Let’s be honest, there are too many opportunities to overload on cosmetics. Between Birchbox, Ipsy and those tempting samples from Sephora, we all tend to load up on beauty clutter.
The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice those cute little tidbits for the sake of space! A bit of simple reorganization can make such a difference when it comes to our favorite face, hair and skincare products. Whether you’ve got a suitcase’s worth of stuff or just a few tidbits you’re not sure where to stash, NYGal has got some advice on how to create the optimal space for your fave cosmetics!
Don’t Be Afraid to Downsize Your Stash
Ipsy is amazing for introducing some of us to lesser-known brands, but let’s be honest – sometimes we’re just not into what we get.
That highlighter or eyeshadow you know you’ll probably never really be rocking is only going to create a mess of some sort in your makeup bag. Hand that baby off to a friend who might be experimenting with her own makeup; I’ll bet she’d love to try something out before indulging in a potentially pricey purchase! Not only are you ridding yourself of excess product that would probably only go to waste, but you’re introducing another person to the amazing service that is sample-sized beauty products!
Shop high quality makeup and skincare line that will enhance your natural beauty
Maybe you’ve just got extra product from 2010 you just never use anymore. Cosmetics do have an expiration date! Chances are that NARS blush kit your aunt gifted you a couple years ago might not be as great for your skin as it was back in the day.
Professionals advise not keeping opened cosmetics for more than two years due to bacteria. Hadley King, M.D. explains:
“All of the molecules in these products can break down into something else, and you can have a reaction to it.”
It might feel wasteful to toss out a few of those eyeshadow palettes you once loved with passion, but consider the space you’re clearing out for more fun purchases to come!

Take Your Space Into Account
When you’re living in NYC, most likely you’re confined to a relatively small living space. How do we utilize the small (but so cute) apartment you’ve claimed as your own? A few simple organizational tactics that will turn a mess into impressive! All you need is a trip to Target, Ikea or a quick Amazon sesh.
Consider breaking up your storage spaces such as drawers, cabinets, and shelves with smaller product-friendly compartments. What might seem as an anxiety-inducing mess can easily be transformed into the epitome of organization with just a few simple containers!
Head towards the kitchen isle and pick up a few of those plastic containers meant for separating silverware. Sure, they’re meant for butter knives, but they’re just as perfect for sorting out your fave eyeliners and mascaras. The soft lining and rubber feet prevent slipping when the drawer is opened, not to mention how easily they can be cleaned.
See Also: The Best Eye Shadow Looks for Your Unique Eye Shape
These are ideal over larger organizers since they can be individually taken out as needed.
Are you a makeup brush junkie? Same! You can keep them sanitary AF by storing them in this amazing brush holder. It’ll assist in drying brushes after you’ve washed them and keep them on display so you’ll never accidentally grab the wrong one (can we talk about how icky it is to contour with that blending brush you recently used on a smokey eye?!)

Hang On To Those Mason Jars
From NYGal to NYGal, you don’t need to splurge on storage!
Those super cute mason jars that accompany sometimes overpriced jam or nut butter can actually pay for themselves in other ways. Once that tasty almond butter is gone, rinse the jar out instead of throwing it away.
There may be nothing revolutionary about storing Q-tips, and the like in glass jars, unless you haven’t gotten around to doing this, in which case it will be revolutionary in how it seriously improves your routine. You can use mason jars, candle jars, or any sort of cup, really. Stash the jars in a cabinet or on a counter they’ll make supplies much easier to access.
If you want to add an extra touch, paint the jars your favorite colors and glue on some jewels or fabric.
These handy little containers are perfect for keeping toothbrushes, tissues, cosmetic brushes, and any other small miscellanea you never quite know where to store.
Rethink Your Bathroom Set-Up
Shared spaces can especially benefit from this tip! Upgrading your seriously lacking storage situation can potentially be one of the smartest moves when it comes to keeping your beauty goods from chaos.
One of the most popular reasons to add cabinets to the bath is to better utilize the limited space that many NYC bathrooms offer. Haphazard towels, clumsily placed hair dryers, and even spare toilet paper rolls can turn any small bathroom into an obstacle course. The addition of a few well-placed cabinets can take care of that problem altogether.
A simple–not to mention affordable–solution, is to get your roomies to throw down $10 each and purchase a shelving unit that easily fits over the toilet. Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond both offer options for any budget and style. If you’re more of a DIY gal, it’s also incredibly simple to construct your own shelving. A couple of wood panels, screws, and paint can transform your commode into a chic arts and crafts project with your own personal touch.
For larger products and tools that may be a bit too bulky to shelve, opt also for storage that hangs conveniently over your bathroom door. You won’t ever have to stress about tripping over your curling iron cord or stashing that giant round brush you never seem to find a place for.
Aesthetic Matters!
True, not all of us can afford to transform our living spaces into a department store-worthy set up, but that doesn’t mean storage has to be unsightly.
The items you tend to use the most are more ideal to display on shelves and cabinets than say the box of panty liners you’ve all but forgotten about. Your go-to makeup products can be easy to reach for but also look cute AF displayed in a fun receptacle! An elegant tray to hold those pretty perfume bottles and a funky bowl for skincare samples (that are the perfect size to travel with!) will prevent clutter but also seriously glam up your apartment.
Megan Hopp of Homepolish, a premium interior design service, understands how important it is to enjoy your surroundings.
“Storage is important, but so is aesthetic, having both will ultimately lead to a functional and beautiful space you feel inspired to exist in.”
Believe it or not, aesthetic can actually encourage you to stay organized because you’ll want to maintain the cozy vibe.