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A Cheap and Easy Way to Store Your Lipsticks and Gloss

June 8th, 2010 by Karen 64 Comments

Makeup organization ideas

Back before BIC lighters and matches, primitive men went on quests for fire! And today, not unlike ancient man, I embarked upon my own special quest, but this one was for neatness and better makeup organization.

It took weeks of preparation! — okay, maybe not weeks. 🙂 The idea stemmed from a comment left by MBB reader Marisa (thanks, girl!) and the eyeliners and cream shadows I dealt with a couple of weeks ago.

Before that, I’d resigned to let my lip products live lives of disarray, tossing them all into a clear plastic box.

But that just wasn’t working.

Makeup organization ideas

I was stressing out every time I had to pull it out to find something, like yesterday, when I spent an obnoxious amount of time looking for my tube of Lychee Luxe (I knew it was in there!).

There had to be a better way.

A better way

See, this is why I love craft stores: cheap and easy storage solutions. For this project I needed scissors, Scotch tape, one big box and a bunch of smaller empty boxes from lipsticks and gloss.

Step 1

Find the big box. It should be deeper/taller than your longest lip product when you stand it up inside the box. I picked this pink one because not only does it fit my longest gloss, but it also has a lid, which makes it stackable.

Makeup organization ideas

Step 2

Flatten one of your empty lipstick/lipgloss boxes, and cut it through the middle to split it in half.

Makeup organization ideas

Makeup organization ideas

Tape both halves together, side by side. Do that a zillion times (or enough times, whichever comes first).

Makeup organization ideas

Step 3

Once you have enough split boxes to hold all of your lip products, start standing ’em up in the bigger box. Fill each of them with one of your lipsticks or gloss, label side up so you can identify the product without having to dig.

Makeup organization ideas

Makeup organization ideas

Ready for more?

Take your makeup organizing to the next level with this helpful reference tool. Swatch and label each row of colors from your big box on a piece of paper; so the swatches don’t smear, cover them with a piece of clear tape.

makeup organization ideas

Finally, glue, paste or tape the reference chart to the inside lid of the big box. Tada! You’re organized. 🙂

How do you organize your lip products? Got any tricks up your sleeve?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

A Cheap and Easy Way to Store Your Lipsticks and Gloss / Originally published June 8th, 2010

There are 64 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup Tips/How To, Makeup Tools Keywords: howto

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. candace says

    June 8th, 2010 at 10:01 pm

    omg you have so many! well of course lol i just started getting into lip glosses and lipstick. i always just wore chap sticks lol
    .-= candace’s last blog post… stuffed zucchini. =-.

    Reply
  2. Karen B says

    June 8th, 2010 at 10:07 pm

    Very interesting. The only problem is that up to now I’ve thrown away all of my lipstick boxes…
    .-= Karen B’s last blog post… Make-Up, Day and Night =-.

    Reply
  3. Agnes says

    June 8th, 2010 at 10:29 pm

    i love your idea! not only is it more organized, but you’re also re-using the old packaging 🙂 i love finding new ways to organize using otherwise worthless stuff. thanks!! now if only i had enough lipsticks/glosses to actually make it look decent! haha maybe i will make use of a smaller box 🙂 love your organizing tips!
    .-= Agnes’s last blog post… New Love ♥ Green Nail Polish + Chanel Jade dupe? =-.

    Reply
  4. amy says

    June 8th, 2010 at 10:39 pm

    Oh that is ingenious Karen. I love that you reused and recycled the old lippie boxes to use as stands. Why didn’t I think of that?
    .-= amy’s last blog post… A “Secret” Sale at Pacifica Perfumes for Bella Koola Readers =-.

    Reply
  5. Rachel says

    June 8th, 2010 at 10:52 pm

    zomg you are brilliant!
    .-= Rachel’s last blog post… 4 MINUTE MAKEUP =-.

    Reply
  6. claudia says

    June 8th, 2010 at 11:14 pm

    what a nifty idea! kudos to you, 🙂

    Reply
  7. Joey Chong says

    June 8th, 2010 at 11:53 pm

    This is a great idea, especially for those with a huge collection of makeup. It’s like a “library”, much easy to reference and keep track of what we have and avoid buying dupes =)

    Thanks Karen.
    .-= Joey Chong’s last blog post… Look In Smoky Tendre =-.

    Reply
  8. Jen says

    June 9th, 2010 at 12:05 am

    This is seriously brilliant. But I threw away all of the boxes, drat! I also like the idea of keeping swatches with your stash.

    Reply
  9. Jess says

    June 9th, 2010 at 1:17 am

    wow this is helpful!! hehe the swatch thing is how they do it in the sort
    .-= Jess’s last blog post… Price Report for Watsons Warehouse sale 2010 =-.

    Reply
  10. Vonvon says

    June 9th, 2010 at 1:53 am

    This is really an amazing idea! I should consider this as I have been neglecting my lippies a lot lately as they are just everywhere…..in the drawers, on the dresser, and it just makes me lazy to search for them one-by-one each time I want to use a certain color.

    This might make me use my lippies more…i mean, a variety of them! And I like the indexing of the shades.
    .-= Vonvon’s last blog post… EOTD/FOTD: Gold & Burgundy – From CLEO-Lancome Makeover =-.

    Reply
  11. Radhika says

    June 9th, 2010 at 3:15 am

    This is so cool…I just wish I hadn’t thrown away the older lipstick boxes. Love the pink box! I won’t be needing that reference chart just yet…
    .-= Radhika’s last blog post… Lush Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub =-.

    Reply
  12. meimei says

    June 9th, 2010 at 3:41 am

    I have GOT to do this with my lipstick collection, too! I just can’t stand to throw away those lippie boxes – they are just way too adorable for the trash can. 😉

    (In the meantime, though, I still need to rebuild my makeup collection; my current lipstick-and-gloss stash is small enough to fit into an old cigar box that I’ve found in my old bedroom. Here’s hoping I could organize the rest soon enough!)
    .-= meimei’s last blog post… If At First You Don’t Succeed… =-.

    Reply
  13. Paris B says

    June 9th, 2010 at 3:50 am

    Gosh! That sure is organized and I love how you are reusing the lipstick boxes which would otherwise just be tossed. One question though – Won’t they move around inside the bigger box and wouldn’t it be a bit of a hassle pulling out the lipstick/gloss to find the box stuck to it? Ok that was 2 questions 🙂
    .-= Paris B’s last blog post… Guerlain Meteorites Perles Loose Pearls Illuminating Powder Teint Rose – Love the new packaging dahling! =-.

    Reply
  14. steph says

    June 9th, 2010 at 3:51 am

    if you’ve thrown out your boxes, these from the container store will work!
    i use the little one in the very front for bobbie pins, and if you take the cap off it would fit lipsticks/glosses perfectly. AND they come in a ton of colors.
    http://www.containerstore.com/shop/giftPackaging/creativePackaging?productId=10009493

    Reply
  15. mint says

    June 9th, 2010 at 4:51 am

    that’s a great idea! thanks for sharing it 😀 it’s looking very organised now! 🙂
    .-= mint’s last blog post… Portable Handbag Butler/Hook =-.

    Reply
  16. Nina says

    June 9th, 2010 at 5:06 am

    Awesome tip! I might do this for my lippies but using a slightly shorter box (maybe an index or recipe card box. I always have to root thru my little plastic bin for the lippies I want. Thank you!

    Reply
  17. Steph says

    June 9th, 2010 at 5:23 am

    This is a great idea!! Your organization before this looks just like mine. All my lipsticks and glosses are thrown together in a bag. I don’t save the boxes they come in though, so I’ll have to find something else.

    Reply
  18. Tiffany says

    June 9th, 2010 at 5:42 am

    Such a cute idea! Too bad I don’t have any lippie boxes hanging around. Mine are actually in a similar fashion – stuck upside down in a small box. I just crammed so many in there that they kinda stand up on their own. Not as nice as your solution with the little compartments for each gloss!

    Reply
  19. Jenn says

    June 9th, 2010 at 6:16 am

    what a great idea! thanks Karen!

    Reply
  20. Hobbit84 says

    June 9th, 2010 at 6:16 am

    This is really useful, and so smart 😉
    .-= Hobbit84’s last blog post… Clarins Lotion Eclat du Jour =-.

    Reply
  21. gio says

    June 9th, 2010 at 6:33 am

    This is such a fantastic and ingenious idea! Everything looks so organized. I wish I hadn’t thown away most of those lippie boxes but I now I know what to do with them next time I buy something new. Thanks for sharing.
    .-= gio’s last blog post… Second Blog Anniversary + Giveaway! =-.

    Reply
  22. Tiffany says

    June 9th, 2010 at 6:47 am

    That is a great idea!

    Reply
  23. Cait says

    June 9th, 2010 at 7:24 am

    what a cute idea – makes me wish i would have held onto my old lipstick boxes!

    Reply
  24. KadyM says

    June 9th, 2010 at 7:41 am

    Fantastic idea – my collection looks like my kids’ crayon box at the moment, not pretty. Totes jealous of how many you have, by the way… 😉

    Reply
  25. Robin says

    June 9th, 2010 at 7:54 am

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN!!!!!!! Hope you have a great day 🙂 P.S. This is such a great idea!

    Reply
  26. Tahnee says

    June 9th, 2010 at 8:07 am

    Your labor was not in vain! haha!! That’s awesome. I love organizational stuff like this!

    Reply
  27. JillyB says

    June 9th, 2010 at 8:26 am

    Waah, I threw all of my boxes away except for the LE ones, which I don’t want to cut up. But I love the idea of swatching them all in a notebook.

    Reply
  28. syl says

    June 9th, 2010 at 8:36 am

    happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

    Reply
  29. knownever says

    June 9th, 2010 at 8:38 am

    Great Idea! Usually makeup storage tips are something along the lines of “buy this thing from this store” so I love that you came up with an actual diy tip. Only problem is I’m starting to suspect that storing lip glosses upside down or on their sides contributes to them starting to leak….on the other hand I think I take MUCH longer than the average person to finish a gloss so maybe I’m one of the few who has even encountered the leaking gloss tube problem.
    .-= knownever’s last blog post… Is Lush in danger?: a One Bath and Body review =-.

    Reply
  30. Stef says

    June 9th, 2010 at 8:39 am

    Gasp, My Capricorn, makeup lovin’ brain is very happy with this post! Oh, the hours I could spend swatching and organizing.

    Thanks for this Karen!
    .-= Stef’s last blog post… e.l.f. Studio Candid Coral Blush and brush =-.

    Reply
  31. Kajal Couture says

    June 9th, 2010 at 9:02 am

    What a great idea!!! I love the creativity!

    Reply
  32. Lindsay says

    June 9th, 2010 at 9:26 am

    You’re brilliant!
    .-= Lindsay’s last blog post… Giveaway Sneaky Peaky =-.

    Reply
  33. Deb says

    June 9th, 2010 at 9:30 am

    That’s such a fantastic idea! And it looks so cute, too! But I threw away all of my empty gloss boxes…I will have to start saving them from now on.
    .-= Deb’s last blog post… Stride Shift Flavor Changing Gum =-.

    Reply
  34. Kathryn says

    June 9th, 2010 at 9:40 am

    This is a great storage idea, and I tried something similar but I found that storing my lipglosses upside down made it hard to reach the product inside the tube when I wanted to use it (because it had all collected in the top of the tube, away from the applicator) and some of mine (NARS) even began to leak 🙁

    Reply
  35. Daria says

    June 9th, 2010 at 10:05 am

    How random. I was looking around on the internet last night for this EXACT thing: lipgloss and lipstick storage! You read my mind 😀

    Reply
  36. sarab says

    June 9th, 2010 at 10:10 am

    Feliz Cumpleaños, Karen!!!

    I made something similar to storage my glosses and lipsticks recycling cereal boxes. I got the idea from this video:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69DGG4PZmEM

    but your method is much easier. I spent about 3 hours to make a 40 spaces storage box!! Sadly I dont´t keep my lipstick/lipgloss boxes. When I buy a new one I cut the name in the box and put it in a jar so when I´m uninspired I randomly pick one name of the jar and make a look around it.

    Have a very happy birthday!

    Reply
  37. Tuhina says

    June 9th, 2010 at 10:20 am

    This website actually sells a box designed for lipsticks! And, it’s only $12.95 and holds 50 lipsticks. I think I found this through another blog… can’t remember which one though.

    http://www.sharodan.com/contents/en-us/d4.html

    Enjoy!

    Reply
  38. chibu74 says

    June 9th, 2010 at 10:34 am

    ohhhhhhhh, i love ur makeup storage posts….love the ideas you share….you rock!

    Reply
  39. Aniela says

    June 9th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    Happy Birthday Karen!!!! Aren’t Geminis the best???lol I know because I am one..June 12:)
    anyways, i looove this idea im such an organizing junkie i always look for ways to organize my makeup, closet, etc. What I usually do is just throw all my lipsticks and glosses into a box, but like u said sometimes its not fun to dig around and this is suuuch a great idea. i cant wait to start on it..i already have the perfect box in mind but unfortunately i havent kept my gloss boxes so ill have to find another way lol thanks for the tip!
    .-= Aniela’s last blog post… 2010 MTV Movie Awards Best and Worst Dressed =-.

    Reply
  40. Yanickm says

    June 9th, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    SO COOL! I just have all my glosses and lipsticks a makeup bag, NOT way to organize them, lol.

    Reply
  41. Sarah says

    June 9th, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    What a fantastic idea! I’ve been looking for more ways to organize my makeup
    .-= Sarah’s last blog post… =-.

    Reply
  42. Monique says

    June 9th, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    My my my are you super woman in disguise?! This is great. Happy Birthday Gemi!

    Reply
  43. Trisha says

    June 9th, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    Holy moly, this post is relevant. My lipsticks are the very last thing I need to get organized. I was having a hard time figuring out what to do, but this was really helpful. Thanks, Karen!
    .-= Trisha’s last blog post… Beauty Review: Avon ANEW Reversalist Day Renewal Cream SPF 25 =-.

    Reply
  44. Jenna says

    June 9th, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    It’s too bad that I throw out lipgloss/lipstick boxes immediately once I get them home~ I really love this idea.

    Reply
  45. Michele DiCola says

    June 9th, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Happy Birthday, Karen!

    I am embarrassed to admit I have more lipstick than that.
    I have them broken down into colors.
    what can I say? Sigh,

    Michele

    Reply
  46. Paula says

    June 9th, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    Awesome!!!

    Reply
  47. marisol says

    June 9th, 2010 at 6:09 pm

    This is a great idea however, I don’t have any empties to use. I keep mine in clear plastic containers.
    .-= marisol’s last blog post… Abandonment issues =-.

    Reply
  48. Elle says

    June 9th, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    Ugh, this makes me wish I didn’t throw away all my old boxes 🙁

    And Happy Birthday Karen 🙂 Hope you have a good one!

    Reply
  49. else411 says

    June 9th, 2010 at 7:35 pm

    This is the best idea I’ve seen in years. Thank you.

    Reply
  50. BrooklynShoeBabe says

    June 9th, 2010 at 8:56 pm

    You know, I”ve actually swatched all my lippies and lip pencils. I have the paper hanging on my vanity’s mirror. I thought I was just being super anal. I’m glad I’m not alone. 🙂
    .-= BrooklynShoeBabe’s last blog post… A Creamy Review =-.

    Reply
  51. Amy says

    June 9th, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    No way… this is a very useful tip! How did I not come up with that? Haha. Like most of the people I”ve thrown away a lot of those smaller boxes though 🙁

    Reply
  52. laetitia says

    June 10th, 2010 at 3:47 am

    this is fa bu lous!!!!

    and the swatches!!! greaaat idea!!!

    but about me ….Nooooo comment!!!!! looooool

    Thank youy Karen <3
    .-= laetitia's last blog post… Giveaway…Again! =-.

    Reply
  53. Jackie says

    June 11th, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Brilliant! Such a great idea!
    .-= Jackie’s last blog post… A Liquid Highlighter Comparison =-.

    Reply
  54. Marmar says

    June 13th, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    Happy Bday!!!!!

    Egads.. my “organization” looks suspiciously like the first pic. Thus far I’ve resorted to using one of those big ole plastic Tupperware filing cabinet things.. I stick all of my lip products in the top draw but honestly, it’s a total mess. I did something similar like this with my nail polishes.. brilliant idea!
    .-= Marmar’s last blog post… Ride the beachy boho wave =-.

    Reply
  55. Lorna says

    June 13th, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    that’s an excellent idea. i was thinking i would have to buy a container to store my lipsticks but this works so much better. ^_^

    Reply
  56. marisa says

    June 13th, 2010 at 9:15 pm

    yay!!!! I’m so excited my comment inspired you to do this! it came out so well! you can also even skip the outer box and just tape together the lipstick boxes, that way i can make the organizer fit whatever drawer i want.

    to everyone who is worried because they threw out their boxes: i had the same issue, but luckily, because each new product you buy will provide a compartment for two items, it starts to catch up with the number you have (provided you are a makeup addict such as myself).

    Reply
  57. Jaida says

    June 17th, 2010 at 10:41 am

    This is a really cute & crafty idea! I’m definitely gonna take this into consideration once I start making more makeup purchases!
    .-= Jaida’s last blog post… My to-do…well MUST-do list =-.

    Reply
  58. Lori says

    August 9th, 2010 at 4:18 pm

    I love this idea I created my own storage box out of an old box the a letter set came with and created the reference chart on the side of the box so I know what type im looking for. Thanks you have inspired me!

    Reply
  59. Tiffany says

    September 2nd, 2010 at 8:48 pm

    that chart is such a fab idea!!! and its gives u such a self-fullfilling joy~love it!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 2nd, 2010 at 9:36 pm

      LOL, it’s also pretty useful! I refer to mine all the time. It’s much easier than having to go through the individual tubes.

      Reply
  60. Shanda says

    October 27th, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    Love this idea, especially the swatch book!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      October 27th, 2010 at 2:02 pm

      It totally takes lip gloss organizing to the next OCD level, LOL!

      Reply

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Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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