I’m always looking for little bathroom upgrades that make my morning routine feel more organized without sending me down a full weekend makeover. This makeup brush holder is one of those tiny projects that takes just a few minutes, costs very little, and somehow makes the whole counter look more pulled together. By filling a small copper Moscow mule mug with dried black beans, you get a pretty holder that keeps brushes upright, separated, and easy to grab.
I love this kind of project for busy people because it’s genuinely simple, but it still looks intentional and polished. If your brushes usually end up in a drawer or scattered around the sink like mine used to, this is an easy fix that feels a little bit fancy without being fussy.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash the copper mug with warm water and 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap, then dry it completely with the towel so no moisture gets trapped inside.
2. Buff the outside of the mug with the microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and bring out the hammered copper finish.
3. Pour 2 1/2 cups of dried black beans into the mug, filling it about three-quarters full so the brushes will stand securely without overflowing the top.
4. Gently tap the bottom of the mug on the counter once or twice to settle the beans and create a level surface.
5. Insert the largest makeup brushes first, spacing them around the back and sides of the mug so the holder looks full and balanced.
6. Add the medium and smaller brushes toward the center and front, pushing handles down just enough for the bristles to sit above the rim and stay easy to grab.
7. Rotate and adjust the brushes until fuller brushes are separated from delicate eye brushes, which helps everything stay tidy and makes each one easier to see.
8. Place the finished holder on the bathroom counter, vanity tray, or open shelf where it will stay dry and be convenient for your everyday routine.
Variations & Tips
Use the right fill level: If the mug is packed too full, the beans can spill when you pull brushes out; if it’s too empty, the brushes will lean. I’ve found about three-quarters full is the sweet spot.
Keep it bathroom-friendly: Set the holder away from direct splashes from the sink. Beans are great for support, but they need to stay dry to keep the holder fresh and clean.
Try a coordinated look: If your bathroom has warm finishes, this copper mug looks especially pretty with amber bottles, white towels, or a small tray. It’s one of those easy details that makes the space feel styled.
Swap the filler if needed: Rice or small pebbles can also work, but dried black beans give nice weight and a clean, crisp look against the copper.
Refresh it seasonally: Every few months, empty the mug, wipe it out, and replace the beans if they look dusty. It takes maybe five minutes and keeps the whole setup looking intentional.
Make it more functional: If you have a lot of brushes, make two matching holders—one for face brushes and one for eye brushes. That’s what I’d do on a busy weekday morning, because anything that saves me even a minute before work is a win.