Lighted mirrors are one of those genius inventions that are total game changers for makeup application. Because let’s face it — no pun intended — even if you have the fanciest skin care formulas or the most exquisite foundations, you’ll need to make sure you can see clearly to look your best. Yes, a bathroom mirror can get the job done, but there are advantages to using makeup mirrors, according to celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney.
“They allow you to see more clearly the results of your makeup application,” she says. “Your attention to detail will be enhanced and smaller details and blending will be easier under a light."
Henney likes to use makeup mirrors with a warmer or golden-toned light: “This light is more flattering and can replicate the sun,” she says.
These days, there are numerous models of lighted mirrors with different light options, as well as key features such as magnification, size/compactness, rotation and energy source. We asked makeup artists to speak about the benefits of these mirrors. Then, we used their advice to narrow the many options down to this list of the best vanity mirrors and lighted makeup mirrors out there.
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Why are lighted makeup mirrors important?
Are you still not convinced a lighted makeup mirror is for you? “The primary advantage of a lighted mirror is the even light distribution and illumination it provides during the makeup application process,” explains Sam Kyle, Mirabella’s creative designer and makeup artist.
“A lighted mirror evenly illuminates the face and reduces shadowing while accurately representing your skin tone and cosmetic shades/details during the application process,” Kyle tells Shop TODAY.
Whether you’re embarking on a family vacation for spring break or headed to a cabin in the woods for the weekend, you’ll surely be glad you brought a lighted makeup mirror along with you. “While you may have a dedicated spot in your home for makeup application, traveling may require a bit more creativity. Having a lighted mirror that can be used in any location/at any time is very helpful!” continues Kyle.
The best makeup mirrors, according to experts and editors
"I love to travel with this under-$20 portable makeup mirror for a few reasons," shares former editor Kelly Vaughan. "It’s smaller than most tablets, which makes it easy to stash away, and it features three lighting shades that make it easy for me to do my makeup and skin care routine, even in dark hotel rooms or bathrooms," she explains.
"And for better or worse, it has super clear magnification that shows off everything," Vaughan adds.
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger also tested this budget-friendly mirror and recommends for travel. "I recently brought it with me when I traveled from New York to my hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to see how it could withstand multiple flights in a bag that was likely being tossed around by many airport worker hands," she explains. "After recovering it from baggage claim, I was relieved to find the mirror still intact."
As I'm [Wise] now in my late 30's, it's time for me to start thinking about a lighted makeup mirror (womp womp). I've been eyeing this under $25 option that features 80 LED lights and three color settings. I also love that it magnifies up to 20 times so it's easier to see and treat my under eye circles.
I [Wise] fell in love with this makeup mirror at first sight. I tested this product for our Shop TODAY Beauty Awards and felt like a celebrity getting her makeup done. Not only is it easy to use, but it also features adjustable brightness settings depending on your ideal lighting preference. Deputy managing editor Jess Bender was also blown away by this glamorous mirror after testing.
"I love this mirror, it’s so lightweight," shares Billie Gene, a celebrity makeup artist. "The magnifying mirror allows you to perfect details like eyeliner and applying false lashes properly," he explains.
"If you aren’t ready for a full size vanity mirror, this is a really good size option with awesome features," suggests Norah Salazar, a New Jersey-based makeup artist. "I like that this has a stand and offers nine ultra-bright LED bulbs with dimmable lighting and three color settings. Also the price is very competitive and it is compact and functional."
Salazar also recommends this pocket-friendly makeup mirror from Riki Loves Riki. "If you are on the go, this mirror is great as it offers three dimming lighting options as well as a retractable ring," she says. "This mirror comes with a carry case to protect as well as its own charger."
"For the home I love a lighted mirror set up with LED lights and adjustable brightness as well as a magnifying mirror for doing closeup work and lines or maybe tweezing," explains Salazar. "This mirror seems simple to install on a wall or against a desk or table, it comes with a USB port and Bluetooth speaker, so you can attach your phone. For under $100, this is a great deal."
This stylish mirror also makes a great gift for your teenager or college student.
“This is great for a vanity when you want to sit down and take your time with full glam or quickly get your glam on in the morning,” says Henney.
It has three light modes and 15 dimmable light bulbs that last 50,000 hours, according to the brand. To use, mount it onto a wall or just sit it on top of a vanity. There’s even a USB charging port on the side of the mirror so you can charge your phone while getting ready.
"This wireless mirror is also a great option; it has different light settings as well," explains Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, a celebrity and bridal makeup artist, global beauty educator and founder of The Art of Enhancement & D’Amelio Cosmetics. "Having the lighting options is so important because makeup can appear different under different lighting. This one has a built-in speaker, which is a fun feature. It also comes in a few color options including rose gold, silver, black and white."
D’Amelio Ventre is also a big fan of this magnifying mirror from Fancii. "This one is a great option because it has three light settings so you can adjust depending on the room lighting," she suggests. "It is chargeable so it doesn’t have to be plugged in, making it easy to bring around on the go, and the charge lasts up to 10 hours. Another benefit is the dual magnification so you can perfect those harder to see areas."
"Glamcor is an amazing beauty lighting company so I trust anything they do!" says Gene. "This mirror is compact which makes it a favorite for travel."
"Best feature for my Selfies lovers is that this mirror has a phone holder and has a Bluetooth selfie function, which allows you to take an immediate photo with perfect glam and lighting," Gene explains.
Shark Beauty CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask
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Amazon
$349.99
Shark
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Ulta
E.l.f. Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum
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$17.00
Ulta
$17.00
Target
Tula Skin Care Barrier Balance Ceramide Body Moisturizer
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$32.00
Tula
$25.60
$32.00
Amazon
$32.00
Ulta
Essie To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair
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$7.55
$12.00
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$12.00
Essie
$11.99
Target
Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
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$19.99
Versed
$19.99
Target
$19.99
Ulta
Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pads
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$28.00
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$28.00
Sephora
$28.00
Innisfree
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$8.00
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$8.00
Good Molecules
Almay Thickening & Tint Hypoallergenic Volume Mascara
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$10.38
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$10.38
Walmart
$10.49
Target
Beekman 1802 Micellar Milk Froth Cleansing Gel
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$29.00
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$29.00
Target
$29.00
Beekman 1802
The Mane Choice The Alpha Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
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$13.97
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The Mane Choice
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Walmart
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules
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$99.00
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Elizabeth Arden
What to look for in lighted makeup mirrors
When it comes to finding the perfect lighted makeup mirror, it's important to consider the lighting, magnifying capabilities, size, energy source and special features.
- Lighting: The main difference between a lighted makeup mirror and any ol’ mirror is, well, the light. Most lighted makeup mirrors on the market now use LED (light-emitting diode) lights, which are more energy-efficient. Many models also offer adjustable brightness, which helps during makeup application if you want to match your look to where you’re going. For example, if you’re doing a smoky eye for a girls’ night out, try a warm light. How about pink lipstick for an outdoor stroll? The daylight setting works best for that. And for a no-makeup makeup look in the office, a cool light is key. “I love to use lighting so I can see what I’m doing more clearly,” says Henney. “And if you like to film your makeup [application], it’s also a bonus.”
- Magnification: Focusing on tweezing your brows to perfection or applying foundation evenly? The right makeup mirror can make all the difference. Whether you prefer the original 1X view or want a magnified look such as 3X, 5X, 10X or beyond, there are options. Some makeup mirrors come with an additional detachable smaller mirror to offer a more zoomed-in view — this comes in handy when you’re looking to pay extra attention to details.
- Size/compactness: This is another feature that depends on your personal preference and lifestyle. The size and compactness of a lighted makeup mirror can be greatly determined by where you’re using it. Are you looking for a large, stationary version to place on your vanity table or a small, portable one to take with you on vacation? There are foldable ones, wall-mounted ones and freestanding ones — and they come in various shapes, too.
- Energy source: This factor goes hand in hand with convenience. Lighted makeup mirrors come in a variety of energy source options, such as plug-in (which are great for usually staying in the same spot in your home) and battery-operated or rechargeable (which are ideal for travel).
- Extra features: Like many beauty tools, lighted makeup mirrors come in endless styles. Choose among dozens of colors, designs and high-tech features.
Frequently asked questions
"A slightly larger rectangle shape allows for a bigger overall viewing area and can make the application easier since you can see more during the process," says Kyle.
"Different locations and rooms offer different light colors and a lighted makeup mirror with light color mode options can be incredibly beneficial. Look for a mirror with natural, warm and white color modes," says Kyle.
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How we chose
Choice overload is a real thing, and we at Shop TODAY get you. That’s why we narrowed down the best of the best lighted makeup mirrors for this roundup. We looked to multiple makeup experts for their recommendations and advice, plus included an editor-tested favorite as well.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on light makeup mirrors. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Tobi Henney is a bicoastal celebrity makeup artist. She was formerly based in Sydney, where she was the L'Oréal Paris Makeup Director for Australia.
- Sam Kyle works in creative design/development and is a makeup artist at Mirabella.
- Billie Gene is a celebrity makeup artist.
- Norah Salazar is a New Jersey-based makeup artist.
- Lauren D’Amelio Ventre is a celebrity & bridal makeup artist, global beauty educator and founder of The Art of Enhancement & D’Amelio Cosmetics.
