Makeup Desk Organisation Hacks to Declutter Your Beauty Space

I’m definitely not one to judge anyone for having too much makeup, but a cluttered makeup space can turn even the calmest morning into a chaotic one. Scrambling to find your mascara, knocking over foundation bottles, or digging through a drawer full of half-used products is not exactly a relaxing start to the day.

The good news? You don’t need a huge vanity or expensive storage solutions to create an organised, functional beauty space. A few simple tweaks can streamline your routine, maximise space, and make everything easier to find.

If you are tired of makeup messes, here are the best makeup desk organisation hacks to declutter your beauty space!

1. Declutter First (and be ruthless!)

Before you even think about organising, you need to cut the clutter. Makeup expires, and most of us hold on to far more products than we actually use.

Here’s how to declutter your makeup stash effectively:

• Check expiration dates
  • Mascara and eyeliner: 3 to 6 months
  • Foundation and concealer: 1 to 2 years
  • Lipsticks and glosses: 1 to 2 years
  • Powders and eyeshadows: 2 to 3 years

Always check the ‘period after opening’ symbol (the little jar in these photos) to find out the shelf life of your beauty products!

• Toss anything broken, dried out, or separating
  That clumpy mascara or cracked compact? Time to say goodbye.
• Be honest about what you actually use
  If you haven’t worn it in six months, it’s probably not a favourite.
• Swatch before keeping
  If you own five nude lipsticks but only love one, don’t let the others take up space.

Decluttering first makes organising faster and far more satisfying.

2. Separate Daily Essentials from Occasional Products

Not every product needs to be within reach every day. Keep daily essentials in an easy-to-access spot and store less-used items elsewhere.

Here’s a simple system:

• Everyday essentials
  Items you use daily, like foundation, brow gel, mascara, tinted lip balm
• Occasional-use products
  Special event makeup like bold lipsticks, false lashes, or full-coverage foundation
• Backups and duplicates
  Extra products that can be stored out of the way until needed. I keep mine in a drawer under my makeup table.

Use a small organiser or pouch for daily products so you can grab them in seconds. I love these ones from Elizabeth Scarlett:

3. Use Smart Storage Solutions for Every Size Space

The best way to store makeup depends on how much space you have. Here are some easy solutions for storing makeup without it turning into a chaotic mess.

For small spaces:

• Clear acrylic organisers to keep everything visible
• Rotating makeup stands for vertical storage
• Drawer dividers to keep things in place
• Magnetic makeup boards for eyeshadows or pans with metal backs
• Hanging organisers or wall-mounted shelves

For larger storage setups:

• Makeup brush holders like mugs or small flower vases
• Drawer organisers to group similar items together
• Small shelves or spice racks to display skincare or perfumes
• Lazy Susans for sprays, foundations, or primers

Keep things visible but neat so you can actually enjoy the space you’ve created.

4. Keep Makeup Brushes and Tools Clean and Accessible

Makeup brushes, sponges, tweezers, and other tools often get lost or dirty if not stored properly. Keeping them separate and clean helps them last longer and keeps your skin healthier too.

Tips for organising brushes and tools:

• Store face brushes and eye brushes separately
• Use a brush holder, cup, or jar you already have
• Wash brushes weekly with gentle soap or brush cleanser
• Store beauty sponges in a breathable container, not zipped inside a bag while damp
• If you have a lot of brushes, a roll-up brush case or magnetic strip can keep them sorted

If you want to build better beauty habits, staying on top of brush hygiene is a great place to start.

5. Organise Lipsticks, Liners, and Small Items

Lip products and small tools are the fastest to disappear in a messy drawer. These easy solutions help keep your smaller items from getting lost.

• Use a clear lipstick tray to keep shades visible and upright
• Group similar items in small baskets or drawer inserts
• Store lip liners or pencils in a pencil case or mini pouch
• Try a magnetic strip or board to keep metal items in easy reach

If you group products by category, you’ll always know where to find your favourite red lipstick or brown eyeliner when you need it.

6. Follow the One In, One Out Rule

Once your space is tidy, you want to keep it that way. The one in, one out rule is simple but powerful.

• Bought a new lipstick? Declutter one you never wear
• Upgraded your foundation? Toss the expired one
• Have five mascaras open? Finish or toss before adding more

This mindset helps you stay intentional about purchases and prevents clutter from creeping back in.

7. Maintain Your Space with Weekly Check-ins

A beautifully organised makeup area only stays that way if you give it a little love each week. Just five to ten minutes can make a huge difference.

Weekly maintenance checklist:

• Wipe down trays and counters
• Check for leaks or spills
• Toss anything expired or broken
• Reorganise if something’s not working

It’s easier to stay on top of it than to do another full overhaul down the line.

Shop the Post:

If you want more beauty tips for busy mornings, check out my posts on my 5-minute morning makeup routine and daily morning skincare routine!

Do you have a favourite storage hack that works in your space? Share it in the comments. I’d love to hear how you keep your beauty routine clutter-free.