The 12 Best Makeup Organizers of 2021

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As if cluttered makeup bags weren't already hard enough to deal with, worse yet is when the contents of those bags become haphazardly strewn about our vanity tables. So here's a word of advice: Take inventory of the makeup you do have (to avoid unnecessary purchases in the future) and get rid of anything you likely won't touch again. Once your stash is pared down, it's time to organize it.

Makeup organizers come in all different sizes and looks. There are those that operate as mini vanities (LED mirror included), and others designed with drawers of varying sizes to accommodate anything from eyeshadow palettes to lipsticks. Some are acrylic, some rotate, and others can be easily packed up and taken with you on the go.

Below, the best organizers to tidy-up your makeup.

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While it’s transparent enough to know exactly where you relegated each of your products, the stack comes in a range of colors—even marble, for you minimalists. It has three wide drawers for palettes and four at half the size for smaller items. That’s not to mention, of course, the brush holder, lipstick compartment. This is the organizer for the makeup obsessive who wants everything to have its own home.

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Speaking of brushes holders, this is the Rolls Royce. Instead of squeezing together handles and hoping the bristles dry at the other end, this stand separates each brush so they never have to touch. To use, just extract a brush and thread it back into its individual hole after you’ve finished. Did we mention its crystal-reminiscent design is insanely cute?

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There’s a reason influencers everywhere, and Byrdie’s very own Hallie Gould, can’t get enough of this makeup bag. The structured soft-case keeps makeup intact on the most turbulent of trips, but malleable enough to squeeze into tight spaces. Its dual-sided zip reaches down to the base of the bag so there’s no need to rummage around for that elusive eyeliner sharpener—it also always comes in discreet charcoal or black, with a brightly-colored liner of your choice for optimal visibility. If you really want luxury, opt for the leather version, which features two secret pockets.

Sonia Kashuk Countertop Makeup Tray Organizer

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This is an old classic and personal favorite. Its gold-rimmed clear countertop gives you pretty much everything you need, including a range of compartment-sizes. The one downside is that large palettes will have to find their own home, but for smaller products, this can’t be beaten.

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Looking for luxury? We’ve got you covered. The cosmetic case is objectively beautiful—available in eight colors with contrasting leather straps, and striped lining. You can also customize it with your initials if you’re really feeling fancy. It’s also not just a pretty face, but practical too: Its hard exterior protects your products, and individual pockets store brushes and favorite lipsticks so you never have to dig.

Ikee Design Cosmetics Makeup and Jewelry Storage Case Display

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This one's for you in-betweeners. If you don’t want the commitment of a heavy-duty organizer, but still want to optimize your organization, this is by far the best acrylic option. With two full-size display drawers, two half-size as well as top compartments, you can finally consolidate all your products in one place. For those who do need a little more storage, this does also come in a bigger size. Oh, and you can order it in a slightly less-sheer diamond pattern.

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Sephora's makeup organizers are always beloved, but this one is a particular crowd favorite. Arriving in a sheer pink, each draw has a black lining so any spills don’t require a full cleanout. Bear in mind this organizer isn’t huge—if you’re looking to house a large number of products you may need some supplementary storage facilities—but it is built in a similar style to the Everything Stack.

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Finally, a smorgasbord for makeup. A cylindrical shelving system that spins for your convenience? Yes, please. The Jerrybox Organizer has seven levels of trays that you can adjust to the most applicable height, and it’s small enough so as to not consume your countertop. It also rotates completely silently and is easy to wash. Cut your get-ready time in two with this dream.

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Ah the Caboodle, hello, old friend. The Caboodle has been in rotation as a portable makeup organizer by those in the know for a long time. If you’re en route to a location with dubious mirror space, this is the organizer to bring. Folding out two tray levels and a full mirror stand, get ready everywhere and anywhere, then pop it in your overnight bag and keep it moving—the hard shell will ensure your makeup stays safe.

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As a perpetually in-transit makeup fiend, this one is a personal favorite. The case is structured by movable sections (you can take them out altogether to make it softer and flatter if you need space in a suitcase), which keeps your makeup from being crushed. A side pocket on the flap fits palettes, while brushes fit snugly into the compartments. In short, there’s truly no product this doesn’t accommodate— and it’s pretty enough to sit on your vanity if you’re so inclined.

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You don’t wear a lot of makeup on the day-to-day, but you do want your products neatly accessible: meet the Modern Makeup Mirror. The LED mirror has a small pull out magnification mirror to get up-close-and-personal, and its base doubles as a makeup organizer for the essentials. Save yourself rooting around in a larger unit, and keep the basics on hand to swipe on in a flash.

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Save the planet and shelve your makeup practically with this organizer created from bamboo. This stand may not rival its acrylic competitors when it comes to a ton of specialized compartments, but it does do a great job of keeping you covered with all the necessities. There are holes for brushes, and shelves of various heights to suit a range of different products. Did we mention it’s double-sided?

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