The challenges of living in a small space are never-ending, but they can actually be fun puzzles to solve. Every time I discover some clever solution, like a leggings organizer or mini rice cooker, I feel like a genius who successfully cracked a secret code for living. My small bathroom, however, was a challenge I was putting off. It has only a tiny amount of storage space and very little countertop surface, which means I have been keeping some of my essential makeup and personal care items in a small travel dopp kit that I have to stash on the toilet tank when not in use (people with pedestal sinks know this pain), with the rest of my makeup shoved into a second bag in my hall closet. It was extremely tiresome digging around in that bag, and the back-and-forth to the closet got old fast. Then a friend came to visit. She had packed a very attractive Béis cosmetics case, and I was reminded that I did not actually have to live in tiny-bag frustration. I did not really want to pay for a Béis, so I set out to find a makeup case that would work for me: big enough to hold all my makeup in one place, with enough built-in organization that I would not have to root around to find things but not so much that I could not arrange things the way I want to; soft-sided to fold away if necessary, but well-built enough to stand on its own; and compact enough that I can still leave it out when I do not have company. It was also extremely important that it zip closed to protect my brushes and products from germs.
I found one at Amazon that not only met my overly specific requirements, but was just $19 and comes in over a dozen colors (and a smaller size, too).
Top Pick: Ocheal Large Travel Makeup Bag Organizer
The Ocheal large makeup organizer comes in a wipeable, waterproof or water-resistant fabric; some colors are quilted. Most importantly, it has two detachable and reversible dividers, each with pockets on one side and elastic holders on the other, so you can totally customize how you want to organize your makeup. It also has an additional mesh pocket in the center and an elasticized section for makeup brushes that has a fastening protective PVC cover and a zippered pocket underneath. I was delightfully surprised to find that the bottom of the bag is actually a fold-down partition that is covered in easy-to-clean transparent PVC in case of spills. The organizer is lightweight enough that I could throw it in a weekender bag or pack it when traveling, and it can also collapse flat if I need to store it away for a while.
Basically, this brand thought of everything. I have been using this bag for a few weeks now, and all my previous annoyances are gone. But although I landed on this model and size with no regrets (it is about 9.8 inches wide and 7 inches tall and deep), I also ran across a few others that would have fit the bill nicely if my requirements were not so tied to my specific situation.
Other Great Options
Béis Cosmetics Case
I really love my friend's Béis cosmetics case, and so does she. It has an attractive smooth PU exterior, a storage pocket for its own folding mirror, and a removable, pop-out brushes holder with a large zippered pocket on its back side. With one large main compartment, it is about 9.5 inches wide, 7 inches deep and 4 inches high. It is currently available in 11 colors that coordinate with the brand's luggage and other accessories. Promising review: "Love love this product. Totally perfect for my cosmetics and brushes and fits everything! The thickness and quality is amazing. The mirror is a plus too." - Stephanie M. $78 at Beis.
Tartan + Twine Quilted Train Case with Mirror
This two-layered train case from organizer brand Tartan + Twine at Ulta has a top layer with six brush compartments and a mirror; the bottom is one large main compartment with a matching inner polka dot liner that is light enough to help you spot your products. The tassel pulls give it a little extra swag and a top handle means it is easy to grab on the go. At 10.5 inches wide, 7 inches deep and 4.75 high, it is roomy enough to use at home and packable enough to use on a train. $39 at Ulta.
Bagsmart Dopp-Style Organizer
If you love a dopp-style organizer or have a narrow spot for storing your toiletries, this clever bag from Bagsmart works great for both makeup or grooming items. With a waterproof pocket for keeping damp and wet items separate, it also has a zip-open lay-flat panel with elastics for securing brushes, razors, toothbrushes and more. The double-zip design keeps the main section open and items easily accessible, and the waterproof exterior prevents splashes from ruining your stuff. It is available in basic, standard (shown) and large sizes, and Amazon reviewers love them: The bag has a 4.7-star rating from more than 14,000 reviews. Promising review: "My dear mother got me some premier label leather toiletry bag, whose sole features include both just large capacity and one zipper pouch. Sorry mom, but a new bag is in town. This bag contains multiple compartments which make it a dream for organizing your things. Q-tips, nail clippers, trimmers, tweezers, and clipper shaver heads all have a home here. The main compartment is spacious and great for your main everyday items, like deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. The double zippered opening for it lets it act like a handle, and while it does not feel like it you really can use it as such to move it around as you see fit. The wet compartment is a nice feature too. No longer do I have to obsessively dry out loofahs for transportation. It is also large enough to accommodate a full bottle of body wash." - Nick. Standard size: $16 at Amazon.
