I don’t know about you, but all my samples typically get shoved into the bottom drawer of my vanity….never to be heard from again. So after a bit of brainstorming, I finally came up with a fun, creative idea that allows you to organize and display your samples. Which, if you think about it, will make you more incline to use up those free samples, right?!
Let’s dive right in!
I can’t be the only one with a drawer/box/bag that is overflowing with makeup samples, am I? Whenever I get new ones in an Ulta order or I ask for a sample while browsing the aisles at Sephora, I typically toss them into this bottom drawer of my makeup….never to be seen or heard from again.
I tried lots of things — taking out a handful and putting them on top of my vanity, and while that would work for a little bit….once those samples were gone I would forget to dive back into that drawer and see what else I want to try next. So! Here is what I did!
I purchased this clear drawer mini unit from my local Navy Exchange, but Amazon also has them available for only $8.44. It’s not a large drawer and, in my opinion, is the perfect size for holding small sample packets or deluxe-size sample products.
To stay organized, labels are a must for me. I know overtime you’ll learn what you keep in each drawer, but it just gives everything a very neat, orderly appearance. And who doesn’t love pink?
I had some extra washi tape hanging around the house and wanted to add a little more dazzle to my drawers. Feel free to skip this step if that’s not you 🙂
Here’s the results that I got. Doesn’t it look so pretty and girly? 🙂 Now is the fun part! Let’s organize! Dump all your samples out. This is the time to go through everything you have and figure out what you’re actually going to use, what’s too old, and what you can pass on to a friend. For example, for me personally I don’t use shampoo and conditioner samples. I have such long hair, they’re so small, it’s just not worth taking them into the shower and using them. So I set all of those aside to give to my mom and sisters who are able to put them to good use. 🙂
Once you have all your samples divided up, put them into their designated drawers. The above picture is my makeup drawer, and just look at all those smashbox primers! Primer samples are so easy to use and I can typically get a few uses out of each packet. Perfect to take a few when I travel!
And there you have it! Now you have a super-cute mini drawer unit that you can set right on top of your vanity so that you see it every day and remember to reach for it. And now that they’re separated into categories, it’s much easier to open a drawer and pick something to try for that day.
Please share with me the ways you remember to use your beauty samples. I would love to hear how y’all stay organized 🙂
Jiawun says
I feel you! I have all my samples in my bottom drawer too! haha. This is such a great idea! Thanks for the post, Katie!
Katie Garvin says
I know, and they would just sit in that drawer because I couldn’t open it, it was stuffed so tightly, lol 😛
Jamie | Makeup Life and Love says
OMG this is so smart for sure. I totally just take all my samples and throw them into a black hole of a box, but I think this is so much smarter. Looks like I have a new project this weekend. Thanks for sharing! xoxo
Katie Garvin says
Thanks, Jamie! I keep this in my linen closet in my bathroom and it is so much more handy — easy to open and pick a few samples to try out for the week 🙂
Debby says
THANK YOU THANK YOU,I have baskets full of samples in my closet ,this is the most creative DIY idea I have seen.. my weekend project is this
Katie Garvin says
Glad it was helpful! I hope it helps you reach for those samples more often! With all the facial moisturizers I have in sample packets….I can probably last a few weeks on just samples alone! Neat way to save $$ 😉
Elise says
This is lovely!!! All my samples are stuffed into a MAC shopping bag — I am ashamed because I am usually a very organized person. LOL
Katie Garvin says
I like to be organized as well, Elise, and that drawer was diving me crazy because it was so stuffed, I couldn’t even open it! What a waste! Now I can get to all the products easily 🙂
Rachel says
Now this is organised! I have two glass jars and everything just gets chucked in them x
Katie Garvin says
Rachel, I hear you! I like that I’m able to separate them into different categories so it’s easy to find things 🙂
WhatLauraLoves says
This is such a good idea 🙂 I always find myself never using up sample sachets, only deluxe sample sizes xxxx
Katie Garvin says
Yeah, deluxe sample sizes are a lot easier to go through. I tend to put them with the rest of my products, since they’re just minis. But those foil packets….they’re a different story, lol!
Esha says
He he.. I am definitely trying this! I somehow never try the sachets just the bigger samples.
Katie Garvin says
I know, I forget about these foil packets all the time. But sometimes they have a lot of product in them! Some makeup primer samples can last me 3 – 4 uses, and that’s saving me money right there 😉
nicol says
this is such a good idea! i just put them in a beauty box and never touch them again haha
Katie Garvin says
I hear ya, girl, I was doing that, too!
Laura says
This is great way to organize everything! At the moment I use a makeup bags where to store my samples, which works fine. I like your way better though 😉
Laura
Pink Frenzy
Katie Garvin says
Thanks Laura! If you try it out, tag me on twitter or instagram and let me know how it works for you!
Jess says
This is such a great idea, I have samples stashed here, there and everywhere & can never find anything when I want it haha!
Jess xo
Katie Garvin says
Haha, I hear you Jess! There have been many days when I realize (I could’ve used one of my samples!) and I just didn’t think of it until after the fact. Now that this drawer sits in my bathroom, I’m easily reminded 🙂
Nancy L says
Great idea, Katie! I’m going to definitely try this! Thanks!
Katie Garvin says
Glad it was so helpful! I love having this little drawer system in my bathroom linen closet 🙂
Rose says
Great post! I will have to use these tips because I love to have everything organized – not only does it look prettier but it is easier to find the things I need. Thank you for sharing what you do.
Katie Garvin says
I’m so glad you found them helpful, thanks so much for letting me know! 😀 Yes, I do agree with you that it looks more visually pleasing than an overflowing drawer that I kept forgetting about. 😉
Brianna Engebretsen says
I love this. I was just thinking about how I have so many samples and I really need to find a productive method of ensuring I actually use them. Doing something like this will definitely help.
http://www.divaandthedivine.com
Katie G says
I’m glad you found it helpful!!! :-*
Kelly says
Hi,
Great idea ! I was wondering where did you get the stickers from ?
Katie Marie says
from walmart I think!
Karen says
This is very helpful. I need to do this with all my samples.