Mirrors never come across as one of life's necessities until you find yourself without one and realise how often you use them. From pulling out a small vanity mirror to check for food on your face to fixing hair and makeup, putting in your contact lenses, or even shaving, mirrors have endless uses. There are so many mirrors on the market, so if you're looking for one that'll tick the boxes when travelling, it can be difficult to know where to start.
This article will help you choose a mirror that lives up to all your travelling needs, honing in on features to look for, such as magnified mirrors, mirrors with lights or ones with folding features. From handy compacts to substantial mirrors for make-up artists and hairdressers, you're sure to find the perfect option in our top ten best travel mirrors list, all of which are available in the UK from popular sites like Amazon, John Lewis and Argos.
Quick List - Top Travel Mirrors
Rantizon
Pocket-Sized Light-up Compact Travel Mirror for On-The-Go Touch Ups
Beautyworks
Touch Screen Illumination and Magnification for Precise Make-up Application
LYSTAO
360-Degree Hair Cutting With This Fold-Away Mirror That Can Be Clipped to a Door Frame
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Table of Contents
With so many types of travel mirrors on the market, it is important to consider your needs when choosing one. Are you looking for a simple mirror to check your hair whilst out and about? Or are you a makeup artist or hairdresser and need one for your job? Below, we'll go through the main types of travel mirrors, and their benefits and uses, so you can make an informed decision.
Travel mirrors often feature magnification to enable you to get a closer look, but you'll want to choose a level of magnification depending on what you'll be using your mirror for. Magnification 1x is best for everyday use, for checking your reflection or quickly fixing your hair on the go.
If you'll be using your mirror for make-up application, look for those that feature 2x magnification. This allows you to get a closer look at your eyelids and lips to ensure a smooth finish. 3x magnification is best for make-up artistry, as it works excellently when applying eyeliner.
Not many travel mirrors come with a stronger magnification than 3x, but they can be found. 5x magnification is great for a close-up view of your pores or for plucking your eyebrows, and x10 works great for precision shaving.
If precision make-up artistry isn't on your radar and you just want a mirror you can slip into your handbag to check your hair before leaving a taxi, why not consider one with lighting? Some compacts are fitted with batteries or come with a USB point for charging and light up when you open them.
For a more impressive mirror, look for options with adjustable lighting. For example, some mirrors have touch screen technology, enabling you to adjust the light intensity. Others have a variety of tonality options, so you can choose between natural imitation and artificial light.
For larger scale mirrors check out of Best Bathroom Mirrors.
Depending on your needs, it is important to consider what your mirror is made from. Mirrors with an outer casing made from plastic are generally lightweight, making them easier to carry around and pop into your handbag. The downside to plastic mirrors is they're not eco-friendly, and the plastic may get chipped or broken over time.
A metal casing will provide much better durability but will be a fair bit heavier, which may not be ideal if you are often on the road. If you use your travel mirror for work, consider one with unbreakable glass or a protective case. Some of these are padded, while others offer a scratch-resistant covering.
Are you setting up as a mobile hairdresser? Take a look at our recommendations for the best hairbrushes.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rantizon Portable Makeup Mirror Dimmable 8 LEDs Lighted Mirror | ![]() | Pocket-Sized Light-up Compact Travel Mirror for On-The-Go Touch Ups | |
2 | Beautyworks Backlit Makeup Vanity Mirror | ![]() | Touch Screen Illumination and Magnification for Precise Make-up Application | |
3 | LYSTAO 3 Way Mirror | ![]() | 360-Degree Hair Cutting With This Fold-Away Mirror That Can Be Clipped to a Door Frame | |
4 | DEATTI Large Hand Mirror | ![]() | Handheld Mirror With Unbreakable Glass, Perfect for Hairdressers | |
5 | simplehuman Mini Sensor Travel Magnifying Pedestal Mirror | ![]() | Luxurious Free-Standing Mirror With Adjustable Lighting and 10x Magnification | |
6 | Simplehuman Compact Mirror | ![]() | Light-up Compact Travel Mirror With 3x Magnification That Mimics Natural Light | |
7 | wobsion Lighted Compact Mirror | ![]() | A Rechargeable Light-up Compact Mirror With a Sleek, Colourful Design | |
8 | SOVIYAS LED Folding Makeup Mirror | ![]() | Compact 2-In-1 Mirror With Integrated Lighting for Standard and Magnified Viewing | |
9 | Totally Turkish Metal Compact Mirror | ![]() | A Simple Every Day, Metal Compact With Two Mirrors, Perfect for Fitting in Your Handbag | |
10 | Tweezerman Lighted Mirror | ![]() | A Light-up Compact With 10x Magnification, Ideal for Plucking Eyebrows |
Is this the perfect travel mirror? Quite possibly! This fold-up mirror is not only pocket-sized, allowing you to easily pop it in your pocket or handbag, it also comes with handy features that you might expect from a more expensive, larger mirror. With 1x and 2x magnification, perfect for precision, you can touch up your make-up easily on the go.
Featuring 8 LED bulbs with adjustable intensity, you can rest assured that you'll always be able to see what you're doing, no matter the light conditions around you. An absolute bargain for the price! It even comes with batteries.
This travel mirror comes with a tonne of features, making it perfect for the travelling beautician or make-up fanatic. The manufacturers have thought of everything - multiple mirrors with different magnification strengths, a stand and fold-away sides. The different strength magnifications are perfect for close ups while applying make-up, shaving or plucking.
We particularly love the lighting features, as the LED bulbs create a 'backlight' that is operated via a touch screen, meaning you can adjust the light intensity to suit your situation. To top it off, the mirror is lightweight, making it super easy for travelling.
Whilst this mirror may not have magnification or lighting, it makes up for it ten-fold with the innovative 360-degree styling function. This travel mirror features ingenious clips that can be hung over a door frame, allowing you to keep your hands free for haircutting, shaving or grooming. Its height is also adjustable, making it suitable for everyone.
The three fold-out mirrors enable the user to see around the back of their head, which is perfect for those that like to cut their own hair and require a clear view. It's also lightweight, folds flat, and the extendable prongs tuck neatly away so that the whole thing fits perfectly in the top of your suitcase.
This portable handheld mirror uses ultrasonic technology to ensure the glass is unbreakable, meaning it can be dropped multiple times without worry. Mobile hairdressers travel so much it can be difficult to find a mirror up to the task, but this one provides that essential peace of mind!
The silicone handle provides an easy-to-grip surface, which is perfect if you've been washing hair and your hands are still wet. It's lightweight and easy to use for travel but can also be hooked to the wall for use at home or for a more permanent spot in a busy working salon.
Simplehuman is becoming well-known for its inspired products, and this mirror does not disappoint. With a sensor that lights the mirror as you approach, this really does have all the mod cons! The tru-lux lighting system adjusts the lighting for different conditions, including natural light.
An energy-efficient option, these LEDs will last decades without wearing out, so you don't need to worry about changing bulbs. It also features the best magnification we've seen on a travel mirror at up to 10x, which is perfect for anyone seeking make-up and plucking perfection on the go.
Another entry from Simplehuman with their signature "tru-lux" light system. This handy compact mirror has a lighting system that adjusts to natural light, allowing a perfect application each time. The light also features a sensor that turns on as soon as you remove it from its pouch.
With up to 3x magnification, you don't need to lose out on precision just because it's small. The design also features a thumb loop, so you can ensure a good grip without the worry of dropping it. It's a great mirror but very pricey given it is just a compact-sized option.
We love the look of this mirror! With its pretty colour and sleek design, it could easily be mistaken for a mobile phone. The mirror folds flat and, once opened, boasts two surfaces - one with 1x magnification and the other with 3x, making it ideal for both touch-ups and make-up application.
This handy compact style also has a light-up feature, which you can recharge, with each charge lasting approximately 5 hours. Be aware, though, that a few people have reported faulty lights, but don't worry, the manufacturer will replace them if there is an issue.
Designed with on-the-go make-up application in mind, this handy compact mirror features one large section of glass with standard magnification plus a smaller mirror with 10x magnification - perfect for those hard to see areas. Both fold up into a pretty case to keep them protected while on the move.
This is another rechargeable option with an integrated light, which also comes with a travel pouch, cleaning cloth and eye shadow wands. The downside is that the outer case is made of plastic, which is not particularly sustainable.
Not all travel mirrors need to come with the latest mod-cons. This one has gone back to traditional compact roots with its simple folding style. Featuring two mirrors internally, one with 1x magnification and the other with 2x magnification, it fits perfectly in even the smallest clutch bag.
We adore the pretty Turkish design, and with multiple colours to choose from, you are bound to find one that suits your taste. It may lack the lighting and super close up magnification, but it would make the perfect gift for a friend or loved one, and for the price, you could even throw in an extra one for yourself!
This may be just a simple, compact mirror, but it has some impressive features, such as a 10x magnification and light-up glass. This extra close-up view is perfect for eyebrow plucking, shaving or applying precision eye-liner, making the whole process a breeze.
Sadly it's not the most environmentally-friendly option on our list, as the exterior casing is made from plastic and uses batteries, but you could purchase rechargeable batteries to cut down the waste. Due to the materials, we also can't guarantee how durable the casing is, so it is best to handle this mirror with care.
Written and researched by Sarah Jarman
No. 1: Rantizon|Portable Makeup Mirror Dimmable 8 LEDs Lighted Mirror
No. 2: Beautyworks|Backlit Makeup Vanity Mirror
No. 3: LYSTAO|3 Way Mirror
No. 4: DEATTI|Large Hand Mirror
No. 5: simplehuman|Mini Sensor Travel Magnifying Pedestal Mirror
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