A side effect of the very high level of self-consciousness that we humans possess is the desire to see ourselves—metaphorically, yes, but also, literally. That’s why mirrors have fascinated us for centuries. And when it comes to the everyday routine of getting ready—whether that means applying a winged liner, blending concealer, or plucking eyebrows—makeup mirrors are the beauty-world evolution of that impulse, offering the close-up view we rely on to see every detail.
Mirrors date back to antiquity, but since we’re not here for Reflection History 101, let’s just say the technology has grown leaps and bounds over the centuries—much like makeup. And in the same way that we’ve progressed past lead-based ceruse to lightweight foundations with advanced blurring technology, the mirrors of the 21st century provide souped-up features like magnification, LED lighting with cool and warm settings, and even Bluetooth capabilities—making it easier than ever to grab that errant chin hair, or to apply the aforementioned lightweight foundation without a single streak in sight.
Ready to take a trip through the looking glass? Ahead, I rounded up some of my favorite makeup mirrors, including fancy vanity setups, pretty hand-held options, and convenient compacts.
Eden Stuart takes a photo of her reflection in her vanity makeup mirror.
(Image credit: Future)
Vanity Heros
If you need a new mirror for your vanity to get ready every day, these are the best of the bunch. There’s everything from a desktop classic to a glamorous Hollywood style pick.
Conair
Lighted Makeup Mirror
Conair might be the most recognized name in beauty tools, and, much like its blow-dry brushes and hot rollers, the brand’s mirrors are relatively no-frills options that get the job done at super reasonable prices. I have a slightly older model of this oval, dual-sided mirror, with one very magnifying side and lights on both sides.
Riki Loves Riki
Skinny 2.0
Your favorite beauty lover’s favorite LED mirror, the Riki Skinny Duo has a higher price tag, but for good reason: It’s got warm and cool lighting settings, Bluetooth capabilities (including a selfie function), and comes with a magnifying mirror for detail work and a phone holder for channeling your inner Beautuber.
COSMIRROR
Lighted Makeup Vanity Mirror
Yep, I bought this mirror on Amazon because it was the cheapest and highest-rated, and that’s my approach to just about everything. And it was worth it: Super lightweight and relatively small (at 10.6″L x 10.6″W), it’s got cooler lighting and both USB and battery capabilities, making it perfect for folks (like me) who might be doing their makeup in their bedroom one night or the living room the next.
Zadro
Large Horizontal Hollywood Makeup Mirror With Lights
If your dream is to sit in front of a makeup mirror and feel like a 21st-century Margo Channing, you have to go Hollywood—AKA, a large mirror with classic lightbulbs. This one by Zadro has cool, warm, and neutral white light settings, and, at a pretty decent size, is ideal for the person with plenty of real estate for their glam.
Handheld Beauties
Interested in a mirror to hold up to your face in a castle (or your 500 sq. ft. apartment) and ask, “Who’s the fairest of them all?” These are your girls.
Flower Knows
Strawberry Cupid Hand Mirror
Conversely, if your mirror dreams are more “A land far, far away” than “Hollywoodland,” consider adding one of Flower Knows’ ornate hand mirrors to your vanity. I’m partial to this strawberry-accented one because it looks like a cake from Marie Antoinette in mirror form.
Impressions Vanity Co.
Amour Led Handheld Makeup Mirror
If your mirror ethos is “I refuse to sacrifice personality for technology,” Impressions is for you. The brand purveys all things vanity, including LED mirrors designed like or decorated with beloved characters. This fanciful handheld option is giving “Disney princess who refuses to leave even one stray hair in her brows.”
Cool Compacts
These are the mirrors that fit in the palm of your hand or your cutest going-out bag, perfect for reapplying lipstick or surreptitiously spying on someone behind you.
Fancii
Taylor Led Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror
Not only does Fancii’s, well, fancy little LED compact come with three light settings and different magnification on each side—it’s also available in so many colors and patterns, you could truly keep a matching mirror in every purse.
Machete
Circle Mirror in Midnight Horn
Machete’s acetate accessories provide the kind of elegant touches that elevate truly any ensemble. Pulling one out of my purse makes me feel like a sophisticated woman who definitely does not have three lip glosses and an old cough drop at the bottom of her bag.
Kitsch
LED Compact Mirror Keychain
I’m a sucker for ‘70s vibes and bag charms, so yes, this Kitsch compact was basically made in a “For Eden Factory.” But, with the LED lights and dual magnification, I’m pretty confident people who aren’t me will love this one, too.
LALAIS
The Blotting Compact
What this chic white compact lacks in lighting, it more than makes up for in keeping you from looking a little too lit-from-within. Along with a nice, large mirror, this compact includes an adhesive puff that picks up individual blotting papers for sanitary, convenient touch-ups and oil absorption.
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