Light Up Your Makeup With a Makeup Mirror With Lights

Making sure you’re applying makeup in the right light is the secret to a flawless finish. That’s why lighted makeup mirrors are so useful.

These freestanding or wall-mounted options can range from a standard 1x magnification to intense 20x. Our beauty experts recommend ones that mimic natural daylight or offer a softer, candlelight-like setting.

Magnification

Whether you’re applying makeup in the dim of your bathroom or under the harsh light on your phone, proper lighting is essential to flawless results. That’s why lighted makeup mirrors are a beauty must-have. “With the right light, you can even out and blend your makeup,” celebrity makeup artist kitchen products supplier Janice Kinjo tells InStyle. “And it helps you match your foundation to your skin tone.”

Depending on the model you choose, your lighted makeup mirror may feature a range of magnification levels from 2x to 10x—for example, this one from Flymiro has different panels that you can rotate around to find your best angle for makeup application. Others, like this top-rated option from Riki, have a single, all-encompassing view that’s perfect for plucking pesky brow hairs and getting a precise lash line.

A good lighted makeup mirror will also have a touch-sensitive LED lighting system that responds to your hand or finger, so you can easily adjust the brightness without fumbling around with buttons and cords. Some models are even smart, automatically lighting up when you approach them and turning off again after a few seconds of inactivity—and some can analyze your face to recommend your ideal skincare products. And, of course, you want to look for a durable, sleek design and quality craftsmanship.

Dimming

You’ll want to check out the dimming of any lighted makeup mirror you purchase, as it can make a big difference when it comes to applying your makeup. You can easily control the brightness by pressing a button or using a remote. Some mirrors can even change to multiple light settings, allowing you to match the lights to your mood or the time of day.

It’s also important to find a makeup mirror with lights that have a high CRI, which stands for color rendering index. This means the light is more accurate, so you can see the true colors of your makeup products and apply them properly. You may even notice that your skin looks better when using a makeup mirror with lights.

While you could get away with just squinting in your bathroom mirror or even your phone’s selfie light, having your very own lighted makeup mirror is worth the investment. It can help you achieve a more natural look, save you from having to use harsh products or deal with shadowy areas. Plus, you can customize the lighting and magnification to your liking.

Adjustable Light

When it comes to lighted makeup mirrors, there are more options than you might expect. From a hardwired, wall-mounted version that’s perfect for an at-home vanity to a portable option that can be tucked away in your carry-on bag to touch up your makeup on the go, you’ll find options that range from minimalist to high-tech and everything in between.

The best lighted makeup mirrors allow you to adjust the light intensity, so you can create your ideal lighting ambiance. They also offer a variety of color temperatures, so you can use your lighted makeup mirror at any time of the day. Cool and neutral light is great for applying makeup or plucking pesky eyebrow hairs, while warm light works well for nighttime tasks like removing your mascara or using a jade roller.

A good lighted makeup mirror will feature multiple magnification levels, allowing you to get up close and personal with any fine details that require special attention. For instance, some models come equipped with a 1x standard view that’s suitable for everyday application, while others feature magnifications of up to 20X for tweezing brow hairs or putting on false eyelashes.

If you’re looking for a lighted makeup mirror with the ultimate blend of functionality and design, consider this top-rated pick from Simplehuman. This sleek, swivel-based mirror features a traditional 1x mirror on one side and 10X magnification on the other for those times when you need to get up close to detail. You can also easily toggle the lights on and off and change the color temperature by using the touchscreen controls.

Rechargeable

The most convenient lighted makeup mirrors have a built-in rechargeable battery that eliminates the need for an external power source. This allows you to move the mirror from corner to makeup mirror with lights corner and even take it with you for travel, without worrying about finding a suitable outlet. You can also find freestanding models that provide a more expansive view of your face, which is ideal for focusing on intricate details or perfecting blending.

The best lighted makeup mirrors offer several lighting settings to mimic natural light, which helps prevent makeup mistakes caused by overly bright or dim lighting. Look for models that dim and brighten with a touch, automatically adjust based on momentary lighting conditions or even analyze your skin. You can also opt for a model that has integrated speakers, a phone charger or stand, or even one that has an app that lets you record your progress.

Our editors love this mirror for its powerful LED lights, a handy swivel and an intuitive interface that allows you to choose your preferred brightness setting with a simple tap. It’s also a favorite among content creators, who use the included clip-on phone holder to take selfies or follow vlogs while on the go. Plus, it can double as a ring light for videos! Just be sure to purchase a protective case for your phone to avoid any damage.