Being able to see yourself clearly in the mirror is vital when applying makeup. With bad lighting, you'll end up with a foundation tone that doesn't match your skin; without magnification, it's all too easy to make a mess of your mascara. Suffering from these makeup mishaps can be a thing of the past with a professional mirror that can be placed in your bathroom or bedroom.
Experimenting with your favourite cosmetics has never been easier, thanks to vanity mirrors with features such as varying magnification levels and LED lights. Whether you're after a large illuminated mirror or a small one that you can take on your travels, we're here to share the best buys at Amazon, eBay, John Lewis, Argos, and Boots. Let's take a look!
Quick List - Top Makeup Mirrors
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A good makeup mirror is one that suits your lifestyle and needs. Whether you're looking for something to use in the bathroom each morning, or you want a compact that'll fit in your handbag, there's a product out there for you!
Mirror, mirror on the wall? Well, not necessarily! A wall-mounted mirror is definitely an option for your bathroom or bedroom, but there are other styles that might work better for you.
The term "wall-mounted mirror" may refer to a large mirror that hangs flat against a wall, like a Hollywood mirror with big bulbs around the edge, but it can also mean one that has an arm that extends and retracts.
The latter style is easy to bring close to your face when you need it but also to put away - this makes it a great option for those with a small bathroom. If you plan to buy a mirror like this, though, remember to have a screwdriver or drill to hand as well as plenty of time to install it.
Standing mirrors are handy if you want something medium-sized, with enough space to see your whole face up close, but don't want the hassle of having to attach it to the wall. The most work you'll have to do with a mirror like this when you first get it is to screw the top part into the stand, but even this isn't always required as some products come already assembled!
This style of mirror is also easy to move around the house, so you can decide which room has the best lighting and pop it there. Of course, it does take up some space, and it'll need to be placed on a surface that's the right height for you.
Applying makeup on the go is always a tricky task but sometimes it just has to be done! When this is the case, you'll need a compact mirror. This portable style folds up, protecting the mirror from being scratched by your other belongings. Ideally, it should be lightweight and no bigger than 10cm in diameter, so that it can fit into a bag or suitcase without adding much weight.
The small size of this mirror style, which is essential in order for it to be portable, makes it hard to see your whole face at the same time though. The fact that you have to hold it can be inconvenient too when applying precise makeup like eyeliner or mascara!
If you're not in broad daylight, it can be very difficult to see exactly how your makeup looks. Who hasn't worried at one point or another that their foundation is one shade too dark or that their eyeshadow is a little too bright?
A mirror with lighting around the edge can show you any problems so you can fix them before you head out into the world. The lights mimic daylight, giving you a clear view of what's in front of you!
If you do opt for a mirror with lighting, you'll need to consider the power source. A lit mirror can be powered by batteries or by mains electricity, each of which has certain advantages as well as restrictions.
Most mirrors with lights are powered by batteries. A small compact product might only need a tiny button battery, whereas larger mirrors may need up to 4 AA or AAA batteries.
Battery power allows a mirror to be portable, since you don't need to worry about it being lined up with a power socket. However, you'll need to check if the batteries are included and make sure you have a decent supply at home if they're not!
Mains power will give you brighter lights, but it does have its limitations too. Mirrors that need to be plugged into a wall will have to be lined up with a socket, so they aren't very flexible.
Thankfully some mirrors can be charged using a mains lead, then they can be unplugged if you want to move them elsewhere - this gives you the best of both worlds!
A normal mirror has a magnification of 1x, which is definitely handy when it comes to doing your makeup. To get a more detailed look though, we recommend buying a mirror with added magnification.
Need help understanding which level of magnification to go for? To give you an example, 2x will increase the standard mirror image by two. The highest magnification level you can usually find is 10x, which is ideal when working on your eyelashes and eyebrows. Opt for a mirror with at least one normal side and one higher magnification side on your mirror in order to get the perfect perspective!
Lastly, let's talk about materials! There tends to be a choice between two when it comes to mirrors: metal or plastic. Metal, such as stainless steel and aluminium, looks good in bathrooms and is very hard-wearing, but is also pretty heavy and can be expensive.
In contrast, plastic mirrors are much cheaper and lighter than those made from metal, making them a better option for portable styles. However, they don't look as fancy on the wall or on your vanity table.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rio Illuminated HD Makeup Mirror | ![]() | Lights, Mirror, Action! | |
2 | simplehuman Sensor Trio Mirror | ![]() | Want a Luxurious Experience? Choose This Mirror | |
3 | ACOLAR 8" Wall Mounted Makeup Mirror | ![]() | A Wall-Mounted Mirror at an Affordable Price | |
4 | Wobsion LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror | ![]() | A Compact Mirror With All the Extras | |
5 | Rio 24 LED Touch Dimmable Make-up Mirror | ![]() | Get Ready for Your Close-Up | |
6 | LUNA London Eclipse LED Lighted Travel Vanity Makeup Mirror | ![]() | Find Good Lighting Wherever You Are | |
7 | Fantasia Portable Bathroom Mirror | ![]() | A Travel Mirror That Can Be Stuck on the Wall | |
8 | OTHA Hollywood Makeup Mirror with Lights | ![]() | Bring Some Hollywood Glamour to Your Routine | |
9 | Robert Welch Burford Extendable Magnifying Wall Mirror | ![]() | A Stylish Addition to Any Bathroom | |
10 | CGB Giftware The Beekeeper 'Bee Happy' Yellow Compact Mirror | ![]() | With a Mirror Like This, You'll Bee Beautiful Everyday |
This marvellous mirror is proof that good lighting and a decent size don't have to cost you loads of cash! This pretty option, with a chic rose gold finish, boasts all of the features that more expensive products offer, but without the hefty price tag.
We love the fact that there's a smaller magnification mirror which can be stuck on the main mirror when needed or removed when you want to concentrate on the rest of your face. This mirror is also rechargeable, so you don't need to worry about batteries. Plus, once it's fully charged, you can remove the power cord and take it wherever you like. It really is the best makeup mirror on the market!
This mirror might seem like a traditional-looking choice, but don't be fooled - it's packed full of modern tech! The "tru-lux" light system is designed to recreate natural sunlight, and you don't even need to press a button. It'll come on when you approach the mirror, thanks to sensors, and will stay on throughout your pampering session.
Magnification hasn't been forgotten about either, as you have a choice between 1x, 5x, and 10x. Plus, the chrome finish will look beautiful in your bathroom or bedroom. This is a luxurious mirror that's well worth the high price!
Wall-mounted mirrors are often more expensive than other styles, but this budget-friendly option proves otherwise. While it has an arm, it certainly won't cost you an arm and a leg!
The 10x magnification means it works really well as an additional bathroom mirror, and the intense magnification is enhanced by the ring of gentle light. The fact that this product is battery-powered also means you can put it wherever you want it!
Compact mirrors are great for having on the move, but they often lack the fantastic features that home mirrors have, like lights and magnification. Not this mirror, though - it ticks almost every box!
It has a halo of light around the 1x side, while the opposite mirror provides 10x magnification, so you can either get up close and personal or look at the bigger picture. Best of all, it's lightweight enough to fit in a rucksack, a handbag, or even your coat pocket.
A mirror that shows you at every angle is just what you need when you're getting ready for a photo-op. The variety of magnifications on this product allows you to target different areas with just the right amount of focus, plus the lights around the outside help too!
This is a battery-powered mirror that's lightweight enough to move from place to place without any problem. It's also very affordable, which is always a good thing in our books!
Another product that's great for taking on trips is this mirror. It's compact in the sense that it has a lid, but it's a decent size and has a lot to offer! It provides plenty of room to see your made-up face and the light around the outside has 3 different levels of brightness.
While this product can be folded away, protecting the glass from getting scratched when on the move, it'll only really fit in bigger handbags or suitcases. It also lacks magnification for when you want to focus on certain areas of your face.
Prolonged periods on the road can mean spending time away from a decent mirror. Hotels often don't have the best set-up for doing makeup - but with this mirror in your suitcase, you no longer have to suffer! It can be stuck onto any the wall due to the suction pads, meaning you can use it hands-free.
This mirror only one level of magnification (7x), which might be too zoomed in for some people. It also doesn't have any built-in lighting, which would be useful when you're staying in a badly-lit room.
Looking to add a bit of showbiz sparkle to your daily life? This mirror is the answer! It's big, it's bright, and it'll make you feel like a star getting ready in your dressing room. The bulbs around the edge are both convenient and glamorous.
Sadly, for lots of people - especially those who only have small rooms - this mirror is simply too big. It also, for obvious lighting-related reasons, requires a mains power supply so you'll need to think carefully about where you install it.
This mirror functions as a super-stylish piece of furniture as well as a practical one. In particular, the square shape makes a nice change from the standard round makeup mirror that we're all used to.
If this product takes your fancy, though, make sure you already have a non-magnified mirror as well - this one only offers 5x magnification! You'll also want to make sure you place it in a room with have good lighting as it doesn't have any.
A cute bee design adorns this charming compact mirror, which is part of CGB Giftware's Beekeeper collection. It's a fab handbag addition, being small enough to slip into most spaces but still managing to have the option of two different magnification levels.
While this product is just the ticket for touching up your makeup when you're out and about, unfortunately the small size and the lack of lighting make it quite hard to see your complete look.
Now that you know which mirror to use, it's time to check that the rest of your beauty accessories are up to scratch. The guides below cover the best products to help you put on (and take off) your makeup, so you'll always look fabulous!
For many, makeup is a way of expressing yourself - so you want to feel confident when using it! A good makeup mirror will show you exactly what you're doing and help you master the perfect look, whether that's a natural face with just a touch of concealer or something extravagant for a big night out.
Author: Emma Cramp
No. 1: Rio|Illuminated HD Makeup Mirror
No. 2: simplehuman|Sensor Trio Mirror
No. 3: ACOLAR|8" Wall Mounted Makeup Mirror
No. 4: Wobsion|LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror
No. 5: Rio|24 LED Touch Dimmable Make-up Mirror
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