overall
IKEA ALEX 9 Drawer
9.5
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The best makeup organizer keeps your collection tidy and accessible; our top pick is the ALEX 9 Drawer from IKEA, offering versatile storage for any vanity.
| # | Product | Best for | Type | Storage Capacity | Material | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IKEA ALEX 9 Drawer | overall | Drawer unit | 9 drawers | Moderate | Check Price |
| 2 | Amazon Basics Acrylic 3 Drawer Organizer | value | Acrylic drawer | 3 drawers | Low | Check Price |
| 3 | Sorbus Stackable Makeup Organizer | modular | Stackable drawers | 6 drawers (2 sets of 3) | Low | Check Price |
| 4 | mDesign Acrylic Cosmetic Organizer | countertop | Countertop caddy | Multiple compartments | Moderate | Check Price |
| 5 | Simplehuman 5 Piece Makeup Organizer Set | premium | Set of 5 | 5 pieces | High | Check Price |
| 6 | VASAGLE Rolling Makeup Organizer Cart | mobile | Rolling cart | 3 tiers | Moderate | Check Price |
| 7 | Aothia 360 Rotating Makeup Organizer | rotating | Lazy Susan | 360-degree rotating | Low | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The IKEA ALEX is the gold standard for makeup storage, offering nine spacious drawers that fit a vast collection. Its clean Scandinavian design complements any decor, and the smooth-gliding drawers ensure easy access. The unit is sturdy enough for heavy palettes and bottles, and it can be paired with a desk or used standalone. Owners consistently praise its capacity and durability, making it a long-term investment.
Anyone with a growing makeup collection who wants a dedicated, stylish storage solution.
Those needing portable or compact storage for travel.
Key specs: Dimensions: 14 1/8x27 1/2x27 1/2 inches - Weight: 55 lbs - Material: Particleboard with acrylic paint - Drawers: 9 (5 small, 2 medium, 2 large)
Why we picked it: This acrylic organizer from Amazon Basics offers exceptional value for its price, providing clear visibility of contents. The three drawers are smooth-gliding and hold a surprising amount of lipsticks, eyeliners, and small palettes. Its compact footprint fits on any vanity, and the stackable design allows expansion. Users love its sturdy build and the way it keeps items dust-free.
Budget-conscious users who want a clear, stackable organizer for daily essentials.
Those needing deep storage for bulky items.
Key specs: Dimensions: 9.4x7.7x7.1 inches - Weight: 1.5 lbs - Material: Clear acrylic - Drawers: 3 (each 2.5 inches deep)
Why we picked it: The Sorbus stackable organizer system lets you customize your storage by adding more units as needed. Each set of three drawers is made of clear plastic, allowing you to see everything at a glance. The drawers are removable and easy to clean, and the interlocking design keeps stacks stable. It's perfect for small spaces and growing collections.
Anyone who wants a customizable, space-saving solution that can grow with their collection.
Those needing a single, sturdy unit for heavy palettes.
Key specs: Dimensions per unit: 9.5x7.5x6.5 inches - Weight per unit: 1 lb - Material: Clear plastic - Drawers: 3 per unit (2.5 inches deep)
Why we picked it: The mDesign acrylic organizer features multiple compartments of various sizes, ideal for organizing brushes, lipsticks, and palettes on a countertop. Its clear construction makes it easy to find items, and the sturdy acrylic resists yellowing. Some versions include a rotating base for easy access. Users appreciate its elegant look and effective organization.
Those who want a permanent, stylish countertop organizer for daily use.
Users who prefer drawer-style storage or need to store items vertically.
Key specs: Dimensions: 12x8x6 inches - Weight: 2.5 lbs - Material: Acrylic - Compartments: 6 (various sizes)
Why we picked it: Simplehuman's set includes a brush holder, lipstick stand, and modular trays with magnetic connections. The high-quality materials and thoughtful design justify the premium price. Items stay in place with magnetic backs, and the modular pieces can be arranged to fit any space. Owners rave about the build quality and elegant appearance.
Luxury enthusiasts who want a high-end, modular organizer that looks like decor.
Budget shoppers or those needing storage for a large collection.
Key specs: Set includes: brush holder, lipstick stand, 2 small trays, 1 large tray - Material: Aluminum and magnetic plastic - Dimensions vary
Why we picked it: This rolling cart from VASAGLE offers three spacious tiers that can hold everything from makeup to skincare. The wheels make it easy to move from vanity to bathroom, and the metal frame is sturdy. Each tier has a raised edge to prevent items from falling. Users appreciate its versatility and portability.
Those who need a mobile storage solution for multiple rooms or want extra counter space.
Users who prefer closed, dust-free storage.
Key specs: Dimensions: 15.7x11.8x29.5 inches - Weight: 8.8 lbs - Material: Steel and plastic - Tiers: 3 (each 3 inches deep)
Why we picked it: This rotating organizer from Aothia maximizes corner space with its 360-degree turntable design. It features multiple compartments of different heights, suitable for brushes, lipsticks, and small bottles. The clear acrylic keeps items visible, and the smooth rotation makes every item accessible. It's a great space-saver for small vanities.
Those with limited counter space who want a compact, rotating organizer for daily essentials.
Users with large collections or who need drawer storage.
Key specs: Dimensions: 9.8x9.8x5.5 inches - Weight: 1.8 lbs - Material: Acrylic - Compartments: 5
The IKEA ALEX 9 Drawer is ideal for large collections, offering nine spacious drawers that can hold palettes, bottles, and tools. Its sturdy build and versatile design make it a top choice for serious collectors.
Yes, high-quality acrylic organizers like those from mDesign or Amazon Basics are durable and resistant to cracking. However, they can scratch over time if not handled carefully. Thicker acrylic tends to be more durable.
Many organizers, such as the Sorbus Stackable and Amazon Basics acrylic drawers, are designed to be stackable. Always check the product description to ensure stability when stacking.
For acrylic or plastic organizers, use a soft cloth with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. For metal or painted organizers, a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Always dry thoroughly.
If you have a large collection with many palettes and bottles, choose a drawer unit like the IKEA ALEX. For smaller collections, a compact acrylic organizer or rotating caddy may suffice.
Measure your vanity or countertop before buying. For tight spaces, a vertical or rotating organizer saves room. If you have floor space, a rolling cart or tall drawer unit offers more capacity.
If you need to see everything at a glance, clear acrylic organizers are best. For dust protection, choose enclosed drawers. Rotating organizers provide easy access from all angles.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Material quality | High-quality materials like thick acrylic or sturdy metal ensure longevity and a premium feel. Avoid thin plastics that may crack or warp. |
| Storage capacity and compartments | Look for adjustable or multiple compartments to accommodate different item sizes. Drawers with dividers or removable inserts offer flexibility. |
| Design and aesthetics | Choose a style that complements your decor. Clear acrylic is versatile, while painted or metallic finishes can add a decorative touch. |
| Portability and modularity | If you move often or like to rearrange, opt for stackable or rolling organizers. Modular systems allow you to expand as your collection grows. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.