A makeup mirror with good lighting does more for your makeup than most products do. Foundation that looks perfect in a dim bathroom can look heavy or mismatched in daylight. A mirror that lights your face evenly, with light close to daylight, shows you what other people will see. Magnification helps with detail, as long as you do not rely on it for everything.
How this guide was prepared
The guide explains lighting and mirror specifications in general terms, and relates them to applying makeup. We did not measure or test particular mirrors.
Light quality: the most important feature
Even, front-facing light
Light should come from around the mirror and fall on your face from the front. Light from above casts shadows under the eyes, nose and chin. A ring of light around the mirror, or bars on both sides, gives the most even result.
Color rendering index (CRI)
CRI is a score, out of 100, of how accurately a light shows colors compared with natural daylight.
- 90 or above: very good. Colors of foundation, blush and lipstick appear true.
- 80 to 89: acceptable.
- Below 80: colors can look dull or shifted.
Color temperature
Measured in kelvins (K), this describes how warm or cool the light looks.
| Color temperature | Looks | Resembles |
|---|---|---|
| About 2,700 to 3,000 K | Warm, yellowish | Evening indoor light, restaurants |
| About 4,000 to 5,000 K | Neutral white | Daylight; the best all-round choice for makeup |
| About 6,000 K and above | Cool, bluish | Offices, overcast sky |
A mirror with adjustable color temperature lets you check your makeup for the setting you are going to: warm for an evening out, neutral for daytime.
Brightness
- Look for dimmable light.
- Bright enough to see clearly, without glare. Very harsh light makes you apply too little, and dim light makes you apply too much.
Magnification
| Magnification | Use |
|---|---|
| 1x (true image) | Overall look, balance and blending; the mirror you should use most |
| 2x to 3x | A slightly closer view; comfortable for general use |
| 5x | Eye makeup, brows, contact lenses |
| 7x to 10x | Tweezing, precise liner; your face must be very close, and the image distorts at the edges |
Tips:
- Do detail work in magnification, then step back to 1x to judge the whole face.
- High magnification shows every pore and hair. It can tempt you into over-plucking brows or picking at skin. See How to Shape and Fill Your Eyebrows.
- A two-sided mirror, or a small magnifying mirror that attaches to a 1x mirror, gives you both.
Size and shape
- Large enough to show your whole face and neck at a comfortable distance, about 20 cm across or more for a tabletop mirror.
- Adjustable angle, so that you can tilt it.
- A stable base that does not tip.
- Wall-mounted, extendable mirrors save counter space.
- Compact or folding mirrors suit travel and small spaces.
Power
| Power source | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rechargeable (USB) | Cordless; tidy; portable | Needs charging |
| Mains plug | Always ready; often brighter | Needs a socket nearby |
| Replaceable batteries | Portable | Ongoing cost; dims as batteries fade |
Other features
- Touch controls, with memory of your last setting.
- Automatic switch-off.
- A storage tray in the base. See Beauty Storage Organizers: Sizes, Features, and Cleaning.
- Glass that does not distort. Look straight at a straight edge in the mirror to check.
- A moisture-resistant rating, if it will live in a bathroom.
Choosing by use
| You mostly | Look for |
|---|---|
| Apply everyday makeup at a desk or dressing table | Tabletop mirror, CRI 90 or more, neutral light, dimmable, 1x with a 5x spot |
| Do detailed eye work or tweezing | 5x to 7x magnification, with good light |
| Have little space | Wall-mounted or folding mirror |
| Travel often | Slim rechargeable mirror with a cover |
| Take photos of your makeup | Even, front-facing light. See How to Take Clear Photos of Your Makeup |
Where to put it
Place the mirror so that no bright window or lamp is directly behind you. If you have a window, face it. Daylight is still the best check, so look at your finished makeup near a window before you leave, especially your foundation match. See How to Choose the Right Foundation Shade.
A safety note about magnifying mirrors
Magnifying mirrors are curved, and they can focus sunlight to a point. Do not leave one where direct sunlight can strike it, such as on a windowsill, because the focused beam can scorch nearby objects or start a fire. Keep it covered, or turned away, when it is not in use.
Care
Wipe the glass with a soft microfibre cloth. Avoid spraying cleaner directly into the edges and controls. Keep powders away from charging ports.
Good light makes blending much easier to judge. See Makeup Blending: Brushes, Sponges, and Fingers.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best lighting for a makeup mirror?
Even, front-facing light with a neutral, daylight-like color temperature of about 4,000 to 5,000 K and a color rendering index of 90 or more.
What magnification is best for a makeup mirror?
Use 1x for overall application and 5x for detail. Higher magnification is useful for tweezing, but it distorts, and needs a very close distance.
Are lighted makeup mirrors worth it?
Yes, if your room lighting is dim, uneven or comes from above. Good light helps you to apply the right amount, and to match colors accurately.