Upgrade Your Beauty Routine With a Lighted Makeup Mirror, Starting at Just $27 (2024)

TL;DR

Overall, our favorite lighted makeup mirror is theRiki Skinny. Powered by a rechargeable battery, this portable vanity mirror boasts a feature-rich design with magnetic attachments, Bluetooth connectivity, and daylight-mimicking LED bulbs (pretty much everything you could want in a lighted mirror). On a budget? TheFlymiro Tri-Fold Lighted Vanitywon't break the bank and gets the job done with bright LEDs and multiple magnification levels.

Anyone who's ever done their makeup in a poorly lit room knows the horror of checking your reflection in public only to realize things weren't as blended as you thought. Applying your products in natural lighting is ideal, but not everyone has the luxury of a window-side vanity, and even if you do, you'll still need a solution when the sun's not out oryou're on the go. Cue: lighted mirrors. "I love them, especially in a room or area with dim overhead lighting," says makeup artistSteve Kassajikian, who recommends models with severallighting options to mimic real-life light. Beyond adequate illumination, magnification can also help you get better results.

Luckily, there is no shortage of lighted makeup mirrors, including travel-friendly options and high-tech vanities with built-in Bluetooth and magnification. To help you choose, we put several models to thetest, evaluating each for setup, ease of use, portability, power source, brightness, adjustability, and notable features.

What We Like

  • Daylight-mimicking LEDs

  • Magnetic attachments

  • Rechargeable battery

What to Consider

  • Not travel-friendly

Dimensions: 13 x 9.5 x 0.5 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Magnification: 5X, 10X | Features: Phone holder, removable magnifying mirror, Bluetooth connectivity, battery indicator, adjustable stand

After trying this model out ourselves, we can honestly say that the features are no-joke. With adjustable high-def, daylight-mimicking LEDs that can go brighter, dimmer, warmer, or cooler, the options are seemingly endless. The magnifying mirror attachment offers a close view while blending, plucking hairs, or dermaplaning. We could clearly see our pores, teeny-tiny hairs, and areas where our makeup could be buffed out more. If you’re willing to invest, this sophisticated mirror is perfect for daily makeup, occasional glam, and recording GRWM videos.

Other notable features include an adjustable stand, a magnetic phone holder, Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in camera button for recording videos or taking selfies. The Riki Skinny runs on a rechargeable battery, so you can place it virtually anywhere. It’s durable, but it's not the smallest or lightest option. It doesn't come with a carrying case, so it wouldn't be our first choice for traveling.

What We Like

  • Bright LEDs for under $25

  • Multiple angles and magnification

  • Sturdy; doesn't wobble on flat surface

What to Consider

  • Can't adjust brightness

Dimensions: 11 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches | Shape: Foldout rectangular | Magnification: Up to 3X | Features: 180-degree rotation

The Flymiro Tri-Fold Mirror is a solid choice if you don't want to shell out hundreds for a vanity mirror. You can't adjust the brightness, but thanks to the notably bright LEDs, we had no issues doing makeup in an otherwise dark room. We like how the fold-out panels and rotating hinges provide a multi-angle view of your face, plus up to 3X magnification.

At just over 11 inches tall, it's the ideal size for a countertop or desk and shows no signs of wobbling. There are six colors to choose from, and the sleek design is pretty enough to leave out on your vanity. We highly recommend this functional, foldable mirror to anyone in the market for a wallet-friendly upgrade to their vanity.

Upgrade Your Beauty Routine With a Lighted Makeup Mirror, Starting at Just $27 (4)

What We Like

  • Compact and lightweight

  • Smooth, sleek exterior

  • Two mirrors, one with 10x magnification

What to Consider

  • Could be brighter

  • Too small for general makeup application

Dimensions: 5 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 10X | Features: Daylight-mimicking bulbs

If you need something for on-the-go use, we suggest the Fancii Travel Mirror. Available in black, rose gold, or white, this lighted compact runs on four CR2 batteries (included) and has a smooth, sturdy exterior. The body is durable, so we weren't worried about dropping it or tossing it in a bag. At 5 inches in diameter, it's definitely on the smaller side, but we love that the clamshell fits easily in your purse, bag, or suitcase and weighs less than half a pound.

There are two mirrors inside, one with 10X magnification and the other with an illuminated border. While it's not as bright as others we tried, and you can't adjust the warmth, it's sufficient for touch-ups and en-route makeup application. Be sure to hit “add to cart” if you want a lightweight, compact design for on-the-fly glam and touch-ups throughout the day.

Upgrade Your Beauty Routine With a Lighted Makeup Mirror, Starting at Just $27 (6)

What We Like

What to Consider

  • Not travel-friendly

Dimensions: 19 x 14 x 12 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Magnification: 10X | Features: Bluetooth connectivity, speaker, voice controls

Looking for a mirror that does more than just elevate your makeup routine? This mirror has a built-in speaker with voice controls, so you can play music, listen to a podcast, or take a hands-free call while getting your glam on. Makeup artist Tarryn Feldman is a fan of the iHome Hollywood Pro, and after trying it out ourselves, we can see why. This vanity mirror provides excellent makeup lighting, and you can adjust the brightness and warmth of the LEDs. The large size makes it easy to see your entire face, and the magnifying mirror attachment provides a detailed close-up view when you need it.

The price is undoubtedly steep, but it will stand the test of time. This mirror is bigger than most (which we appreciate) and weighs nearly 5 pounds, so it's too heavy and bulky to travel with.

Upgrade Your Beauty Routine With a Lighted Makeup Mirror, Starting at Just $27 (8)

What We Like

  • Lightweight and compact design

  • Travel-friendly

  • Rechargeable battery

What to Consider

  • Can't adjust brightness

Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 5X | Features: Battery indicator

With a built-in rechargeable battery and dual mirrors inside, the Impressions ChargeUp is perfect for touch-ups and on-the-go glam. At just 3.5 inches in diameter, this compact is, well…compact. But don't let the size deter you—it’s small but mighty. The lightweight design feels sturdy, and the interior light is surprisingly strong, so it’s a great one to toss in your purse.

We wish the brightness and warmth were adjustable. Still, the LEDs offer neutral lighting with minimal shadows and are plenty bright for makeup application. You can charge it with your phone or computer using the included USB cable, and the battery indicator light tells you how much power you have left.

Upgrade Your Beauty Routine With a Lighted Makeup Mirror, Starting at Just $27 (10)

What We Like

  • Built-in makeup organizer

  • Daylight-mimicking LEDs

  • Adjustable stand

What to Consider

  • Can't adjust warmth

  • Base comes loose while swiveling

Dimensions: 15 x 7.5 x 4.5 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Magnification: 10X | Features: Makeup caddy, daylight-mimicking bulbs, 360-degree rotation, slide-out magnifying mirror

The thoughtfully designed Fancii Vanity has a built-in caddy for makeup products and application tools, which we love when we want all our main players at our fingertips. This makeup mirror lit up our faces nicely without casting any shadows. We like that the daylight-mimicking LED bulbs can be brightened or dimmed, though there's no option to adjust the warmth.

It also boasts an adjustable stand with 360-degree rotation. Measuring 15 inches x 7.5 inches and weighing less than 3 pounds, this mirror is generously sized but not too heavy or bulky. Considering the very reasonable price point and all-in-one design, you really can't go wrong.

Upgrade Your Beauty Routine With a Lighted Makeup Mirror, Starting at Just $27 (12)

What We Like

  • No-fuss mirror that does the job

  • Plugs in to the wall

  • Both sides of mirror are lighted

  • Great size for vanity

What to Consider

  • Both sides of mirror are lighted

Dimensions: 16 x 10.25 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 10X | Features: Cord, 360-degree rotation

If you’ve never bought a lighted makeup mirror before, this option from Conair is a great place to begin. The satin nickel finish means it will look seamless in any area of your home and it’s easy to clean. The mirror goes up to 10x magnification so you can make sure your makeup looks just how you want it before you head out for the night.

This mirror also includes a cord and plugs into the wall, so you’ll never have to remember to replace batteries. That means we won’t recommend this one for traveling, but it will feel right at home on your vanity. You may choose to upgrade to something more durable and suited to your needs once you get the hang of it, but this is a truly great option for lighted mirror newbies.

Upgrade Your Beauty Routine With a Lighted Makeup Mirror, Starting at Just $27 (14)

What We Like

  • Inventive fan design

  • Includes makeup tray

  • 5x mirror attachment included

What to Consider

  • Batteries not included

Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.8 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 5X with attachment | Features: Built-in fan, suction-cup mirror attachment

A little-known secret that you may not realize when shopping for a lighted makeup mirror: those bright lights get warm quickly! We don’t want your makeup to melt off, and it’s no surprise that the team at Brookstone came up with a solution.

This makeup mirror has a built-in fan so you can stay cool while taking your time to ensure your contour is properly placed and your lashes are curled. It also includes a makeup tray so you won’t have to rest your brushes or beauty sponge on the counter while you primp. We love all of the features included in this model, and the price tag isn’t too bad either.

What to Look for When Buying Lighted Makeup Mirrors

An effective lighted makeup mirror can take your look from good to gorgeous. Keep the following points in mind to determine which lighted makeup mirror is right for you.

  • Bulbs That Mimic Natural Light: To get as precise an application as possible, look for lighted mirrors that mimic natural light. Anything too bright or dim won't give you a proper portrayal of what your makeup looks like out in the wild—bonus if you find a model with adjustable brightness. That way, you can more accurately imitate the outdoor light, whether sunny or cloudy.
  • Rechargeable Battery via USB: Could anything be worse than the batteries of your lighted mirror dying mid-makeup application—especially when you're not stocked up on AAs? To avoid this scenario, we suggest looking for options that are rechargeable via USB and can be used while plugged in. They'll allow the same versatility and mobility as alkaline battery-powered options, but you won't be stuck applying your makeup in the dark, should you forget to charge beforehand.
  • Sleek Design: Not looking to display something clunky on your vanity? Plenty of lighted mirrors are sleek in design. For example, if you need angled side panels for precise winged eyeliner and false lash application, look for models featuring foldable panels to take up less space.

How We Tested Lighted Makeup Mirrors

Upgrade Your Beauty Routine With a Lighted Makeup Mirror, Starting at Just $27 (16)

Below are the features our editors and contributors evaluated to determine our top picks.

  • Light: Unsurprisingly, a high quality of light in your lighted makeup mirror is essential. As such, we considered how many lighting options each mirror had, awarding points to options that ensured we had a full view of all our facial features in each mode.
  • Quality: Just as important as the quality of light in your lighted makeup mirror is the mirror itself. We observed which options delivered a clear view of our full face, docking points for options where our reflections seemed unintentionally warped or off-focus. We also noted if there were any cracks or spots when we opened each mirror.
  • Design: In today’s age of high-tech beauty gadgets, a lighted makeup mirror must be designed well. We considered mirrors with essential features and awarded extra points to unique add-ons like built-in Bluetooth. We also favored mirrors with a particularly sleek and sophisticated look.
  • Stability: Lighted makeup mirrors can be delicate by nature, so selecting one that feels sturdy on your nightstand or vanity is crucial. We considered each option’s stability, disqualifying options that could not stand independently (if they claimed to do so) or were too flimsy.

FAQ

  • Do lighted mirrors really make a difference?

    According to Kassajikian, they're worth it and make getting ready much less of a hassle. "I love them, especially in a room or area with dim or overhead lighting," he says. "They help a lot with makeup application."

  • Are LED lights the best for a makeup mirror?

    When it comes to lighting type, Kassajikian says models with LED lights are the way to go. "LED lights will give you a more natural reflection without washing you out," he tells Byrdie. The warm white light they emit is pretty much the closest you can get to the sun's natural rays, which we all know is key for an amazing look.

  • What lighting does makeup look best in?

    Generally speaking, white light (neutral temp) makes makeup look the best. It's also ideal for applying products, as it provides a better view of what you're doing while mimicking natural outdoor lighting. For makeup application, look for LED bulbs with a rating of roughly 4800K to 6000K, which will be neither too warm nor too cool. (K stands for kelvin, and it measures light color temperature.)

  • What magnification is best for a makeup mirror?

    If you want to see what you're doing in greater detail when applying makeup, 5X (five times) magnification is a good place to start. This will allow you to see areas that may need more blending or another layer of product and give you a close-up view when applying liquid eyeliner or mascara. 10X is typically too much, as it can make you feel alarmed by pores and teeny-tiny imperfections you wouldn't otherwise be able to see.

Meet Our Experts

For this story, we consulted with makeup artists to better understand what to look for in a lighted makeup mirror.

  • Steve Kassajikian, a makeup artist and the Head of Global Artistry at Urban Decay.
  • Tarryn Feldman, a celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist. Her celebrity clients include Kelsea Ballerini and Jennifer Nettles.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in lifestyle and cosmetics. For this story, she compiled commentary from two makeup artists and insights from our in-house testers. A die-hard for adequate makeup lighting, she knows what to look for when buying an LED mirror. Theresa has been a regular Byrdie contributor since 2020, covering makeup, beauty tools, skincare, hair products, and high-tech gadgets. You can read more of her work on The Spruce, People, and Travel + Leisure.

Austen Tosone is a beauty writer and content creator based in New York City. Living in New York, she’s run into more than one questionable lighting situation in her apartment, and thus the power of a lighted mirror has saved her glam on many occasions. She also refuses to travel without one these days in case hotel rooms care more about mood lighting than glam lighting.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough lighted makeup mirrors from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Upgrade Your Beauty Routine With a Lighted Makeup Mirror, Starting at Just $27 (2024)
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