I’ve Been A Beauty Editor For 10 Years - This Is How I Organize My Beauty Stash

Having spent over a decade as a beauty editor, I’ve amassed a vast makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness collection consisting of hundreds (thousands?) of products in every shade, scent and size imaginable. But what I pride myself most on, is how it’s all organized.

It was no mean feat - beauty products are uniquely difficult to store. They’re small, oddly shaped and rarely stack nicely on top of one another. They’re messy and they can leak. And yet, my beauty cupboard is a sight to behold. My secret? Discipline, strict categorisation and, most importantly, clear storage boxes and bags. Here’s my ultimate guide to organising your beauty stash… 

Step 1: Make a Mess 

The saying goes that you have to make this worse before they get better. Empty all your makeup and skincare items on your bed or floor (put a towel down first, though and make sure all liquids are tightly closed). This chaotic pile lets you get a feel for how much you actually have (you’ll be surprised), making it easier to decipher what you need to get rid of. 

Step 2: Sort and Declutter

First things first, throw out any old or expired products. Beauty items have shelf lives, and using them past their prime isn't advisable. Next, throw away anything that is broken or any pressed powders that are cracked (they will just get worse and spill everywhere). 

For any products that are unopened, consider donating them to charities or passing them on to friends and family. One person’s trash can be another’s treasure, right? 

Step 3: Categorize Your Collection

Categorizing is the key to staying organized. I break my beauty stash down into makeup, skincare, body care, hair care, perfumes and wellness. Next, group your items within each category. For makeup, break it down like this:

• Everyday essentials: Products you use daily. These products can be stored in a separate makeup bag that’s easily accessible on your dresser. 

• Skin: Foundation, primer, powder, concealer, blush, and bronzer.

• Eyes: Brow products, mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner.

• Lips: Lipstick, balm, gloss, and liner.

Do the same for skincare, hair care, perfume, nails, and body products. Make a separate pile for the products you use every day.

Step 4: Clear Storage Is Key

Good storage is a game-changer. Clear organizers and clear cosmetics cases are, in my opinion, the only way to go, simply because you don’t have to open them and rifle around to see what’s inside. A cursory glance will usually suffice. 

I cannot adequately express how much I love our Makeup Bags. Not only are they clear, they come in different sizes (perfect for different categories - makeup gets a smaller bag, while body care needs a large bag) and they have coloured trims, which makes it even easier to identify what’s inside as well as keeps my beauty cupboard looking chic AF. Plus, they’re wipeable if there are any spills or smudges. 

When it comes to everyday items and shelfie-worthy display items, keep them on mirrored trays to keep anything from rolling around, and repurpose empty candle jars to hold items like makeup brushes, cotton pads, or sponges.

Step 5: Maintain the Order

Once everything is organized, the key is to keep it that way. Psychologists and spatial experts emphasize that an organized home benefits both your physical space and your mental well-being. 

Here are some tips to maintain your newly organized space:

• One in, one out: When you buy something new, get rid of something old.

• Daily touch-ups: Incorporate bite-sized tidying tasks into your weekly routine. Wipe down your dressing table and mirrors on Mondays, sharpen your makeup pencils on Tuesday and so on. Leave bigger tasks like cleaning your makeup brushes to a more intense Sunday reset session. 

Finally, every time I'm packing for a holiday, I use it as an opportunity to do a top-up clear out. If I haven't touched a product since the last clear out, it's time to say goodbye. After all, you need to create space for any new additions, right?