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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
TL;DR
Overall, our favorite lighted makeup mirror is the Riki Skinny. Powered by a rechargeable battery, this portable vanity mirror boasts a feature-rich design with magnetic attachments, Bluetooth connectivity, and daylight-mimicking LED bulbs (pretty much everything you could want in a lighted mirror). On a budget? The Flymiro Tri-Fold Lighted Vanity won't break the bank and gets the job done with bright LEDs and multiple magnification levels.
Anyone who's ever done their makeup in a poorly lit room knows the horror of checking your reflection in public only to realize things weren't as blended as you thought. Applying your products in natural lighting is ideal, but not everyone has the luxury of a window-side vanity, and even if you do, you'll still need a solution when the sun's not out or you're on the go.
Suffice it to say, you'll always be glad to have a lighted mirror at home. "I love them, especially in a room or area with dim overhead lighting," says makeup artist Steve Kassajikian, who recommends models with several lighting options to mimic real-life light. Beyond adequate illumination, magnification can also help you get better results.
Luckily, there is no shortage of lighted makeup mirrors, including travel-friendly options and high-tech vanities with built-in Bluetooth and magnification. To help you choose, we put several models to the test, evaluating each for setup, ease of use, portability, power source, brightness, adjustability, and notable features. Here are our top picks.
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Amazon
Daylight-mimicking LEDs
Magnetic attachments
Rechargeable battery
Not travel-friendly
Dimensions: 13 x 9.5 x 0.5 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Magnification: 5X or 10X | Features: Phone holder, removable magnifying mirror, Bluetooth connectivity, battery indicator, adjustable stand
After trying this model out ourselves, we can honestly say that the features are no-joke. With adjustable high-def, daylight-mimicking LEDs that can go brighter, dimmer, warmer, or cooler, the options are seemingly endless. The magnifying mirror attachment offers a close view while blending, plucking hairs, or dermaplaning. We could clearly see our pores, teeny-tiny hairs, and areas where our makeup could be buffed out more. If you’re willing to invest, this sophisticated mirror is perfect for daily makeup, occasional glam, and recording GRWM videos.
Other notable features include an adjustable stand, a magnetic phone holder, Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in camera button for recording videos or taking selfies. The Riki Skinny runs on a rechargeable battery, so you can place it virtually anywhere. It’s durable, however, it's not the smallest or lightest option, and it doesn't come with a carrying case, so it wouldn't be our first choice for traveling.
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Best Budget
Flymiro Tri-Fold Lighted Makeup Mirror
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Amazon
Bright LEDs
Multiple angles and magnification
Sturdy; doesn't wobble on flat surface
Can't adjust brightness
Dimensions: 11 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches | Shape: Foldout rectangular | Magnification: Up to 3X | Features: 180-degree rotation
The Flymiro Tri-Fold Mirror is a solid choice if you don't want to shell out hundreds for a vanity mirror. You can't adjust the brightness, but thanks to the notably bright LEDs, we had no issues doing makeup in an otherwise dark room. We like how the fold-out panels and rotating hinges provide a multi-angle view of your face, plus up to 3X magnification.
At just over 11 inches tall, it's the ideal size for a countertop or desk and shows no signs of wobbling. There are six colors to choose from, and the sleek design is pretty enough to leave out on your vanity. We highly recommend this functional, foldable mirror to anyone in the market for a wallet-friendly upgrade to their vanity.
InStyle / Tamara Staples
Best for Travel
Fancii LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror
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Amazon
Compact and lightweight
Smooth, sleek exterior
Two mirrors, one with 10x magnification
Could be brighter
Too small for general makeup application
Dimensions: 5 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 10X | Features: Daylight-mimicking bulbs
If you need something for on-the-go use, we suggest the Fancii Travel Mirror. Available in black, rose gold, or white, this lighted compact runs on four CR2 batteries (included) and has a smooth, sturdy exterior. The body is durable so we weren't worried about dropping it or tossing it in a bag.
There are two mirrors inside, one with 10X magnification and the other with an illuminated border. While it's not as bright as others we tried, and you can't adjust the warmth, it's sufficient for touch-ups and en-route makeup application.
At 5 inches in diameter, it's definitely on the smaller side, but we love that the clamshell fits easily in your purse, bag, or suitcase and weighs less than half a pound. Be sure to hit “add to cart” if you want a lightweight, compact design for on-the-fly glam and touch-ups throughout the day.
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Best With Bluetooth
iHome Hollywood Vanity Mirror Pro
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Best Buy
Speaker with voice controls
Adjustable brightness and warmth
Durable and wobble-free
Not travel-friendly
Dimensions: 19 x 14 x 12 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Magnification: 10X | Features: Bluetooth connectivity, speaker, voice controls
Makeup artist Tarryn Feldman is a fan of the iHome Hollywood Pro, and after trying it out ourselves, we can see why. This vanity mirror provides excellent makeup lighting, and you can adjust the brightness and warmth of the LEDs. The large size makes it easy to see your entire face, and the magnifying mirror attachment provides a detailed close-up view when you need it.
Did we also mention it's Bluetooth-enabled? This mirror has a built-in speaker with voice controls, so you can play music, listen to a podcast, or take a hands-free call while getting your glam on. The price is undoubtedly steep, but it will stand the test of time. This mirror is bigger than most and weighs nearly 5 pounds, so it's too heavy and bulky to travel with.
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InStyle / Tamara Staples
Best Compact
Impressions ChargeUp Compact Mirror
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Amazon
Lightweight yet sturdy
Travel-friendly
Rechargeable battery
Can't adjust brightness
Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 5X | Features: Battery indicator
With a built-in rechargeable battery and dual mirrors inside, the Impressions ChargeUp is perfect for touch-ups and on-the-go glam. At just 3.5 inches in diameter, this compact is, well…compact. But don't let the small size deter you—it’s small but mighty. The lightweight design feels sturdy and the interior light is surprisingly strong, so it’s a great one to toss in your purse.
We wish the brightness and warmth were adjustable. Still, the LEDs offer neutral lighting with minimal shadows and they're plenty bright for makeup application. You can charge it with your phone or computer using the included USB cable, and the battery indicator light tells you how much power you have left.
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Best With Caddy
Fancii Vanity Makeup Mirror
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Amazon
Daylight-mimicking LEDs
Built-in caddy
Adjustable stand
Can't adjust warmth
Base comes loose while swiveling
Dimensions: 15 x 7.5 x 4.5 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Magnification: 10X | Features: Makeup caddy, daylight-mimicking bulbs, 360-degree rotation, slide-out magnifying mirror
The thoughtfully designed Fancii Vanity has a built-in caddy for makeup products and application tools, which we love when we want all our main players at our fingertips. This makeup mirror lit up our faces nicely without casting any shadows. We like that the daylight-mimicking LED bulbs can be brightened or dimmed, though there's no option to adjust the warmth.
It also boasts an adjustable stand with 360-degree rotation. Measuring 15 inches x 7.5 inches and weighing less than 3 pounds, this mirror is generously sized but not too heavy or bulky. Considering the very reasonable price point and all-in-one design, you really can't go wrong.
Best for Beginners
Conair Lighted Makeup Mirror
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Amazon
Great size for vanity
Plugs in to the wall
Both sides of mirror are lighted
Both sides of mirror are lighted
Dimensions: 16 x 10.25 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 10X | Features: Cord, 360-degree rotation
If you’ve never bought a lighted makeup mirror before, this option from Conair is a great place to begin. The satin nickel finish means it will look seamless in any area of your home and it’s easy to clean. The mirror goes up to 10x magnification so you can make sure your makeup looks just how you want it before you head out for the night.
This mirror also includes a cord and plugs into the wall, so you’ll never have to remember to replace batteries. That means we won’t recommend this one for traveling, but it will feel right at home on your vanity. You may choose to upgrade to something more durable and suited to your needs once you get the hang of it, but this is a truly great option for lighted mirror newbies.
Best With Fan
Brookstone LED Light Up Mirror
Brookstone
Inventive fan design
Includes makeup tray
5x mirror attachment included
Batteries not included
Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.8 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 5X with attachment | Features: Built-in fan, suction-cup mirror attachment
A little-known secret that you may not realize when shopping for a lighted makeup mirror: those bright lights get warm quickly! We don’t want your makeup to melt off, and it’s no surprise that the team at Brookstone came up with a solution.
This makeup mirror has a built-in fan so you can stay cool while taking your time to ensure your contour is properly placed and your lashes are curled. It also includes a makeup tray so you won’t have to rest your brushes or beauty sponge on the counter while you primp. We love all of the features included on this model and the price tag isn’t too bad either.
Best Color Variety
simplehuman Sensor Makeup Mirror
Amazon
Available in multiple colors
Sophisticated lighting options
Sleek design
Single-sided mirror
Dimensions: 9.1 x 4.7 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 5X | Features: Sleek design, motion-activated light, rechargeable USB cord
When you find a great product but it only comes in one shade, it can feel limiting and you might pass on it. We love this Simplehuman lighted mirror for several reasons, one of which being it comes in six beautiful finishes from rose gold to matte black so you can choose the one that best matches the vibe of your vanity or bathroom.
Not only that, but this mirror is beautiful—it has a modern design and silhouette with a small base so it won’t take up too much room on a countertop. Plus, the lighting system is very sophisticated. The tru-lux light system mimics natural sunlight and helps you better see color variation as you apply, and it also has a candlelight setting so you can check your look in low light before date night.
What to Look for in a Lighted Makeup Mirror
- Bulbs That Mimic Natural Light: To get as precise an application as possible, look for lighted mirrors that mimic natural light. Anything too bright or dim won't give you a proper portrayal of what your makeup looks like out in the wild—bonus if you find a model with adjustable brightness. That way, you can more accurately imitate the outdoor light, whether sunny or cloudy.
- Rechargeable Battery via USB: Could anything be worse than the batteries of your lighted mirror dying mid-makeup application—especially when you're not stocked up on AAs? To avoid this scenario, we suggest looking for options that are rechargeable via USB and can be used while plugged in. They'll allow the same versatility and mobility as alkaline battery-powered options, but you won't be stuck applying your makeup in the dark, should you forget to charge beforehand.
- Sleek Design: Not looking to display something clunky on your vanity? Plenty of lighted mirrors are sleek in design. For example, if you need angled side panels for precise winged eyeliner and false lash application, look for models featuring foldable panels to take up less space.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in lifestyle and cosmetics. For this story, she compiled commentary from two makeup artists and insights from our in-house testers. A die-hard for adequate makeup lighting, she knows what to look for when buying an LED mirror. Theresa has been a regular Byrdie contributor since 2020, covering makeup, beauty tools, skincare, hair products, and high-tech gadgets. You can read more of her work on The Spruce, People, and Travel + Leisure.
Austen Tosone is a beauty writer and content creator based in New York City. Living in New York, she’s run into more than one questionable lighting situation in her apartment, and thus the power of a lighted mirror has saved her glam on many occasions. She also refuses to travel without one these days in case hotel rooms care more about mood lighting than glam lighting.
For this story, we consulted with:
- Steve Kassajikian, a makeup artist and the Head of Global Artistry at Urban Decay.
- Tarryn Feldman, a celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist. Her celebrity clients include Kelsea Ballerini and Jennifer Nettles.
