I’m finally bringing you my full law school vanity desk tour. This is absolutely my favorite part of my room, even though I don’t really use it often since I go makeup free most days of the week. Here are the full details:
Desk & Seating
- Drawers: These drawers from Ikea seem to be very popular among bloggers, influencers, makeup artists and YouTubers. I’d say they were easier to assemble from following YouTube Tutorials as opposed to reading the wordless Ikea directions.
- Tabletop: To turn the pair of drawers into a desk, I simply placed the Linnmon table top on top of the drawers. I decided not to add adhesive to secure the table top on to the drawers. That way it would be easier to move once I leave graduate law school. Be aware that the table top slides fairly easily if you decide not to secure them.
- Stool: There seem to be plenty of home goods and furniture stores that offer the type of white stool with wheels I was looking for. I found mine at TJ Maxx for about $50. I love the fact that it’s a stool because it can easily slide under my beauty desk when I’m not using it. I believe the brand is called “Tainoki”.
Lighting & Mirrors
- Glammy Vanity Mirror: This is the centerpiece and main attraction of my beauty space. It’s also the biggest purchase. I knew I wanted to have a large vanity mirror with lightbulbs when I started thinking of planning my space. At first, I had to decide between creating one myself or getting an already made one. A DIY one would have probably required some sort of electric wiring on my own or drilling in to the wall which I didn’t want to do since I’m only in my apartment for the duration of law school. Among vanity mirror companies, Impressions Vanity seems to have established a pretty solid name for themselves, but their mirrors are just too out of my price range right now. Luckily, through a friend, I came to know Glammy Vanity. At the time it seemed like the mirror quality was similar to Impressions but probably two-thirds of the price. I did some research, found a 25% discount code and bought the mirror for $100 off at a little under $300.
- Impressions Vanity Mirror: Before I got my larger Glammy and because I wanted a more portable vanity option, I snagged a smaller one at TJ Maxx for only $30. It’s a great option for travel as well. I’ve also seen them at Marshall’s for the same discounted price.
Decor
There was A LOT that went into decor. The overall idea is that most of these things came from stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods so I probably won’t be able to link them. All of that is to say spend some time going to these stores in your neighborhood but also in other places across the city if you have the option. I found items at TJ Maxx in Harlem that I didn’t see in Queens and vice versa.
- Shelf: This is also a really popular item I’ve seen on Instagram and Pinterest. The Ikea Lack shelf is simple, versatile (you can put decor, shoes, books etc. on it) and very easy to put together.
- Purse: I got (read: took) this from my mom and thought it was nice enough to be the one fashion item on display.
- Clock: Yes, I still read time from a clock. Sometimes it’s easier than picking up my phone. It’s super convenient to have a clock by my vanity to hold myself accountable for getting ready in a timely manner (who am I kidding, I won’t rush my getting ready process for anything). It’s a Rae Dunn Clock I got from Marshalls.
- Books: I placed a combination of books and journals that I thought were pretty enough for display. “Black Girls Rock” and “52 Lists for Happiness” were the ones that made the cut.
- Makeup Holders: I had come across a few pictures of mason jar makeup holders on Instagram. I was fully prepared to buy regular jars from Target and spray paint them. Luckily I white mason jar soap dispensers at TJ Maxx and simply removed the pumps to make them makeup holders!
- Nesting Boxes: I mentioned these nesting boxes in my Law School Desk Tour. They are the same exact ones and I use them to hold random but very necessary items such as wires for my ring light and Clorox Wipes to keep my desk clean.
- Candles & Succulent: I’m a sucker for a nice smelling space so I have a ton of candles that I’ve acquired as gifts or from TJ Maxx. The succulents were a small touch that I got really just for adding some greenery.
- Flowers & Vase: Similar to my work desk space, I just wanted some faux flowers on my vanity desk. I got the vase and faux flowers from Michael’s.
Storage
- Clear Makeup Organizer: I bought a clear makeup organizer to hold my favorite and more aesthetically pleasing makeup products. I got mine from Home Goods but I’ve seen similar ones at these at Target, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. Here’s a very similar one that you can get at Target.
- Clear Toiletries Containers: I wanted a visually appealing way to hold cotton pads, Q-tips and Bobby pins. These containers from TJ Maxx or Marshall’s came in super clutch and were only a few dollars.
- Drawer Bins: I went on a massive hunt for affordable makeup bins to keep the makeup in my drawers organized. I snagged a bunch from TJ Maxx (surprise) not knowing that there are some important things to look out for. If you’re looking for some organizers, I’d highly suggest making sure they have rubber mats on the inside and grips on the bottom corners. That’s what keeps the products from sliding inside the bin and the bin itself from sliding!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR BEAUTY DESK/CLOSET?
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
