 |
| Above: The Muji delivery…a copious amount of bubble wrap guaranteed that the boxes arrived unblemished from their East Coast to West Coast travels. |
I have read about the many merits of the
Muji acrylic cases for years now and although I’ve always possessed my fair share of cosmetics, nearly two years of beauty blogging have taken my collection to another level entirely. I was at a point where every train case, pouch, spare makeup bag and tote in my house were employed to keep everything from being strewn about. While this arrangement might have kept things neatly out of sight, it also made it incredibly difficult to quickly locate a particular item at any given point in time. Perhaps some of you can relate…frantically searching for a particular lip color in our stash that, by the way, we have no intention of actually wearing…we just want to find it because it entered our mind and must be procured. Whether I’m searching for an item on a cavalier whim or because I absolutely need it for a trip or imperative swatching session, too much time and energy has been wasted in the hunt…madness, indeed!
In turn, I recently decided to act upon my Muji awareness and ordered ten boxes of varying sizes to house the items I use most. Retailing for anywhere from $15-$30 each, these boxes are made of high quality acrylic and have smooth, sturdy, transparent drawers that glide open and closed with ease. The drawers are removable, which makes cleaning them an attainable goal and their simple, clear visage allows them to seamlessly blend in with any decor aesthetic.
Kindly scroll on for my Mujis in action…
 |
| Above: Here are two Five Drawer Mujis stacked together…they are holding my most frequently used lip products. I arranged mine by brand; Le Metier de Beaute, Tom Ford and By Terry are dominating my top three drawers ; ) |
 |
| Above: A closeup of the Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana and Christian Dior lip color drawer. |
 |
| Above: A large Two Drawer in my bathroom for commonly used complexion products (primers, foundations, blushes and bronzers). |
Bottom Line: The Muji acrylic cases have revolutionized my makeup storage. As I continue to accrue new products, I find solace in knowing that I have sleek, minimalist, affordable options for maintaining my collection. The Muji drawers are appropriate for all purveyors of makeup…from the casual cosmetics lover to the most ardent beauty enthusiast, there is a Muji (or multiple Mujis) for everyone. I am certain there are to be a multitude of Mujis in my future…the sanity of my collection depends on it!
What do YOU use to organize your makeup collection? Have you tried Muji boxes? Thoughts?! XOXO
Comments (28)
I love the Muji cases! I only have one of the drawers and use that to organize my lipsticks. Makes finding specific brands/colors so easy. I also have the very inexpensive plastic containers from Muji which come in all sorts of sizes and modular lids that I use in my drawers for everything else. It's such a fun brand for quality and no frills organization! I'm glad to see you're liking your new cases.
Hello Bellyhead!
Thanks for the tip on the other Muji containers…when I ordered, I went right to the acrylic boxes and must have bypassed the additional options you speak of. I am hoping to visit the new store in Hollywood next month when it opens, so I fear I will be leaving with many more boxes ; )
I hope your week has been lovely thus far…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Rachel. I ordered a 6 drawer acrylic makeup storage unit that is due to arrive tomorrow. It's from a Florida based company that I found through Etsy. It comes in many different drawer options and is "supposed" to be the more affordable alternative to the Clear Cube. It was less expensive than the Clear Cube by a little over a hundred dollars. But for me, price isn't as much of an issue as performance. I'll come clean and say that the main reason I looked for an alternative is that the Clear Cube is advertised and touted as the Kardashian makeup storage box. I just can't with anything Kardashian related; it makes me cringe. Anyhow, I am a little OCD about my makeup not being stored out in plain sight. I am lucky in that I have a huge bathroom and on one side of it is a built in vanity area with a long countertop, drawers across the length immediately under the top, and 2 cabinets on either side of the kneehole where my vanity bench goes. I plan on putting the storage cube in one of the cabinets (out of sight) and storing my surplus in there. I'm very excited for it to arrive and can't wait to start organizing my stash into something manageable. I'm not a blogger and I'm sure I don't have as much as you, but I really have a stupid amount of makeup for one person. It's an addiction! If you are interested, I will let you know how it works out and how the quality is.
BTW, Laura from your brother's company got back to me and they can make the Rachel bag to my specifications. Yay!!
Hello Deb!
Oh my…I can't wait to hear how you like your six-drawer unit. I completely understand your aversion to all things Kardashian-related…I feel similarly. It's not that I despise them, rather, I simply wish to not be associated with their endorsements. A huge bathroom…you lucky soul…it sounds bountiful and beautiful! I have a rather small bathroom and have to be creative with where/how I store everything. Fortunately, we have a spare room or two that receives the overflow ; )
So thrilled that you heard the news you were hoping for with regards to my brother's bag. I'm excited to hear what transpires!
xoxo and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Rachel. I'm excited too about the Rachel Bag…just waiting to hear back from them with a quote. Lovely bag and I really want it! Yes, I truly know how lucky I am with the huge bathroom. In my previous house, my husband and I could barely get in the master bathroom at the same time to brush our teeth!
The organizer: perfection! The company is based in FL and the products are all made in the USA which is a HUGE deal for me. I try so hard to support companies that produce in this country versus China, etc. Their customer service is beyond fantastic. Like many of us, I'm jaded to the so called customer service of large corporations today and it was a wonderful experience to deal directly with a company that was lightning fast and beyond courteous in replying to my inquiries.
The organizer itself is made of acrylic and has 6 drawers with a flip back lid on top. It also comes with many other options for the number of drawers. Very, very similar to what Clear Cube has only much less expensive. It comes with organizer inserts and you can order additional ones for a very low price. The unit is very solid and heavy. No rough edges or corners. The acrylic is very high quality; clear and no clouding or dullness. Drawers have handles and slide in and out very smoothly. It's just beautifully made. The dimensions on the 6 drawer are 15H x 11W x 11D. My only disappointment was that all of my stuff wouldn't fit! Obviously, I need to point out that has nothing to do with the quality of the product and everything to do with my ridiculous amount of makeup and tools. And here is the most exciting thing of all for me: the owner of the company sent me an email right after it was delivered just to ensure it had arrived intact. When I responded to her, I suggested that in the future it would be nice to see them offer a wider unit with the same drawer options and configuration. I was bemoaning the fact to her that as much as I loved the organizer, I still couldn't fit all my stuff. This morning I received a reply back and she said they were planning to expand but had been so slammed with orders they had to hire additional help just to keep up with the current orders and had not yet found time to explore the expanded line. BUT….she offered to make me an organizer to my exact specifications. She said after reading my suggestion, she realized it wouldn't be hard to do at all. So as I'm writing this, she and I are exchanging email about a custom built organizer made exactly to fit my cabinet. How cool is that? I mean really, how often do you find that these days?
I want to be clear; this organizer is beautiful enough to be displayed in the open. I just prefer mine in a cabinet so I can keep my vanity top clear of stuff.
In closing, I can't recommend this product highly enough. They can be found at http://www.acrylicmakeup.com. Sorry for the long post; I wanted to provide as many details as possible. Thank you Rachel for the opportunity for a reader to rave about something new. New to me, that is 🙂
Hello Deb!
Hope you get good news on the bag this weekend ; ) Thanks so much for the detailed review of your new organizer…it sounds divine and I enjoyed reading all about it! US made, excellent customer service AND the potential of a custom made unit…does it get much better? I will definitely be checking out the website; I have a feeling that a new unit is in my future!
I hope you have a beautiful weekend and look forward to chatting soon!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
These are so great, I want some too!! And I cant wait for Muji to open their Australian store at Chadstone shopping centre next week, I'll so be there!
Hello!
How fantastic that a store is opening in Australia so soon…I am sure you will have the best time selecting the boxes that are right for your collection. Do let me know how it goes!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi B.P, I actually asked for these Mimi boxes for Christmas after you showed them before. Can't wait to get and organize them.
Hello Lynn,
Awesome!! I think you will love these boxes for all of your makeup…they just give peace of mind to an overwhelming stash ; )
I hope your week is going well…xoxo and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Meant to type Muji….the darn kindle always changes my words! 🙂 xoxo
No worries…I totally knew what you meant ; ) xoxo
HELLO DEAREST B.P!!!!!!
I am so excited that you decided to blog about your beauty storage as this is a secret passion of mine, and I am always on the hunt for new, innovative and luxurious ways of storing treasured beauty items.For me, there is a sense of elegance and glamor in applying good quality makeup so it is important that the storage reflects this and looks appealing to me as well.The Muji cases look divine and practical which is so important for the morning rush, which in my case, translates into any time of the day! I think I will definitely be needing to buy some of these as I have currently exhausted my vanity table top and drawers. Of course this could also be due to my extensive (and growing) brush obsession. My lovely husband bought me a venetian mirrored vanity table and mirror which I use exclusively to apply makeup and keep my beauty items, I love it!
I recently had some built-in robes and drawers fitted out into a spare bedroom which is exciting as it means that I can display more of my collection, and make it a really girly heaven! Dear B.P, thanks so much for sharing your inspiring storage collection and giving me some great ideas!
Sending a big hug, xo
Hello dear Karen!
Thank you…I was concerned this post could be a bit dry but was getting a lot of questions about it so I decided to execute it the best that I could ; ) Honestly, the Muji cases are fabulous…so reasonably-priced and easy to use. Your Venetian vanity table sounds utterly scrumptious…I am sure it makes the act of applying makeup all sorts of luxurious! The notion that you are creating a "girly heaven" is thrilling…must see pictures when it is complete.
Have a lovely rest of the week and talk soon…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I purchased these years ago before they were fashionable in their anchor store in NYC. I have loved them and will continue to love them. Be mindful though they tend to get makeup smeared on them easily. They are easily cleaned with some windex or other cleaners. Enjoy!
Hello Carol!
I love that you have had these for ages…so ahead of the game ; ) Yes, I can imagine that makeup could smear on them if I am not careful, so I will likely be washing my hands a bit more when dealing with them! Good to know that Windex will take care of it should I need that!
Have a beautiful remainder of the week and talk soon…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Woohoo storage! I have some clear drawers from container store that are nice (they have silver drawer pulls) and some other desktop organizer things from the office supply section, haha. Everything else fits in a ikea helmer drawer thingy
Hello Joyce!
Thanks for sharing your storage tips! I've heard a million good things about the Ikea Helmer option and think I may have to look into one for the coming months…the products seem to never have an end ; )
I hope you have a fantastic weekend…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
do the chanel illusion d'ombres fit in the five drawer muji? thanks so much!!
I just tried and it fits perfectly (standing up on its base!).
Hope that helps…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I have been eyeing the Muji drawers for some time. My only concern is the depth of the drawers, but it seems sufficient for powder products (which was my concern) as well! I also have my eye on a 3 drawer acrylic case by ebay seller jdcustomedesigns (not affiliated) that someone posted on MUA. It looks nice and reasonably priced in comparison to other "Cube" type containers. I like that the top has a barrier around it without a lid, though I prefer the look of the Muji! What ever shall I do!??! 😛
On another note, I shared your brother's website with my husband and mother as I trust their taste more than my own for what looks good on me fashion wise. My mother called me immediately and said, "Where ever did you hear about these!?! They are amazing!!!" She is very very particular, and unlike myself, has an excellent flair in accessorizing and such. I have yet to pick a favorite as they are all so fantastic and unique.
Oh, and I broke down and ordered the by Terry Ombre Blackstar's in Bronze Moon (how on earth did I live this long without it!?), Brown Perfection, Blue Obessions (I never wear blue, but this one seems special, and Mercure (you need this one)!!! Luckily I had some store credit! I am seriously in love with these. Never has creating a simple eye with a wash of color held so much depth! Thank you for always reminding us how great these are!! HUGS!
Hello Shoshana,
Truly, the acrylic box market seems to be flooded these days…finding the right unit for one's specific needs and preferences can be challenging! Ahh, the struggles!
I am beyond thrilled that you and your mom loved my brother's bags and will pass on the positive feedback to him! His innate design acumen and overt talent never cease to amaze me…I seriously haven't even been the slightest bit compelled to look at another designer handbag since he has honed his craft ; ) Hope you find something you love!
I, too, have no idea how you lived without Bronze Moon up until this point ; ) Is it not the single most effective way to create a perfect eye look? That's why I am on my fourth one now! I also have Brown Perfection (which is it's own kind of perfection, indeed…mixing Bronze Moon with Brown Perfection in the crease has been my idea of "stepping it up!") but Blue Obsessions and Mercure are intriguing me now that you've endorsed them so. Is Mercure a nearly black shade?
I hope your weekend is full of relaxation and fun…any fantastic Thanksgiving plans? I have an insane amount of blog posting to do (my holiday shopping list post, more videos, Surratt swatches and the new Clarisonic for the feet all need to be finalized in the next two days)…no rest for the weary ; )
Oh, Kimmie from Kanebo Sensai told me that she finally received the testers for the new CP formula and I should be picking up samples on Sunday…will swatch and weigh in on the hopefully non-existent shade differences ASAP!
xoxo and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Yes, soooo many options. I quite like the one Deb shared about!!! Ebay makes me a little nervous, and the company that makes the one Deb has seems so ethical! I might go this route.
Yes, the bag's are gorgeous. My eyes were immediately drawn to the W, but then I started looking and loving so many more. I love big bags so I can shove my life in them, but I am wondering if I should try and stay away from that. Maybe something in the middle 😀
I think this weekend it's time to hit the gym. My little one is now 8 months and I can leave her with Daddy a little. Having two children in 2 years does something quite horrific to the body; at least it did to me ha ha. I sometimes wish I would have started having children at 18. I am kidding, but physically it would have been so much easier 😛
Thanksgiving is a little different this year. My mom has moved to Portland, and my Dad just remarried so everything is a bit scattered. I think we are going to have a cozy celebration at home, and perhaps with my sister. It will be great no matter what. How about you? I hope it's wonderful!
Mercure…oh so pretty. I am not the best at describing color, but I would call it a mix between pewter and white gold. Definitely on the cool side, but with enough warmth not to cause a harsh contrast on the skin. It's quite a light shade. Probably would look great with Brown Perfection 🙂 Panties has some swatches that made me do it.
YAYYYYYY! I cannot wait to hear your thoughts on the new CP formula. Crossing all the fingers and toes I can find!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Hello!
Yes, I am beyond intrigued by the company Deb mentioned…it may be where I turn to next when I need to accommodate my stash again ; )
I have a couple of larger bags from my brother's line (which are divine) and a few smaller ones (which force me to be judicious about what I carry around!) but lately I've been a complete devotee to his backpack design. I thought I would just carry it in the summer but here it is nearly December, I am still using it like crazy…it is a good compromise between large and small and I love being able to actually wear it on my back when I need to give my shoulders a break. So utilitarian!
I hope you had a wonderful time at the gym…very impressive! I really need to embrace a workout routine of sorts…right now, I've justified the fact that I stand for most of the day (in lecture mode) and wear high heels as an excuse for not needing any regular gym time. It's scary what the mind can do ; )
A cozy Thanksgiving with your husband and lovely kids sounds perfect. We are making our annual pilgrimage to San Francisco…it's a tradition with my immediate family. We stay at the Fairmont on Nob Hill and enjoy the city…it's a nice little get away together (and the shopping in Union Square is fabulous!).
Thanks for clarifying Mercure…I know which one you mean now! I have toyed with the idea of getting this and now think I may have to take the plunge…it looks so very light gold in the stick that I was concerned it could look too artistic, but your explanation makes me want it like yesterday!
I shall have the samples of the CP formula tomorrow and will report back ASAP!
Have a blessed Sunday…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi there Lovely,
What a totally enviable collection of make up you have and it all looks beautiful in the Muji storage.
I could only dream of having that much and the brands you have.
Unfortunately I couldn't have my makeup on display as my 2 girls would be straight into it, I have mine in a large cabinet on the wall that they can't reach.
I have just received my By Terry Cover Expert and Hourglass Ambient Powder and have been loving them both.
A quick question in regards to the powder what brush do you find best to apply it? I am using a large fluffy powder brush.
I also saw in your photos a bottle of Face Atelier foundation I also use that and am quite impressed with it, do you like it.
I hope your week has been kind to you and have a lovely weekend.
Julie xoxo
Hello Julie,
Why thank you! My collection has been a long time in the making ; ) I don't blame you for keeping yours out of the hands of your little girls…I wasn't allowed to wear makeup until the middle of high school!
So glad to hear that you are loving your By Terry and Hourglass products…you absolutely cannot go wrong with either one! I have been using my Chanel Les Beiges Kabuki brush to apply the powder and it seems to work best…sounds like you are on the right track with yours!
Yes, I do have a couple of shades of the Face Atelier foundation and love it…it is especially agreeable with my skin in the springtime (for whatever the reason!). It has such a lovely finish!
I hope your weekend is marvelous and look forward to chatting soon…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi!
Does the Armani luminous silk would fit in the large two drawers?
Hi Ylenia,
Not particularly easily…I suggest stacking them on top (like I have done in the images above).
xx,
–The Beauty Professor