We asked for your favorites and then tested them. Now we have our own favorites at different price points, too.
In the past, I was a makeup minimalist. But after hosting and attending a string of simchos in a row, I realized that I felt better about myself at the events where I was wearing professional makeup. Not because I’d spent the money – that didn’t necessarily feel great – but because I didn’t have the makeup and tools at home to create a more dressy look on my own. This isn’t to say that everyone needs to wear more makeup – or any makeup at all – to feel good at a formal event. But that’s how I was feeling.
So, I made it a mission to actually accumulate and learn to apply a full makeup look. With some virtual help from Esti Morgenstern and quite a bit of time at Sephora, I finally put together a full personal makeup kit.
But now that I had all this makeup and learned how to use it, I needed a better way to store it. After trying a few different makeup organizers, I realized that I like to store all my makeup products in one case that allows me to see it all at once. But I don’t want anything on my counters.
I turned to our followers on social media and asked for recommendations. We got quite a few, but the overwhelming favorites were the two shown here.
I already owned the Prite bag – the style that opens into two “triangles.” I used it for my toiletries when traveling. I had both sizes and preferred the larger one (I don’t pack light).
This kind of bag holds a LOT. And if you’re using it to contain and transport your makeup, it’s a really great option. There are pockets and a zippered section that can help you organize different sized items, too. But I recognized that this style doesn’t work for me and makeup. Because I want to use this for my everyday storage and use, I preferred the ease and accessibility of the other bags featured here. In my experience, you could only keep one side of the Prite organized because when you open it up, it has to be standing on one side to keep the items upright. And there isn’t enough organization detail to really hold the small things right. I do still love the style for toiletries, but not for makeup.
The Parallelle bag was highly recommended by Shaindy Menzer and lots of the followers who responded to my quest. I bit the bullet and ordered the Medium Traveller. Bit the bullet because it’s pricey. But it was for the greater good of informed reporting, right?
The bags tend to sell out, so I’m including links to Bloomingdale’s as well.
This bag has a rigid structure that stands upright and when you open the zipper.
The two sides fold down – and stay that way – so that everything inside stays upright and is visible and accessible. The partitions inside are adjustable to suit your products.
The features are exactly what I need. Literally. Organized, easy to see and access, all in one case. BUT the medium was too small for the amount of makeup I now have and actually use. Not every day, but I don’t want to have separate cases for different makeup looks. So I bit another bullet and ordered the Large size. And that one is absolutely perfect. (The price is the only feature that isn’t perfect. It’s a real splurge. It makes a great gift – for yourself or a loved one.) The medium size is actually great for my travel toiletries for the same reasons I like the large one for makeup. Fold down the sides and you’re good to go as soon as you get to your destination. No need to unpack anything.
So there you have it. Two styles, two sizes. Each works well for a different user.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, this one fits the same amount as the larger Parallelle bag. It’s just impossible to organize. If that doesn’t bother you, just toss it all in and go!
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