Hand Held Mirrors to Makeup Mirrors With Different Light Settings

Contrary to popular belief, the most important makeup tool of all is also probably the most underrated: the mirror. A makeup mirror with different light settings is a must! For women over 50, magnifying and lighted makeup mirrors come in all different types, styles, and functionality.

There’s more to choosing a makeup mirror than meets the eye! How do you know what is the best hand held magnifying mirror, the highest magnification mirror, or the best travel mirror? It is important to know the difference between the various types so you make an informed purchase.

Up Close & Personal: 5 Different Types Of Makeup Mirrors

Here are 5 primary types of makeup mirrors:

  • Magnifying Mirrors
  • Makeup mirrors with different light settings
  • Wall Mounted & Tabletop Mirrors
  • Accessory and Travel Mirrors
  • Hand Held Mirrors

Each of these include a host of other options! For example, a magnifying mirror, travel mirror or wall mounted mirror can also be lighted

A great makeup mirror can literally make or break your entire look, as this is what will help you pick out minor flaws in your overall application that can be corrected. And as we age, it’s important to make sure we can see everything! Much like selecting among the different beauty brands to use, finding the best makeup mirror for you is an investment that depends on several factors.

1. Magnifying Mirrors

To amp up your getting ready routine to the next level, consider buying a magnifying makeup mirror. These mirrors allow you to zoom in on your features and typically come with varying magnifying levels that range from 2x to up to 10x. They allow you to get up close and personal with precise areas of your face to aid in flawlessly applying products and creams, as opposed to makeup mirrors that are not magnifying.

When deciding which magnifying level to go with, take into account your eyesight. If you’re lucky enough to have near perfect vision, then mirrors with a 2x to 5x range should do the trick in helping you nail a perfect winged eyeliner or bold lipstick look. To get the best of both worlds, most magnifying mirrors come with two sides, one that magnifies and one that doesn’t, so you can alternately switch it up as you go along.

For a quick rundown on the magnification levels, 2x to 5x is common for those without vision issues, 7x to 8x will allow a more crystal clear close-up view, and mirrors with levels that reach 10x and beyond will let you see every pore or hair on the planes of your face.

Our Top Pick
Mirrorvana Large Double Sided 10X and 1X Magnifying Makeup Mirror with Stand

Mirrorvana Large Double Sided 10X and 1X Magnifying Makeup Mirror with Stand

See every single detail even without your glasses no matter whether you’re doing your makeup, lashes, eyebrows, plucking or tweezing. Flip back to the 1X side when you don’t need magnification.

2. Makeup Mirrors With Different Light Settings

Good lighting is essential when applying makeup and is another must-have when it comes to beauty maintenance. And adding light to a magnifying mirror is one way to double up the effectiveness and get the best value for your money.

There are different kinds of lighting settings for makeup mirrors, and some brands carry items that have adjustable settings that can take you from soft to ultra bright. Incandescent lighting on mirrors will give you a warmer, softer shimmer that is best for touch ups and minimal grooming. However, LED and fluorescent lighting should be your priority as they can save on energy while also delivering illumination levels that are near to daylight, the number one kind of light for putting makeup.

Our Top Pick
Jerdon Tri-Fold Two-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror

Jerdon Tri-Fold Two-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror

Includes 4 adjustable settings for daytime, evening, home and office environments. Glare-free fluorescent lighting. 1x and 5x magnification options to make sure every detail is in place.

3. Wall-Mounted and Tabletop Mirrors

Another thing to think about when choosing a makeup mirror is where you intend to place it. Are you the type to do your makeup sitting at a desk or vanity? Or do you prefer one that is attached to the wall so that you can walk past it and fix your makeup at a glance? Most mirrors are either wall-mounted or tabletop ones, and each has its own benefits that will cater to your needs.

Tabletop mirrors are best for those who do not have a sole designated area for getting ready, as they are more portable and can be carried around to different areas. But if your bathroom counter or bedroom has a lot of space, then magnifying mirrors wall mounted are a fine addition to the interior of any room.

When it comes to magnification levels, a wall-mounted one will require a higher level as it cannot be brought around as easily.

Our Top Pick
Jerdon Tri-Fold Two-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror

Ovente Lighted Wall Mounted Makeup Mirror

Elegant Extending Arm: This wall mounted mirror has an extending arm that pulls and pushes back against the wall. It creates a luxurious lit experience while folding towards you as needed and away after use.

 

4. Accessory & Travel Mirrors

Everyone needs a small makeup mirror for purse or travel bag. A good travel mirror is a must! They are most convenient for touch ups and quick checks that can be done while on the go.

Our Top Pick
Travel Mirror, Portable LED Lighted Makeup Mirror

Travel Mirror, Portable LED Lighted Makeup Mirror

Comes with 8 dimmable LED lights. The brightness of mirror lights is adjustable by finger touch. One polished glass and one 2 x magnification, perfect for travel, office, outdoor and even at home.

5. Handheld Mirrors

Handheld mirrors are best used when looking at yourself in conjunction with a bathroom mirror or at your vanity. They come in different sizes and can be small enough to bring around in a bag, or large enough that you will need both hands to examine your appearance. However, these small mirrors can pack a punch and come with magnification levels that go up to 10x as they are useful for honing into the finer details of your finished look after using a stationary mirror.

Our Top Pick
OMIRO Hand Mirror, Black Handheld Mirror with Handle

OMIRO Hand Mirror, Black Handheld Mirror with Handle

1X Regular Mirror: Single-sided glass mirror with no magnification, no distortion
Large viewing: 6.3″x 5.3″ viewing surface.

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