Our best overall pick is the Riki Loves Riki Skinny Mirror, thanks to its rechargeable design, quality LED lighting, and phone mount that allows it to double as a ring light. Here are the best makeup mirrors. Our favorite makeup mirror is the RIKI LOVES RIKI Skinny LED Travel Mirror because it’s easily packable and features a phone mount for expertly lighted selfies. This mirror measures 13 x 9.5 inches (about the size of an iPad) and comes with a stand you can prop up on a table or vanity. The “Skinny” is also sleek—just three-eighths of an inch thick and weighs only 1.5 pounds. We love that this is a great lighted mirror that’s small enough for travel, but the carrying case is sold separately, which is less than ideal. This mirror’s clip-on phone mount can be used for selfies, following step-by-step makeup tutorials, or good lighting on Zoom. Also included is a round magnetic mirror with 5 times magnification, which works well for close-up needs like eyeliner and eyeshadow application. Riki Loves Riki claims their LED lights have a high color rendering index (CRI), which refers to the light source’s ability to reveal color accurately—this is the type of light you’d want in a museum or photography studio, and it’s also a great feature to include in a makeup light. While this mirror is certainly an investment, it’s a great compact option that’s valued for its quality and universality. Price at time of publish: $230 There are two LED light strips. You can adjust the brightness and the color temperature using the touchscreen, recreating five different scenarios, including sunset, bright overhead office lighting, and a dim restaurant setting. The built-in, skin-analyzing software can pick out dark circles and red spots. The tablet includes apps such as Spotify, Google Duo, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can even see how neon eyeliner or glittery shadow looks before applying it by using the mirror’s augmented reality (AR) feature, which allows you to try out different makeup styles. Price at time of publish: $100 The mirror measures 5 inches in diameter and about a foot high. It also has LED bulbs that simulate natural sunlight and have a lifetime guarantee. If you’re planning to travel, you can fold the mirror and pack it in the included carrying case. It recharges with a USB cable, so you won’t have to deal with messy cords. One charging session should last about five weeks. Price at time of publish: $130 The mirror has a border of 35 LED lights that can be brightened and dimmed by holding and tapping a finger on the power button. It includes a small detachable mirror with 10 times magnification used for detailed tasks like applying eyeliner or mascara. You can charge it using the USB cable or use AA batteries. Price at time of publish: $40 This mirror measures just 4 inches across and weighs 4.5 ounces, so you’ll barely know you’re carrying it. The surface is guaranteed to be distortion-free, and the mirror is covered by an 18-month warranty. Price at time of publish: $25 This mirror include a 120V outlet if you need to plug in an accessory like a flat iron. You will need to plug the mirror into an outlet (battery power isn’t an option), but there’s also a USB port for those mornings when you also need to charge your phone. You can adjust the angle of the mirror using its stand. Price at time of publish: $38
Tech Components
Many of the mirrors highlighted above are high-tech to some degree, whether they offer Bluetooth-enabled features or built-in apps. Whether you choose to purchase one of these may depend on your comfort level with such forms of technology as well as how frequently you plan to use your mirror. If you only anticipate using your mirror to get ready for more formal events (as opposed to using it on a daily basis), you may not need so many bells and whistles.
Price
Like any gadget, makeup mirrors are offered at a range of prices. You will want to consider factors such as frequency of use and durability when making your purchase. If you travel often, you will want a mirror that won’t scratch easily when packed in a suitcase, for example.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer has written about sunscreens and kids’ electronics for The Spruce. She’s had her current stand-up chrome mirror for so long she can’t quite remember where she purchased it, but writing this story has made her seriously think about upping her game.
