Do lighted makeup mirrors work well?

Contemplating whether or not to purchase a lighted makeup mirror? According to Urban Decay’s Global Makeup Artist Steve Kassajikian , they’re worth it and make putting on makeup much less of a hassle. “I love them, especially in a room or area with dim or overhead lighting,” he says. “They help a lot with makeup application.”

Are LED lights the best for a makeup mirror?

When it comes to lighting type, Kassajikian says that models with LED lights are the way to go. “LED lights will give you a more natural reflection without washing you out,” he says. The warm white light they emit is pretty much the closest you can get to the sun’s natural rays, which we all know is key for an amazing look.

Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors of 2023 to Use at Home

Lighted Makeup Mirrors Test — Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Anyone who's ever done their makeup in a poorly lit room knows the horror of heading out in public, only to realize that things weren't as blended as they thought. Applying your products near a large window during the day 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 up.

Byrdie Tested & Approved

The Riki Skinny was the best option we tried overall. On a budget? The Flymiro Tri-Fold Lighted Vanity won't break the bank and gets the job done.

Suffice it to say, you'll always be glad to have a lighted mirror. "I love them, especially in a room or area with dim overhead lighting," says makeup artist Steve Kassajikian, who recommends options with daylight-mimicking LEDs. And beyond adequate illumination, it can help to have your reflection a bit closer, without leaning over the sink in your bathroom.

The modern beauty market offers an impressive range of lighted makeup mirrors, including travel-friendly options and high-tech vanities with built-in Bluetooth. To help you pick, we put several models to the test and narrowed them down to our favorites. We also tapped experts in the field, including MUA Tarryn Feldman.

Ahead, the best lighted makeup mirrors tested by Byrdie.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Riki Loves Riki Skinny Smart Portable LED Vanity Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Flymiro Tri-Fold Lighted Makeup Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Travel:

Fancii LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with Bluetooth:

iHome Stereo Speaker Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Features:

HiMirror Mini Premium at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Compact:

Impressions Compact Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Value:

Fancii Vanity Makeup Mirror at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
How We Tested
Other Options We Tested
What To Look For
FAQ
What Is Byrdie Verified?
Why Trust Byrdie

4.6

Riki Loves Riki Skinny Smart Portable LED Vanity Mirror

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Daylight-mimicking LEDs
Feature-rich design
Magnetic attachments
Rechargeable battery

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Not travel-friendly

Who else recommends it? The Strategist, Glamour, and Today all picked the Riki Loves Riki Skinny Mirror.

After trying out several options in our testing facility, the Riki Skinny was a clear winner. Our tester loved how the high-def daylight-mimicking LEDs are adjustable and can go brighter, dimmer, warmer, or cooler. And even on the brightest setting, it didn't overwhelm her sensitive eyes.

We also like that the surrounding bulbs illuminate your entire face, even in an otherwise dark room. Thanks to the magnifying mirror attachment, our tester was able to get a close, clear view while blending makeup and plucking her eyebrows. Other notable features include an adjustable stand, a magnetic phone holder, Bluetooth connectivity, and a camera button for recording videos or taking selfies.

The Riki Skinny runs on a rechargeable battery, so you can place it virtually anywhere. It also feels durable and unlikely to break. 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. While we wish the price was more accessible, this lighted vanity mirror was an all-around hit.

Price at time of publish: $205

Dimensions: 13 x 9.5 x 0.5 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Magnification: 10X | Features: Phone holder, removable magnifying mirror, Bluetooth connectivity, battery indicator, adjustable stand

Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Byrdie / Tamara Staples

What Our Testers Say

"I'm able to see my pores very clearly and get a close-up with the magnifying mirror option. This would especially be useful when working on your eyes to blend in eyeshadow or tweezing your brows." —Gibreel Martinez, Product Tester

4.3

Flymiro Tri-Fold Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Design

4/5
Quality

4.5/5
Durability

4/5
Lighting

4.8/5

What We Like

Bright LEDs
Multiple angles and magnification
Sturdy

What We Don't Like

Can't adjust brightness

Looking for something more affordable? The Flymiro Tri-Fold Mirror is a solid choice. Though you can't adjust the brightness, our tester was impressed by how bright the LEDs get, and she said she'd have no issues doing her makeup with it in a dark room. She liked that 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 perfect size for a countertop or desk and doesn't wobble when placed on a flat surface. There are six colors to choose from, and our tester said the sleek design is pretty enough to leave out.

Price at time of publish: $40

Dimensions: 11 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches | Shape: Fold-out rectangular | Magnification: Up to 3X | Features: 180-degree rotation

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Brookstone.com View On Fancii.com

Our Ratings

Design

4/5
Quality

4/5
Durability

5/5
Lighting

3/5

What We Like

Compact and lightweight
Smooth, sleek exterior
Durable

What We Don't Like

Could be brighter
Relatively small

If you need something for on-the-go use, we recommend 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. Our tester said that it feels durable enough that she wouldn't worry about dropping it.

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 makeup application and touch-ups. At five 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.

Price at time of publish: $25

Dimensions: 5 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 10X | Features: Daylight-mimicking bulbs

What Our Editors Say

"The quality of the body feels very sturdy and protects the mirror inside well, so I wasn't worried about dropping it." —Rachel Lee, Associate Commerce Editor

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Home Depot

Our Ratings

Design

4/5
Quality

5/5
Durability

5/5
Lighting

4/5

What We Like

Adjustable brightness and warmth
Durable and wobble-free
Speaker with voice controls

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Not travel-friendly

Makeup and hair artist Tarryn Feldman is a fan of the iHome Hollywood Pro, and we can see why. Our tester said the vanity mirror provides excellent makeup lighting and loved that 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 when you need it.

This Bluetooth-enabled mirror has a built-in speaker with voice controls, so you can play music or listen to a podcast while getting your glam on. The price is undoubtedly steep, but the Hollywood Pro feels durable and doesn't wobble at all on flat surfaces. Although the size is nice for at-home use, it weighs nearly five pounds, so it's probably too bulky for travel, according to our tester.

Price at time of publish: $250

Dimensions: 19 x 14 x 12 inches | Shape: Rectangular | Magnification: 10X | Features: Bluetooth connectivity, speaker, voice controls

4.3

Amazon

View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Design

3/5
Quality

5/5
Durability

4/5
Lighting

5/5

What We Like

High-tech design
Durable and wobble-free
Adjustable brightness and warmth

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Slightly confusing instructions

Reminiscent of a 1920s TV set with the smarts of Cher Horowitz's closet, there's much to admire about the HiMirror Mini. Though the instructions were a little confusing, our tester said that there are tons of high-tech features, including a wireless phone-charging pad, a skin analyzer, intelligent recommendations, and a product-management system that helps you take inventory of your cosmetics.

Though some of the features are slightly gimmicky, and the robot voice can be annoying, the mirror itself offers a high-quality, distortion-free reflection. Our tester said that it provides great makeup lighting without being too harsh, and she appreciated that you can adjust the brightness and warmth. You can also see how your makeup will look in different real-life settings, like a restaurant or a brightly lit office. The HiMirror is one of the most expensive options we tried, but it seems well made and exceptionally durable.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 9 x 6.5 inches | Shape: Rounded rectangular | Magnification: Up to 3X | Features: Smart skin analyzer, wireless charger, product management system, adjustable orientation

4.8

Impressions ChargeUp LED Compact Mirror & USB Power Bank

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Houzz

Our Ratings

Design

5/5
Quality

5/5
Lighting

4.5/5

What We Like

Lightweight yet sturdy
Travel-friendly
Rechargeable battery

What We Don’t Like

Can't adjust brightness

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—our tester said that the interior light is surprisingly strong.

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. Our tester appreciated the ChargeUp's sturdy design, explaining that it's lightweight but not at all flimsy. 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.

Price at time of publish: $39

Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 inches | Shape: Round | Magnification: 5X | Features: Battery indicator

What Our Testers Say

"The mirror feels pretty sturdy. It's small and lightweight but doesn't feel flimsy." —Britney Johnson, Product Tester

4.1

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Brookstone.com View On Planetbeauty.com

Our Ratings

Design

4.5/5
Quality

4.5/5
Durability

3/5
Lighting

4.5/5

What We Like

Daylight-mimicking LEDs
Built-in caddy
Adjustable stand

What We Don’t Like

Not travel-friendly
Can't adjust warmth
Base comes loose while swiveling

Our tester said that this makeup mirror lit up her face nicely without any shadows. She liked that the daylight-mimicking LED bulbs can be brightened or dimmed, though there's no option to adjust the warmth. The Fancii Lighted Vanity has a built-in makeup caddy, so you can keep your products and brushes within reach.

It also has an adjustable stand with 360-rotation. The base popped out when we swiveled it, but it didn't seem to cause any damage, and it went back in without a fuss. Measuring 15 x 7.5 inches and weighing less than three pounds, our tester said that this mirror is generously sized but not too bulky. Considering the very reasonable price point and all-in-one design, you really can't go wrong.

Price at time of publish: $40

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

What Our Editors Say

"I love that it comes with an organizer for makeup/tools. It feels like an all-in-one product." —Rachel Lee, Associate Commerce Editor

Final Verdict

The Riki Skinny was the best option we tried overall. Powered by a rechargeable battery, this portable vanity mirror boasts a feature-rich design with magnetic attachments, Bluetooth connectivity, and daylight-mimicking LED bulbs. On a budget? The Flymiro Tri-Fold Lighted Vanity won't break the bank and gets the job done with bright LEDs and multiple levels of magnification.

How We Tested

After researching the best lighted makeup mirrors on the market, our beauty editors selected 11 options of various sizes and price points to try out in The Lab, our in-house testing facility in Manhattan. Each device was carefully evaluated for its brightness, adjustable light settings, setup requirements, power source, user-friendliness, and features. The mirrors were given a score from 1 to 5 for portability, durability, illumination, and overall value. Those with the highest scores were ultimately selected for this roundup.

Other Options We Tested

Conair Reflections Double-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror

Our tester said that this lighted mirror isn't very bright, so you have to get super-close to see what you're doing in a dimly lit room. While the LEDs offer a flattering glow, they might be too warm in that they don't accurately mimic daylight. Unfortunately, you can't adjust the brightness or the warmth. Beyond that, we found the reflection a little too narrow, and the whole device was slightly wobbly on a flat surface.

Weily Vanity Makeup Mirror

This mirror is reasonably priced, and the quality is decent, but it only has one light setting. While you can definitely see your face in clear detail, we found the fluorescent illumination to be a bit too harsh, especially for those with sensitive eyes. And while the lightweight design makes it more travel-friendly, this portable vanity feels a little flimsy overall.

iHome Portable Lighted Vanity Mirror With Bluetooth

Feldman is a fan of iHome's portable model, noting that it's reasonably priced and compact enough for travel, and that it has Bluetooth capabilities. Our tester said that it provides decent makeup lighting but isn't the brightest and doesn't have as many settings as others we tried. And although we liked the lightweight design and long-lasting rechargeable battery, the fold-out stand feels a bit flimsy.

Meet the Expert

Steve Kassajikian is Urban Decay’s Global Makeup Artist.

Tarryn Feldman is a hair and makeup artist who works in both Nashville and Los Angeles. Her celebrity clients include Kelsea Ballerini and Jennifer Nettles.

What to Look for in a Lighted Makeup Mirror

Mimics Natural Light

To get as precise an application as possible, look for lighted mirrors that mimic natural light. Anything too bright or too dark won’t give you a proper portrayal of what your makeup looks like out in the wild. There's a bonus if you find a model with adjustable light. That way, you can more accurately imitate the outdoor light, whether sunny or cloudy.

Rechargeable via USB

Could anything be worse than the batteries of your lighted mirror dying on your 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 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? Fortunately, there are plenty of lighted mirrors out there that are much sleeker in design. For example, if you need angled side panels for precise winged eyeliner and false lash application, look for models that feature foldable panels to take up less space.

FAQ

Do lighted makeup mirrors work well?

Contemplating whether or not to purchase a lighted makeup mirror? According to Urban Decay’s Global Makeup Artist Steve Kassajikian, they’re worth it and make putting on makeup much less of a hassle. “I love them, especially in a room or area with dim or overhead lighting,” he says. “They help a lot with makeup application.”
Are LED lights the best for a makeup mirror?

When it comes to lighting type, Kassajikian says that models with LED lights are the way to go. “LED lights will give you a more natural reflection without washing you out,” he says. The warm white light they emit is pretty much the closest you can get to the sun’s natural rays, which we all know is key for an amazing look.

What Is Byrdie Verified?

Did you notice the Byrdie Verified seal of approval at the top of this story? This seal means that our team has researched and tested every product on this list using a unique methodology that’s designed to focus on what our readers really want to know—and to deliver insights that you can’t find anywhere else. Occasionally, beauty brands and PR agencies will send us samples for coverage consideration, but our thoughts and opinions are fully our own. If you visit links within our content, we may receive commissions from your purchases, but we never receive any compensation or consideration for the content of our recommendations. In short, the Byrdie Verified seal stands for product recommendations you can trust.

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, MyDomaine, and Travel + Leisure.

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

The very best lighted makeup mirrors. The Strategist. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-lighted-makeup-mirrors.html
23 Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors That Are Worth the Money. Glamour. https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-lighted-makeup-mirror
Nail your makeup application every single time — 19 top-rated lighted mirrors to shop. Today. https://www.today.com/shop/best-lighted-makeup-mirror-t210108

Best Overall

Riki Loves Riki Skinny Smart Portable LED Vanity Mirror

Best Budget

Flymiro Tri-Fold Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror

Best for Travel

Fancii LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror

Best with Bluetooth

iHome Hollywood Pro Vanity Stereo Speaker Detail Mirror

Best Features

HiMirror Mini Premium

Best Compact

Impressions ChargeUp LED Compact Mirror & USB Power Bank

Best Value

Fancii LED Vanity Makeup Mirror with Cosmetic Organizer

Related Stories