It's Week 8 in the Breathing Room Project Planner (shop it here), which means that it's time to organize your makeup drawer. Keeping your makeup drawer tidy can feel like a never-ending challenge. Products pile up, brushes scatter, and finding your favorite lipstick becomes a daily struggle. But organizing your makeup drawer not only saves time in the morning, but saves you money – no more buying multiples of items you already own just because you can't find them. Bonus: You create a calm, beautiful space that turns your daily routine into a small act of self-care instead of a rushed scavenger hunt.

In this post, I’ll share practical tips to transform your cluttered drawer into a neat, functional space—and reveal what’s actually inside mine.

1. Start by Emptying Everything Out

Before you can organize, you need to see what you have. Pull out every item from your makeup drawer and place it on a clean surface. This step helps you:

• Identify expired or unused products to toss

• Group similar items together

• Get a clear picture of your collection size

  
  

For example, I found several mascaras past their prime and a few lipsticks I never use. Clearing these out immediately freed up space.

2. Check Expiration Dates and Assess What You Actually Use

It's always entertaining to see how long we've had that eyeshadow or mascara… but this is the moment to be honest about what’s truly serving you.

As you sort through your items, this step allows you to:

• Toss products that are expired or no longer safe to use

• Let go of shades or formulas you never reach for

• Notice duplicates you didn’t realize you owned

• Curate a collection that fits your current lifestyle

Rule of Thumb: If you haven’t used it in the last six months (and it’s not a special-occasion item), it may be time to let it go. Keeping only what you actually love makes getting ready feel easier and more intentional.

3. Clean Products and Surfaces

Before putting anything back, give everything a quick refresh. A clean drawer sets the tone for keeping it organized long-term.

Take a few minutes to:

• Wipe down the inside of the drawer with a gentle cleaner

• Vacuum out crumbs, powder spills, or debris

• Wipe off product packaging

• Clean makeup brushes and tools

You’ll be surprised how much better your collection looks when everything is clean. Starting fresh makes the final organized result feel polished — and much more motivating to maintain.

4. Sort Products by Category

Divide your makeup into categories such as:

• Face (foundation, concealer, powder)

• Eyes (eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara)

• Lips (lipstick, gloss, balm)

• Tools (brushes, sponges, tweezers)

• Skincare (moisturizers, primers)

  
  

Sorting makes it easier to find what you need quickly. Use small containers or trays to keep each category separate inside the drawer.

5. Use Drawer Organizers and Dividers

Invest in drawer organizers designed for makeup. These come in various sizes and shapes to fit your products perfectly. Benefits include:

• Preventing items from rolling around

• Maximizing drawer space

• Keeping everything visible at a glance

  
  

I use clear acrylic organizers with compartments for lipsticks, palettes, and brushes. This setup keeps my drawer looking clean and makes it easy to grab what I want.

6. Rotate Seasonal or Special Occasion Items

Not all makeup is used daily. Store seasonal colors or special occasion products separately. For example, keep your holiday glitter eyeshadows or bold lipsticks in a small box inside the drawer or elsewhere.

This approach keeps your everyday essentials front and center, reducing clutter and decision fatigue.

7. Clean Your Drawer Regularly

Makeup can leave residue and dust inside drawers. Wipe down the drawer and organizers every few weeks to keep everything fresh. Cleaning also helps you spot expired products or items you no longer want.

TIP: Keep a Trash Bin Nearby

Make decluttering easier by keeping a small trash bin or bag near your makeup area. As you sort through products, toss expired or empty items immediately. This habit prevents clutter from creeping back in.

And Finally... The Makeup I Wear Everyday

Simple, but effective - here are the items I use on a daily basis:

• YSE Skin Glow Primer

• YSE Wide Awake Under-Eye Cream

• Merit Blush

• Lash Prototype Mascara

• Tarte Lip Plump

• Goop Hydra_Barrier Gel Gloss

Organizing your makeup drawer takes some effort but pays off with a clean, functional space and rediscovered favorites. Start by emptying your drawer, sorting products, and using organizers to keep everything in place. Regular cleaning and labeling help maintain order. Finally, enjoy the process of uncovering hidden treasures in your collection.