Light Up Makeup Mirror
Lighted makeup mirrors give you an up-close look at your face and help you make sure your makeup looks great. They can also improve your skincare routine, especially when they mimic natural lighting.
Simplehuman’s lighted vanity mirror uses Tru-Lux technology to simulate sunlight, which shows your full color spectrum. It can also switch to candlelight for a more intimate nighttime makeup session.
Magnification
Whether you’re applying a full face of makeup for a big event or simply plucking those pesky stray hairs, a good light up makeup mirror is key. The best ones will let you tweak the brightness and color temperature to imitate natural sunlight, says celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo, who’s done red carpet glam for Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne, and Mindy Kaling. He prefers lighted makeup mirrors from SimpleHuman, which “look and feel like the kinds of state-of-the-art mirrors you’d find in five-star hotels.” The Sensor Mirror Trio has surgical-grade LED lights that adjust automatically to your settings, while the Riki Skinny Smart Vanity Mirror offers five different brightness levels so you can easily see the finer details.
Besides the standard flat mirror that’s part of your bathroom setup, most lighted makeup mirrors have a second layer that offers up to 10X magnification. Higher magnification allows you to get a closer look at your pores and stray hairs so you can pluck them with ease. Some of these lighted makeup mirrors also have a setting that reflects your image in warm or cool tones, which is great for helping you find the right color to wear to your next event.
A lighted makeup mirror’s surface can be either planar or spherical, and there are two main types: plane and convex. Planar mirrors have flat surfaces and a reflected image that’s the same as what you can see in front of you. Spherical mirrors, on the other hand, have a curved reflective surface that can be shaped either inward (concave) or outward (convex). Most makeup mirrors are convex, and they’re usually made from glass that’s been coated to reduce reflection and glare.
A spherical lighted makeup mirror can be more expensive than one with a planar surface, but they’re typically made of high-quality glass and have a long lifespan. Depending on how often you use it, they can last anywhere from four to 20 years. To extend their life, be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and clean the glass regularly with a damp cloth.
Lights
Makeup looks different under a variety of lighting conditions, and a lighted makeup mirror makes it easier to see details and get an accurate representation of how your look will look in natural light. The most effective lights mimic the color temperature of sunlight and have a high CRI rating, which is a measure of how well a light source displays colors. Many lighted makeup mirrors use LED bulbs, which save energy and don’t emit as much heat as incandescent bulbs.
Some lighted makeup mirrors have more than one setting for changing the brightness and hue of the light, which allows you to personalize the lighting to suit your mood or the ambience in the room. For instance, the iHome Hollywood Vanity Mirror comes with adjustable brightness and temperature controls. It also has an additional attachment for a magnetic phone holder, which you can use to take selfies or follow along with a tutorial.
When shopping for a lighted makeup mirror, it’s important to choose the right size and shape for your space. If you’re using the mirror in a small bathroom, opt for a compact design to avoid taking up too much room. If you plan to mount the mirror on a wall or other surface, look for models with brackets that allow you to secure them in place.
For those who travel frequently, a portable lighted makeup mirror is a must-have for keeping up with your beauty routine on the go. The Fancii lighted makeup mirror is lightweight and folds down to fit easily in a carry-on or backpack, making it easy to take with you on business trips or vacations.
The lighted mirrors in this article feature either natural or artificial light, and some have extra features like integrated speakers and USB ports for charging your devices. Some lighted mirrors even have smart capabilities, such as the ability to analyze your skin and suggest products based on your light up makeup mirror specific needs. Before you buy a lighted makeup mirror, consider what extra features you need and whether the manufacturer offers a warranty.
Design
There’s a lot to love about lighted makeup mirrors, but you’ll want to consider all the options available before making a purchase. Makeup artists recommend that you opt for a lighted mirror that offers both brightness and hue settings, which will allow you to customize your lighting and find the most flattering glow. Some models even include a warm and cool setting to simulate different types of lighting, which will help you color-correct makeup for any occasion.
You’ll also want to consider whether you want a portable model or a wall-mounted one. Portable lighted makeup mirrors can be slipped into your carry-on, backpack, or purse for travel or to use in a hotel room, while wall-mounted models are typically designed for permanent installation in the bathroom or on a vanity. Both types of lighted makeup mirrors can be either corded or rechargeable, depending on your preference.
Some models are also equipped with extra features, such as built-in speakers and USB ports to charge your phone or play your glam tunes while you get ready. They may also be able to detect when you approach and turn on automatically. Other fun add-ons that can be found on certain lighted makeup mirrors include smart features like voice control and music streaming, which are perfect for those who live in a connected home.
Lighted makeup mirrors can range in price from affordable to splurge-worthy, depending on the size and features you choose. While the iHome Hollywood Vanity Mirror Pro boasts vintage glamor with its oversized frame and protruding LED bulbs that border the mirror, the more affordable Riki Lite makeup mirror also offers a stylish design, magnification up to 10x, and several brightness and color temperature settings, which is enough to satisfy many beauty enthusiasts.
Another budget-friendly option is the simplehuman lighted makeup mirror, which has thousands of 5 star reviews from Amazon shoppers who credit it with changing their lives. This lighted mirror can be powered by your home’s Wi-Fi or by its rechargeable battery, and it comes with multiple light brightness and hue settings, including a warm and cool setting that mimics natural sunlight and allows you to see true skin tone. It also has a built-in storage compartment that’s great for holding cosmetics and beauty products.
Warranty
When choosing a lighted makeup mirror, look for models light up makeup mirror that have a warranty to protect your investment. The longer the warranty, the more confident you can be about its quality and durability. The best lighted makeup mirrors offer up to a lifetime warranty. If you decide to buy a more budget-friendly model, opt for one that has a limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Some lighted makeup mirrors have additional features that make getting ready easier. For example, some have USB ports to charge your phone or play music during a primping session. Others have smart capabilities, like Alexa integration and voice activation. Some lighted makeup mirrors also have built-in sensors to automatically turn on when you approach them.
The lighted makeup mirror you choose should be easy to clean. Some have glass surfaces that are treated to repel smudges and fingerprints, while others need a gentle cleaning solution and a soft cloth to keep them looking their best. Some lighted makeup mirrors are portable, while others are designed to be mounted on your bathroom wall or in a cabinet.
Many lighted makeup mirrors have multiple magnification options, from 2x to more than 10x. This lets you see all of your face when applying makeup and ensures that every aspect of your appearance is perfect. Look for a lighted makeup mirror with a 5x magnification for close-up needs, such as intricate eyeliner work or tweezing.
A lighted makeup mirror should use LED lights, which are cool and bright like natural sunlight and mimic the color spectrum of the sun. This allows you to accurately see the colors of your makeup, says Kassajikian. In addition to brightness, the best lighted makeup mirrors also have light settings that adjust the temperature of the lights. Some offer only daylight, while others provide a range of warm and cool settings.
If you want to take your lighted makeup mirror with you on trips, opt for one that is lightweight and compact. This makes it easier to pack in your luggage and doesn’t take up much space in your bag. Some lighted makeup mirrors are also rechargeable, so you can avoid packing a box of AA batteries.
