Your makeup mirror FAQs, answered:
Are mirrors with lights good for doing makeup?
Yes — because you can't always guarantee that you'll be working with the perfect natural lighting conditions when applying your makeup. “Good lighting allows you to see your face clearly, and also ensures true colour representation of your products," explains Saffron Hughes, make-up artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk. “This is essential for flawless makeup — and particularly helps make sure that your base looks natural and even.”
What magnification mirror is best for doing makeup?
Your mirror doesn't have to come with any kind of magnification — but most of the more impressive models do. “The ideal magnification for a lighted makeup mirror depends on your needs — however, 5x to 8x is the sweet spot for most makeup tasks," Hughes explains.
"Providing a clear, close-up view of your whole face, using a 5x mirror makes it easier to apply foundation and contour your face," she adds. “However, an 8x mirror might be better-suited to anyone who wears glasses — and also works well for more intricate tasks, like tweezing your eyebrows.”
Your best bet? Saffron recommends looking out for a mirror with a dual or tri-sided design, for maximum flexibility.
What to look for when shopping for the best makeup mirror:
There’s no shortage of options if you’re looking to find the best makeup mirror. There are mirrors with built-in phone chargers and even ones that’ll tell you the weather (yes, really). To make the right choice for your skincare routine, consider these features:
Light quality
It's well-worth remembering that not all LED lights are made equally. “LED lights with a higher CRI rating will ensure that the lighting is as close to natural daylight as possible — allowing you to see the colours clearly and accurately," Dr. Tara Lalvani explains. “This makes it easier to judge how your makeup will look in real life, rather than under poor artificial light.”
Different light settings
Clearly, the most in-demand mirrors are usually the ones that let you customise your lighting. As well as being dimmable, many can cast multiple temperatures — including daylight, warm light, and cool light.
Plus — thanks to a new generation of LED makeup mirrors with built-in phone holders and chargers — it’s also never been easier to film yourself in action or to follow along with a makeup TikTok tutorial.
Size and portability
Where will you primarily be using your mirror? For a permanent makeup spot, go for a larger Hollywood-style mirror — or pick a wall-mounted option if you're keen to save precious dressing table space. Alternatively, if you'd like something that you can move around the house a little more easily, pick a chic pedestal mirror — or a slimline option with a foldable stand.
Meanwhile, if you're looking for something smaller to slip in your handbag for on-the-go touch-ups, there are plenty of more compact options to consider — most of which you can use cordless as long as they've been charged in advance.
Is a lighted makeup mirror worth it?
In short — yes. “With an illuminated makeup mirror, you’re less likely to over or under apply makeup, and you’ll find it easier to blend seamlessly whilst avoiding harsh lines," Hughes adds. "Essentially, you’re more likely to achieve a polished, professional finish with good lighting.”
