Ultimate Makeup Organization: Drawer Dividers & Palette Storage

Updated at: 09/02/2025

Is your makeup collection more of a chaotic explosion of color than a curated collection of beauty essentials? Do you spend precious minutes each morning hunting for that elusive lipstick or perfectly blending eyeshadow palette? The struggle is real, and for many, a beautifully organized makeup collection is more than just aesthetically pleasing – it’s a time-saver and a mood booster. Imagine effortlessly gliding your hand across neatly arranged palettes and easily accessing your favorite products. This is the power of effective makeup organization.

This article focuses on two key components of a flawlessly organized makeup station: drawer dividers and palette storage. We'll explore various options, from budget-friendly DIY solutions to sophisticated storage systems, providing you with practical tips and inspiration to transform your makeup chaos into a streamlined sanctuary of beauty. Ready to conquer your makeup clutter and embrace a more organized routine? Let's dive into our step-by-step guide to achieving the ultimate makeup organization.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • IKEA Alex drawers
  • Strowger cutlery inserts
  • Letter tray
Safety Guidelines
  • Always prioritize storing products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent melting, spoilage, or degradation of formulas. High temperatures and humidity can ruin makeup.
  • Regularly clean your makeup organizers and drawers. Crumbs, dust, and spills can harbor bacteria and affect the longevity and hygiene of your products.
  • Be mindful of weight distribution when stacking palettes or heavy containers. Overloading drawers or shelves can cause them to collapse or become unstable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Drawer Organization: Small Items

    • Organize glitters, face gems, and other small items in IKEA Alex drawers using Strowger cutlery inserts as dividers.
    • Place face and body gems at the back of the drawer to avoid clutter.
    • Categorize glitters, glitter liners, and glitter glue in designated sections within the drawer.
    • Store nail polishes, cuticle oil, nail hardener, false eyelash glue, and false eyelashes in a separate section of the drawer.
    Store nail polishes, cuticle oil, nail hardener, false eyelash glue, and false eyelashes in a separate section of the drawer.Store nail polishes, cuticle oil, nail hardener, false eyelash glue, and false eyelashes in a separate section of the drawer.Store nail polishes, cuticle oil, nail hardener, false eyelash glue, and false eyelashes in a separate section of the drawer.Store nail polishes, cuticle oil, nail hardener, false eyelash glue, and false eyelashes in a separate section of the drawer.
    Drawer Organization: Small Items

  2. Drawer Organization: Eye Products

    • Organize eye products (excluding palettes) in a separate drawer using cutlery inserts.
    • Store mascaras, brow products, and eyeliner pencils in designated sections within the drawer.
    Store mascaras, brow products, and eyeliner pencils in designated sections within the drawer.Store mascaras, brow products, and eyeliner pencils in designated sections within the drawer.
    Drawer Organization: Eye Products

  3. Palette Storage

    • Organize eyeshadow palettes using a letter tray for easy access and visibility.
    • Arrange palettes by size (larger at the back, smaller at the front) for optimal organization and visual appeal.
    Arrange palettes by size (larger at the back, smaller at the front) for optimal organization and visual appeal.Arrange palettes by size (larger at the back, smaller at the front) for optimal organization and visual appeal.
    Palette Storage

Read more: Golden Cut Crease Makeup Tutorial: Achieve a Sharp, Flawless Look

Tips

  • Declutter items that are old, unused, or have little product remaining.
  • Keep backups of favorite products to ensure a continuous supply.
  • Consider using additional letter trays if necessary to accommodate all your eyeshadow palettes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding Drawers

Reason: Trying to fit too many items into a drawer leads to a messy, unorganized space and makes it difficult to find products.
Solution: Declutter regularly and utilize vertical space with drawer dividers to maximize storage and accessibility.

2. Improper Palette Storage

Reason: Leaving palettes loose can lead to scratches, breakage, and wasted space. Additionally, loose palettes are harder to find and can lead to confusion.
Solution: Use palette organizers or dividers to keep palettes secure and easily accessible.

3. Ignoring Product Expiration Dates

Reason: Using expired makeup can cause skin irritation and infections. Keeping old makeup can also clutter up the space.
Solution: Regularly check expiration dates and discard old or expired products to maintain a clean and safe makeup collection.

FAQs

What's the best material for drawer dividers and palette storage?
The best material depends on your needs and budget. Acrylic is popular for its clarity and easy cleaning. Bamboo or wood offer a more natural aesthetic, but may require more care. Plastic is affordable and durable, but may not look as sleek.
Once you've curated a collection of stunning eyeshadow palettes—perhaps even inspired by our recommendations on essential matte eyeshadow palettes—efficient storage becomes crucial. This guide will help you maximize your drawer space and keep those beautiful palettes organized and easily accessible, ensuring you always find the perfect shade for your look. We'll explore the best drawer dividers and palette storage solutions to keep your makeup collection looking as fabulous as it is.