Surely you learned to clean things up as a child. If not, now's the time. How to set it up so it works is something you're going to have to figure out for yourself.

I don't understand why everything needs to be out. I know you said it's for efficiency, but honestly, if you organize your drawers and cupboards with baskets and make-up bags, you will know right where everything is and what you have. Then you will look at a neat, clean looking vanity instead of a jumbled mess.

wow that's the last time I ask for ideas on here. you guys are actually quite insulting. Love the fact that you think as a child I never learned to clean up after myself. I was a hospital corpsman in the US Navy for 6 years. believe me, you learn discipline. I just asked for some vanity top ideas and I get attacked. thanks for nothing.

I understand the need to have some or most of the things you use daily on your vanity, especially if drawer space is limited. I bought an acrylic makeup holder from Bed, Bath and Beyond and that has really helped to organize my makeup and toiletries on top of my vanity. It looks so much better. If you have a lot of stuff I would suggest getting a few of those for the top of your vanity. They come in all sorts of sizes and different compartment set ups. The acrylic on the holder I bought is very thick and looks high quality. The Container Store also sells similar items and Home Goods may sell these as well.

Keep my essentials in a beautiful stone/concrete planter from TJ Mxx. Small narrow glasses keep my makeup brushes upright. Looks pretty on the counter while hiding the clutter.

Like this

Attractive baskets, trays, and cups/canisters will help organize your space. Look at some of these images for ideas:

Makeup Organization

It depends on what kind of look you are going for. Here's some ideas I saw.

Good suggestions. Maybe turn to your local retailer or find a local designer to work on this issue?

Here you go: https://www.yahoo.com/makers/vanity-heaven-savvy-make-up-storage-hacks-115803177240.html

I have a large 72" double vanity as well and I keep everything in my drawers. Even our toothbrushes and toothpastes are in the top drawer. Nothing is on the vanity top except for a crystal soap dish and cup for each of the sinks, a standing vanity mirror and an orchid. I have managed to organize the interiors of the drawers with clear acrylic trays like these which I purchased from HomeSense (I am in Canada, but I think the equivalent is HomeGoods in the U.S.):

I hate the mess too, so I put my stuff in bags or baskets. I pull them out when needed and trough them underneath when I'm done. Jewelry is another story. I cleaned out my top skinny drawer on my dresser and took the little plastic containers, as shown in another comment, separated my jewelry into colors. I just have to open the drawer to look and pull out color that I need.
Hope that helps.

Wow...just wow. Commenters, let's cut the girl some slack! Some people are visual organizers and need to see their stuff so it registers. Just a different brain functioning. I suggest you first layout everything you want to keep on the counter. Sort it by type of product, blush, mascara, moisturizer, cleanser, cotton pads, Q-tips, etc. As detailed as you can. Then decide what size clear boxes you need for each. If they're clear, you can see what's in them. Stacking boxes are a plus. Leave tall bottles free on one side of the counter. Stack the boxes on the other. Another idea is the use of shelves. Or even a shoe holder that has lots of pockets and has a hook over the door. Only you know how much you need to see. Search Houzz for other ideas. Good luck, and thank you for your service! And please, don't judge all of us by a few snarky comments.

Same as Anita Nazar...in Denmark I fell in love with the acrylic organizers from a company there...they now reside in my baths and even my pantry, holding everything from cosmetics to Baggie ties...