Thursday, July 25, 2013

49 UHeart Organizing: "Makeup" a Beautiful Organization System!

Organizing makeup is fun for all sorts of reasons, but mainly because you get to combine beauty supplies with organizing.  It sounds like a girly fantasy if you ask me!  And if I am all alone on makeup organizing fantasy island, maybe you will be inspired to join me after checking out Serena's makeup organization system.  Here she is now!


One of my new years resolutions was to branch outside my comfort zone for makeup. I’ve always been a sucker for beauty products, but when I was gifted this amazing book {which by the way I had on my Pinterest wishlist for months - if you pin it, it will come!} I knew I had to up my game.

Since then I’ve embraced contouring, mastered smokey eyes and developed a strange addiction to highlighters…but my proudest achievement would fhave to be my freshly organized makeup station.


MAKEUP STORAGE

Initially my plan was to copy Kim Kardashian completely and start dating a rapper who creates scenes at televised awards shows and get one of these acrylic makeup towers.

However a quick perusal of Google taught me these professional makeup organizers cost upwards of $100. I decided until I had my own reality show, I wasn’t going to be wanting to spend that much. I needed a cheaper version that was just as pretty and just as functional.

Enter my local office supplies store. I was able to pick up this baby for just $14.95.  It’s meant for paper, but my makeup doesn’t need to know that.


The only thing it didn’t have was compartments within the drawers themselves to section of the various makeup goodies I planned to store inside.

Being on a budget, I really didn’t want to buy more dividers and trays to go within the organizer…and then it hit me. Those gorgeous Kate Spade boxes I’d been saving up because they were too pretty to throw away? They would make the most perfect, cheerful dividers!



I simply fixed them to the drawers with double sided tape to prevent sliding and behold my makeup organizer was born!

Each drawer now has its own compartment – primers and foundations at the bottom, eyes next, and then powders, highlighters and bronzers, with make-up sponges, Q-Tips and cotton pads up the top. Now when I want something I simply open that drawer and grab it – no digging!



BRUSH STORAGE & CLEANING

For my brushes, I knew I wanted to keep them in open air for easy access, cleaning and drying time.  A cute vintage cup fit them perfectly, but I hated the sight of the big old makeup cleaner bottle sitting next to it. {And lets face it, if you don’t keep the makeup cleaner near the brushes, those brushes aren’t getting cleaned.}

Enter a recycled perfume bottle. I simple got an old perfume bottle {which I has hoarded put away with my ‘pretty’ Kate Spade boxes}, washed it thoroughly, and filled with my makeup brush cleaner.


Now, when I finish using a brush I simply give it a spray of cleaner, wipe off the excess and put the brush back good as new. I still give them a proper heavy duty cleaning every few months, but this way I can keep my makeup brushes clean with no fuss.

SPRING CLEANING

The last step in my makeup organization quest was to work out a way to keep things organized long term. I did so by creating this laminated cheat sheet - which I’ve totally made into a free printable for you – DOWNLOAD HERE.




The cheat sheet reminds me how long I should keep my makeup products and when I should replace them.

To work this out, I simply started attaching a sticker with the date on each new makeup purchase. So now, whenever I need to spring clean my makeup I just grab my cheat sheet and look at the dates on my makeup to work out what can stay and what needs to be replaced.



I have to say, having this makeup station has inspired me to be more creative with makeup, but it also makes it quicker for me to get ready and out the door every morning.  And to think it cost me less than $20!

What do you use to store your makeup? Do you have any makeup organization tips that you think I should try next?




"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner.  Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner.   Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. 

My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park.  I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"

49 comments:

  1. I will have to check that out. That is a smart save vs splurge.

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  2. May I please find out what store the make up case (aka paper drawer) came from?

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    1. That's what I'm looking for to! This would be a great gift for a friend!

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    2. She said they were old Kate Spade boxes. When you buy stuff from the designer Kate Spade such as a scarf, earrings or whatever. I am sure it came in these fancy boxes.

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    3. Yes! It came from Officeworks and you can buy here: http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Office-Supplies/Desk-Accessories/Desk-Organisers/Drawer-Tidy/SEDD113

      However, if you're after something similar in the US, I found these similar at the Container store:
      http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10024247&N=&Ntt=paper+drawer
      AND http://www.containerstore.com/shop/office/desktopCollections/clearTransluscent?productId=10029405&green=2721EFC2-3CD6-5C8A-BA4D-83AD6C035B6A

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  3. I use a combination of a Sephora trunk and other items for brushes, etc. but I love your system. I used to use a pretty box that chocolates came in to separate pairs of earrings. The perfume bottle for brush cleaner is genius!

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  4. I love this! I keep my brushes in an old decorative glass vase with sand in the base and it's been my favorite thing forever. I was just thinking last night that I needed to work on the makeup itself.

    Thanks for the awesome inspiration.

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  5. Brilliant! I especially love the idea of using an old perfume bottle for brush cleaner! Now I'm going to go hit the office supply store and check out my hoarded pretty boxes...

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  6. Love it! My beauty stylist passed along a tip to me as well for keeping track of my makeup. She said to grab a small note book (I have small hot pink moleskin one) and as I purchase new products to write them down-brand, color, date. Makes it so easy to see when things need to go, and if I accidently throw out a container I still can find the color in my book. Love the sticker idea as well.

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  7. Hi! I can only get anonymous posting to work. I'm Alison. Anyway, love your organized makeup. You mentioned a makeup book inspired you...what's the title? Thanks!

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    1. i was just coming to ask the same question!

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    2. Me too! I looked on her Pinterest Wish List and it looks like it is "Amazing Face" by Zoe Foster....that's my guess anyway!

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    3. Yes - totally right, it's "Amazing Face" by Zoe Foster. Sorry there was meant to be a link in there. You can get it here: http://www.luvocracy.com/PrettyFluffy/recommendations/amazing-face-clever-beauty-tricks-should-own-products-spectacularly-useful-how-to-do-its

      There is also an app as well that cam after the book called Amazing Face which is meant to be fabulous as well!

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  8. I am OBSESSED with this! Such a genius solution! I have vanity drawers for my makeup, but I love the idea of putting the makeup brush cleaner in a perfume bottle!

    What kind of cleaner do you use?

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    1. Thankyou! I use this one from Mecca: http://www.meccacosmetica.com.au/shop/MeccaCosmetica/BrushWithSuccessConditioningBrushCleaner/

      I used to use MAC as well but haven't trialed it in my perfume as yet: http://www.maccosmetics.com.au/product/135/307/Brush-Cleanser/index.tmpl

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  9. What a great solution! This would market so well to college students. I used the rubbermaid drawers in college for all my makeup, and I would have loved to have pretty storage like this!

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    Replies
    1. I would also love to have something this pretty in my home now :)

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  10. I'm curious too...what book was it and is it possible to get the info on the drawer?!?!

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    1. The drawer came from Officeworks (in Australia) and you can buy here: http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Office-Supplies/Desk-Accessories/Desk-Organisers/Drawer-Tidy/SEDD113

      However, if you're after something similar in the US, I found these similar at the Container store:
      http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10024247&N=&Ntt=paper+drawer
      AND http://www.containerstore.com/shop/office/desktopCollections/clearTransluscent?productId=10029405&green=2721EFC2-3CD6-5C8A-BA4D-83AD6C035B6A

      The book is Amazing Face by Zoe Foster :)

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    2. Thanks so much for responding!! They've been pinned to my wish list board!

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  11. Such a great tip. I store mine in the small 3 drawer stackers. I have a lot of makeup though and even more brushes. I actually have a clean brush cup and a dirty brush cup to keep them separate.

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  12. Great idea! I love the makeup brush cleaner and stickers on the bottoms. I would probably date the stickers with the date that it would need to be tossed though- a little more thinking up front for a quick glance later on!

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  13. After some research, the drawers that she is using appear to be from an Australian company called OfficeWorks and it's the Keji Four Drawer Desktop File! Wish I could find this in the US!

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  14. The links are missing...

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  15. This is a great idea. If I wasn't already happy with my makeup in and over the door organizer (simply stashed), I would be running out to an office supply store right now. I'm loving your Kim Kardashian reference. Too funny!

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  16. Fan-freakin-tastic! Love the idea of the "cheat sheet" for tossing stuff too. I've probably got stuff waaaaay past the date hangin around. (I'm usually too busy painting something to worry about mascara. ;-)

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  17. Serena, how did you open the miss dior bottle? The spray thingy is firmly attached to the bottle with a metallic neck. How do you do it?? :)

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    Replies
    1. It takes a while :) I follow this tutorial which takes you step by step: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0gund9kghs

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  18. LOVE how you used the Kate Spade boxes. It's pretty and wallet friendly!
    Meredith
    www.thelovelyowl.com

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  19. very pretty.. just wondering what type if any, lighted makeup mirror that you use? I recently re-did an old desk and made it into a vanity and i need a lighted makeup mirror and those at the local big box store are small and i think i want a larger lighted mirror. thanks a bunch

    sommermullinsrn@yahoo.com

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  20. Why on earth do you need a spreadsheet to tell you when your makeup is expiring? Have one of each and use it then, then buy a new one. Or don't bother to wear it in the first place.

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    1. It is actually really important to keep an eye on the dates of your makeup for a few reasons. Over time, beauty products will lose their effectiveness and more importantly, harbor bacteria, mold and even yeast. I am pretty sure I don't want to be putting that on my face, and if you don't wear makeup everyday, or purchase a few different shades based on the season, it could be very simple to lose track of dates.

      xo,
      Jen

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  21. Just a quick note to say Hi. I love getting your regular tidy and organizational tips with a splash of style sent to me by email.
    I ALWAYS check your blog posts first!
    Well I love the makeup organizer draws. So simple and I have one
    spare, empty and ready to go in my office!
    xo Many thanks for taking the time to share.
    Sue

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  22. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! I have been looking for an organization system for my make up.

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  23. Now I have a reason to save old decorative boxes! And I love the drawer idea, makes everything very accessible. Awesome post!

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  24. Wow! I really will start putting expiry dates on my products. By the way, how long are nail polishes good for? I just tossed a whole bunch of mine because the looked "past their prime". But is there a guideline for when those expire?

    I heartily heart your blog and your drive for organization.

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  25. One quick tip for anyone who might have a Silhouette die-cutting machine for scrapbooking. There are a few divided organizing box files in the Silhouette store. I have a similar plastic organizer and I used my machine to make boxes for organizing everything in the box. Love it! :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the tip Laurel! You just made my day!! :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  26. Love this. You can also pick them up at Muji really inexpensively. http://www.muji.us/store/storage/acrylic-cases.html

    I have bought 3 or 4 and I LOVE them! Have had them for a year and still in great condition :)

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  27. This is BRILLIANT, pretty, and affordable! Who could ask for more! Added bonus...my husband will be so excited that my makeup isn't all over the place! Thanks for sharing this idea!

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  28. This looks gorgeous! I am a sucker for an organised makeup collection.

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  29. I think this might work if people are intrested: http://www.amazon.com/InterDesign-35300-Clear-Drawers/dp/B004KKXA58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375110704&sr=8-1&keywords=acrylic+organizer

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  30. Here's a tip about leaving your makeup brushes out (same with a toothbrush)...when you flush the toilet, tiny particals can be released into the air..need i say more. Cover or conceal your brushes and toothbrush or make sure you always drop the lid before you flush. This applies to hairspray too, whatever is in the air will land on everything in your bathroom :)

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  31. Loved this, I will be doing an update makeup organization on my blog in a couple of days!

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  32. I so enjoyed this post that it inspired me to do a similar post where I linked to you, and in addition, offered a mini-makeup collection giveaway. Feel free to share with friends & readers!

    http://riversongspawv.com/beauty-storage-organization/

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  33. Great idea as my own make up is not organised at all! Will keep this in mind when doing shopping the next time!

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  34. That is an amazing idea! I would have never thought of doing this (I am talking about the dates on the back of each make up product...) !

    Melanie ~ www.iheartsharingthings.blogspot.fr

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  35. I love the idea of putting the brush cleaner in a perfume bottle! I am going to try this thanks!

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