When you become as much of a makeup fan as I am, it will soon become clear that a good makeup mirror is an absolute must. Here are the key aspects that you need to look for in your next makeup mirror.
What are the most important factors that your makeup mirror needs to have?
- Good Lighting Is Vital For A Makeup Mirror
- Having Magnification In Your Mirror Helps A Lot
- Choose The Best Size Mirror For The Space You Have Available
- Consider How Transportable Your Mirror Is If You Travel
- The Material Of Your Mirror’s Frame Needs To Fit Your Decor
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors and why they make such a difference.
Why You Need A Good Makeup Mirror
When it comes to flawless makeup application, having a good makeup mirror is essential or your makeup won’t come out as planned.
You could opt for a makeup vanity mirror or a magnifying mirror. Whichever you choose, using some of your makeup budget to invest in the right mirror for you will be key in achieving Insta-worthy makeup every time.
Almost none of us possess the legendary mirror-free makeup skills of YouTuber Molly Burke, so pull up a chair and let’s choose you a good mirror.
Here are the 5 things to look for in a makeup mirror:
Good Lighting Is Vital For A Makeup Mirror
Obviously natural light is the best light you can use for doing your makeup. However, that isn’t always practical. Maybe you don’t have a window near your vanity, or you are getting ready on a cloudy day or at night.
Most indoor lights have a warm yellowish tone that can affect how your foundation looks on your skin and make it more difficult to blend eyeshadow. Also, overhead indoor lights can cast shadows on your face which makes doing your makeup a bit more tricky.
Look for a vanity that has bright LED or fluorescent bulbs that give off a cooler tone of white light that is closer to natural light and can surround your face with a light source.
Having Magnification In Your Mirror Helps A Lot
Do you find yourself leaning really close to your mirror in order to do your waterline or see how your pores look then you need a makeup mirror with magnification? Using a magnification mirror is certainly easier than holding your mirror an inch from your face while doing your makeup.
Magnification mirrors are usually two-sided with one side as a normal mirror. That is useful as a high magnification mirror gives you a blurry reflection from a distance like when you do the final check of your overall makeup look and do your hair.
Choose The Best Size Mirror For The Space You Have Available
Makeup mirrors come in a variety of sizes. I have three makeup mirrors in very different sizes. I have a dedicated makeup vanity so a well-lit large mirror is a great asset. I also have a small magnification mirror that stands on my vanity. And finally, I have a compact makeup mirror that fits in my handbag for any touch-ups that I need to do during the day.
Choose the size of mirror, or multiple mirrors like I have, that will best suit you and your circumstances.
Consider How Transportable Your Mirror Is If You Travel
The size of the mirror that you choose plays into its transportability. My compact mirror is the most transportable as it easily fits in my handbag. The magnification mirror that stands on my vanity has a lightweight plastic stand and is small enough to pack in my luggage when I go on a business trip or vacation.
That said, don’t make the same mistake that I made. Travel size makeup mirrors don’t travel well when packed together with shoes. I can assure you that steel-spike stilettos and plastic frame makeup mirrors don’t pack well together in the same compartment of your luggage at all.
The Material Of Your Mirror’s Frame Needs To Fit Your Décor
Consider the material that your mirror’s frame/stand is made from. If are only ever going to use your magnifying mirror on your vanity then you can choose one with a stable, heavy metal base in a color that matches your décor.
However, if you want to use your magnifying makeup mirror for travel like I do then a lightweight plastic frame will be more optimal.
The same goes for the large mirror at your vanity. Choose one that matches the décor of your room. The compact mirror in your handbag should match your personal style.
Now that you know how to choose a makeup mirror, you’re ready to go shopping for one. Here are a few options for you to look at: