When it comes to grooming, and specifically shaving your face, having a magnifying mirror can mean the difference between a 5 o’clock shadow at 10 am and a fresh, professional-looking face. Getting a closer view of your face can help improve grooming results and provide a clearer reflection for users with poor eyesight.
Magnifying mirrors often include an added light source, a feature that protects against shadows often created by the standard bathroom or bedroom lighting. Lighted mirrors help give users a clear view of their faces, which makes it easier to see spots that have been missed by a razor.
Types of Mirror Lighting
You’ll notice in the list below, that mirrors with lights come in all shapes and sizes. They also come with different lighting features, such as LED bulbs, incandescent bulbs, dimmable bulbs, bright white bulbs and warm light bulbs. Some mirrors have a single type of fixed light, while others may have both white and warm light or be dimmable to your preference.
Depending on the type of grooming you’re doing, different lighting features are more appropriate than others. When shaving or combing your hair, incandescent lighting and its warmer tone is the best fit. Makeup application is best done with a brighter, whiter light setting.
Types of Makeup Mirrors
Like normal mirrors, makeup and magnifying mirrors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common are:
- Freestanding makeup mirrors
- Compact makeup mirrors
- Suction cup, mirror-mounted makeup mirrors
- Wall-mounted makeup mirrors on an arm
- Full-sized, wall-mounted makeup mirrors
Magnifying mirrors are often freestanding and can be placed on a vanity, thus helping to avoid the uncomfortable lean-over-the-sink move when trying to trim your mustache or pull rogue nose hairs. For those with limited counter space in their bathroom, a magnifying mirror that suctions to the larger mirror may be a better fit.
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If you’re ready to stop leaning and start seeing yourself clearly, check out our top picks for the best magnified mirrors.
1. Conair Reflections Double-Sided Vanity Mirror
BEST OVERALL
The Conair Reflections Double-Sided Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror features a soft halo-like light effect that gives users a bright reflection that is ideal for grooming. Customers can easily rotate between the 1x magnification and a 7x magnification option and choose to keep the light on or off with the flip of a switch when the Confair is plugged into a power source. The mirror comes with 20 Watt bulbs that have an impressively long lifespan and Conair also sells their own replacement bulbs. We like that the 6 x 8.5-inch oval-shaped mirror has a sturdy base to keep it in place on a countertop and a sleek modern finish that matches most decors.
2. Raytix Magnifying Mirror
BEST MAGNIFICATION
When it’s time to really (and we mean really) get to know yourself, the Raytix Magnifying Mirror should be your number one choice. The compact 4-inch mirror boasts a powerful 20x magnification, giving users the chance to see, well, everything. The back of the Raytix features three strong suction cups that make it convenient to adhere to a larger mirror or a bathroom wall. The Raytix even comes with a pair of tweezers, which is good news because you’re about to see every hair you missed while shaving and plucking.
3. Secura Magnifying Vanity Makeup Mirror
BEST ROTATION
With 360 degrees of swiveling capability, the Secura 7X Magnifying Vanity Makeup Mirror is ideal for users looking for flexibility in their mirror. The design includes an easy-to-fix suction cup base which, along with the battery operation, makes this mirror great for both home and travel use, so long as you have a flat surface to mount on. For illumination, the mirror houses 16 natural warm and white LED lights which allow you to see even the smallest details of your face in the magnifying mirror surface.
4. Absolutely Luvly Trifold Vanity Mirror
BEST MULTI-VIEW OPTION
Never miss an angle, lighted view, or a close-up look at your gorgeous self again thanks to the Absolutely Luvly Trifold Vanity Mirror with Lights. The high definition mirror is framed with bright LED lights that are convenient to dim thanks to the touch-screen controls. The multiview folding mirror makes it easy for users to see profile angles of themselves and check their hair and skin. The mirror comes with 2x and 3x magnification levels and is powered by batteries, meaning users don’t have to find a spot near an outlet in order to get a brightly lit view.
5. EASEHOLD Makeup Mirror
BEST FOR MAKEUP
The EASEHOLD Makeup Mirror is made up of one 1X, one 2X, one 5X and one 10X magnification mirror, making it a great all-in-one choice. No matter whether you want to see your whole face or inspect the minor details, this mirror can accommodate your needs. The well-reviewed mirror also offers step-less dimming which allows you to choose the exact light level between 300 and 1000 Lux that best suits your needs at the time. Additionally, the ability to choose between running the mirror of four AAA batteries or a micro USB cable makes it handy for both home and remote use.
6. FASCINATE Portable Lighted Makeup Mirror
MOST VERSATILE
The FASCINATE Portable Lighted Makeup Mirror includes a number of bells and whistles which make it a versatile option for every kind of user. From the built-in phone holder, which lets you see incoming messages or play your music while you use it, to the adjustable stand, which can be used for either standing or hanging arrangements, there’s not much this mirror can’t help you with when it comes to viewing yourself. Furthermore, the touch-button on the mirror’s face allows for step-less dimming, and you get to choose between two power sources in the form of four AA batteries or the included USB cable.
7. Fancii LED Lighted Travel Mirror
BEST FOR TRAVEL
Do you know which hotels have good bathroom lighting? Neither do we. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you should explore a new city with a bad shaving job. Thanks to the Fancii LED Lighted Travel Mirror, customers can get the up-close-and-personal grooming experience they typically do using their magnifying mirror at home even when they’re on the road. The compact style mirror provides 1x and 10x magnification and the built-in LED lights have an impressive 20,000-hour lifespan.
8. JiBen Flexible Gooseneck Magnifying Mirror
MOST FLEXIBLE
Like most things in the world, if you stick it on the end of an all-direction, flexible arm, a mirror becomes a little bit more useful. And this is exactly the case with the JiBen Flexible Gooseneck Magnifying Makeup Mirror. The design includes a suction cup fixture which makes the mirror both a handy standalone mirror as well as a useful addition to adhere to your existing mirror setup for greater freedom during use. The 12-inch arm can be moved in any direction, and along with the 5-inch diameter and 10X magnification mirror face, this ensures you can see wherever you want to, right down to the little details.
9. Beautifive Lighted Makeup Mirror
BEST COMPACT
The Beautifive Lighted Makeup Mirror is a portable device that will help you fix your beard or pluck that stray hair whenever wherever. The one thing that sets this magnifying mirror with lights apart from other mirror compacts is that it features an extendable arm, meaning you can set up a mini version of your at-home standing mirror anywhere. The glass is double-sided, giving you one normal mirror and one that is 7x magnified. Plus, the LED lights can be powered by AAA batteries or USB.
10. Fancii Magnifying Lighted Mirror
BEST MAGNIFICATION LEVEL
Featuring an airtight suction cup that can adhere to countertops, mirrors, ceramic, porcelain, and tile, the Fancii 10X Magnifying Lighted Makeup Mirror comes equipped with a 360-degree swivel stand that enables users to find the perfect angle. The Fancii has a powerful 10 x magnification, providing a much higher degree of magnification than most of its competitors. This is ideal for people who need extreme magnification that is perfect for pulling out nose hairs and close-up shaves. The Fancii is cordless and uses natural LED to illuminate the edges of the mirror, which thanks to its suction cup is ideal for users with limited counter space.
11. Funtouch Makeup Mirror
BEST STORAGE AREA
We know you use your magnifying mirror with lights to apply your make up and generally make sure your face looks as good as it can. So, why not invest in a mirror that has its own storage area for your razors, brushes and tweezers? That’s exactly what the Funtouch Makeup Mirror offers. The organizer boasts two drawers as well as several compartments on top for your beauty supplies, while the mirror itself features 21 LED lights and a smaller, 10x magnification mirror. As an added bonus, suction cups on the bottom of the device help keep it in place wherever you need a looking glass.
12. Ovente Wall Mounted Vanity Mirror
BEST WALL-MOUNTED DESIGN
No counter space? No problem. The Ovente Wall Mounted Vanity Mirror easily attaches to a bathroom wall using two screws and provides users with a convenient and out-of-the-way magnifying mirror. Customers can choose between a double-sided mirror that offers 1x and 7x magnification or a mirror with 1x and 10x magnification. The cordless Ovente has a natural white LED light surrounding both sides of the mirror, which is battery powered. We also like that the extending arm on the Ovente can pivot and turn, making it simple for users to adjust the mirror to the position most comfortable for them.
13. Jerdon Tri-Fold Two-Sided Lighted Mirror
MOST ADJUSTABLE
With adjustable light settings and an additional power source that can charge your phone, power a hair dryer or an electric razor, the Tri-Fold mirror from Jerdon is a solid choice for anyone looking to up their grooming game. The Jerdon comes with four glare-free lighting options, including Day, Office, Evening and Home. The primary mirror swivels to give users the option of 1x or 5x magnification, with two side mirrors offering additional angles. The Jerdon has a stand that can be adjusted to 11 height positions to get the perfect angle and the mirror folds flat for secure storage.
14. Creators Lighted LED Makeup Magnifying Mirror
MOST STYLISH
Thanks to its rose-gold finish, angled design and dual-arm, the Creators Lighted LED Makeup Magnifying Mirror takes the “most stylish” place on our list. This mirror provides LED lighting and impressive magnification for your beauty needs. Furthermore, the face of the mirror is slightly curved, giving you a wider view of your face than a traditional mirror. As an added bonus, the arm attached to the base of the mirror is stable, while the second arm is moveable. This helps to prevent dings in the wall where it’s attached. Altogether, this attractive mirror looks as good as you might when you start using it.
15. Ivy Bronx Obryant Frameless Magnifying Mirror
BEST OVER-THE-SINK DESIGN
Tired of your shirt constantly getting wet on your bathroom counter while you lean towards your mirror to shave? If you only need a small amount of magnification, we like the full-sized Obryant Frameless Lighted Magnifying Bathroom Mirror by Ivy Bronx. An excellent pick for users with limited counter space, the Obryant makes a great addition to any bathroom thanks to its several features, which include a fogless finish, 1.5x magnification, and an illuminated LED frame to help users get a better view of themselves while grooming. The touch control on the front of the mirror allows users to conveniently choose between three brightness options.
16. Allied Brass Floor Standing Mirror and Shaving Tray
BEST FOR SHAVING
For a mirror that can stand up to the task at hand, we like the Floor Standing Mirror and Shaving Tray in Satin Chrome by Allied Brass. The elegant freestanding mirror is double-sided to give users the option of 1x and 4x magnification. Made to last using high-end solid brass materials, the mirror has a conveniently placed shelf halfway down the stand where users can store their shaving and grooming tools. The mirror is available in eight finishes, providing plenty of options for users to find one that fits best with their bathroom décor.
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