Get organized with a makeup brush holder

If you’re serious about makeup, you probably have a collection of brushes. A makeup brush holder helps you keep your space tidy, rather than having various brushes littering every surface.

You can find a wide range of styles, including dustproof holders with lids and modular varieties that you can configure in various ways to meet your needs. The Sooyee Makeup Brush Holder is a top pick thanks to its stylish dustproof design.

What to know before you buy a makeup brush holder

What is a makeup brush holder?

A makeup brush holder is similar to a pen or pencil organizer in that it stores makeup brushes upright. Depending on their design, makeup brush holders may have a series of compartments or individual slots. Besides keeping brushes visible and accessible, these organizers give brushes room to breathe. As a result, their bristles aren't crushed or compressed.

Other ways to store makeup brushes

Makeup brush holders are considered stationary storage units, as they usually stay put on bathroom countertops or vanities. They’re certainly removable, but makeup brush holders are nowhere as portable as other storage options. Makeup brush carry cases, for instance, are specifically designed for travel use. They have moisture- or stain-resistant linings, elastic details to secure brush handles and zipper closures.

Other people shy away from using makeup brush holders because they expose brushes to dust, moisture and bacteria. Instead, they prefer drawer organizers. While they keep brushes in a dry, safe place in separate compartments, the brushes may sustain damage in another way. Laying brushes flat for prolonged periods of time may cause bristles to warp, which in turn may compromise makeup application.

Makeup brush holder features

Materials

Makeup brush holders are typically made of acrylic, plastic, ceramic, glass, wood or metal. Depending on your needs or the room decor, you may prefer one material over another.

Acrylic and plastic organizers are easy to clean and repel moisture. They're also fairly durable, but if they're dropped on the floor, they may break.

Ceramic and glass are aesthetically pleasing options that are well-received and coordinate well with most bathrooms and vanities. However, they're delicate and may require special cleaning products.

Wood has a natural aesthetic and comes in a wide variety of finishes, but some designs may attract moisture, mold and mildew.

Metal is a modern choice that comes in wire and mesh designs. While these holders are attractive, they're often prone to rust and discoloration.

Capacity

Capacity is one of the most important features to compare among makeup brush holders. Smaller, single-compartment organizers may be enough if you have six or fewer brushes. If you have an extensive brush collection, you may need a makeup brush holder with several compartments or slots. For some people (including professional makeup artists) it’s worthwhile to purchase more than one organizer for your collection.

Modular design

Makeup brush holders with modular designs allow you to customize their configuration. They’re a smart choice for those who want to separate different types of brushes, such as shadow and foundation brushes, or natural versus synthetic brushes.

Certain makeup brush holders, for example, have adjustable slots, whereas others have compartments that snap together or pull apart. Some makeup brush holders have compartments or “cups” in geometric shapes that can be placed flush next to one another. These designs can also be separated around countertops or vanities as needed.

Makeup brush holder cost

Small makeup brush holders that store six or fewer brushes cost $10 and below. Larger designs that are suitable for deluxe brush collections range from $12-$20. Makeup brush holders made with finer materials, including designer pieces, cost anywhere from $25-$75.

Makeup brush holder FAQ

How often should I clean a makeup brush holder?

A. It's recommended to give makeup brush holders a deep cleaning every 2-3 months. Over time, residue and product fallout settles at the bottom of these organizers. To remove the buildup, use a diluted mixture of gentle dish soap and water. You can also use disinfectant wipes to clean makeup brush holders, though it's best to wipe them down with water and a clean cloth afterward to prevent the disinfectant from transferring onto brushes.

Where should I place a makeup brush holder?

A. Most people place makeup brush holders in the area where they apply makeup, such as bathroom counters or vanities. However, when these are shared spaces, some people prefer keeping their brush holders in the bedroom. When it's time to apply makeup in the bathroom, they only bring the brushes they need.

Which makeup brush holder should I get?

Best of the best makeup brush holder

Sooyee Makeup Brush Holder: available at Amazon

Our take: If you want to keep brushes in pristine condition, this unique brush holder comes with a lid to prevent dust accumulation and moisture exposure.

What we like: The space-saving acrylic organizer comes with mini pearl beads that store brushes upright. While it has a modern aesthetic, it blends well with most room decor. The organizer is easy to wash and maintain.

What we dislike: Some buyers would like a larger capacity.

Best bang for your buck makeup brush holder

mDesign Plastic Makeup Brush Storage Organizer: available at Amazon

Our take: This brush organizer, popular among professional makeup artists, has 15 slots to store brushes individually.

What we like: The acrylic organizer is lightweight, yet it's sturdy and stable. Slots are the right size to accommodate handles of all thicknesses. The organizer can also double as a drying rack.

What we dislike: Because the side is open, thin-handled and lightweight brushes are prone to slipping through the organizer.

Honorable mention makeup brush holder

LoveBB Makeup Brush Holder Organizer: available at Amazon

Our take: It's easy to configure your brushes with this modular makeup brush organizer.

What we like: The three compartments are a decent size to hold various items. Each compartment is a different height, and the smaller ones work well for storing travel brushes or lipsticks. Many buyers appreciated the hexagonal design of the organizer.

What we dislike: It's much smaller than some people expected, and it's very lightweight.

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Lauren Corona is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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