These small bathroom makeup storage ideas will help you create more counter space and keep your daily essentials organized.

If you’ve ever watched someone on TikTok do their makeup in a bathroom that looks like it belongs to an interior designer… you’re not alone. Those dreamy vanities, endless bathroom cabinets, and a bathroom counter big enough for a full makeup collection feel like a different world.

Because in real life, most of us are working with limited space, minimal counter space, and maybe a couple inches of drawer space to fit all our beauty products.

And when it comes to makeup storage, it’s not just about looking organized. It’s about being able to find your favorite eyeliner, brow pencils, makeup brushes, and daily essentials without digging through a chaotic pile every morning.

So today I’m sharing my favorite small bathroom makeup storage ideas for real homes, real routines, and even the tiniest bathroom.

If you’re trying to organize more than just makeup, you might also love my full list of small bathroom storage ideas to make the most of every inch: Small Bathroom Storage Ideas

This post is all about Small Bathroom Makeup Storage Ideas!

Start With This: Declutter Old Makeup Products First

Before you buy one more makeup organizer, the best way to make progress is always to declutter.

It’s hard to organize makeup items when you have too many things to fit your available space (especially in a small space).

Here are a few quick things to check:

• Toss anything past its expiration dates (especially mascara and liquid products)
• Get rid of nail polish that’s dried up or separated
• Donate unopened items you don’t love
• Keep only the beauty essentials you actually use on a daily basis

Even Good Housekeeping recommends paying attention to makeup expiration dates because old products can irritate your skin and eyes. Decluttering is honestly the right solution before you start reorganizing.

Use a Drawer Organizer (If You Have Drawer Space)

If you have drawers, even small ones, use them. A simple drawer organizer is one of the easiest small bathroom storage ideas because it gives everything a designated spot.

What to put in your drawer organizer:

• brow pencils
• favorite eyeliner
• eyelash curlers
• nail clippers
• small items like lip products and mini powders

A set of drawer dividers works great too, especially if your drawer turns into a “junk drawer” fast. This is a unique way to keep your makeup organization simple and easy to maintain.

Add Clear Acrylic Containers for Quick, Easy Access

If you love being able to see what you have, clear acrylic containers are a perfect solution. They’re great for keeping makeup products visible without looking messy.

This is especially helpful for:

• lip products
• daily essentials
• makeup brushes
• small beauty products you use daily

You can find these at the Container Store, but you can also find budget-friendly versions online (and sometimes even at the dollar store).

Try a Tiered Organizer to Use Vertical Space

When you’re tight on bathroom counter space, the best way to create storage is to build upward.

A tiered organizer is one of my favorite vertical storage solutions because it uses vertical space without taking up more room.

This is perfect for:

• skincare
• hair products
• perfumes
• makeup routine basics you use every morning

If you’ve only got a small corner of counter space, this can be a game changer.

Use Under-the-Sink Storage to Create “Fake Drawers”

No drawers? No problem.

A small drawer set under your sink instantly creates drawer space where you didn’t have any before. This is one of the easiest small bathroom makeup storage ideas that works for almost any layout.

You can store:

• extra makeup items
• backups
• hair ties
• hair brushes
• bathroom cleaning supplies and cleaning products (in their own separate area)

Just keep everyday beauty products separate from bathroom cleaning supplies so everything stays clean and easy to grab.

Store Makeup Inside of Cabinet Doors

Inside of cabinet doors is one of the most overlooked storage options in a small bathroom.

You can add:

• adhesive hooks
• small bins
• a wall-mounted rack inside the cabinet
• a skinny caddy for small items

This is perfect for:

• hair ties
• nail clippers
• eyelash curlers
• makeup bags
• small makeup organizers

Even if you only have inches of space to work with, this helps you use every bit of cabinet space.

Back of the Door Storage for Hair Tools + Extra Products

If you’re short on bathroom cabinets, try going behind the door.

An over-the-door organizer gives easy access to the stuff you don’t want cluttering your bathroom decor.

This is a great spot for:

• hair tools
• hair products
• hair brushes
• extra towels and hand towels (if your bathroom is really tight)

This is also very renter-friendly, which makes it a great option if you need small bathroom storage ideas for an apartment or older home.

Over-the-Toilet Storage (Shelves or Cabinets)

Over-the-toilet cabinets and shelving units are one of the best ways to create storage without taking up floor space.

This is a great area for:

• wicker baskets with makeup backups
• bathroom baskets for extra toiletries
• nail polish storage
• extra hair products

And yes, you can make it pretty too. A few decorative jars or a decorative jar with cotton pads can make it look styled instead of cluttered.

If you want to make the space above your toilet look cute and functional, here are my favorite over-the-toilet shelf decor ideas.

Use Wicker Baskets to Hide the Mess (But Keep It Organized)

Wicker baskets are a classic for a reason. They look cute and they hide visual clutter fast.

They’re perfect for:

• makeup collection overflow
• beauty products you don’t use daily
• morning routine extras
• random small items you don’t want on the counter

Choose a variety of sizes and label them if needed.

If you’re into labeling, a label maker can be helpful here, especially if you’re storing bins in a linen closet.

Store Extra Beauty Products in a Linen Closet (If You Have One)

If your bathroom has zero room, your linen closet can be your secret weapon.

This is a great place to store:

• extra makeup storage bins
• backup skincare
• bulk hair products
• seasonal beauty items

Keep your daily essentials in the bathroom for your daily routine, and store everything else in the linen closet so you’re not trying to cram your whole makeup collection into one tiny drawer.

Use a Tray to Create a “Makeup Zone” on Your Bathroom Counter

When counter space is limited, a tray is one of the simplest ways to make your bathroom look clean while still keeping your beauty essentials close.

A tray works well for:

• makeup routine basics
• daily basis items like moisturizer + mascara
• your most-used brushes

And here’s a unique way to stretch your space even more:

Try a tray over the sink (temporarily)

If you have a sink setup that allows it, you can place a tray across part of the sink while doing your makeup, then remove it after. It’s not for everyone, but it can be the perfect solution when you really need more surface space.

Bonus Small Bathroom Makeup Storage Ideas You Might Not Have Thought Of

Here are a few extra small bathroom storage ideas that can work depending on your layout:

Use a wall-mounted rack

A wall-mounted rack works great for frequently used items and can help free up counter space.

Repurpose a spice rack

A small spice rack can actually work well for small bottles, nail polish, or daily essentials if you’re tight on cabinet space.

Use mason jars for brushes

Mason jars or a cute decorative jar can hold makeup brushes, brow pencils, and other small items. Just be sure to clean them regularly.

Dollar store containers

The dollar store can be great for clear bins, small organizers, and little containers to group beauty products together.

Small Bathroom Makeup Organization Tips to Make It Last

Once everything has a home, keeping it that way is the key.

Here’s what helps the most:

• Keep daily essentials within easy access
• Store rarely-used products higher up or out of the way
• Group like items together (face products, eye products, lip products)
• Keep cleaning products separate from makeup storage
• Do a quick wipe-down weekly with warm water and a cloth

Even a quick reset makes a huge difference in a small space.

Final Thoughts: Your Bathroom Doesn’t Have to Be Huge to Be Organized

You don’t need a massive vanity or a Pinterest bathroom to have a functional makeup setup.

The best way to make a small bathroom work is to use what you already have (drawer space, cabinet space, wall space), then add simple storage options like a drawer organizer, bathroom baskets, and vertical storage solutions.

Because once your makeup items have a place, your morning routine feels smoother, your bathroom counter stays clear, and you can actually enjoy your makeup routine again.

As always, thank you for following along with me in my creative journey. Be sure to tag me and use #meagannicholedotcom when sharing your DIY! Thanks for stopping by MeaganNichole.com

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