15 Best Vanity Mirrors with Lights for Better Makeup Application
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
These makeup mirrors are lit! Here's why you should brighten your space when putting on your face.
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Why you need a vanity mirror with lights
While some beauty experts still swear by natural lighting for makeup application, one of the best makeup artist secrets is to use a vanity mirror with lights, which can make applying makeup easier. It will certainly show you whether you’ve been too heavy-handed with your cream blush or if your highlighter is a bit too frosty.
“Vanity mirrors are used to make grooming rituals easier by having the ability to magnify and adjust the lighting when viewing,” says Sally Beauty crew member Emily Boulin. Those who struggle with “uneven makeup applications or are looking for better precision during beauty or self-care applications would benefit from a vanity mirror.”
What to consider when buying a vanity mirror
“Things to consider when shopping for a makeup vanity mirror include size, budget, and function,” Boulin says. First, decide where it’s going and how it will fit. For example, if you have loads of room in your bathroom, you might pick a larger mirror, but if you tend to apply makeup on the go, you might look for a compact makeup mirror with lights.
“Also, know how much money you’re willing to spend and which features give you the best quality for your budget range,” Boulin says. Keep an eye on the product’s range and type of lighting as well as its magnification. “The more versatility in both lighting and magnification will allow for a wider usability,” she explains.
Boulin thinks lighted vanity mirrors are worth it because they allow you to customize lighting; otherwise “lighting is always predetermined by the time of day and the standard lighting of your home.” Using beauty tricks from makeup artists, you can learn how to “adjust the brightness of the lights [and] the color temperature [cool vs. warm] and create an even direction of light so that all beauty regimens are more accurate and allow the user to get the most out of their product and applications,” Boulin says.
Although they have the reputation of being too bright, LED makeup mirrors actually allow a bit more control since they are dimmable and can be adjusted to the desired brightness.
How we chose the best vanity mirrors with lights
To find the top makeup mirrors with lights for our curated list, we tested mirrors and read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings. Read on for the vanity mirror that will best suit your needs for makeup application, your space, and your budget.
Best overall mirror
Waneway Vanity Mirror with Lights
While this vanity mirror with a wooden frame has professional adjustable lighting in the form of 14 dimmable LED bulbs, its use is not limited to the bathroom or bedroom. In addition to placing it on a countertop while you carefully apply the best foundation for your skin tone, you can hang this beauty on the wall or even in your mudroom so you can always check your makeup right before you leave the house. It’s the best makeup mirror to add style to any room in your home.
Pros:
- Wooden frame adds to decor
- Removable stand for tabletop or wall mounting
Con:
- Must assemble yourself
Best trifold mirror
Sugift Makeup Vanity Mirror
Here’s a beauty trick all makeup artists know: Using a vanity mirror with lights helps you apply your makeup perfectly. This trifold vanity mirror not only does that, but it also adds a stylish note to your room. It has 22 LED lights that allow for a more precise application; you can dim or brighten them using a touch control to fine-tune your look. Power with the included USB cord or batteries. This luxe-looking makeup mirror comes in gorgeous rose gold to add glam to any bedroom.
Pros:
- Trifold to see every angle
- Gorgeous as a display piece on your makeup table
- Up to ten times magnification
Con:
- Looks bigger than it really is
Best oversized mirror
Hansong Large Vanity Makeup Mirror with Lights
Not only is this large makeup mirror with lights gorgeous, but it also features 15 dimmable bulbs and smart touch control—perfect for the aspiring influencer. This makeup vanity mirror will look great in your beauty application tutorials, but you’ll need a lot of space for it since it’s nearly two feet tall. One other thing to keep in mind: Although they’re LED and thus cooler than other bulbs, the sheer number of them may make you sweat during extended makeup application—try sweatproof makeup that won’t melt off.
Pros:
- Two feet tall
- Wall-mounted or tabletop
- Dimmable lighting
- Three color modes: warm, cool, and natural
Con:
- Requires more space to fit
Best-rated mirror
Deweisn Tri-Fold Lighted Vanity Mirror
Using the right vanity mirror is a quick makeup trick to speed up your morning routine—you can get the application right the first time. With over 14,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this vanity mirror with 21 LED lights definitely caught our attention. We love that it folds up to a really compact size and can be adjusted to any angle, so you can swoop in close for your cat-eye eyeliner or angle it to cover up acne on other parts of your body, like your cheekbone or under your chin.
Pros:
- 4.5-star average rating on Amazon
- Folds up
- Affordable
Con:
- Only goes up to three times magnification
Best handheld mirror
Riki Loves Riki Cutie Mirror
If you’re looking for a small mirror to use during your train or bus commute, this could be the best lighted makeup mirror for you! Keep a stash of beauty supplies at work, like concealer, setting powder, and lip stain, then pull out this mirror for touch-ups throughout the day. It’s lightweight and has three LED brightness levels; an attached, retractable ring for easy holding; and a leg stand, so you can even prop it up on your tray table while on a flight. And since it’s made for travel, it’s reassuring to know it’s also scratch resistant and shatterproof.
Pros:
- Small, lightweight handheld design
- Adjustable brightness
- Rechargeable
- Perfect for on the go
Con:
- Can’t see your whole face at once
Best high-tech mirror
iHome Mirror with Bluetooth Audio
Set the stage for a night out by playing your favorite tunes while putting on your makeup. This distortion-free LED bathroom vanity mirror allows you to play music via Bluetooth from your mobile devices. It also has a built-in mic and speakerphone, so you can use Siri or Google and even answer the phone from your lighted vanity mirror. Oh, and it’s also great for actually applying makeup, with a magnifying inset that helps you avoid makeup mistakes.
Pros:
- Plays music, answers phone calls, and connects to Siri or Google
- USB port to charge your phone
- Included smaller mirror with ten times magnification
Con:
- Some users report the glass shatters easily if the mirror is knocked over.
Best old-school mirror
Jerdon Style Tri-Fold Two-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror
One of the makeup rules you should know by age 40 is to use a classic vanity mirror with lights, like this old standby that’s been around for years. This bathroom makeup mirror is decidedly low-tech, but its vintage appeal also comes with old-school dependability, as many reviewers noted having the same mirror for over a decade. With cool-to-the-touch fluorescent lighting, a slide lighting adjuster, and moveable side mirrors, it easily fits on your makeup table or vanity to cover all your beauty needs.
Pros:
- Sturdy vintage design that lasts
- Built-in electrical outlet for a curling iron or hair dryer
- Up to five times magnification
- Four lighting levels
Con:
- Uses fluorescent rather than LED lights
Best luxe mirror
Waneway Lighted Vanity Mirror
Have you ever noticed that many classic films about divas and actresses have a moment in which the star sits at a makeup mirror? Get that same old-Hollywood vibe with this luxe vanity mirror with lights, which easily toggles between daylight and warmer lighting. But it seems easiest to use when applying more natural makeup, so this might not be the pick for your dramatic smoky eye or unique eyeliner looks.
Pros:
- Sophisticated look at a reasonable price
- Touch adjustments for LED lighting
- 360-degree swivel rotation for the right angle
Con:
- Only two lighting temperatures
Best mirror for makeup storage
Personal Chiller LED Lighted Mini Fridge with Mirror Door
This adorable mirrored mini-fridge doubles as one of the best makeup organizers: It has a six-liter capacity, so you can store skin care products, nail polish, sheet masks, jade rollers, cooling eye masks, and more. The beauty fridge does double duty with its LED-lighted mirrored door, so you can use it to perfectly apply all your treatment products without getting goo in your hair.
Pros:
- Multiuse product doubles as cooling storage for beauty items
- LED mirror on fridge door
Con:
- Takes up more counter space due to its depth
Best minimalistic mirror
iHome Lux Pro Mirror
If you’re trying to minimize your makeup routine, you might want a makeup mirror that’s pared down as well. This mirror is also great for detail, so if you want to fill in sparse brows, you can rely on the seven-times magnification and full-spectrum lighting with three brightness levels to get a totally natural look. It also has Bluetooth wireless audio streaming, so you can set the mood while putting on your face.
Pros:
- Takes up minimal counter space
- Slim and sleek looking
- Rechargeable with up to three hours of mirror lighting per charge
Con:
- High price point
Best travel mirror
Deweisn Folding Travel Mirror
This slim, fold-up, lighted makeup mirror is surrounded by 72 LED lights that offer everything from a subtle glow to the effect of full sunshine. You can also connect it to your laptop to recharge, which means you can do quick lip touch-ups before your next Zoom. It also folds, so you can stow it away in your desk drawer, if needed, or pop it in your suitcase for travel.
Pros:
- Folds up easily for travel
- Slim and lightweight
- Dimmable lighting
Con:
- No magnification for close-up application
Best budget mirror
Weily Lighted Makeup Mirror
If you’re never quite sure of the angle to play up, using this affordable trifold lighted vanity mirror makes it effortless. A touch screen allows you to turn on and adjust the lights, and there are different magnification options (two and three times) on the mirrors to your right. Seeing different magnifications at once helps you know whether you might need to spend more time blending your blush with your best makeup brushes or if it looks good the way it is. For under $25, this is a great buy.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- 4.5-star average rating on Amazon with more than 8,000 reviews
- Folds up and has a thin profile for easy storage
Con:
- Stand is a bit short
Best mirror for small spaces
Fascinate Wall-Mounted Rechargeable Lighted Makeup Mirror
If you’ve ever coveted the swivel mirrors in posh hotels, now you can have one of your own. The brushed nickel adds a sophisticated touch (it’s also available in silver), and the extendable arm means you can tuck it close to the wall when it’s not in use to save space. You’ll have up to ten times magnification, perfect for applying eyeliner and dotting one of your best concealers on blemishes.
Pros:
- Three dimmable touch-control lighting options
- Extendable arm for easy fold-up
- Double-sided
Con:
- Rechargeable battery drains when not in use
Best device attachment
Conair Selfie Mirror
It’s cute. It’s affordable. This tiny makeup mirror with lights will help you perfect your selfie makeup and get the lighting right before using your iPhone’s sometimes unforgiving portrait mode. You can also clip it right to your phone or laptop to add a bit of glow to virtual work meetings.
Pros:
- No filter needed for selfies
- Easy to take on the go
- Multiple lighting settings
Con:
- With two AA batteries, it’s a bit bulkier than you might think
Best magnifying mirror
Riki Loves Riki Skinny Mirror
The large magnifying attachment for this luxury makeup vanity mirror with lights gives five-times magnification—perfect for putting the makeup secrets you’ve learned to good use. Plus, beauty enthusiasts will absolutely love the fact that you can stick your smartphone to the center of this mirror and use Bluetooth to perfectly pair the mirror’s lighting with your phone for selfies, video calls, or recording videos and makeup tutorials.
Pros:
- Magnifying attachment
- Bluetooth selfie function
- Sleek, modern look
Con:
- Expensive
Source:
- Emily Boulin, Sally Beauty crew member
Originally Published: July 04, 2022
