Top 10 Makeup Lights You Need to Know About

Best Choice Overall

The Fancii Vanity Makeup Mirror not only delivers all the essential functions of a makeup light but also includes a handy built-in organizer for your favorite beauty products. With 16 dimmable LED lights that imitate sunlight, it provides a soft and natural glow. Although the daylight-inspired lighting is impressive, it lacks the ability to adjust the color temperature, which might be disappointing for those who prefer experimenting with different lighting tones.

The makeup light also comes with a versatile 180-degree swivel head, providing coverage from all angles in both vertical and horizontal positions. It features two magnification options: a 1X main mirror and a 10X pull-out spot mirror. For added convenience, the built-in organizer includes five compartments to store jewelry, hair accessories, and various makeup products. Additionally, the device can be powered either by four AA batteries or through the included mini USB cable.

Light Type: LED | Color Temperature: Natural | Adjustability: 180-degree swivel head | Size: 15 x 7.3 inches

Best Affordable Option

For those on a budget but in need of a high-quality makeup light, the affordable Huonul Makeup Mirror features three panels, providing a full view of your face from various angles while applying makeup or styling hair. Each panel offers multiple magnification options, including 1X, 2X, 3X, and 10X, to meet different needs. With 21 built-in LEDs mimicking natural daylight, the brightness is adjustable via simple touch controls, allowing you to dim or brighten as needed.

The makeup light operates with a dual power supply, using either four AAA batteries or the included USB cable for power. While the convenient power options offer flexibility, some users have expressed frustration that the mirror is not rechargeable and requires being plugged in to function properly. Despite this, the mirror shines in other areas, such as its 180-degree adjustable stand and a storage tray for holding hair accessories, lip products, and small items.

Light Type: LED | Color Temperature: Natural | Adjustability: 180-degree rotation | Size: 9.4 x 13.3 inches

Best Luxury Pick

While the Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Trio comes with a premium price tag, its range of features makes it worth the investment. The mirror offers a 360-degree rotation, allowing you to make full use of its 1X and 5X magnification modes on either side. For those who need a closer look, the 1X mirror includes a section at the bottom offering a 10X magnified view. Powered by a rechargeable battery, the light lasts up to five weeks on a single charge using the included USB cable and adapter, eliminating the need for constant recharging.

While its design features are impressive, the mirror’s most standout quality is its lighting. Equipped with tru-lux technology, the surgical-grade LEDs have a color rendering index (CRI) of 95, replicating natural daylight and helping you perfectly match foundation, concealer, and other makeup products to your skin tone. Plus, the brightness and light modes—offering both full sunlight and true-to-life candlelight settings—can be effortlessly adjusted with a simple swipe along the mirror’s rim. Although the mirror offers 360-degree rotation, the stand is not adjustable, and some users find it to be a bit short.

Light Type: LED | Color Temperature: Daylight and True-to-Life Candlelight | Adjustability: 360-degree rotation | Size: 5.3 x 9.1 x 15.6 inches

Best Brightness

Unlike other makeup lights that struggle with brightness, the Hasipu Vanity Mirror delivers a remarkable glow thanks to its powerful LED strip, which can generate up to 6000 lumens. To put it into perspective, a typical lightbulb produces around 800 lumens, while an outdoor floodlight can generate between 2000 and 5000 lumens. The mirror also offers three light settings—natural, warm, and cool—and the brightness can be adjusted to meet various lighting preferences and environments.

Mounted on a sleek, adjustable metal base, the Hasipu Vanity Mirror allows for full 360-degree rotation, providing the best angle for your makeup routine. However, some users have found the stand to be a little wobbly. In addition to its impressive design, the mirror includes Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to link your phone or tablet and enjoy your favorite music or podcasts while getting ready.

Light Type: LED | Color Temperature: Natural, warm, and cool | Adjustability: 360-degree rotation | Size: 11 x 14 inches

Best Battery-Powered

The Easehold Rechargeable Makeup Mirror shines for several key features, particularly its impressive battery. Equipped with a high-quality lithium-ion battery, it offers up to 18 hours of use on the lowest brightness setting and about 3 hours on the highest. It recharges in 4 hours using the included USB-C cable, and once fully charged, it can last up to 15 days with just 20 minutes of use each day, as per the manufacturer’s specifications.

Beyond its excellent battery life, the makeup mirror also boasts a tri-fold design with foldable panels that provide a multi-angle view of your face. The panels feature magnification options of 1X, 2X, and 3X, and there’s a detachable 10X magnification mirror with a suction cup, which might not be ideal for those who prefer built-in magnifiers. The mirror’s 116 dimmable LEDs can be adjusted to natural, warm, or cool light settings via a touch sensor. Additionally, it has a storage tray for makeup essentials and small accessories.

Light Type: LED | Color Temperature: Natural, warm, and cool | Adjustability: 180-degree rotation | Size: 10 x 15.6 inches

Editor’s Pick for Travel

The Riki Skinny Mirror has earned high praise from Hana Hong, our digital beauty and fashion editor, who describes it as ‘skinny but mighty.’ Weighing just 1.5 pounds and boasting a sleek, flat design, it’s perfectly suited for travel — especially for those who stay in hotels that don’t offer makeup mirrors. The mirror also features a 5X or 10X magnification option, is fully rechargeable with a dual USB power supply, and stands out for its unique Bluetooth function and magnetic phone clip. Hong particularly loves how it lets you ‘snap selfies, stream high-quality YouTube videos, and follow along with makeup tutorials,’ making it a must-have for beauty enthusiasts on the go.

This highly rated makeup light provides high-definition, daylight-like illumination through its integrated LED lights. It offers five dimmable settings, which can be adjusted to cooler, warmer, brighter, or dimmer modes to suit your needs. However, some users have mentioned that the lowest brightness setting may feel too intense, which could make it unsuitable for individuals with sensitive eyes.

Light Type: LED | Color Temperature: Daylight | Adjustability: Retractable stand | Size: 13 x 9.5 inches

Best Ring Light

For those who appreciate the traditional design of a ring-shaped mirror, the Conair Lighted Makeup Mirror is a standout choice. Available in satin nickel, matte black, and brushed brass finishes, it features an 8.5-inch round mirror with either 1X or 10X magnification for full-face makeup or intricate touch-ups. The base includes convenient buttons to adjust the light intensity (low, medium, high) and select from three color temperatures: natural, warm, or white (cool).

The double-sided mirror rotates a full 360 degrees, allowing you to customize the angle and position to your preference. While it has many positive features, it’s not cordless, making it less convenient for transport. However, the corded design may be preferable for those who want to avoid the hassle of charging a battery-powered mirror.

Light Type: LED | Color Temperature: Natural, warm, and white | Adjustability: 360-degree rotation | Size: 16 x 10.25 inches

Best Phone

Unlike some makeup lights that serve a single purpose, the OttLite Wireless Charging Makeup Mirror is designed with both beauty enthusiasts and tech-savvy phone users in mind. Equipped with the brand's signature ClearSun LED lights, it provides natural daylight illumination with a CRI of 97, ensuring flawless color matching. This mirror also offers 1X and 5X magnification, and a 360-degree rotatable mirror with an adjustable stand, allowing you to raise or lower the mirror to your preferred height. However, the plastic stand may feel flimsy to some users.

One of the standout features of this mirror is its ability to charge your phone. The built-in wireless charging stand holds your phone securely while charging it as you watch makeup tutorials, create content, or stream videos. Additionally, a USB charging port is available for charging other devices such as your tablet or smartwatch.

Light Type: LED | Color Temperature: Daylight | Adjustability: 360-degree rotation | Size: 11.5 x 6.25 inches

Best Eco-Friendly

For those seeking a makeup mirror made with sustainability in mind, the Luxfurni Vanity Tabletop Hollywood Makeup Mirror is an excellent choice. This mirror is surrounded by 12 large LED bulbs that consume less energy than conventional fluorescent lighting. Additionally, its robust frame is crafted from engineered wood (including recycled materials) sourced from sustainably managed forests, helping to conserve trees and protect wildlife. However, be cautious as some users reported furniture scratches from the thick screw heads at the bottom of the frame.

The mirror comes equipped with a touch sensor button for adjusting four levels of brightness and color temperatures that include natural, warm, and cool tones. The soft LED lights have a CRI of 95, offering a clear and vibrant reflection that mimics natural daylight. A USB charger is included for power, and the mirror is also compatible with a standard outlet or power bank, making it travel-friendly.

Light Type: LED | Color Temperature: Natural, warm, and cool | Adjustability: Not Applicable | Size: 20 x 16 inches

Editor’s Pick

Our second selection from Riki Loves Riki is also favored by our beauty director, Heather Muir, who has a special fondness for this makeup light. The Skinny Eco Glam On the Glow Set is slim and stylish, offering top-notch performance in terms of lighting, battery life, and portability, all of which Muir highly praises. “This mirror is certainly a splurge, but it’s the best I’ve found,” Muir shares. “It comes with adjustable LED lights, a built-in stand for easy maneuvering, and offers a six-hour battery life.”

This mirror boasts customizable LED lighting with a CRI of 95+, mimicking daylight and providing a true-to-life view of your skin’s colors and tones. It includes a robust flip case for on-the-go protection, which also doubles as a stand. The stand is multifunctional, allowing you to adjust the mirror to the optimal angle and lighting for close-up or full-face makeup applications, although it does not have the ability to rotate 360 degrees.

Light Type: LED | Color Temperature: Daylight | Adjustability: Adjustable stand | Size: 9.5 x 13 x ⅜ inches

Final Verdict

Our top overall choice is the Fancii Vanity Makeup Mirror, thanks to its variety of brightness settings, magnification options, adjustable base, and handy storage caddy to keep your cosmetics, hair accessories, and more organized. For those seeking a more affordable alternative, the Huonul Makeup Mirror with Lights offers a similar tri-fold design, complete with adjustable daylight-simulating LED lights, multiple magnification modes, and a storage tray.

How to Shop for Makeup Lights Like a Pro

Color Temperature

When selecting the right makeup light, considering the color temperature settings is crucial, as this can greatly impact your makeup application. Most makeup lights feature a default color temperature that mimics natural daylight, which is ideal for color matching and achieving the most accurate shades. However, there are various adjustments you can experiment with. “By mastering the balance between warm and cool tones, you can tailor your lighting to different settings and moods,” says Rees.

Cool lighting is best for those with cool undertones, like pink or red tones, while warm lighting works better for warmer undertones, such as golden, yellow, or peachy hues. If your skin tends toward either the cool or warm spectrum, using a makeup mirror with adjustable color temperatures will highlight the natural tones of your skin and help you find the perfect foundation, concealer, bronzer, and blush shades to enhance your complexion.

Brightness

When it comes to achieving a flawless makeup look, brightness plays a crucial role. There are a few key considerations when shopping for the perfect makeup light. Most makeup lights feature either fluorescent or LED bulbs, or light strips, each designed to serve specific purposes for different makeup applications.

"Fluorescent lights have been a go-to in makeup studios and professional environments for years, offering bright, even illumination that reduces shadows and brings out facial features with precision," explains Rees. Typically, fluorescent lights emit a cool tone, which is ideal for those with pink, blue, or red undertones. However, they can feel somewhat harsh, especially for individuals with sensitive eyes.

On the other hand, LED lights are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting compared to traditional fluorescent bulbs. They offer adjustable brightness and color temperature settings. "LEDs are especially useful for creating balanced makeup looks and ensuring your makeup stays flawless under various lighting conditions," adds Rees.

Features

Makeup lights often come with a variety of special features that elevate your beauty routine. Many mirrors offer adjustable stands, integrated phone chargers, and 180- or 360-degree rotatable or swivel heads. Some even include storage trays to neatly store cosmetics and small accessories. Furthermore, certain makeup lights come equipped with Bluetooth, allowing you to listen to music, stream videos, and even make phone calls while you perfect your makeup. The specific features you choose will depend on your preferences, but keep in mind that mirrors with multiple functions may come with a higher price tag than simpler models.

Questions You Might Ask

How long do makeup lights last?

"The lifespan of a makeup light, like any high-quality beauty tool, depends on several factors such as its build quality, brand, and how often it's used," says Rees. Lights with built-in batteries may degrade faster with frequent use and charging, while corded makeup lights tend to last longer with proper maintenance. Additionally, makeup lights with fluorescent bulbs may need to be replaced sooner than LED lights, as fluorescents don’t last as long.

Do makeup lights have magnification features?

Makeup lights often feature various magnification options to make tasks like applying foundation, perfecting eyeliner, or shaping eyebrows much simpler. Most makeup mirrors come with a standard 1X magnification, but you can also find mirrors with 3X, 5X, and 10X magnifications. For general makeup application, a lower magnification like 1X or 3X is ideal. However, for intricate tasks, such as applying mascara or blending eyeshadow, a 10X magnification will give you the finest detail.

What is the best type of lighting for a makeup light?

Many makeup artists, including Rees, recommend LED lights for makeup mirrors. "LED lights provide steady brightness and consistent color temperature, which is crucial for precise makeup application," she explains. Besides being more energy-efficient, LED lights generate less heat compared to fluorescent bulbs, helping keep your makeup (and skin) from becoming overheated during extended use.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Alicia Geigel, a contributing writer for Mytour. In her quest to find the best makeup lights, she evaluated factors like light type, color temperature, adjustability, size, and value. She also researched the most popular makeup lights based on brand, customer reviews, and ratings. To get expert advice on choosing the right makeup light, Alicia consulted Annie Rees, a professional makeup artist and body painter. She also included product recommendations from top beauty editors Hana Hong and Heather Muir.