Try these 5 ideas for storing makeup, and turn your bathroom into an organized dream.
If you’re familiar with apartment living, there’s a good chance that you’ve come up against space limitations. Although I try to keep only the things I need or truly value—and I do love a good stuff purge—I’ve had to get creative with the way I organize thing in my apartment, including my bathroom and vanity area.
Sure, I have always wanted an old-fashioned, decked-out vanity table, but I’ve had to make do with the space and tools available to me. When my husband and I moved into to our current one bedroom, one bathroom apartment, I was worried that we’d feel cramped, especially when trying to maneuver around each other in our itty bitty bathroom. I was also wondering what I would do with all of my makeup and skincare goodies since there’s no drawer space. Oh, the horror! (Just kidding.)
Enter these repurposed makeup storage ideas. As you can probably guess, I wanted my upcycled storage to be pretty as well as functional. Even if you’re not looking to reorganize your beauty arsenal, you can apply these ideas to any space you’re trying to streamline, like your desk or craft table. It makes the area unique–plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to add a little flair to your space.
Candle jars for your makeup brushes, q-tips, and eye and lip pencils
This one is probably the most obvious. Pretty candle jars are perfect for storing your makeup brushes. Although stuffing your brushes into a makeup bag may be just as space-saving, doing so regularly can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Let your brushes breathe!
Check out these ways to remove candle wax residue and have a jar that’s as good as new!
Candle boxes for your hair tips and large clips
Sometimes candles come in gorgeous boxes that are just the right size for things like hair ties and clips. Since I’ve made some effort to keep better track of my hair ties by always throwing them in this box, I haven’t experienced the mysterious disappearance of my hair accessories!
Old ceramic dishes for your odds & ends
If you come across a ceramic dish that doesn’t really match any of your dining ware, save it for your odds and ends! Although I have a designated home for my jewelry and bobby pins, if I’m in a rush, I’ll just dump them in this little dish that lives near my makeup stuff.
Cardboard card boxes for your palettes and jars
I’ve always been a lover of snail mail, and when I’m on the hunt for pretty cards, I always make sure they come in an equally pretty box because you better believe that I’m going to repurpose it! I use several old card boxes to organize my desk and my makeup. They’re perfect for keeping your eyeshadow palettes and jars tidy.
Gift card bags for tiny essentials
On a few occasions, I’ve been gifted gift cards in cute little gift bags, which, of course, I saved. I use them to store my tweezers and perfume samples. I prop these between perfume bottles, which is in one of my cardboard card boxes. Storage within storage!
Shot glasses for your bobby pins
My husband got me these mason jar shot glasses as sort of a gag gift for Christmas, and I was more than thrilled to put them towards storage purposes. Shot glasses are great for bobby pins because they make it easy to keep them tidy while still accessible when you got one hand holding up your ’do.
More home ideas: 5 Easy Habits for Better Home Organization
5 Ways to Overcome Clutter and Feel Empowered
DIY Beauty: How to Make Your Perfect DIY Eye Palette
Photos: Mary Hood Luttrell
