A Guide to Buying a Luminous Makeup Mirror
When it comes to spotting stray eyebrow hairs or nailing winged liner, a quality lighted makeup mirror is essential. They come in all shapes and sizes, and can be wall-mounted or freestanding.
Our picks use LED bulbs that mimic natural lighting to make sure your glam looks good under any light conditions. They also include other features like a rechargeable battery or smart functionality.
Features
A good makeup mirror will give you a clear look at your face so that you can easily apply and reapply makeup. It will also help you spot flaws, such as blemishes or wrinkles, and correct them. It is essential to choose a makeup mirror with a high-quality glass so that you can be sure it is sturdy and durable. It will also be easy to clean, so you can use it frequently.
There are many different types of lighted makeup mirrors available in the market, including those that have adjustable brightness and those that have built-in smart technology. Some of these smart lighted makeup mirrors come with touch controls, which allow you to adjust the light settings using just your finger. Other lighted mirrors have speakers, which allow you to listen to music while you get ready. Some even have a motion sensor, which will turn on the lights when you walk by.
Most lighted makeup mirrors are designed to be used on a vanity or tabletop, and they can either be wall-mounted or freestanding. Some are large and take up a lot of space, while others are small and compact. The best lighted makeup mirror for you will depend on your room size and style, as well as your budget.
One of the most important factors in choosing a lighted makeup mirror is the type of light it uses. The majority of lighted makeup mirrors use LED bulbs, which provide a brighter and more natural light than traditional incandescent bulbs and don’t emit much heat. LED bulbs are also long-lasting, with some claiming to last for 20,000 hours or more.
Many lighted makeup mirrors have multiple lighting settings, which can help you get the most accurate representation of your skin tone. For example, Simplehuman’s single-sided lighted makeup mirror offers a daylight setting that mimics the sun’s full color spectrum so that you can see how your skin will appear under natural light.
Another important factor in choosing a lighted makeup mirror is its magnification. Some have a standard 1x magnification, while others have up to 10x magnification. Generally, a 2x to 3x magnification is best for applying makeup and catching stray eyebrow hairs. However, higher magnifications may not be as effective for everyday makeup application, as they can cause a distortion of your facial features.
Design
Whether you’re doing your daytime makeup or going all out for a night out, a good lighted makeup mirror is key to getting the best results. But just like beauty tools, there are plenty of different types out there that offer slightly different perks—from varying magnifications to specialized light temperatures. Some, like this option from Simplehuman, even have a setting that mimics sunlight’s full color spectrum, which Strategist Senior Editor Crystal Martin says makes it feel “just like looking in natural daylight.”
Another thing to keep in mind is the design of the mirror itself. Some models have a more clunky look, but there are others that are much sleeker and may even include extra features like a built-in speaker or a charging pad. If you’re worried about finding a space for a bulky model, consider one that folds flat or can be mounted on a wall. And for those who often travel, a lightweight, rechargeable mirror is the way to go (see the RIKI Skinny for our pick).
If you want a more traditional mirror that’s easy to use in any situation, consider options with angled side panels that allow you to better see tricky areas like creases and corners of your eyes. There are also some that come with a stand that you can mount to your vanity, while others have a base you can put down on a table or countertop.
As for lighting, Kassajikian recommends a model that uses LED bulbs. This is because they emit a warm white color that’s close to the led makeup mirror sun’s natural rays—and it will likely last longer than models with fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Plus, the light is cool to the touch, so any makeup that you set down by the mirror won’t melt.
There’s nothing worse than your lighted makeup mirror dying in the middle of a beauty routine. That’s why we recommend opting for a rechargeable option with a USB plug-in, like the Funtouch Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror. This portable mirror can run on a long-lasting lithium battery for up to eight hours of use and comes with a protective case and a slim felt carrying pouch for when you’re on the go.
Magnification
If you’re looking for a lighted makeup mirror that does more than just light up your look, you might want to consider one with multiple magnification levels. A higher magnification can help you see small details on your face, such as tiny blemishes or imperfections in the skin that may be difficult to notice at normal eye level. Higher magnification options can also be useful for tweezing and more complex makeup applications, such as applying eyeshadow or blending in foundation.
You can also choose to invest in a double-sided lighted makeup mirror that gives you the option to flip between two different magnification levels depending on your needs at any given moment. Some women find they can do standard touch-ups with just a regular side of the mirror, while others need to use a higher magnification for more precise work, such as when doing their eyebrows or tweezing.
Ultimately, the size of your vanity and the amount of space you have will dictate what type of lighted makeup mirror works best for you. Some mirrors come in a circular or oblong shape that fits neatly into a compact space, while others are larger and freestanding. Some models even come with a stand that allows you to adjust the angle and position of the mirror so it’s perfect for your space.
Another consideration is how much power you want your lighted makeup mirror to have, especially if you’re planning on using it while you’re still at home. You’ll want to choose a model that can be powered via USB or by traditional AA batteries so you’re not stuck with a dead battery in the middle of doing your makeup.
Finally, you’ll want to take the time to read reviews of led makeup mirror a lighted makeup mirror before making your final purchase. This will give you a better idea of what other users have experienced and whether or not they found it to be worth the price tag.
For example, this lighted makeup mirror from Conair is popular among shoppers because it offers several different features in addition to a sleek, modern design. It has a dual-sided mirror that includes both 1X and 7X magnification options, so you can find the right setting to fit your personal makeup needs. The lights are operated by a touch-button power button, and the frame is finished in a sleek chrome color that elevates any bathroom. It’s also powered by LED lighting, which one shopper describes as being in the “Goldilocks zone” – not too bright and not too warm.
Lights
A lighted makeup mirror is the best tool for getting down to those micro details, whether you’re brushing on foundation or attacking stray brow hairs with tweezers. The key is to find one that offers bright, natural-looking light and a range of magnification options so you can see what you’re doing (and how it looks) in different scenarios.
Look for a backlit or LED-powered mirror that provides a soft glow without shining directly in your face. Some also have a shade that reduces glare, and some offer various lighting settings to simulate daylight or a warmer date-night glow. The most advanced models can even sync with your smart devices for easy control and additional functions like skin analysis, social-media syncing, and voice-activated Alexa support.
Many of the lighted makeup mirrors we’ve reviewed are portable and small enough to fit into your purse or carry-on bag for touch-ups on your upcoming travels, and some of them can be powered by USB for convenience. Others are battery-operated and come with a charger so you never have to worry about your batteries dying mid-applying.
You may also want to consider a swivel or tilt-up option that allows you to adjust the angle of your mirror for more comfortable positioning, especially if you’re using it from a sitting position. A rotating design is ideal for getting a better view of your whole face when applying foundation, eyeliner, and other hard-to-reach spots on your forehead or neck.
Lastly, consider a lighted vanity mirror with multiple attachments that can make your beauty routine even more efficient. A built-in phone holder, for example, is great for taking selfies and following along with your favorite makeup tutorials. Other handy attachments include a suction cup and magnets that hold jewelry or other small objects, as well as an integrated hook that lets you hang your tweezers on the frame for easy access.
There’s nothing worse than the lights in your lighted makeup mirror going out mid-makeup application, so it’s worth investing in one that has an automatic motion sensor or a built-in timer that shuts the lights off after a preset amount of time. Some even have a built-in alarm that can wake you up with your favorite song, so you’ll always be on-time for work or an important meeting.