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.
What to look for | Why are they important? | Expert and editor picks | How we chose | Meet the experts
What to look for in lighted makeup mirrors
- 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.
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.
Lighted makeup mirrors, according to experts and editors
Model-worthy: HIEEY Hollywood Vanity Mirror
- Portable
- Great brightness
- Power button may not work well
Power source: USB charger with outlet adapter; rechargeable | Portable? Yes
I [Wise] fell in love with this makeup mirror at first sight. I tested this product for our Shop TODAY Beauty Awards and instantly wanted it for myself. Not only is it easy to use, but it also features adjustable brightness settings depending on your ideal lighting preference. Senior 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.
Compact and portable: Danielle Creations L.E.D. Mini Folding Tablet Mirror
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to transport
- May seem small
Power source: N/A | Portable? Yes
"The Danielle Creations LED Mini Folding Table Mirror is the most practical and portable light up mirror I’ve found," says Andrew Sotomayor, Emmy-winning makeup artist and founder of OracleJayneStation.com. "At 9 inches, it’s large enough to see what you’re doing, but lightweight that it’s not a hassle to bring with you."
"This is great for touchups because it folds entirely flat and can share space with your laptop or tablet when traveling, or it can go in a professional makeup artist bag for touchups," says Sotomayor.
Great for selfies: Tuscany LED Ring Light 7.5” with Mirror for Table Top
- Moves easily
- Great for touch-ups
- Small in size
Power source: N/A | Portable? Yes
It's time to strike a pose with this flattering LED ring light with mirror. "Often on film and TV sets, we have to touch up makeup while the camera crew moves equipment to capture actors at different angles," shares Sotomayor.
"This is an ideal time for extended touchups, and the Tuscany LED ring light with mirror is great for this. It attaches to a portable set chair for hands-free use, and has a mirror built in so that actors can see for themselves once they look their best," he explains.
You're a star: Fenchilin Vanity Mirror with Lights
- Can hang it up or stand it against the wall
- Can adjust the brightness of the lights
- Some power malfunctions; turns on and off randomly for reviewers
Power source: USB charger; rechargeable | Portable? No
Feel like a 1920s starlet with this Hollywood-style lighted mirror that doubles as a classic décor piece.
“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.
Splurge-worthy: Glamcor Riki Skinny Mirror
- Rechargeable
- Easy to transport
- Good quality
- Expensive
Power source: USB charger; rechargeable | Portable? Yes
"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.
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. How we chose: looked to multiple makeup experts for their recommendations and advice, plus included an editor-tested favorite as well.
Meet the experts
- 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.
- Andrew Sotomayor is an Emmy-winning makeup artist and founder of OracleJayneStation.com.
