How a LED Makeup Mirror Can Transform Your Look
Whether you’re applying daytime makeup, taming pesky brow hairs or spotting stray eyelashes for a quick pluck, a lighted makeup mirror will help you look your best. “Proper lighting is everything,” says celebrity makeup artist Janice Kinjo.
These free-standing LED-powered mirrors are a must-have for a smooth look. The cool white lights stay on a low setting to avoid damaging the skin and eyes while mimicking natural daylight.
Magnification
If you find yourself trying to apply makeup under less-than-ideal lighting conditions (like bathroom overhead light) or using a smartphone’s selfie mode, then a lighted mirror could be a game-changer. A quality lighted mirror will help you see the finer details so your eyeshadow doesn’t look streaky or your lipstick doesn’t fade. Most lighted mirrors use LED illumination, which mimics natural daylight. However, you can still find models that use fluorescent or incandescent bulbs.
Most lighted makeup mirrors offer anywhere from 1x to 5x magnification so you can see yourself in full-size view. This magnification level is great for everyday beauty tasks like applying makeup or brushing your teeth, but for precision challenges like tweezing eyebrows or removing peach fuzz with a dermaplaning tool, you’ll want to opt for a higher level of magnification.
Some lighted makeup mirrors have extra features like USB ports for charging your household products supplier devices, speakers to play music, and smart functionality (like streaming your favorite beauty tutorials). You can also find designs that come in either a wall-mounted or tabletop design so you can choose the best fit for your space and your lifestyle.
Light Settings
As any makeup artist knows, proper lighting is key to a flawless face. Using a lighted makeup mirror with different LED bulbs allows you to simulate the brightness of natural sunlight, giving you an idea of how your look will appear in any lighting conditions outside. This is a great feature for those who frequently wear makeup or live in areas with limited natural light.
When selecting a lighted makeup mirror, choose one that uses energy-efficient LED bulbs. These types of bulbs are known for their cool white color that is closest to the natural light produced by the sun. This light is also better for applying makeup because it doesn’t emit heat, unlike fluorescent and incandescent bulbs that can cause your products to melt or run off.
When shopping for a lighted makeup mirror, make sure to read product descriptions carefully and understand the specifications of each model you are considering. You can find many options that fit any budget, whether you are looking for a small mirror to keep on your vanity or a large version to display on your wall. Many models also have extra features, such as built-in organizers or Bluetooth speakers, to add an element of luxury and convenience to your beauty routine. Lastly, look for options with angled side panels to help you pluck eyebrows and apply false lashes more precisely.
Battery-Powered
If you’re a makeup lover, a free-standing battery-powered LED makeup mirror is an essential tool for flawless application. These sleek, versatile options offer a host of advantages over traditional wall-mounted versions, including adjustable light settings that mimic various environments and an ability to zoom in on hard-to-see areas.
As a beauty writer, Theresa Holland is always on the lookout for new tools and tricks that will help her get the most out of her makeup bag. So she tapped two makeup artists and gathered insights from our in-house led makeup mirror testers to compile this guide to the best battery-powered LED makeup mirrors.
The key to making your makeup look its best is proper lighting, as highlighted by celebrity makeup artist Janice Kinjo. “With the right lighting, you can see how your foundation will blend and appear in natural light,” she explains. And that’s why she loves this lighted vanity mirror from Blush, which features a halo of natural-looking LED lights and up to 5X magnification.
The battery-powered makeup mirror comes with an AC adapter for plugging in when the batteries run low, and it’s lightweight enough to transport from room to room. It also swivels in the base, so you can position it to almost any angle you need. The circular mirror can be switched between a regular and magnifying setting, and the light adjusts automatically with a long press of a button.
Rechargeable
There are few simpler pleasures than switching on a lighted makeup mirror, whether you’re at home or in a hotel room. But if you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll want to look for a travel makeup mirror that easily fits in your carry-on and can be stowed away without compromising the quality of its lighting.
One option we love is the Wobsion LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror, which offers a range of fun colors, as well as one- and 10-times magnification. It also fits snugly into the smallest of suitcase compartments, purses and clutches. And because it’s battery-operated, you can use it anywhere—even if you don’t have access to an electrical outlet.
For a more permanent solution, consider a wall-mounted rechargeable makeup mirror. These models boast a seamless installation process that’s devoid of any intricate electrical work, and they require only periodic connection to an AC adapter for continued operation. When they’re not in use, they can be discreetly tucked into a drawer, leaving your space aesthetically uncluttered.
A freelance commerce writer specializing in beauty tools and products, Theresa Holland has been writing for Byrdie since 2020. A die-hard fan of adequate makeup lighting, she loves combining her passion for beauty and high-tech gadgets to help readers find the right products to achieve picture-perfect looks. For more of Theresa’s favorite products and insights, follow her on Instagram.
