I Spent 2 Years Testing Makeup Mirrors, And These Are The Only 4 That I'd Repurchase (2025)

Editor's Note (2/28/25): When this story was originally published, I included dozens of mirrors that I personally tested and loved, along with top-rated models from reputable brands sold on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Wayfair. However, I didn't want to rely on anonymous shopper reviews to help curate my suggestions so I tested 20 lighted makeup mirrors over two years, and ultimately decided these four mirrors are truly the best of the best. While it's hard to beat the Riki Loves Riki Skinny mirror, there were a few promising options that truly impressed me, which TBH, is no easy feat since I'm extremely picky and will even dismiss a mirror for something relatively minor because I don't want to waste your time or money.

Calling New York City home is truly a privilege, but two things that are seriously lacking in many city apartments, including mine, are great natural light and a well-lit bathroom. I've done my makeup at night thinking it looks on-point, only to head out for the evening and realize that I applied way too much blush and look reminiscent of a 1980s newscaster. Tired of the disconnect between how my makeup appears in my bathroom versus IRL, I knew it was time to finally upgrade my makeup game with my new all-time favorite beauty tool: lighted makeup mirrors.

These vanity essentials have seriously improved my skincare, makeup, and hair styling routines because I can illuminate my features and see micro details — like mascara volume, stray eyebrow hairs, and winged liner — up close without squinting. (No more over-applyied bronzer or unblended eyeshadows.) After all, a great beauty routine is all about precision, and no other tool makes getting dolled up as easy and accurate as my favorite lighted makeup mirrors.

The Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors

• Best Overall: Glamcor Riki 10X Skinny Lighted Mirror
• Best Budget: Fancii LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror
  
• Best For Travel: Vanity Planet Travel Makeup Bag
• Best For Content Creators: Ilios Lighting Beauty Ring Light

Why Use a Lighted Makeup Mirror

These game-changing lighted makeup mirrors provide an up-close look at the face that a traditional mirror simply can't offer. Like with so many other products, technology has seriously changed the mirror game. Common high-tech lighted makeup mirror features include touchscreen technology, handheld LED mirrors for on-the-go primping, and even Bluetooth technology to connect with your smart phone so you can record content for TikTok and Instagram Reels.

How We Chose These Lighted Makeup Mirrors

I've been testing lighted makeup mirrors for two years, and finally discovered four epic options I feel comfortable recommending after evaluating for quite literally thousands of hours. Below is more insight into how I evaluated each mirror and concluded these are the options that I would definitely repurchase if they ever accidentally broke during a move.

Adjustable Lighting That Doesn't Overheat

Beyond shopping for clear glass mirrors that accurately show my features without distortions, I prioritized options with adjustable lighting.

It's my top non-negotiable feature because I want a lighted makeup mirror that offers impressive brightness to highlight my features without blinding me or any guests. Some mirrors have incandescent lightbulbs that overheat, but all of my favorites use LED lights to illuminate my space. LED lights are more energy-efficient, and some even have different temperatures, like warm light, to mimic how my glam look will present during a night out or at a candle lit dinner, while cool lighting is most helpful for primping for the office.

Magnification Zooms In On Tiny Details and Is Helpful For Anyone With Vision Issues

Not all makeup mirrors come with an optional magnifying mirror, which is fine. I can still closely see my features without them, but I know some people, including those who regularly remove unwanted facial hair and groom their brows will appreciate magnification, so I tested a few options. Also, someone who has any visual impairments will appreciate lighted makeup mirrors that help to magnify details. Magnification varies across brands, but the most common I saw during my research and testing process were 5X and 10X. Throughout my testing process, I relied on any accompanying magnifying mirrors to apply winged eyeliner, tight line my upper lash line, and groom my brows.

Let The Size Of Your Space Guide Your Ideal Mirror Size

If you have the room, budget, and skills to install a wall-mounted lighted makeup mirror, then lucky you. However, I've lived in apartments in major cities for several years, and I understand the importance of maximizing space in a smaller home. So, I wanted to spotlight portable options that don't occupy massive room. Given the relatively compact size of my recommendations, these lighted makeup mirrors are excellent gift options for someone who lives in the dorms or for upcoming grads moving into their first apartments.

For example, I love my Riki Tall Mirror, but it's more than two feet tall. While it's a sleek, statement-making piece that looks chic on my dresser, not everyone wants to commit to a larger, pricier $525 lighted makeup mirror. Instead, I'm spotlighting the smaller, travel-friendly Riki Skinny Mirror that tucks neatly into my desk drawer and helps eliminate visual clutter when not in use.

Regardless of which mirror you opt for, as long as you have access to a power outlet, you can use any of my lighted makeup mirror recommendations anywhere in your space. A bonus: Smaller mirrors also cost less, which is always a win. (Might I suggest spending your savings on a sweet new hair dryer brush, facial steamer, or hair dryer like my beloved Dyson Supersonic?)

The Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors

After spending thousands of hours testing lighted makeup mirrors, these are my top recommendations actually worth using.

Sure, the array of colors is enticing, but it's the combination of accessories and this mirror's overall functionality that make it a true standout worthy of my best overall distinction. Case in point: I've been a fan of the Riki Skinny for several years and once used the light as a makeshift flashlight when a storm knocked out my power. (Yup, the highest brightness level really is that impressive IRL.)

So, what else makes this mirror well worth the princely price tag? For starters, it's incredibly durable. I've had my Riki Skinny since 2021, and it's still going strong. The built-in LED lights are never dull, and I can use the mirror cordlessly for about a week before recharging. The lights also never heat up and remain cool to the touch whenever I'm primping. (Goodbye sweat-inducing bulbs that can cause my liquid and cream makeup to melt off before I have a chance to lock it in place with setting powder.)

Beyond offering five levels of customized HD lighting and dual voltage compatibility for international travel, this mirror comes with a mini 10X mirror. There is a version with a 5X mirror, but I would rather spend a little extra cash and see twice as closely on my pores during extractions, tweezing my brows, or applying falsies.

This investment-worthy mirror also comes with four other accessories, including my two favorites: a magnetic phone holder that can fit the iPhone 15 Plus, and a handy stand with a texturized blue base that prevents it from sliding around on different surfaces, ranging from my work desk and wooden dresser to my granite countertop.

Oh, and get this: If someone wants to level up their day in the life vlogs, then they'll love that it boasts Bluetooth connectivity to snap selfies. And now that TikTok is back, Red Note is bubbling up in America, and new social platforms are popping up, too, so now is the ideal time to step in front of the camera and become the next big content creator a la Addison Rae. Consider this someone's 21st-century mirror fit for the social media era.

Fancii’s well-lit offering features a traditional 1X mirror on one side and 10X magnification on the other which is especially helpful in ensuring my makeup game is on point throughout the day. The battery-powered LED makeup mirror can last up to 20,000 hours, and is available in three colors: Rose Gold, Black, and Silk White. The impressive CR2 battery-powered life is super practical for someone like me who always misplaces their seemingly endless amount of cords.

I honestly didn't think I was going to use Fancii's lighted makeup mirror as frequently as I did until I got my hands on one. It earned high marks during my testing window because the dual 1X and 10x mirrors are clear and crisp, accurately reflecting what I look like each day. I've never dealt with any distortion which can be a problem with other cheaper compact mirrors. And unlike other compact makeup mirrors I've tested, Fancii boasts three levels of light. Plus, the relatively small size fits into most of my purses so I can always check out my hair and lipstick while on the go, and ensure my food didn't get stuck in my gums.

Need a mirror to take with you on your next trip? Vanity Planet has got you covered because Baia combines a top-tier lighted makeup mirror in a hard-shell medium-sized case which eliminates the need (and extra cost) of buying a separate cosmetic case and mirror.

The dimmable LED makeup mirror is equipped with three light settings: White light to recreate natural outdoor lighting, warm light for nights out, and a cooler-tone light for indoor settings like the office. I can also use it hands-free, of course, but I like having the flexibility of removing the velcro strap to hold my mirror when I need a closer look at my eyeshadows and under-eye concealer. The Baia mirror surpasses my expectations as I adore how the brightness of the mirror can change with a single touch, and the crispness of the mirror is truly impressive.

I'm also obsessed with the included travel case. Despite the protective exterior, it's surprisingly lightweight which is atypical of other comparable models. The roomy case comes with several dividers allowing me to customize each compartment size. Thanks to this beauty gift idea, I can travel and safely stash all of my beauty essentials, including makeup brushes, pressed powders, and my new favorite Les Eaux Primordiales Amber perfume that smells like a gourmand lovers dream of honey, apple, cinnamon, cardamom, and amber, naturally.

To be completely honest, I've tossed this case around and it remains sturdy. It's constantly moved around my apartment, like my closet shelf, under my bed, proudly displayed on my dresser. I've also traveled with it to work when I need to primp before events, and carried it on multiple cross-country trips without a single damaged corner or beauty product. I own the pretty pink case, but the brand also makes a black one if that's more your vibe.

I have Kardashian fatigue as much as the next person, but their go-to makeup artist created a noteworthy lighted mirror priced relatively reasonably.

The two-in-one beauty tool combines all the benefits of a well-lit vanity mirror with the modern convenience of a built-in ring light. At the center of the tool is a reversible mirror and there are adjustable LED bright lights along the perimeter. I can remove the mirror and swap it out with the included phone holder to snap selfies, but TikTokers can create content without buying a cumbersome tripod.

There is also a 360-degree free rotation, perfect enough to hold any position, no matter where I am in the room. This unique flexibility is pretty sweet because I can ensure my makeup game is always on point from all angles. (Embarrassing line of demarcation? IDK her!) My fellow makeup lovers will also appreciate the magnification levels of 1X and 5X, along with the optional magnetic 10X mirrors for that extreme closeup when you want to remove unwanted facial hair or deal with every congested pore.

Why Trust Us

As our beauty editor, I helm the researching, writing, and editing of our beauty shopping guides and test hundreds of new beauty products, including these lighted makeup mirrors. I also helm a seasonal column spotlighting my favorite editor-tested new releases, and execute our awards packages like Best New Beauty, Summer Beauty Awards, and Best Of The Best. I regularly interview dozens of board-certified dermatologists and celebrity glam squad members to bring you expert-backed, shoppable solutions to your most pressing beauty concerns. I also pen in-depth product reviews on everything from vitamin C serum and my favorite body serum to Oprah's favorite hot sauce.