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“Baby you light up my life,” - you to these mirrors. Backlit Mirror
Are we the only ones who thought that by the time we were fully functioning adults we’d have the Pinterest-level makeup vanity of our middle school dreams? Willing to bet you too thought you’d be recreating all of the best soft-glam makeup looks on the daily alongside your incredible set-up. And then… we actually became adults, and discovered that having a Hollywood light-up mirror is kinda impractical and rarely works with our space. Luckily, cheaper, even cuter options exist in 2023. There’s a mirror for every space, from wall-mounted mirrors to magnifying mirrors to, yup, even car visor mirrors.
So whether you're looking for a light-up mirror to help you get really good eyebrows, or to stare intensely at your blackheads (hey, hands off!), we gotchu covered below with 12 of the best lighted makeup mirrors for every single vibe/purpose/vanity space, below.
So this light-up compact mirror (with 1x and 10x magnifying) isn't exactly pocket-sized, but it's actually pretty thin with the lid shut, making it truly excellent for keeping in your purse/backpack/car/or makeup bag—basically, anywhere where light is guaranteed to suck for doing your makeup.
This standing makeup mirror is simple and subtle—it's not going to take over your vanity or bathroom counter, and it gets the job done. It has 10x magnification so you can really see those pores and a soft, evening light hue that isn’t too flashy. Literally.
We love a product that pulls double duty, and this lighted makeup mirror is no exception. The mirror, which stands on its own, is also the lid to a little storage box, with four compartments to hold skincare products, mini eyeshadow palettes, makeup sponges, hair ties, and more. Plus, the mirror is fully rechargeable, so no annoying batteries to deal with.
This 10x magnifying mirror has a suction-cup base that allows you to stick it to your mirror to keep it up and out of the way (don't worry—it swivels 360 degrees), or stick it to your countertop so it can't get knocked over.
If a legit light-up vanity mirror is your goal, try this minimalist, vintage-esque mirror that uses 12 big LED bulbs to fully light your face like the superstar you are.
Yes, I know this one is expensive, but it's also the ultimate lighted mirror for selfies, tutorials, and TikToks, so you get what you pay for. It comes with a magnetic phone clamp (so you can stick your phone to the mirror while you film) and Bluetooth connectivity so you can take a selfie or start/stop filming by discreetly pushing a button on the mirror, rather than on your phone.
This light-up mirror has 21 LED lights (with three light intensity options) and a touch on/off sensor button, making it the next best option for mastering all of those winter makeup trends. It folds up like a menu and has a tiny stand in the back to keep it upright, so you can store it flat or keep it on display, depending on your ~spatial~ situation.
I love a good light-up mirror, but I've found that most are too small and narrow to actually be useful while attempting, say, a braided updo (long hair needs space). But this extra-wide makeup mirror swivels, brightens, dims, and magnifies (with a detachable magnifying mirror), making it my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants a mirror that can handle all aspects of your beauty routine—not just makeup.
I can safely say that the fastest way to ruin my mood is to look at myself in my car visor mirror. Like, why? Why?! If your car hates you like mine hates me, I highly recommend trying this lighted mirror that velcros to your car visor and can be dimmed warmer or cooler with a touch of two sensor buttons. Applying red lipstick in the car? 100 percent better with this.
This little light-up mirror is sleek and simple—it has a fold-up, adjustable stand on the back, 33 LED lights rimming the mirror, a micro-USB charging port on the back, dimming capabilities, and built-in lithium batteries. For $25, you seriously can't go wrong if you just need something sleek and effective.
This light-up mirror is the best-selling wall-mounted mirror on Amazon with more than 1,300 reviews, and for good reason: It comes in three colors (bronze, nickel, and chrome), has two magnifying options (1x/7x or 1x/10x), is double-sided (just flip the mirror upside down to switch between magnifying mirrors), and has a ring of bright LED lights.
Okay, so technically not a makeup mirror, but if you've looked through all of these lighted mirrors and realized, meh, I honestly just wanna look better in seflies, then try this bb ring light. It clips over your phone and brightens your face for a super-pretty, natural-looking photo.
Lighting: Not all lights are created equal. Most lighted mirrors will come with either cool or warm tone lights (sometimes even both!). The tone can impact the way you appear in the mirror. Warm toned lights are a better way to illuminate and replicate a natural nighttime light. They’re also easier on the eyes. On the other hand, cool and neutral light will provide a sharpened view for detailed tasks like makeup application and plucking eyebrows (or selfies!).
Magnification: Having a magnified mirror can help you zero in on certain areas up close. If you want precision while plucking your brows or applying eyeliner, a more magnified lens will serve you well. Typically, mirrors will come with a dual magnification of a traditional 1x and 5x or 10x.
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
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