Not Baskets Nor Bins: There's A Better Way To Organize Makeup

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Makeup is fun, but looking through messy baskets and bins for your eyeliner ... not so much. Whether you're getting ready for work in the morning or preparing for an evening date, having to sift through a bin, empty it out on the counter, and create a huge mess isn't anyone's idea of a relaxing time. There's a solution to make this whole experience more fun, and it's hiding in the kitchen aisle: silverware holders. Yes, the thing you put in your drawers to separate your forks from your knives is also a simple and affordable way to organize your beauty room, vanity, or bathroom. 

The idea comes from Instagram creator @neverskipbrunch, who added a silverware organizer into a vanity drawer to bring order to the madness. Using the sections, they separated hairbrushes, setting sprays, lipsticks, and hairpins. That way, instead of opening the drawer to a big mess of stuff, they can easily see their makeup and grab what they need. If you'd like to make your morning routine easier with this storage hack, try it out. 

To recreate this approach, you'll have to find a good silverware holder. The original creator used an expandable bamboo one similar to this Pipishell Adjustable Kitchen Utensil Tray. Instead, you could also use IKEA's basic VARIERA white tray, which costs just $5.99 and is also adjustable. And, as with anything, you can also look for second-hand silverware organizers at thrift shops. Since you're using it for makeup and brushes, be sure to wash them thoroughly first to avoid any oils, chemicals, or dirt getting on your face.

There are two ways to use the kitchen cutlery tray method to organize your makeup. First, place it inside of a drawer. This works well if you have a vanity or bathroom drawer that's a bit messy. If the utensil holder doesn't fit snugly inside the drawer and might move around every time you open and close it, add a layer of Gorilla Grip Shelf and Cabinet Liner underneath. Another option is to add some plastic compartments in the free spaces around the utensil tray to organize makeup palettes, nail polish bottles, and other items. 

If you don't have any drawer space to use with the utensil tray, you have the option of leaving it out in the open. You can place it on the counter in the bathroom, on top of a washing machine, or on a bathroom cart. If you're doing this approach, consider using aesthetically pleasing organizers instead of basic plastic ones. For example, IKEA's UPPDATERA organizers are made of bamboo and have sleek angled edges. You can also use decoupage (Mod Podge and decorative napkins) or spray paint to decorate it. Just make sure to add some waterproof sealant on top so that you can easily clean it with water.

As for how to organize your makeup, it really depends on your collection. Long knife and spoon compartments are perfect for makeup brushes, for example. Short and slim sections (typically for small spoons) are great for lipsticks, eyeliners, and mascaras. Wider sections can be used for small pans, like bronzers, blushes, or loose powders. If there are any leaks or stains from the makeup, you can wash the cutlery organizer with dish soap and water.