Makeup Storage

Sitting while doing your makeup is where it’s at. I discovered this when I was pregnant with my oldest. For 5 months I sat cross-legged in front of a full-length mirror and then I claimed my mom’s old vanity. I knew I was going to love not having to hoist my 30lb heavier body from the floor, but what I didn’t know is that I was going to love the makeup storage and display options that a vanity provides.

Long story short, my mom’s old vanity was pretty damaged in a house fire so it had to be replaced. I wanted something that was modern and functional with a vintage flair. And that is what I love about the Ikea Alex drawers and all the of the customization options.

I paired my Alex drawers with the glossy linnmon table top in white and a vintage style table leg. It looks like this style leg is no longer available but there are many options to choose from. I chose to contrast that with the modern Tobias clear chair. For years I paired it with a vintage mirror hanging above the table. I much prefer this table top Karmsund mirror as I like to get real close to it when doing my makeup.

5 Things to Look for in a Makeup Table

1. Drawers

I honestly cannot emphasize this one enough. What is the point of having a place to do your makeup but nowhere to store your makeup?! I love that I have a place to store my makeup, hair accessories, and all my nail polish. Also, I know that I have more makeup than the average person but I feel cluttered and uninspired when my makeup is unorganized. Or when I have to search for it in a makeup bag.

2. Surface Area

A girl needs to be able to spread out when doing her makeup. There is a reason that most master baths have dual vanities, or at least two sinks. Space is necessary, especially if you want to have some of your makeup on display.

Also, we currently live in a one bathroom house and our bathroom vanity might as well be a pedestal sink. Literally, no counter space.

3. Aesthetics

Even if you only spend 15 minutes on your makeup everyday, that will add up over the years. It might as well be a calming, aesthetically pleasing place for you, right?!

Also, think about the space where your vanity will be. I took this into consideration a great deal because our master bedroom is tiny. Literally, I think it is 12×12. The white of the vanity blends in with the walls and the rest of the textiles in the room. In effect the room looks bigger, brighter, and more open.

AND it’s pretty. When everything is in its place and I’ve got my coffee in hand and a podcast on, I love to be in this space.

4. Comfort

I’m sorry, but those tiny little stools that come with most vanities sets were not made for adults. Haha!! I much prefer having a comfortable chair where I can enjoy the experience, rather than rushing to get up.

The Tobias chair might not seem like the best option for that. However, the seat is somewhat flexible and molded in such a way that it supports the body perfectly.

5. The Little Things

You want to be able to make it work for you. Make sure you would be able to fit some acrylic drawer organizers or dividers in them like this one that I have for nail polish from Ikea. Or at least more shallow ones like the one on top.  I found most of my acrylic organizers at Home Goods. And the brush holders are actually Ikea planters.

None of these items would have worked with my previous vanity. It is not fun having makeup randomly piled into a drawer and searching for the one item you need next. I felt this exact way even when all of my makeup fit into a small cosmetics bag.

Where do you do/store your makeup?

Have you considered sitting down for the process? Do you think it would make doing your makeup more of a self-care experience, rather than an obligation?