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Why Beauty Editors And Make-Up Artists Rely On Make-Up Mirrors With Lights
A professional finish, right this way.
The start of May means plenty of bank holiday celebrations, weddings, hen dos' and summer getaways, which often calls for picture perfect make-up. One lesson we've picked up from the pros backstage, is that having good lighting is key to ensuring a clean finish.
In a dimly-lit room, it's easy to think you've done a pretty good job, only to emerge into the unforgiving light of day (or, even worse, the fluorescent glow of overhead lighting) and realise that your foundation is patchier than a 4G connection on the tube. And don't even get us started on how our blusher ended up there...
Enter: the light-up makeup mirror. Forget versions of old, where subpar lights had a lifespan of approximately 2 minutes; now, a new generation of bright and sleek mirrors offer everything from built-in sensors to state-of-the-art lighting technology.
The right mirror can be the difference between mastering a perfect feline flick in seconds and cancelling a night out because you've got Failed Eyeliner Rage (our tip: place an adjustable round mirror on your desk and use your elbows for balance). Even make-up maven and founder of Vieve, Jamie Genevieve, is a fan. She used the Riki Cutie Mirror on her wedding day as it's 'the perfect size to take when travelling since it's not too big, not too small and is also rechargeable.' That specific one is currently out of stock (it's that good), but there are plenty of alternatives that are just as excellent, if not better.
Keep reading to find our editor-approved selection of make-up mirrors to shop now. P/s, there are a few that's currently on sale too.
The best light-up mirrors to invest in now
For all your upcoming hen-dos, weddings, and summer jaunts, this lightweight, flatpack mirror is convenient for travel. It's easily rechargeable and features three light modes so you get a perfect finish, every single time.
Not only does this mirror have a sensor built in which turns on when you're sitting in front of it, but you can wave goodbye to harsh fake lighting because Simplehuman uses 'tru lux' technology to imitate sunlight, allowing you to apply your make-up as easily and accurately as you would in natural light.
The Beautifect mirror makes applying your make-up a breeze, and it looks good doing it with a sleek nude or gold base, crystal clear 10” mirror with a magnetic magnifying mirror on top, and precision control dial for adjustable LED lighting.
This sleek make-up mirror wins points for practicality as it not only features dimmable LED bulbs to mimic natural sunlight and two magnifying mirrors, but also has a little storage area on the base (which, might we add, is detachable for easy transport). Plus, it can work using either batteries or a USB cable charger. A winner all-round.
HoMedics’ no-fuss mirror is brilliant for space savers – it’s battery-powered with a small base, so it's perfect for storing on a smaller surface. Plus, the rotating mirror offers 1x and 7x magnification for getting up close and personal with your reflection.
For natural and soft-focus light, opt for this rose gold mirror. It comes with 10x magnification (great for when you're doing Euphoria-level intricate eye looks) that you can attach and detach as you please, and has three brightness settings so you can control just how high definition you want to see your face.
With 21 LED lights controlled by a touch sensor, you can adjust the brightness as much or as little as you like. It has a high-sensitibity touch screen sensor to easily turn it on and off, while the small – detachable – 10x magnification mirror makes it easy to see up close.
This straightforward tabletop mirror is practical and does the job of lighting up dark mornings without any hassle. One charge lasts five hours (great for taking on holidays) and there's a smaller, 10x magnifying mirror attachment too.
This sleek, battery-operated light-up magnifying mirror has suction cups on the back so you can use it both as a handheld compact or attach it your mirror or a flat surface. It offers 15x magnification so you can tweeze stray brow hairs and spot conceal with ease.
This tabletop mirror has a built-in ring light with three colour modes in five brightness levels, an adjustable phone holder and a USB charger so you can film endless content. Lights, camera, action.
Just when we thought it couldn't get much better than a mirror with built-in lighting, along comes this multipurpose fan, mirror and ring light. Summer heat's got nothing on you.
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