The very best makeup bags to store your growing stash and keep everything organised
Organisation makes life so much easier – especially when it comes to your makeup. One of the best makeup bags could be the difference between your box-fresh eyeliner pencil staying neat and sharp, or it rolling around in fluff at the bottom of your drawer. It could also be the difference between quickly tracking down your concealer pre-Christmas party, or you digging around for it under your bed.
While clear Muji drawers and Ikea trolleys are all well and good for makeup storage, the benefit of having your most-used beauty items in one portable makeup bag means you can pick it up and take it away with you at any time. Handy for when your getting ready with friends, so you can all de-camp to the lounge.
Whether you're looking for a chic makeup case to store your makeup brushes, something with plenty of compartments so you can categorise, a clear makeup bag for travelling with, or a flat lay makeup bag you so can spread everything out in front of you, we've found every style and size to help you track down the best cosmetic bag for you.
If you're a professional makeup artist looking for a new travel-friendly kit, we love the Anya Hindmarch vanity kit leather-trimmed cosmetics case that has loads of compartments and sections to help you stay organised when working on clients. But if you're after something lightweight and compact to bring with you on your next staycation, the Stackers Hanging Wash Bag doubles up as a makeup bag and is an all-round no-brainer.
Elsewhere, The Flat Lay Co.'s drawstring makeup bags are selling like hot cakes on ASOS. They make life so much easier, since you can roll them out and have all your products ready in front of you - without leaving a dreaded foundation stain on the carpet. They store a tonne of makeup, have handy brush holders and a zipped compartment. Plus, they make for the perfect aesthetic to feature in your next Instagram post. There's a blush pink makeup bag, a pink velvet bag, a floral print version and a leopard print design. Plus so. Many. More.
Keep scrolling for our full pick of the best makeup bags 2021.
Makeup bags small: Personalised makeup bag
Small Essential Cosmetic Case, WAS £80 NOW £64, Aspinal of London
This handmade case comes in light blue, pink, green and orange, and is big enough to fit your daily face. Add an extra touch with your initials for £15.
Flat lay makeup bag: The Flat Lay Co
The Flat Lay Co. Drawstring Makeup Bag, £19.99, ASOS
A Flat Lay Co. drawstring makeup bag is the beauty accessory you didn't even know you needed. Instead of rummaging around the bottom of your draw for your favourite lippy, everything will be spread out in front of you.
Save when you shop for your new makeup bag with these ASOS discount codes.
Makeup case: Vanity case
NYX Professional Makeup Make Up Case, £50, ASOS
For a professional piece of kit, affordable beauty brand NYX, has got you covered. It has plenty of compartments for all your products and tiered trays that expand for extra room. Sure it's not technically a bag, but you'll love it all the same.
Save when you shop for your new makeup bag with these ASOS discount codes.
Small makeup bag
Jimmy Choo JC Logo-Embellished Leather Makeup Bag, £275, Selfridges
Footwear aside, Jimmy Choo is just as well versed at creating accessories. Take this makeup bag, for example; crafted from leather and swathed in mini monograms, it's big enough to house your foundation along with primer and all the serums you could need.
Save when you shop for the best makeup bags with these Selfridges discount codes.
Makeup bags: Charlotte Tilbury
1st Edition Makeup Bag Lip Print, £15, Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte's first makeup bag will always be our favourite. Nothing beats the lip print and it's reasonably priced too. If you're stressing about how light it is, don't worry, it's a canvas bag, meaning it can go in the washing machine.
Makeup case: Makeup bag with compartments
Anya Hindmarch Vanity Kit Leather-Trimmed Cosmetics Case, £275, Net-A-Porter
A classic, roomy choice that should fit your entire collection. With two compartments to separate small and larger options, you know this bag will serve you well for years to come.
Save when you shop for the best makeup bags with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Clear makeup bag
Space NK Travel Bag, £24, Space NK
No more plastic baggies for you. This case is the ideal size for carry-on only and comes in black, blue and orange to suit your holiday mood. Weekends away just became a breeze.
Save when you shop for the best makeup bags with these Space NK discount codes.
Large makeup bag
Seletti Wears Toiletpaper Sh*t Snake-Print Faux-Leather Beauty Case, £35, Selfridges
We love the tongue-in-cheek snake print design on this rectangular zipped pouch. It's spacious too, with enough room to fit all your makeup products and tools.
Save when you shop for the best makeup bags with these Selfridges discount codes.
Large makeup bag
Charlotte Large Makeup Bag, £18, John Lewis
If a pretty pattern doesn't concern you, but size does, look to this large makeup bag from John Lewis. It's easily cleaned, if anything does break, and is big enough to store all your essential beauty products.
Makeup bag with compartments
Lily England Makeup Bag Organiser, £15.99, Amazon
This makeup bag comes with four slots for storing your brushes, a zipped pouch for beauty tools, plus a slip pocket and large compartment for all your fave liquids, powders and creams.
Makeup bags
Juliette Makeup Bag, £18, John Lewis
The perfect size to both keep on your dressing table and pop into your handbag before you head out the door, this patterned makeup bag will keep everything neat and tidy.
Save when you shop for the best makeup bags with these John Lewis discount codes.
Makeup bags: Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown Essential Faux-Leather Makeup Pouch, £25, Selfridges
Bobbi Brown's Essential Makeup Pouch gives your beauty favourites a deserving home. It's made from faux leather but you wouldn't know, it looks just like the real thing.
Cosmetic bag
Tall enough to fit all of the essentials, but still slip easily into your tote, Glossier's beauty bag is made out of coated cotton so you needn't worry about spillages.
Makeup bags
Faux Leather Make-Up Bag, £7.50, Marks and Spencer
Looking for something simple and inexpensive to slot into your handbag every day? This faux leather design from M&S is perfect. It's roomy enough for all your must-haves.
Travel makeup bag
Stackers Hanging Wash Bag, £65, John Lewis
We're well aware that this is technically a wash bag rather than a makeup bag, but, really, what's the difference? It'll work either way, plus the handy compartments make everything easy to find.
Save when you shop for the best makeup bags with these John Lewis discount codes.
Beauty bag
Velvet Quilted Make-Up Bag, £39, The White Company
The rich black velvet of this makeup bag provides a lustrous, elegant finish - alluding to the luxe beauty products you'll no doubt keep inside.
Flat lay makeup bag: The Flat Lay Co
The Flat Lay Co Tropical Leaves Make Up Box, £20, Oliver Bonas
This handy multi-way makeup box opens into a deep tray when you need to use it, and zips closed in seconds when you don't. With elastic brush holders on the inside, along with a small zipped pocket and velcro outer pockets, this makeup bag makes the ideal travel companion.
Save when you shop for the best makeup bags with these Oliver Bonas discount codes.
