Between all the skincare products, hair tools, and hygiene kits, it can be challenging to keep your vanity organized and looking its best. Mine was certainly the case, until I figured out these game-changing tips that transformed my dressing space into something I actually wanted to Instagram.

Your vanity isn’t just where you store lipstick and hair ties. It’s where you start every morning. You definitely want it to be in order to make your day run as smoothly as possible from the get-go. 

Tip 1: Get Organizing

When organizing your vanity, you have to be strict about what stays and what needs to go. A good starting point is to toss any products you haven’t used in the past six months — or put them somewhere else to reduce clutter, like a drawer or a closet.

Clear acrylic organizers are your best friend here. I swear by them because you can actually see what you own. Get different sizes—small ones for lip products, bigger ones for palettes.

Put your daily essentials within arm’s reach. That mascara you use every day should be front and center, so should your go-to lipstick and any hygiene tools. 

Pro tip: group similar items together. All your lipsticks in one spot, skincare in another. Your future rushed-morning self will thank you.

Tip 2: Lighting Can Make or Break Everything

Lighting can significantly affect how your makeup looks in front of the mirror versus how the color actually represents outdoors. 

Natural light wins every time. If it’s possible, set up your vanity near a window. If not, then LED lights are the next best thing. Those Hollywood-style mirror bulbs are not just for show. 

When it comes to what to avoid, steer clear of overhead lighting. This casts shadows on your face, making it much harder to do your makeup properly. 

Tip 3: Make It Actually Yours

Add some personality to your vanity so it feels truly yours when you walk up to it in the morning. Think accents and decor that reflect who you are and what you like. 

A pretty tray for your perfumes makes everything look more intentional. Fresh flowers are nice, or a small succulent to add a pop of color. 

Frame a photo that makes you smile. Maybe it’s you and your best friend, perhaps it’s your dog in a cute costume. Whatever works.

Find something with character—vintage, modern, whatever matches your vibe. This space should feel like you, not like a generic hotel vanity.

Tip 4: Keep It Clean

Daily maintenance doesn’t have to be a huge production—wipe things down with a microfiber cloth.

For the inevitable hair and dust that accumulate in hard to reach places, Shark hand vacuums are perfect for this. Quick, easy, and you don’t have to drag out your full-size vacuum for a two-minute job.

Set a reminder on your phone for weekly deep cleaning. Wipe your counters, remove dust from your products, and wash your makeup brushes to keep them clean and safe for your skin. 

The Bottom Line

Your vanity should work for you, not against you. These tips will help you create a space that makes your daily routine smoother and more enjoyable.

Start with one tip. Maybe it’s organizing that drawer or investing in decent lighting. Small changes add up, and before you know it, you’ll have a vanity that deserves all those #vanitygoals hashtags.

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