How to set up and organize your vanity
By Carla Snuggs

When I was little, I used to dream of having a beautiful vanity chock-full of beautifully organized cosmetics and perfect lighting. However, life gets in the way, cosmetics pile up and things can get unorganized from time to time.  

If your vanity is a bit unorganized and unappealing, don’t fret. Posh Beauty Blog is going to show you how to beautify and organize your vanity with the help of Sharon McRill, owner of The Betty Brigade. The Betty Brigade is a personal assistance and concierge service based in Ann Arbor, Michigan that specializes in organizing, moving coordination, and event planning.

Here are Sharon’s simple steps to organizing your vanity space in your home:

1. Make Space

If you don't have space in your bathroom, clear out a small area in your closet or even in your bedroom to keep your makeup and other personal supplies. This area should be easily accessible. By creating a specific place for all your supplies, you can cut down on clutter and prevent things from getting lost because they will always have a place to go. Remember to think about what TYPES of things you want to keep in or on you vanity station.

2. Cut Down the Excess

Do you really need 5 different shades of red lipstick? Think about how often you actually wear makeup, particularly the ones you have multiple of. How many kinds of hairspray or gel do you need? If you aren't using it regularly or its past 1 year old, you should probably get rid of it. The first step in organizing is sorting through it and getting rid of things you don't use.

3. Storage Solutions

Think about the purpose of your items. You want to make sure its easy to find AND easy to put away. One of my favorite ways to store makeup is on a magnet board!* You can attach it to your wall almost ANYWHERE and it keeps things in plain view so you know what's running low. It also gives your makeup collection a SIZEABLE component. If you have so much makeup that you can't possibly fit it all on a board anywhere in your home, then you should really start thinking about downsizing that collection. You can store items like lotions, hair products, and even accessories in tidy baskets on top of your vanity, or hide them in organized drawers underneath.  

*How do you make a makeup magnet board?* EASY!  Stay tuned, because we have a DIY Makeup Magnet Board Tutorial coming soon, courtesy of 3M!

Thanks so much for the tips, Sharon! Here are some of my favorite vanity storage and organizing solutions:

Caboodles

You might remember Caboodles from way back when (you know for storing your Lip Smackers, stick-on earrings and I <3 JTT pin). Well, Caboodles have grown up along with you and have a modern, sophisticated new look ­but are still as FUNctional ever! Here are some of the Caboodles styles that are sure to organize and beautify any vanity. The Cosmetic Counter Acrylic Tray ($26, Ulta.com) will definitely help organize and beautify your vanity! Click the image below to enlarge:

Purchase: Caboodles are available online and in stores at all major mass retailers (Target, Ulta, Walmart). Caboodles range in price from $15 - $50, making it the perfect for any fashionista or makeup maven no matter what your budget! You can find more Caboodles styles here.  

Beauty Butler

Keep makeup organized, protected and ready to use on your vanity with Beauty Butler. Watch the very funny video at Getbeautybutler.com and discover why Brooke Burke’s Modern Mom hailed Beauty Butler as a must-have. The 3 Diva Combo is my favorite and includes 3 Divas (6″ x 8″ Makeup Organizers and 60 Small & 24 Large Grab Tabs. The award winning Beauty Butler is available in Jet Set Black, or Empowered Pink, and it’s guaranteed to keep the makeup on your vanity organized ($10.99 and up, Getbeautybutler.com).

Some products received for editorial consideration//all opinions are my own

Images Courtesy of Pinterest.com. Lovethispic.com , PR