The Best Makeup Mirrors to Upgrade Your Application Game (2023)

The Riki Loves Riki Skinny Mirror is our top pick

By

Lexi Dwyer

Lexi Dwyer

Lexi Dwyer is a parenting and lifestyle writer for the Spruce. Her work has appeared on digital media outlets like Fatherly, What To Expect, and Today.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience.

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Updated on 07/25/22

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The Best Makeup Mirrors to Upgrade Your Application Game (1)

A makeup mirror can make your makeup routine easier by offering better lighting than your average bathroom mirror. We researched dozens of options, taking into account their brightness, design, sturdiness, ease of use, and additional features.

Our best overall pick is the Riki Loves Riki Skinny Mirror, thanks to its rechargeable design, quality LED lighting, and phone mount that allows it to double as a ring light.

Here are the best makeup mirrors.

Our Top Picks

Who else recommends it? Glamour, Bob Vila, and Cosmopolitan all picked the Riki Loves Riki Skinny Mirror.

What do buyers say? 90% of 200+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

(Video) Best Makeup Mirrors (2021) - TOP5 based on actual product reviews

Our favorite makeup mirror is the RIKI LOVES RIKI Skinny LED Travel Mirror because it's easily packable and features a phone mount for expertly lighted selfies. This mirror measures 13 x 9.5 inches (about the size of an iPad) and comes with a stand you can prop up on a table or vanity. The "Skinny" is also sleek—just three-eighths of an inch thick and weighs only 1.5 pounds.

We love that this is a great lighted mirror that's small enough for travel, but the carrying case is sold separately, which is less than ideal. This mirror's clip-on phone mount can be used for selfies, following step-by-step makeup tutorials, or good lighting on Zoom. Also included is a round magnetic mirror with 5 times magnification, which works well for close-up needs like eyeliner and eyeshadow application.

Riki Loves Riki claims their LED lights have a high color rendering index (CRI), which refers to the light source's ability to reveal color accurately—this is the type of light you'd want in a museum or photography studio, and it's also a great feature to include in a makeup light. While this mirror is certainly an investment, it's a great compact option that's valued for its quality and universality.

These days there are smart doorbells, smartwatches, and even smart refrigerators, so a smart makeup mirror is a logical option. As the name suggests, the mirror slides open to reveal a tablet screen with a camera. It can be flipped to landscape mode, which some users love for doing makeup tutorials. The tablet is eight inches long, while the mirror is 11 inches. The HiMirror Slide weighs about two pounds. The magnification is done digitally through the camera, which some eyeglass wearers might find tricky.

There are two LED light strips. You can adjust the brightness and the color temperature using the touchscreen, recreating five different scenarios, including sunset, bright overhead office lighting, and a dim restaurant setting. The built-in, skin-analyzing software can pick out dark circles and red spots. The tablet includes apps such as Spotify, Google Duo, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can even see how neon eyeliner or glittery shadow looks before applying it by using the mirror's augmented reality (AR) feature, which allows you to try out different makeup styles.

For those who require a serious close-up to get through their morning routine, this rechargeable countertop mirror has ten times magnification, making it ideal for tweezing those tricky spots or applying detailed eye makeup. It has sensor activation, so it lights up as soon as you walk over to it and shuts down when you walk away.

The mirror measures 5 inches in diameter and about a foot high. It also has LED bulbs that simulate natural sunlight and have a lifetime guarantee. If you're planning to travel, you can fold the mirror and pack it in the included carrying case. It recharges with a USB cable, so you won't have to deal with messy cords. One charging session should last about five weeks.

One of the most generously sized light-up makeup mirrors, this attractive, affordable option measures 14.5 x 9 inches (a smaller size is also available). It can rotate between portrait and landscape orientation, and it also tips forward and backward to help you get the best angle on your face. There's a tray at the bottom that works for storing accessories or products, but note that the base doesn't detach, so that the mirror won't work well for travel.

The mirror has a border of 35 LED lights that can be brightened and dimmed by holding and tapping a finger on the power button. It includes a small detachable mirror with 10 times magnification used for detailed tasks like applying eyeliner or mascara. You can charge it using the USB cable or use AA batteries.

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(Video) Our Point of View on Grace & Stella Makeup Mirrors From Amazon

The basic purse compact gets a techy makeover with this sleek upgrade, which comes in six colors, including turquoise, metallic blue, and rose gold. One side is a regular mirror and the other has 10 times magnification. The ring of battery-powered LED lights makes on-the-go spot checks simple.

This mirror measures just 4 inches across and weighs 4.5 ounces, so you'll barely know you're carrying it. The surface is guaranteed to be distortion-free, and the mirror is covered by an 18-month warranty.

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Your grandma might have had a trifold mirror sitting on her vanity table, and these practical workhorses have been popular for decades. This one measures 12.5 x 11 inches when open and has LED lighting that can be adjusted with a slider switch; choices include daytime, office, evening, and home. The center mirror can switch between 1 to 5 times magnification.

This mirror include a 120V outlet if you need to plug in an accessory like a flat iron. You will need to plug the mirror into an outlet (battery power isn't an option), but there's also a USB port for those mornings when you also need to charge your phone. You can adjust the angle of the mirror using its stand.

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Final Verdict

Our first choice for a makeup mirror is the Riki Skinny (view at Ulta) since it's durable, lightweight, and has high-quality lighting, not to mention extra features like Bluetooth capability and a phone mount.

Size

Makeup mirrors come in all shapes and sizes, and you will want to choose the style that best suits your lifestyle. If you travel frequently, a mirror that is more compact will serve you best, but if you plan to keep your mirror in the bathroom or on a vanity at home, you may wish to consider purchasing a larger piece.

Tech Components

Many of the mirrors highlighted above are high-tech to some degree, whether they offer Bluetooth-enabled features or built-in apps. Whether you choose to purchase one of these may depend on your comfort level with such forms of technology as well as how frequently you plan to use your mirror. If you only anticipate using your mirror to get ready for more formal events (as opposed to using it on a daily basis), you may not need so many bells and whistles.

Price

Like any gadget, makeup mirrors are offered at a range of prices. You will want to consider factors such as frequency of use and durability when making your purchase. If you travel often, you will want a mirror that won't scratch easily when packed in a suitcase, for example.

FAQ

  • Using screws and anchors, drill the mirror into the wall. Check that it is level and secure and is hung at the right height for your needs.

    (Video) Best Makeup Mirrors, Best Wellies, Delilah, BhCosmetics & Giveaway

  • Spray glass cleaner on a cloth and gently rub the mirror to remove any streaks or stains.

  • You will want to be able to use your mirror comfortably, whether you prefer to sit or stand. Determine how you plan to apply your makeup—whether that is standing in the bathroom or while seated at a vanity—and install the mirror at eye level.

  • Make sure the mirror is unplugged, then unscrew the portion of the mirror containing the light bulb, place a new one inside, and reattach the backing before plugging it back in.

  • Yes. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), mirrors, including makeup mirrors with LED lighting, are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

Lexi Dwyer has written about sunscreens and kids' electronics for The Spruce. She's had her current stand-up chrome mirror for so long she can't quite remember where she purchased it, but writing this story has made her seriously think about upping her game.

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. 23 Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors That Are Worth the Money. Glamour. https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-lighted-makeup-mirror

  2. The Best Vanity Mirrors With Lights of 2022. Bob Vila. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-vanity-mirrors-with-lights/

  3. 17 Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors Your Vanity Needs Right Now. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g32600893/best-lighted-makeup-mirrors/

  4. What Can I Bring? Transportation Security Administration.

FAQs

What type of mirror is best for applying makeup? ›

Concave – Concave mirrors are a form of spherical mirror that curve inward, similar to a spoon. This curved mirror is used to focus light and has the effect of magnifying the object in front of it. Because of this magnification, it's best to go with concave when putting on makeup in a mirror.

What magnification is best for a makeup mirror? ›

5x magnification: One of the most common options for magnifying mirrors, 5x magnification options are a personal preference of many makeup artists. They don't give you too much of a close-up view, but they can help with minimising vision problems and giving you a more detailed view of your entire look.

Is there an app for a makeup mirror? ›

Beauty Mirror – Light Mirror & Makeup Mirror App” is an android mirror application. Tap and install this makeup mirror app, Then never carry around a compact mirror again!

Are makeup mirrors worth it? ›

Specifically for applying makeup, and making the interior look brighter and contemporary, high-quality makeup mirrors are worth it. Just keep the above points in mind and make sure to test out how your makeup appears at various times of the day.

Is 5x magnification enough? ›

The degree of magnification is usually a matter of personal preference, with 3x-5x magnification being most common and generally sufficient for those with normal vision.

Is 5x magnification enough for makeup mirror? ›

The degree of magnification usually depends on your personal preference and requirement. For those with normal vision, makeup mirrors with 3x-5x magnification are generally sufficient.

What is the difference between 3x and 5x magnification? ›

The 5x magnifying is a lot closer the view then the 3x, and the magnification is build in the mirror so you can't adjust the magnification. And remember: As a rule of thumb with magnification, to ensure clarity, start up close at about 2" away from your mirror. Slowly back until you achieve your best focus.

What is 10x magnification good for? ›

Why is 10x magnification the industry standard? - YouTube

Is LED light good for makeup application? ›

LED lights are ideal for makeup application because they are the closest alternative to natural sunlight. They have good CRIs and come in a variety of color temperatures. This means that LEDs will make skin appear radiant and guarantee that you achieve a seamless blend.

What is a smart makeup mirror? ›

A smart mirror is just that—a smart mirror. Just like your smartphone, these mirrors connect to Wi-Fi, have built-in cameras, and are voice-enabled. They offer a completely new and interactive experience when it comes to getting ready.

How much should a good mirror cost? ›

Mirror prices range anywhere from $10 to $3,000 or more, but you can find a basic 36-inch square mirror with a seamed edge for around $80 to $100. You'll then need to pay for any customizations you want, such as custom cuts, framing, or beveling. The more customizations, the higher your costs.

Are thicker mirrors better? ›

A simple rule of thumb is the thicker the glass the better the quality reflection. In cheaper mirrors you could find 2 or 3mm mirror glass and sometimes even plastic. This becomes a problem when it distorts your reflection.

How much does a good quality mirror cost? ›

Depending on the size, quality, and potential location of your mirror, you could spend anywhere from $20 to $2000. Generally speaking, for a mirror for the bathroom that is a simple model with no frame, you should see pricing around $200–$300 for around six feet.

Is 10x or 12x magnification better? ›

At such a long distance, the difference is not great. But when you start getting in close, FOV becomes an important factor. So, when you require more FOV, go with a 10x binocular. If you need distance, then the 12x binocular is for you.

Is 1000x magnification good? ›

1000x: This magnification is only useful if you have a solid and stable device. You need immersion oil to achieve the best resolution. Bacteria can now seen quite well, as well as other details of cells.

How far is 10x magnification? ›

Magnification. Magnification is a value that indicates how large objects appear when looking through the binoculars. For example, when using a pair of 10x binoculars, an object 100 meters away will appear to be the same size as when viewed by the naked eye from 10 meters away.

What is the difference between 5X and 10X magnification? ›

As power increases, lens diameter and field of view decrease. At 5 power (5X), field of view is about 1.5". At 10 power (10X), it is about 0.5". Usually, it is best to use low power for scanning larger surfaces and high power for small areas.

What does 20x magnification mean? ›

x20 or 20x means it will appear 20 times larger than seen by the naked eye. – Adrian Howard. Dec 22, 2019 at 13:13. i've got a lot of lenses, none of them produce magnification with the factor written on it, i.e. X20 lens gives magnification about 2, X40 about 4 = they convert 1mm to 2 in the image, 1 to 4mm ...

What does 1x magnification look like? ›

A 1x magnification power is a 100 percent increase in the magnified object's size For example, a 1-inch object at 1x would appear to be 2 inches. At 2x power, the same object would appear to be 3 inches.

What is the best magnifying glass for seniors? ›

Table of Contents
  • Mobilux LED hand-held magnifiers.
  • Visoflex Hand Stand Pocket Magnifier – 2.5x.
  • Magnipros 3X(300%) Magnifying Glass with 10 Anti-Glare Dimmable LEDs.
  • The Magnipros Rechargeable 3X Large Ultra Bright LED Page Magnifier.
  • Magnipros Handsfree Magnifier – 5X+11X Dual Magnification Lens with 8 LED Lights.

What is 6X magnification good for? ›

A scope with a 6X maximum magnification in the hands of an experienced shooter provides enough magnification for most reasonable hunting shots. 10x maximum magnification is often ideal for a hunting scope, and should be considered the maximum for most general hunting.

What is 200x magnification? ›

When people talk about “Magnification” 400x or 200x, they often really mean the size of the fiber area compared to the entire viewing zone. Under 400x, the fiber area occupies a greater portion of the viewing zone than that under 200x.

Is 8x or 10x magnification best? ›

The universal consensus is that the 10x has to be better because of its higher magnification. Many hunters, shooters, and birdwatchers argue that being able to bring an object 10 times closer versus 8 times closer is the most important aspect of a binocular.

Is 100x high magnification? ›

Objective lenses come in various magnification powers, with the most common being 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x, also known as scanning, low power, high power, and (typically) oil immersion objectives, respectively.

What can 100x magnification see? ›

At 100x magnification you will be able to see 2mm. At 400x magnification you will be able to see 0.45mm, or 450 microns. At 1000x magnification you will be able to see 0.180mm, or 180 microns.

How many lumens is best for makeup application? ›

Professional MUAs recommend doing makeup with a light source of 1000 to 1400 lumens. This is the luminosity you would get from 75-100W incandescent bulbs, but without the warm, orange hue.

Is warm white or cool white better for makeup? ›

We have found out that cool white is the best choice for applying makeup. The color temperature eliminates shadows so that you can properly apply the right amount of blush, foundation, concealer, and other types of cosmetics to your face.

What light do makeup artists use? ›

Makeup artists use natural light or daylight as much as possible. If this is not an option, makeup artists use light that comes from LEDs. LED light is the closest artificial light to natural light that doesn't emit a lot of heat.

What app do celebrities use? ›

Lightroom. This Adobe application is a favorite of artists and celebrities alike.

Which app can I use to edit my makeup? ›

Facetune2 – A Reliable Makeup Editor

Well, facetune2 is one of the upgraded series makeup editing apps for Android and iOS as well. It's a personal makeover for your photos with realistic makeup tools to fix the exposure quality and facial defaults.

What app do most influencers use? ›

VSCO. With over 124,000 ratings and an average 4.6 out of five stars, it's no surprise that VSCO is considered one of the best apps for influencers. This app offers both image and video editing. Plus, it even has its own popular hashtag on Instagram.

Are mirroring apps safe? ›

The encryption on its own makes it nearly impossible for hackers and phishing attempts to intrude on the secure mirroring loop between the wireless presentation system, source devices and display. System with high-grade encription protect your data.

What is Smart Mirror app? ›

SMART Mirror makes it easy to quickly display what's on your screen to a compatible SMART Board® interactive display with iQ embedded computing. How it works: - Open the SMART Mirror app. - Enter the connection code displayed on the SMART Board with iQ's screen. - Begin sharing.

Is mirror 360 free? ›

Android phone or tablet: Get Mirroring360 Sender Basic for Android (free) from the Google Play Store. iPhone or iPad: No app required. Computer will be listed under AirPlay. Chromebook or computer with Chrome browser: Get Mirroring360 for Chrome (free) from the Chrome Web Store.

How much does an AI mirror cost? ›

AI Mirror Hardware

The pricing is very flexible starting from $150 for 10-inch Amazon Fire HD or $250 for Apple iPad (2019). Most tablets have a high-resolution screen and a powerful processor which ensures a quality AR user experience.

What is the difference between ice mirror and magic mirror? ›

An Ice Mirror is a variation on the Magic Mirror. Aside from appearance, it is identical to an ordinary Magic Mirror in every capacity, including acting as a valid component for a Cell Phone. Magic Mirrors can be found in gold chests generated in the Underground and Cavern layers.

What is magic mirror technology? ›

The Magic Mirror started as an augmented reality tool for shoppers to virtually “try on” different clothing items in front of a mirror outfitted with sensors, enabling a motion-triggered virtual change of clothing.

What is the most perfect mirror? ›

The world's most reflective mirrors, which reflect 99.9999% of incident light, were developed by a French laboratory. Discover the manufacturing secrets of these essential components of gravitational wave detectors.

How can you tell if a mirror is good? ›

Conduct A Fingernail Test

One way to check, according to wikiHow, is by conducting a simple “fingernail test.” Place your fingernail against the reflective surface in question. If there's a gap between your nail and the mirror, it's most likely a genuine mirror.

Do cheap mirrors distort your body? ›

Low-quality mirrors are also likely to produce image distortions and give your face an asymmetrical appearance, which is perceived as ugly. Tiny mirrors are also likely to make you look less attractive.

What type of mirror makes you look thinner? ›

Regular mirrors have the panes straight up and down, but if they're curved slightly inward, your figure instantly appears slimmer. Conversely, glass that's bowed out makes you look bigger (think of the whacky mirrors in fun houses).

Do mirrors make you look skinnier or fatter? ›

Ken Mellendorf of Illinois, explains it like this: “A completely flat mirror will show an image behind it of exactly the same shape and size as the actual object. Slight curvature along only one axis can make a person look fat or skinny.

How thick is a quality mirror? ›

Glass Quality: A high-quality mirror glass is free from inconsistencies that distort the reflection. Look for glass that has an even and uniform surface. Glass Thickness: Glass mirrors typically come in 1/4-, 1/8- or 3/16-inch thickness. For home décor, we recommend 1/4-inch-thick glass.

Are there different grades of mirrors? ›

If you are looking for a high quality mirror for your home, there are some regular thicknesses that you can choose from. For home applications, mirrors are available in 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 inch thicknesses. Ideally, you need to choose the thicker mirrors if you are looking for high quality.

What is the best material for a mirror? ›

Metals are the most commonly used mirror coatings. Because of their reflectivity, layers of aluminum and silver are often used. Silver is the most reflective across the visible spectrum, reflecting 95 percent of light. Aluminum is slightly less reflective yet still can reflect 90 percent of light.

Are mirrors 100% accurate? ›

Mirrors reflect a more accurate image as compared to photos. It reflects an object and reverses it from left to right. The result is an image that does not have any quality alteration. However, the image that a camera creates would depend on various factors and is often altered.

What type of mirror is a makeup mirror? ›

Makeup mirrors and dental mirrors are concave mirrors. One other kind of mirror that you may not have heard of before is a "parabolic reflector." Instead of a sphere, this mirror is shaped like a paraboloid (think about a satellite dish).

Are LED mirrors good for makeup? ›

The short answer is yes. "LED lights are best because [they] will give you a more natural reflection without washing you out," says Kassajikian. Many lighted makeup mirrors on the market use LED lights, but you'll occasionally find some models with fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.

How bright should a makeup mirror be? ›

Goldilocks Lighting – color

Most of the bulbs in people's homes will be in the soft, warm 2700-3000K range. This makes everyone look just a little better even if they are not wearing makeup, but for makeup application aim for a whiter light, more like daylight, between 4800 and 5000K.

Why does my makeup look better in the mirror? ›

This is because the reflection you see every day in the mirror is the one you perceive to be original and hence a better-looking version of yourself. So, when you look at a photo of yourself, your face seems to be the wrong way as it is reversed than how you are used to seeing it.

What are the 4 types of mirrors? ›

There are different types of mirrors in physics. Mirrors can be broadly classified as plane mirrors, rotating mirrors, inclined mirrors, and spherical mirrors. Moreover, spherical mirrors can be further classified into two types, i.e. a concave spherical mirror and a convex spherical mirror.

What is a smart makeup mirror? ›

A smart mirror is just that—a smart mirror. Just like your smartphone, these mirrors connect to Wi-Fi, have built-in cameras, and are voice-enabled. They offer a completely new and interactive experience when it comes to getting ready.

What are 3 types of mirrors? ›

Following are the types of mirrors that are most widely used:
  • Plane mirror: The images formed from a plane mirror are the reflected images in their normal proportions but reversed from left to right. ...
  • Convex mirror: ...
  • Concave mirrors:

Which is better backlit or edge lit mirror? ›

Is it Beneficial to Use Backlit Mirrors? Backlit mirrors are an excellent choice for your bathroom because the lights are hidden behind the mirrors, creating a soft and beneficial glow. Compared to ordinary light bulbs, LED-backlit mirrors save energy and last longer.

What is the best LED light color for makeup? ›

A soft to bright white LED is the best artificial light source for makeup application. Its color rendering score can be around 80 to 90. This makes it close to natural light, which has a score of 100.

How many lumens should a makeup mirror have? ›

Professional MUAs recommend doing makeup with a light source of 1000 to 1400 lumens. This is the luminosity you would get from 75-100W incandescent bulbs, but without the warm, orange hue.

Is warm white or cool white better for makeup? ›

We have found out that cool white is the best choice for applying makeup. The color temperature eliminates shadows so that you can properly apply the right amount of blush, foundation, concealer, and other types of cosmetics to your face.

Are LED lights good for makeup application? ›

LED lights are ideal for makeup application because they are the closest alternative to natural sunlight. They have good CRIs and come in a variety of color temperatures. This means that LEDs will make skin appear radiant and guarantee that you achieve a seamless blend.

Is LED mirror bright enough? ›

Backlit mirrors provide just the right amount of illumination for what you need mirrors for. The lights placed behind the mirror give off ample brightness that allows you to see your reflection. Mirrors with backlighting do provide enough light for any task where a well-lit reflection is needed.

Why am I uglier in pictures than in the mirror? ›

It's possible you're less attractive than you think.

Perhaps the reason you look different in pictures is because the version of yourself you like best is a figment of your imagination. According to a 2008 study, people tend to think they're more attractive than they really are.

Do some mirrors make you look better? ›

Yes, some mirrors make you look better than others. Plane mirrors will make you look better than curved mirrors. Straight mirrors will make you look better than tilted mirrors. Larger mirrors will make you look better than tiny mirrors.

How can I see my real face? ›

Hold two hand mirrors in front of you with their edges touching and a right angle between them like the two covers of a book when you're reading. With a little adjustment you can get a complete reflection of your face as others see it. Wink with your right eye. The person in the mirror winks his or her right eye.

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