To say I have a lot of beauty products would be an understatement. Despite working in fashion, I have tried tons of products and accumulated plenty. (Thank you to our beauty editors for always sharing the goods.) So many, in fact, it took a whole day for me to get it all organized. I started with containers for the products I haven't gotten a chance to use yet, but I got stumped coming up with a plan for organizing the products I enjoy using frequently.
I thought about small plastic containers, but that would still leave me fishing through products each day. So as an alternative, I went with three different options: a large makeup organizer; a medium cosmetic bag with individual compartments to hold the items like my sunscreen, primer, and setting spray; and then a small bag that I can pop into any handbag. (This has kept me from losing and searching for lip gloss and lipstick.)
With my own experiences in mind, I've curated a list of the best makeup bags for everything from long travels to organizing an extensive library of beauty products.
I can personally vouch for this beauty bag. I use it daily and on trips to hold my beauty essentials. Like other reviewers, I love that the pink bag is tall enough for a bottle to stand upright and that there are compartments that hold everything from lipstick to face wash.
When one of my cousins was using this bag on a trip, I couldn't believe it when she told me it was from Amazon.
No one mixes luxury and organization quite like Anya Hindmarch, and the brand's cosmetic cases are truly worth the investment. This leather-trimmed case is ideal for everyday and travel. It is designed with two zip-fastening compartments, including one that opens to reveal elastic loops to secure makeup brushes.
Reviewers agree that this faux-leather cosmetic case is a worthy investment. "Love this," one reviewer muses. "[It's] big enough to fit everything I need for a long weekend. The magnetic brush pouch is a great plus, and it comes with a mirror."
Water-resistant nylon is perfect for holding makeup, and this highly rated pouchette will be as useful as the Le Pliage tote bag.
Like other Dagne Dover products, this is made of water-resistant neoprene and has a removable zipper pocket and three loops for your makeup brushes. The material also makes it easy to clean, as we all know small messes and spills can happen throughout travel.
Like Calpak's luggage, this cosmetics case is an easy and reliable one to bring with you while traveling. Thanks to its PVC exterior, it's TSA-friendly and will make finding your products easier and quicker.
If you're a heavy packer and like the extra counter space, consider a hanging cosmetic case like this one. It'll easily hang on any shower hook and has separate compartments for anything you could possibly need. Some reviewers even call it the "super bag."
Large makeup organizers aren't ideal for placing in your new favorite handbag, so it's only fitting that you opt for a small, timeless Prada cosmetic pouch for your glosses, lipsticks, blotting powder, and hand sanitizer.
With Mad Men vibes and three color choices, this Italian leather case is perfect for organizing the products you use most often. Not to mention this case will look beautiful on your vanity or countertop (and can travel, too).
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
