Here at Storage.com, we want to help people get their homes organized and clean, whether through the use of self-storage or helpful online tips and hacks that you can try yourself.

A makeup collection can sometimes be a never-ending pit of products. While that can be a good thing, especially if you’re constantly testing new looks, it can also be a bit of a time-waster. When you’re trying to get ready for work or head out for a night on the town, you don’t have a lot of time to rummage through multiple makeup bags to find that perfect lip gloss or mascara. That’s why you need a designated makeup station—and you don’t even need to buy a brand new house to get it!

DIY Makeup Vanity

To create your DIY makeup station, set up a desk or table (preferably one with a few drawers) in a well-lit area—preferably with a lot of natural light. Natural light eliminates shadows and doesn’t add any strange tints to your face like artificial lighting can. If you aren’t able to set up your station near a window or skylight, use lamps with soft-white light bulbs and place them as even with your face as possible to avoid harsh shadows.

Then, add a mirror and arrange it so that it bounces light back toward you. Place it at a height where you won’t need to slouch or strain your neck, and make sure it’s at least a foot away from your face. When you get too up-close-and-personal with your mirror, you’re more likely to focus on tiny flaws and put on too much makeup.

Now, here’s the key to your DIY makeup station—organization. Keeping your makeup organized can save time and help you keep track of what you have in your collection. Drawer dividers, baskets, and desk organizers are great for separating eyeshadow from lip gloss and powders for easy-to-find access. Another good idea is to fill empty jars with sand, marbles, or vase filler, and stand your brushes inside to keep them in top shape.

If you’re short on counter space, create a magnetic makeup board to hang on the wall. Find a large picture frame and replace the glass with some pre-cut sheet metal available at your local hardware store. Alternatively, you can decorate the edges of an inexpensive baking sheet and hang with ribbon. Glue small magnets to the backs of your makeup containers and arrange them on the board. For brushes, glue a magnetic strip to a pencil cup and add it to your frame.