones you'd forgotten about, ensuring you get value for money out of every single purchase. I love acrylic and plastic storage units, as they're roomy and allow me to see exactly where everything is; Muji do some amazing units that are buildable and affordable, ensuring you can add to your collection over time. There are more and more specific makeup storage units being launched too, which although expensive are a real investment in your beauty routine - what's the point in spending £30 on a lipstick you can't find?
3. Categorise And File
Rather than chucking everything into empty spaces willy nilly, categorising products and filing them away in logical places will make your life a lot easier (and your purse a lot heavier.) I split my makeup into face, eyes and lips, with each category being separated further - I have a drawer for eyeliners, mascara, eyebrow tools, lipgloss, lipstick, lipbalm, foundation, powder, highlighters and blush, plus loads more. Seperation is definitely key; it makes it so much easier to get ready in the morning, as well as encouraging you to 'shop your stash'. I also have separate baskets for hair products, body products and skin care so I know exactly where to reach when I'm in a rush; having a basket also limits how much stuff I can have, encouraging me to regularly clear each unit out and ensure I'm only storing products I use. (Wilko's do some fab ones that only cost a few pounds.)
4. Store As You Apply
If you're always short of time when it comes to getting ready, storing your beauty and makeup products in the rough order that you use them will make your life a lot easier. My makeup is organised starting with base products, moving up to face, eyes and finally lips - it simply means I'm working my way up my storage unit, rather than scrambling in lots of different places and juggling drawers that inevitably fall out and cause a mess. If you always start your routine with body lotion, make sure that's your storage starting point; if you always finish with hairspray make sure that's filed at the end - it's like a conveyor belt you need to work through!
5. Have Ready Made Bags
If you're a regular gym bunny, runner or swimmer, then why not have a specific pre-made bag of all the things you need to take with you? I've started swimming a couple of times a week so I've made myself a little beauty bag that contains talc, body moisturiser, lip balm, face oil and shampoo so I don't have to scramble around every single time. It makes life a lot easier in the long-term and will avoid your stash overflowing with things you're not going to use every day. Similarly, I have a couple of little day makeup bags that I fill with things I know I like to take out with me, including powder, lip balm, hand cream and a refresh spray - it removes the rush in the morning and ensures I have everything I need in one place; I just need to remember where I put the bag!
Do you have any top tips for storing your beauty products?