We know that precision counts when it comes to cosmetics. It can take a long time to find the perfect lipstick or shade of foundation, so when you do, the conditions for application have to be just right. It is why our team has spent hours compiling this list of the best lighted makeup mirrors on the market. These products stand out from the crowd, because they are sturdy, provide targeted illumination, and look great on a bedroom or bathroom dresser.
At A Glance: The Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors
The SimpleHuman 8-Inch Sensor Mirror features state-of-the-art engineering that provides a crystal-clear image. It even turns itself on when it senses you approaching!
If you’re looking for a larger makeup mirror, the dual-sided Ott-Lite Natural Daylight Makeup Mirror allows you to get up close and personal with 5X magnification, or check out your overall look with 1X magnification.
Attractive and convenient, the adjustable Jerdon 8-Inch Lighted Wall Mount Mirror attaches to your bathroom wall and pivots on its arm for easy storage.
If you want to look your best while out on the town, you can bring the powerful and portable Secura 7X Magnifying Vanity Makeup Mirror along with you wherever you go.
With the Conair Oval Shaped Double-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror, you can view yourself under gentle incandescent lighting in either 1X or 7X detail.
You’ll find our in-depth lighted makeup mirror reviews below.
Ranking | Company | Zoom | Mirror Type | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | x1 / x5 | Vanity Mirror | ||
#2 | x1 / x5 | Vanity Mirror | ||
#3 | x1 / x5 | Wall Mount | ||
#4 | x7 | Portable | ||
#5 | x1 / x7 | Vanity Mirror |
A magnified lighted makeup mirror like this one will make sure you don’t miss anything. The 5X magnification offered by this mirror lets you see yourself in detail, while a curved surface prevents any distortion. You can adjust the mirror to just about any angle for optimal viewing. A convenient motion sensor recognizes your face as you approach, automatically turning on the mirror’s lighting system.
The SimpleHuman 8 gets our vote for best lighted makeup mirror. The mirror is cordless, meaning that you can use it just about anywhere. It also has a battery that recharges using a standard USB port on your laptop, computer, or other electronic devices.
What We Liked
- Tru-lux lighting system
- Distortion-free viewing
- Automatic sensor
- Cordless and rechargeable
Not Crazy About
- Pricey
- Rechargeable battery has a relatively short life
It can be tough to apply things like foundation and concealer, particularly if your bathroom is not well lit. Often, the application will look fine in dim light, but all imperfections and poorly blended patches are exposed once you step outside. This is why it is important to find the best lighted makeup mirror on the market, with daylight mimicking bulbs.
For its price, this Ott-Lite Natural Daylight Mirror is an exceptional product. It performs as well as the more expensive choices. However, one small weakness is that the mirror can become slightly loose after prolonged use. We found that it started to swing forwards a little on its rotating frame.
What We Liked
- Daylight imitating bulbs are easy on the eyes
- Mirror spins around for variable magnification
- Chic design, with maximum maneuverability
- Cheaper than rivals but with the same high performance
Not Crazy About
- Doesn’t lock into place
- Slightly bulkier than some other brands
This mirror mounts directly to the wall with a 360-degree pivoting arm that allows you to tuck it out of the way when it’s not in use. You need some knowledge of electrical wiring to install this mirror or the help of a good electrician.
A matte nickel finish not only makes this mirror a chic addition to your home but also protects it from damage caused by moisture and condensation. It can last for years in your bathroom without rusting or tarnishing.
Plus, unlike some of the other lighted makeup mirrors on the market, this one gives you full control over the illumination. There are no motion sensors. Instead, to switch the bright (25 watt) bulbs on, you just have to flick the switch on the wall mount. While some people do prefer a sensor, the beauty of a manual control is that you don’t have to use the super bright lights if you’ve already got plenty of daylight.
What We Liked
- Choose between 5X and 1X magnification
- Attractive direct-wire wall mount
- Swivels 360°
- Nickel matte finish
Not Crazy About
- Not as bright as expected
- Complicated setup
Instead of replacing a larger vanity area, it works alongside it by providing a source of focused, illuminated magnification. You can switch back and forth, concentrating on the Secura mirror when you need to carry out precision tasks like applying liquid liner.
It attaches to the larger mirror using a super secure suction cup. We didn’t expect much from this, but it is actually very strong and holds the unit steady for as long as you need. The illumination is provided by LED lights which are extremely long lasting. The Secura 7X Magnifying Vanity Mirror will shine for 10,000 hours before needing replacement bulbs.
What We Liked
- Wireless and cordless
- Locking suction cup base with 360° rotation
- LED bulbs are energy efficient and last 10,000 hours
- Distortion-free details
Not Crazy About
- Small but still bulky when travelling
- Prolonged magnification may strain eyes at first
One thing which we adored about it (and were quite surprised by) is the addition of an extra power socket on the back of the stand. It means you can use the unit to charge small devices. The light is powerful, but it isn’t harsh on the eyes and it doesn’t produce glare.
There is no motion sensor, which might disappoint some people, but the on/off switch couldn’t be easier to use, particularly when you’ve got your hands full. Like most lighted mirrors, the reflective surface swivels 360 degrees, so you can position it at just the right angle.
What We Liked
- Mirror tilts 360 degrees for full control
- Attractive, retro style stand and finish
- Extra power socket on back of stand
- Powerful magnification for precision tasks
Not Crazy About
- Magnification (7x) might be too powerful for some
- Light isn’t adjustable (on/off switch)
Side by Side Comparison
Category | Our Top Pick | Best Value | Best Wall Mounted | Best Portable | Best Magnifying |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Rated |   |   |   |   |   |
Brand | |||||
Magnification | x1 / x5 | x1 / x5 | x1 / x5 | x7 | x1 / x7 |
Power Source | USB | Wall Outlet | Wired | x3 AA Batteries | Wall Outlet |
Color | Nickel | Black + Chrome | Nickel / Chrome | Ivory + Chrome | Nickel / Chrome |
Learn More |
Buying The Right Makeup Mirror For You
If you have a daily makeup or skincare ritual, then you can probably benefit from using a makeup mirror. The best lighted makeup mirror can make your morning routine quicker and easier, allowing you to get your look just right before you head out the door each morning.
Why Use A Makeup / Vanity Mirror?
We’ve all had one of those days. You look like a goddess in the mirror, but as soon as you step outside, you’re greeted with a hot mess reflected in the coffee shop window. It can be difficult to judge what your makeup will look like outside when you apply it under indoor lighting.
A top rated makeup mirror will mimic natural sunlight to help you see your face in true colors. You can more easily judge what makeup and clothing to wear each day before work or school, accurately matching and coordinating different shades.
Even if you already have a large reflective surface in your home, you probably can’t move, lift, tilt, or swivel it. When you want a better look at those eyebrows or you need a clearer view of your lip line, the only option is to move your face.
This makes applying cosmetics like eyeliner and foundation really tough, because they require a high level of precision and a steady hand. Smaller lighted vanity mirrors are a great solution, because most offer full manoeuvrability. Plus, if you invest in a cordless product, you can carry it from the bathroom to the bedroom and back again when getting ready.
Consider The Mirrors Magnification Ability
If you’ve spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars on quality cosmetics, you may end up wasting all that money and effort with a sub-par mirror. A good makeup mirror will light and magnify your face, helping you to see what you’re applying, where you’re applying it, and if the colors match your palette.
The best cosmetic mirrors are those which come with variable magnification. This means that the view and focus can be changed in an instant, usually by flipping the surface over. Different mirrors provide different degrees of magnification, so take the time to choose a product which suits you.
Most people prefer X5 magnification, because it is ideal for working on eyebrows and blending concealer and foundation. Some mirrors offer more than this (X7), but it can take a little while to get accustomed to. You might want to consider this before you buy a very powerful vanity mirror. They are unrivaled when it comes to detail, however. No pore, blemish, spot, or stain will ever go unnoticed.
Magnifying the view in a mirror can lead to distortion, which makes it difficult to apply your makeup, let alone perfect it. Adding a slight curvature to the surface of a makeup mirror prevents it from distorting your facial features, giving you a more true-to-life view of yourself as you work on your appearance.
Types of Makeup Mirrors
No two makeup mirrors are exactly alike. There are countless different varieties of makeup mirror that are designed to cater to every lifestyle, whether you plan to use your mirror in the bedroom, in the bathroom, or during travel.
There are several features to look for in a good makeup mirror:
- Magnification: You can look for mirrors offering different levels of magnification, or search for a dual-sided mirror.
- Lighting: You can find lighted makeup mirrors that use LED, fluorescent or incandescent bulbs to mimic natural lighting and help you apply makeup that looks good in a daylight setting.
- Power Source: Some lighted makeup mirrors plug into the wall, while others use battery power. There are even rechargeable options.
- Size: You can find mirrors in all shapes and sizes. Some are smaller and lighter, while others are large and robust. You can also find square, round or oval mirrors to match your bathroom decor.
- Portability: Some mirrors must be mounted or plugged in to use, while others are easy to turn on and use just about anywhere.
The type of mirror that you choose to use boils down to your individual needs. Cordless, portable mirrors might be better for the traveling businesswoman, while a larger and hardier mirror might be more ideal for the stay-at-home mom. Factors like these are important to consider when deciding which type of makeup mirror would be best for you.
Conclusion
The way you look is important, because it has a big impact on how you feel and your level of confidence throughout the day. When you leave your house in the morning, you need to know that your makeup is flawless. That way, you can concentrate on being fabulous and taking the world by storm.
The best way to guarantee perfection is to invest in the right tools. With the best lighted makeup mirror, you can paint the perfect picture every time. Whether it’s mastering a sultry, smoky eye, puckering up with a new lipstick, or taming those unruly brows; taking care of your face should be a simple and enjoyable task. Find the right vanity mirror and the big challenge will be tearing yourself away.
Our top pick for the best makeup mirror to buy is the SimpleHuman 8-Inch Sensor Mirror. The mirror’s tru-lux lighting system offers powerful yet soft natural lighting, while the mirror’s carefully crafted surface magnifies your face without sacrificing image quality.