Affordable and Chic Ideas for DIY Makeup Organizers
Jan 08, 2025

Many people's daily routines require makeup; we can feel confident and polished with the right products. However, keeping makeup organized can often be a challenge. With countless products scattered around the bathroom or vanity, finding the perfect item becomes a hassle rather than a fun ritual. A messy makeup collection wastes precious time and can lead to damage or product expiration.
The good news? You won't have to break the bank on pricey store-bought makeup organizers. You can develop unique and functional makeup organizers with a little imagination and some pocket-friendly materials. Whether you are a beauty guru or only someone trying to keep their makeup collection decently organized, this blog provides quite a few interesting and budget-conscious ideas.
Get your hands on the Masirs Rotating Makeup Organizer today and transform your vanity into a chic, clutter-free space!
1. Repurpose Glass Jars as Makeup Brushes End
Glass jars, such as mason jars, old candle jars, or even jam jars, are great ways to store makeup brushes and tools. They are also easy to clean and add a rustic ambiance to your vanity. Clean up old jars and decorate them with things you already have at home, such as washi tape, twine, or acrylic paint. Stick cotton balls, swabs, or makeup sponges into the jar for more organization.
How-to:
- Clean and remove labels from glass jars.
- You can paint them with acrylic paints in colors that match your decor or use washi tape to add a stylish touch.
- Fill them with makeup brushes, cotton swabs, sponges, or small lipsticks.
- Consider using jars of different sizes and arranging them in a row for a more uniform look.
Why it works: These jars are a great way to store your brushes upright, organized, and easy to grab when needed.
2. Cardboard Drawer Dividers
Drawer dividers help you categorize your makeup into face, eye, and lip products. Instead of spending money on fancy dividers, you can make your own using cardboard. Cardboard dividers are free and highly customizable so that you can fit them perfectly into any drawer.
How-to:
- Cut pieces of cardboard to fit the width and length of your makeup drawer.
- Fold the cardboard into divisions and stick or glue them together.
- Use the partitions to separate your lipsticks, eyeliners, foundations, and blushes.
- Add some cloth or paper over the cardboard to finish it better.
Why it works: You will customize your space within the drawer and optimize how your makeup is placed, thus making everything easier to access and visible.
3. Makeup Organizer Using Shoe Box
Shoe boxes are another great and affordable way to create an organized space for your makeup. These boxes are sturdy, stackable, and come in different sizes, making them ideal for organizing small and large makeup items. You can transform a plain shoe box into a chic storage solution with paint or fabric.
How-to:
- Begin with a sturdy shoe box.
- Cover the box with fabric, wallpaper, or decorative paper to give it a personal touch.
- Put dividers inside the box using smaller cardboard or foam board pieces.
- Label the sections so that you can easily find what you need.
Why it works: Shoe boxes are very versatile, easily found in most homes, and, when decorated, they fit well into the aesthetic of any room.
4. Floating Shelves for Makeup
Floating shelves are perfect for those who love to have makeup in their sight and easily accessible. You do not have to buy expensive, pre-fabricated shelves at stores; instead, you can use low-cost wooden planks or recycled wood. It makes your makeup items easily accessible while keeping them within your line of sight, adding a touch of class to your room.
How-to:
- Attach floating shelves using brackets or wall-mounted supports, which can be found at most home improvement stores.
- Arrange your makeup products on the shelves, like perfumes, lipsticks, or skincare.
- You can place decorative trays or small plants on the shelves alongside your makeup for a stylish touch.
Why it works: Floating shelves are practical and add a sophisticated touch to your bedroom, showing off your makeup beautifully with style and function.
5. Makeup Organizer from a Wooden Crate
Wooden crates are another simple and chic way to create makeup storage. Whether you have one crate or multiple stacked together, this solution provides ample space for organizing your makeup. You can customize the crate by painting it or adding fabric liners for a more polished look.
How-to:
- Repurpose an old wooden crate or purchase a new one from a craft store.
- Paint the crate with your favorite color, or leave it natural for a rustic feel.
- Line the inside with fabric or wallpaper if you want to go further.
- Stack several crates together to form an organized storage unit for your makeup.
Why it works: Wooden crates are inexpensive and add a charming rustic element to your makeup organization system.
6. Old Tea Tins as Lipstick Holders
Instead of letting your lipstick roll around in a drawer or clutter up your vanity, why not turn old tea tins into nifty storage holders? These tins are the perfect size for storing lipsticks, and they come in various sizes and designs, adding a vintage touch to your collection.
How-to:
- Find old tea tins (either new or vintage) at thrift stores or online.
- Clean the tins thoroughly before use.
- Arrange your lipsticks inside the tins by color or type, then close the lid to keep them dust-free.
Why it works: Tea tins are strong, compact, and inexpensive, making them a perfect solution for stylishly organizing lipsticks.
7. Use Acrylic Makeup Organizers
Beautiful items get stored in beautiful acrylic organizers, but you do not necessarily have to empty your wallet to get them. Instead of dropping money on designers' acrylic storage, you find affordable ones sold at discounting stores or recycled old acrylic from somewhere. Its ideal use involves keeping small things like nail polishes, eyeliner, and lip glosses from getting messy.
How-to
- Get yourself transparent acrylic containers at a dollar store, or use old acrylic trays, organizers, or even old CD holders.
- Group your cosmetics according to lip products, eyeliners, and foundation, among others
- Place them properly in the transparent acrylic containers.
Why it works: Acrylic is clear. This helps you see clearly where your cosmetic products are; therefore, getting ready is so much faster.
8. Use a Vintage Glass Tray
Vintage glass trays are great for an elegant and functional makeup station. It is a way to organize your products and also add a touch of glamour. Affordable vintage trays can be found in thrift stores, or you might already have an old one lying around the house.
How-to:
- Find a vintage glass or mirrored tray, or repurpose an old serving tray you no longer use.
- Use the tray to display your makeup products like foundations, blushes, and lipsticks.
- Add a candle or small plant for a more styled and cohesive look.
Why it works: A glass tray's mirrored surface can make your makeup collection look more luxurious while keeping everything neatly arranged.
Conclusion
Creating an organized makeup space doesn’t have to be a pricey endeavor. With a little creativity and very cheap materials, you can create practical and stylish DIY makeup organizers to your taste. It is up to you, from making glass jars and shoe boxes to making dividers and vintage tray displays. Not only will these ideas keep your makeup collection tidy and easy to access, but they'll also add some personality and charm to your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any type of cardboard be used?
Yes! The cardboard can be any size or shape, but it should be sturdier if you want to add makeup to your DIY dividers. You might even use boxes from cereal or deliveries!
Do my DIY organizers have to last long?
To add durability, glue or tape your DIY organizers at the seams. For more robust strength, choose a stronger material like foam board or balsa wood.
Which makeup organizers can be attached to the wall?
Small shelves, a pegboard, or floating baskets can be used to make a wall-mounted organizer. These solutions save counter space and give your room a modern look.