10 Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)

To find the right lighted makeup mirror, think about how much space you have and the type of beauty tasks you want to focus on.

There are two main types of mirrors: freestanding mirrors and mounted mirrors, which are attached to the wall.

Standing mirrors come in a wide range of sizes but tend to be larger than mounted mirrors, which is great if you want a wider view. Standing mirrors often have nifty features, such as more magnification options, adjustable brightness, storage space, and even Bluetooth speakers. 

Because they're freestanding, rather than mounted, you can easily set them up anywhere. You can store them on a bathroom counter or vanity or somewhere out of the way, such as a cabinet, when you're not using them. Some standing mirrors, like a tri-fold mirror, are easy to store and transport, whether you're traveling or just want to do your makeup in a different room. 

The great thing about a mounted mirror is that you can pull it as close to or keep it as far from you as you need, which makes it easy to apply makeup without having to bend down or bend over at an awkward angle. 

If you like to stand while doing your makeup, a mounted mirror might be a good choice for you since you can install it at your desired height level. Another plus is that you can tuck it away neatly against the wall when you’re not using it.

Some mounted mirrors are double-sided with one 1X side and one magnified side. Other mounted mirrors are only magnified and meant to be used with a regular mirror. Make sure to check that the magnification meets your needs, whether you are looking for an all-in-one mounted makeup mirror or just a smaller magnifying mirror. 

When it comes to installation, think about logistics. There are two types: wall-mounted and suction cup installation. Wall-mounted mirrors are a permanent fixture that require hardware and perhaps drilling a hole in the wall, but they're more secure. 

Suction-cup mounted mirrors are easily adjustable and portable, but may not stick properly to some surfaces. The suction cups need to be clean (no dust or debris) and the surface needs to be clean, flat, and smooth for the suction to work. 

Keep in mind that most lighted mounted mirrors need to be installed near an electrical outlet. Some have a cord, which you'd need to keep away from water hazards and which you may find unaesthetic. Others require batteries, so factor that into your cost and convenience calculations. 

Based on our appearance in a mirror, we might accidentally apply too much or too little makeup because different brightnesses and light colors make our complexions look different and may add shadows. 

Adjustable brightness and light color are key features in a mirror if you want to see how your makeup will look in different lighting conditions and to ensure you apply the right amount of makeup evenly. 

When you're applying makeup, it makes the most sense to approximate the lighting conditions of the place you're going. Mirrors with adjustable brightness help, but different light color settings make it even easier to see what your makeup will look like once you arrive at your destination. 

There are three main color settings: cool light, warm light, and natural light (daylight). Cool white light is best when you're preparing for daytime indoor settings. Warm yellow light is best when applying heavy makeup for more dimly lit settings at night. White and yellow light is good for makeup if you'll be outdoors.

In a regular mirror, the reflected image of an object appears the same size as it does in real life. Some mirrors are magnifying: the reflected image will appear larger than the real-life object.

When it comes to lighted mirrors, sometimes the entire mirror will be magnifying. In this case, you'd use the mirror in conjunction with a separate, regular mirror. Most mirrors, however, have different areas or sides that are magnified, so you can get both a wide view and a detailed one. Some even come with a detachable magnifying mirror that you can suction onto a regular makeup mirror. 

However, they can reflect a distorted image and make you dizzy if you are too far away, so consider how close to the mirror you'll need to be to get a clear close-up image. That distance might be somewhere between two and six inches. Check the product specifications or user manual to see if they mention the ideal distance from the mirror.

Also, do you wear glasses or contacts and will you be wearing them when applying your makeup? If so, you'll also want to consider the quality of your eyesight when choosing a magnification power. 

Lighted mirrors are powered by a wall plug, USB cord, or batteries (regular or rechargeable). Plugged mirrors are great for those who have an outlet nearby and don’t want to have to think about recharging or changing the batteries. Naturally, they’re also best suited for those who don’t plan on moving their mirrors around much. 

Battery-powered mirrors are much more portable since you don't have to deal with a cord, but you will have to stock up on batteries, especially if the mirror drains the them quickly. Rechargeable batteries are convenient, but you'll need a power source to charge them. 

If there's a plug or USB cable, consider the length of the cord. Will the mirror reach the power source where you set it up? Also, remember to keep your lighted makeup mirror away from water hazards in the bathroom and any heat sources. 

Here are our five favorite standing mirrors. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available.

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Natalya Lowe unless explicitly stated so.

We recommend these wall-mounted makeup mirrors. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available.

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Natalya Lowe unless explicitly stated so.

In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Natalya also took the time to answer some commonly-asked questions about lighted makeup mirrors.

"The best magnification for a makeup mirror varies for everyone," Natalya explains. "For those with normal vision, the most recommended magnification would be 3x to 5x. This allows you to get close enough to see fine details on the skin, eyes, and lips. 

The best magnification overall would be 3x because it creates a "glasses effect" while looking into the mirror. It can help the eye see clearly without being so close that you can't see the entire face, or distorting features. A makeup mirror that has a slight magnification will allow you to apply the whole face with makeup while showing pores texture on the skin without the dizzy or distorted feeling."

Once you have a lighted makeup mirror, doing your eye makeup will be a cinch with the added brightness and magnification. Now you can confidently coat your lashes in mascara, enhance your eyes using a pencil eyeliner, or add some glamorous sparkle to your lids. Check out our other buying guides for ideas.

Author: Jacqueline Oshiro

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