Whether you have a big makeup collection or you’re working with a small but good selection, the right setup makes all the difference. In this guide, we’re breaking down the smartest ways to organize your makeup products—no matter your space, budget, or aesthetic. From the iconic IKEA PAX system (aka the secret behind those dreamy beauty-guru shelves) to the viral IKEA vanity that’s perfect for smaller collections, I’ll walk you through how to design both, what pieces to choose, and the best organizers to keep everything neat, visible, and actually functional. If you’re ready to turn your makeup collection into a curated, stress-free glam zone, let’s get into it.
How to Make the IKEA Pax System For Your Makeup Collection
If you’ve ever wondered what those giant shelving units are in your favourite beauty guru or YouTuber’s glam room, it’s almost always the IKEA PAX system. It’s technically meant for clothing, but you can completely customize it on the IKEA website to fit your makeup collection perfectly. That’s exactly what I did for mine below. I bought two PAX units and placed them side by side, and honestly—they’re not the easiest to build. IKEA works with TaskRabbit, so I definitely recommend hiring someone who knows their way around IKEA furniture to put it together.
Here’s What to Order
This is what to order if you like the design I made above.
PAX Wall-mounted storage frame
This is the base of the PAX system. It comes in four different sizes. Make sure that you measure your wall BEFORE you purchase the storage frame. Write down the length and the width of your room so that when you’re designing your PAX system, you know which size will fit your room.
Komplement Drawer with glass front
You can choose if you want the shelf with the glass front or if you want the opaque drawers. The glass front is nice if you want to display your products.
Komplement Drawer
These are the opaque drawers. I chose three opaque drawers and four drawers with a glass front.
Komplement Shelf
Above the drawers, I put two shelves so I can display more products. However, you can choose to have more drawers instead of the shelves if you need more storage.
Here’s How to Make the Viral IKEA Vanity If You Have A Smaller Makeup Collection
If you have a smaller makeup or beauty collection, then you can make the viral IKEA vanity.
Malm Dressing Table
You can use the Malm Dressing Table as the center of your vanity or choose to make the vanity from scratch with the items below. I do own this table, and something to note is that the drawer comes out after it’s installed.
Here’s How to Make the Viral IKEA Vanity:
This is how to make the vanity from scratch. Make sure you measure your space so that this vanity fits your room.
Komplement Pull-Out Tray
The Komplement pull-out tray goes in the middle, between the Alex Drawers. It acts as the center of the vanity. Measure how far down you want to attach it to the Alex drawers.
Alex Drawers
You need two Alex Drawers 100 cm apart.
Komplement Glass Shelf
The Komplement glass shelf goes on top of the pull-out tray. This allows you to see what you put on display on your pull-out tray. It comes with three hooks that you need to attach to the top of your Alex drawers.
Check Out This TikTok Video On How to Make the Vanity:
Here’s What To Use To Organize Your Drawers
Vtopmart 25 PCS Plastic Clear Drawer Organizer
Keep your makeup organized with these plastic containers. They come in different sizes so you can fit different makeup items.
4 Pcs Spice Drawer Organizer
If you want to put your products on display, use these spice drawers. You can use it to showcase foundations, palettes, blush, lipsticks, or whatever product you want.
iDesign Signature Series by Sarah Tanno 7-Compartment Makeup Palette Organizer
This is a great organizer to display your palettes.
JessLab Palette Organizer
This size of the palette organizer can also be used to showcase eyelashes, blushes, and bronzes with square or rectangular packaging. If you have blushes, bronzers, or highlighters shaped like a sphere, you can use these organizers.
Lip Gloss Holder Lipstick Organizer
Put your favourite lip glosses, liquid lipsticks, or concealers in this for easy access.
JessLab Lipstick Organizers and Storage
This organizer is great for your lipsticks, lip glosses, or concealers that have bulkier packaging. For typical-sized lipsticks, you can use this holder.
Compact Brush Lip Liner Pencil Mascara Eyeliner Organizer
This is a great organizer for your lip liners, eyeliners, or eye shadow sticks.
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