A Transformation Toolkit: The Best Makeup Boxes

Since makeup is applied around your eyes, mouth, and face, this really should be the most hygienic and organized section of your wardrobe, dressing room, or travel luggage. Harmful bacteria can easily develop on makeup products, sponges, brushes, and applicators causing infections and acne. Having the right makeup box for your cosmetics is the first step to maintaining a hygienic beauty regime. In this guide, we outline everything you need to consider when choosing the best makeup boxes to suit your beauty needs.

Four Important Reasons You Need a Makeup Box

Stay organized

A cosmetics organizer helps you to find what you need when you need it. No need to rummage through your entire arsenal of beauty items to find the eyeliner that’s hiding in the bottom of your bag. Keeping things organized not only allows you to easily determine which shades will match your look best but also keeps all your items visible so you know what products you have.

Hygiene

The amount of bacteria lurking around in cosmetic bags and on makeup sponges is a little terrifying. Keeping items compartmentalized and organized helps you keep them clean. Many makeup boxes have waterproof linings which makes it easy to wipe and keep sanitized, unlike material bags which just continue to collect a build-up of dust and bacteria unless washed regularly. 

Makeup longevity

Prevent pencil tips from breaking, eye shadows from crumbling, and lipsticks from cracking by keeping everything snugly arranged in a way they can’t jumble around, get squashed, or leak during transit. Take good care of your items to make sure they last until the last drop so you get your money’s worth. After all, high-quality cosmetics are expensive.

Safety

Unlike cosmetic bags, many makeup boxes are lockable which makes it easier to keep your items safe.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Makeup Box

What are you using it for?

If you want to organize makeup and cosmetics that generally stay in your bathroom, in a dressing room, or at a studio, you can go with a transparent, stackable organizer. This will allow you to display all your items in a way that saves space, offers quick access to what you need, and makes it easy to see the options available.

For traveling, on the other hand, you will need a carry case that is lockable and keeps your makeup secure in different compartments.

Size

Professional makeup artists require a sizable case for a multitude of items in all shades for varying client skin tones. However, if you simply need a case for personal items for a weekend away or a quick work trip, you can go with a case that is fairly compact to keep items organized and protected.

Choose a size that is functional for your style and needs. Sizing up and having a little extra space for cosmetics that get added to your collection is always better than not having enough space from the get-go, as products will inevitably go lost.

Lining and compartments

Do not buy a makeup box if it does not have separate compartments. Throwing all your cosmetics together in one big case or bag will result in damaged and broken items, spills, smudges, and stains. Keep larger or heavier items separate from smaller, more easily breakable ones. A case with compartments is a must. Even better, choose a case with adjustable compartments that are customizable with movable dividers so the compartments will perfectly fit your collection every time.

Compartments allow you to keep things like brushes and cotton swabs clean and separate from your makeup. If something leaks it is also easier to clean up and less damage is done if items are not all piled on top of each other. Compartments also allow you to organize your makeup in a way so that things are easy to find.

Opt for a case with waterproof lining. This makes it easy to manage leaks and to keep your case clean and hygienic in general since it can easily be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Durability

Cosmetic cases used for travel should be sturdy and lockable. Cases with hard exteriors will keep your items well protected. Reinforced corners prevent the case from breaking or chipping easily when knocked around during travel. Also, consider a bag or box with a waterproof exterior.

Tips to Organize Your Makeup Box

• When it's time to pack your new makeup box, don’t just transfer everything from your old bag into your box. Setting it up properly the first time will ensure your items stay clean and last longer. Use a damp cloth and wipe every item before packing it into your makeup case. This way you’ll prevent stains and smudges and also keep bacteria at bay.
• In addition to keeping your makeup clean, makeup blenders and brushes should be taken good care of. These can easily pick up bacteria that will later be applied to your face. Bristles can easily get deformed or damaged when squashed by other products and containers. Always keep blenders and brushes in their own bag and wash them regularly. Make sure they dry completely before locking them in the case to prevent bacteria growth.
• If you need to keep a number of items in a large compartment, use small clear resealable plastic bags to prevent spills from damaging all the items in your bag. Group similar items together to make it easy to find what you need.
• If you choose a smaller bag because you don’t want to travel with bulky items, stock up on multipurpose makeup products that will save you a lot of space. These include things like cream multi-stick illuminators that freshen up cheeks and lips but can also be used as eyeshadow.
• Besides your actual makeup items, make sure you keep essentials such as cotton swabs, a mini bottle of micellar water, and brush cleaner in your case. These will come in very handy when you have a smudge to fix or a spill to clean.
• Accidents happen, and even when stored in a protective case, eyeshadow palettes or face powders can still be shattered. Prevent this by placing a thin cotton round on top of the powder. Cut it to the right size if necessary. Close the compact as usual. This extra protective layer can make a big difference.