Make-up Storage Ideas

I have seen SO many posts and so many YouTube videos about ideas people have had for storing their make-up collection or wanting ideas for storage. SUYT has delved into this topic ourselves, and we have decided to compile a list of some of the best ideas we've seen and heard of.

• Palette Storage

There is such an amazingly simple and great idea for storing your MAC palettes, or any palettes around the same size of MAC. A 12 DVD table top storage tower.

Your palettes will slide into the slots pre-made for DVD's, completely organized and easy to access. This particular one runs about $20.

• Brush Storage

If you haven't heard of or seen it already, there's a brush holder inspired by Sephora that is a great idea. You choose whatever type of vase you like, fill it with sand, gem vase fillers, pebbles, etc. and decorate the outside as you like. The result: a gorgeous brush holder that has personality, style, and that will hold your brushes upright. Here's an example:

Another great idea for brush storage is a pencil cup holder at any office supply store. In fact, you can find a lot of different uses for office supply storage when it comes to cosmetics. Take a trip around one the next time your in the area and use your imagination : )

• Vanities

There are some amazing vanities out there with some fabulous options. If you're like me, it's hard to justify spending a lot of money on a make-up table, but you want something extremely practical, with both storage and style. It seems when we look at products that are called "vanities," the price doubles. There are much more cost effective ways to invent a vanity, just by using some of these ideas and adding a mirror. Here are some great solutions for any budget.

• Wal Mart, K Mart, and Target shouldn't be ruled out of this buying process. All of these stores have practical vanities, if you use some imagination. Computer carts and desks can easily be used for your own cosmetic purposes. Here are some examples.

This computer desk is completely usable for a make-up vanity. Available at K Mart for only $48, how could you beat it? The shelves could be used to hold baskets or storage boxes that can be pulled out to view the entirety of the contents. The slide out keyboard shelf could hold regularly used items such as your favorite eye shadows, blushes, paint pots, etc.

This computer table, available at Target, is priced at $70. The drawer does pull out and the front of it folds down so it can be used for a keyboard trey. That can be easily modified to make a real working drawer.

The computer desk shown above is available at Wal Mart and is priced at $133. It features three drawers and a sliding keyboard shelf. Depending on how much storage you need, what style you're interested, and what your budget is, there is a plethora of solutions available at these websites and stores. Office furniture websites are also another great place to look.

• Craft Stores/Departments

This is probably one of the most overlooked places to create both a vanity and storage. The website I'm using for these pieces is My Art and Craft Supplies. Unfortunately, the site will not let me use their photos, so the best I can do is link you to their site. Sorry, guys. Some possible ideas for these pieces could include this:

My Art and Craft Supplies provides everything you need from the top shelf to make a desk surface, to drawer units, to shelving cubes. You can mix, match, and stack these pieces as you see fit. Your vanity and storage space can be as big, or as small, as your needs demand.

• Further Storage

You may have already created your HG work space, but find there's not enough storage space for all your beautifying products. Never fear - we have some more options.

• Plastic Storage Drawers

Probably one of the most popular storage solutions, and one you may already have heard of or utilize, is plastic storage drawers. They are extremely cost effective, ranging from around $10 to $30, depending on the size and type you buy. These containers can be found everywhere from Wal Mart to dollar stores. There are table top versions, as well as free-standing ones and they are available in a variety of sizes, capacities, and drawer options. Here are a couple of photos of each I found on the Target website:

• Smaller Storage Drawers

Again, your local craft supply store is a mecca when it comes to make-up storage options. The drawer bins I'm about to show you are perfect for storing eye and lip liners, paint pots, eye shadows, cosmetic tools, and a hundred other items. These were found at Organize.com and are also available in various sizes. Here are another couple of examples:

• Hello, Magnets!

One of the most inventive ideas I've heard of for brush storage, eye and lip liners, lip glosses, etc. is magnetic storage. I believe I saw this idea on YouTube, but try as hard as I may to find the video now, I can't! I would love to give the girl credit for this, because it is truly just genius.

The idea is to buy a magnetic board (check here) to attach to the wall, and some square, metal pencil cup holders (A quick search produced these. I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there too.) You can store your brushes, liners, etc. in the cups, and stick them to the magnetic board. You can remove them and move them around as needed.

• Ikea

A lot of ladies over at the MakeupGeek.com Forum have found great storage units at Ikea. Here are a few examples, which are also available on the Ikea website. Click the picture to view the Ikea page for that product.

• Drawer Organizers

Whether you already have the vanity or storage your lusting over, or are about to purchase them, you're probably curious about organizing your spaces and being able to find everything in your stash quickly. Drawer organizers are a definite must for this feat.

• Ikea, again

This is yet another area you may want to check in your local Ikea, or on their website. Click on the pictures to view the Ikea product page and info.

Another solution, silverware treys! This particular one is from Rubbermaid.

This website, SpaceSavers.com, has hundred of products to get you, and your collection organized. They also have regular and adjustable draw organizers, as well as drawer storage bins.

And last, but not least, a product that encompasses it all - storage, organization, and work space. I swear I'm not the biggest fan of Ikea to ever walk on two legs, but they do have some reasonably priced and well thought out products. On that note, I present to you, the Malm Dressing Table.

This table provides a generous work space (over 75 inches wide) and a large drawer with built in felt trays for storage. It is available in 4 different finishes and priced at $180. I first saw this table on MissChievous' YouTube video. You can view it in all of it's glory here.

• Train Cases and Storage Boxes

I'm sure everyone has heard of or used some sort of train case for their make-up. Another idea is to buy a large mechanic's tool storage stand. Or better yet, how about a girly one?

The Original Pink Box has several different sized, tool box-esque storage solutions, and best of all, their PINK!!!!!


If any of you have any other storage ideas that I haven't included, please feel free to comment or email me. :) Happy organizing!