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I know how messy beauty products can get on a countertop or in a drawer. Finding the right storage solutions really changes the game—suddenly everything’s easier to spot, and things don’t go missing.
Honestly, using what you already have at home just feels smart. It saves money, cuts down on waste, and, well, why not? Upcycling household items into beauty storage is such an easy, practical way to stay organized and a little kinder to the planet.
I’ve pulled together some ideas for turning everyday stuff into genuinely useful storage for your makeup and tools—no need to buy anything fancy.
1. Use cleaned candle jars to store eyeliners and small brushes
Empty candle jars make perfect holders for eyeliners and small makeup brushes. I just wash them out and drop my tools inside. Everything stands upright, which makes it easy to grab what I need. Plus, it keeps my space looking way less chaotic.
2. Cut cardboard tubes into 3-inch segments to hold lipsticks upright
I grab cardboard tubes and cut them into three-inch pieces—super simple. Then I pop my lipsticks in so they all stand up, easy to see and grab. The tubes are sturdy enough to keep everything from tipping over, which is honestly a relief.
3. Repurpose old cake platters to organize perfume bottles
Old cake platters actually work great for holding perfume bottles. I like to put taller bottles on the top tier and the smaller ones below—it just looks nice and keeps everything in order.
4. Transform mason jars into compartments for cotton pads and swabs
Mason jars are my go-to for cotton pads and swabs. They’re clear, so I can see when I’m running low, and they fit pretty much anywhere in the bathroom. It’s one of those little things that makes life easier.
5. Paint and upcycle metal serving trays for makeup palettes
I’ll admit, I love giving old metal trays a new life. After a good scrub, I paint them in whatever color feels right that day. Once dry, they’re perfect for keeping makeup palettes together on my dresser. It’s a small upgrade, but it makes me happy.
6. Glue magnets to containers and mount them for magnetic makeup holders
I stick magnets to the backs of my makeup containers—usually with hot glue, but sometimes super glue if I want extra hold. Then I put up a metal sheet or board on my wall and just snap the containers on. It’s kind of fun and keeps everything where I can see it.
7. Use cleaned Tupperware containers to separate hair accessories
Cleaned Tupperware containers are surprisingly handy for sorting hair stuff—clips, ties, pins, you name it. I like that they’re stackable and easy to wash. Finding what I need is way less frustrating now.
8. Convert old eyeglass cases into compact travel makeup organizers
Old eyeglass cases make the best little travel organizers for makeup. I toss in lipsticks or brushes, close it up, and it fits right in my purse. The hard shell keeps everything from getting crushed. Honestly, I wish I’d thought of this sooner.
9. Stack empty candle jars as a pyramid for easy nail polish storage
I’ve started stacking empty candle jars in a pyramid and dropping in my nail polishes. It looks cool and keeps all the colors visible. Plus, it saves space on my vanity, which I desperately need.
10. Frame and upcycle metal pieces to create decorative organizers
I’ve framed old metal scraps inside picture frames to make organizers. The metal actually looks pretty chic and holds small beauty items really well. It’s a quirky touch, but I love how it turns junk into something useful.
11. Repurpose wooden cutlery trays to sort skincare products
Wooden cutlery trays aren’t just for the kitchen. I use them to divide up my skincare bottles and jars. The sections make it easy to keep everything sorted—no more digging around for that one serum.
12. Use recycled plastic containers to corral daily essentials
Recycled plastic containers are kind of a catch-all for my daily beauty stuff. I throw in makeup, brushes, whatever I reach for most. It keeps my counter from turning into a disaster zone, and I can always spot what I need.
13. Transform old jewelry stands by spray painting for makeup brush holders
I grabbed an old jewelry stand and just went for it—some spray paint, nothing fancy, but suddenly it looked totally fresh and kind of chic. Now it holds my makeup brushes instead of tangled necklaces.
Honestly, it feels good to organize my brushes like this without having to buy another thing.
