The 15 Best Ring Lights to Brighten Your Beauty Routine

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Good lighting is a non-negotiable in the age of social media, and if you're looking to create a gorgeous glow on the go, you can't go wrong with a ring light. While these bright baubles are often associated with leveling up Instagram Reels and TikToks, Natalie Dresher says a ring light is "an integral part of a makeup artist's arsenal"—and for good reason. "We need to be able to see the makeup in true natural lighting and a lot of times it's not always possible to be situated in front of a nice, big window with the perfect amount of sunlight," the celebrity and influencer makeup artist says. (After all, the right light can help ensure that you're choosing the right foundation shade and blending in your highlighter, concealer, and contour.)

The web has no shortage of illuminating options, but not all ring lights are created equal. In addition to weighing the pros and cons of a standalone ring light or one that can easily be attached to your phone, you'll want to factor in brightness levels and various color modes such as warm, cool, and neutral. Finding the best ring all depends on your specific needs, which might require some trial and error. (For example, Dresher says she prefers light panels over traditional ring lights for "even, fluid lighting across the face.") To help streamline the search—so you can spend less time shopping and more time shining at full wattage—we scanned the market for the very best ring lights to add to your cart.

12'' Selfie Ring Light

Make taping tutorials a breeze with UBeezie's 12-inch ring light, which is built with recording and live streaming in mind. More than 10,000 Amazon customers swear by this easy tripod light, which ladders up to 62-inches with its stand. And, thanks to 10 brightness levels and five color temperatures, you'll have plenty of lighting combinations to choose from. In addition to the ring light itself, you'll also receive a phone holder and wireless remote. Plus, since your phone will sit nicely in the center of the ring light, you can ensure your glow reaches all of your angles.

What shoppers say saying:

Key Light 2.0 Starter Kit

If you want to illuminate your makeup station but aren't exactly sold on a round light, Dresher says this starter kit from The Makeup Light is a must-have. "It comes apart quite easily for easy storage and transportation, and I've had mine for years," she explains. "The light itself is a tablet sized LED panel that is designed to mimic perfect natural outdoor light. It has traveled with me to various countries and locations and photographers love utilizing it for photos themselves!"

Though this option has one color option—a 5000 Kelvin reading that mimics natural daylight—the kit is packed with travel adapters, an adjustable stand, and a gooseneck to shine on anywhere.

What shoppers say saying:

"Easy to put together, love the felt pouches and carrying bag, and even came with adaptors for destination weddings [and] work! The light is super bright in a good way and is very light weight to carry and travel. Ive wanted for many years but wasn’t sure if it was worth the money, but it is!" —Kaydee T.

10-Inch Selfie Ring Light

If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, EMART's 10-inch Selfie Ring Light is a top contender. Not only is this top-rated ring light available for under $30, but it also nicely comes with two remotes: One that controls its bluetooth shutter for easy solo shots, and another that controls the light itself. Meanwhile, the light's flexible tripod is compatible with everything from phones to projectors. And why limit your ring light to recording content or perfecting a makeup look? EMART's option allows you to switch between 16 colors, nine brightness levels, and 13 modes, making the options virtually endless.

What shoppers say saying:

"This is a superb item. I am a professional photographer, and this light allows for shots I could not previously get. I can use the light as side lighting or as a ring light. It is plenty bright for closeup work or food, and is well made. It is also super portable, and here is the best part, I can use a portable power pack (like you would to recharge your phone) as a power source when out in the field. The price is great, and this light will be getting a lot of use from me!" —Deb

Newmowa 60 LED High Power Rechargeable Clip Fill Video Conference Light

If you're serious about scoring some great lighting, you'll want to look for a ring light that can cover a range of needs. (After all, you never know when and where you'll need a great glow.) Enter Newmowa's Clip Light, which features 60 LED lighting beads for the ultimate shine. "It's great for someone who needs lighting for the purposes of recording and shooting from their phone, but in a more discreet and portable version," says makeup artist Madeleine Gibson. Not only does this light have a rechargeable battery to power up on the fly, but you can also choose from 10 brightness levels and three color modes. And, thanks to the front and back clip, you can easily attach it to an array of devices. Phones, tablets, computers...you name it, you can illuminate it.

What shoppers are saying:

"This is super bright for being small and compact! It’s easy to clip on and rechargeable. Definitely comes in handy for me." —Lauren S.

Makiaj Beauty Light

Ready to capture your best moments with a photoshoot? Dresher is a big fan of Makiaj's Beauty Light. "I always keep this handy in my kit when I take client photos because this light just instantly hits all the right places and brings my work alive when photographed," she says. "It's so tiny so if you need a light specifically for photo taking, it really is super compact." A dimmable dial makes it easy to adjust your LED light's brightness and temperature, while a beauty mount that is perfect for anyone who can't resist a Kodak moment.

What shoppers are saying:

"This light is so much more than a beauty light. I bought it for the specific purpose of taking photos for Instagram. I AM OBSESSED!! I have been using it for lighting on jobs, anytime to take a photo, and now has replaced my ring light and other photography lighting. It is so customizable and is so versatile, making it multi purpose and perfect for any job! I would recommend 10/10. Worth every cent!" —Jesse

Selfie Ring Light

If you want to capture some well-lit snapshots—but are looking trade in the full-blown photoshoot for a quick selfie—try this ring light from Qiaya. This portable, battery-operated selfie light is powered by 36 individual bulbs, and includes three brightness settings depending on your preference. It also seamlessly clips to the top of your phone or over your laptop's camera to give you an improved—and glowing—appearance.

What shoppers say saying:

"I love this little light! I actually bought it because it was recommended in a Harper’s BAZAAR internet article. I’m so glad I purchased it. I tried it today for a Zoom meeting with my MacBook Air since it was gloomy and I didn’t have natural light. It definitely made my face brighter on the 3rd setting and the light was very flattering. You do need AAA batteries and thankfully I had some on hand." —Laurie M.

Video Conference Lighting Kit

Think of Lume Cube's Video Conference Lighting Kit as a solid choice for Zoom meetings and vlog recordings alike. This top-rated, no-frills light that mounts directly to your computer using a suction cup so it won't budge during the day. The generous, 14-hour battery life makes it possible to enjoy a shine during the nine-to-five grind, but you can always plug the light into your computer's USB port for an indefinite illumination. Admittedly, staring at a bright light can be painful, but Lume Cube is way ahead of you: While the LED screen and adjustable settings can offer optimal brightness, the frosted lens and additional white diffuser will make your ring light efficient, not an eyesore.

What shoppers say saying:

"This had made the quality of my video conferencing so much better. This light has excellent brightness and adjustability. It works straight out of the box and could not be easier to use. It has one button and a toggle switch. Plug it in to charge and have portability or leave it connected to your computer....either works great. The light temp is easy and quick to adjust and the brightness is perfect. The suction cup has been moved to multiple computers and positions and continues to work every time. I convinced my whole team to switch to these vs the cheap ring lights we were all using prior. No regrets at all!" —Dennis

Video Conference Lighting Kit

While a webcam might seem like a blast from the past, a high-quality option can improve your video quality for tutorials and virtual meetings. And, if you're already investing in your visuals, you might as well add Yarshop's ring light to your cart. This ring light fits handsomely on a desk or table, and contains 10 brightness and three temperature options to minimize darkness and shadows. An adjustable stand will help you tailor your light to your unique setup, while its built-in phone holder will firmly grasp your webcam or phone. Since the light itself rotates 360 degrees, you'll always be well-lit regardless of the angle.

What shoppers say saying:

"I love this light. I use it daily to apply my makeup. The size isn’t too small or too big and it gives off a lot of light. It was easy to install, just a few minutes. Don’t know why I waited to long to purchase." —Kaitlyn

Ring Light

As Poprkdre's Ring Light proves, big things come in small packages. Compact enough to be stashed in a backpack or carry-on bag, this USB-powered ring light will come in handy should you need to take your business or makeup artistry on the road. (It even comes with a reusable suction attachment and tripod, making it computer with screens, mirrors, and smaller devices.) Poprkdre's ring light might be small, but it packs a punch: Three color temperatures and 10 brightness levels give you a bevy of options to choose from.

What shoppers say saying:

"This little light is super easy to set up and does exactly what it’s intended to, light up the subject (you) perfectly for video conferencing. It has a powerful light that even puts off a little heat. Hopefully it is durable long term but so far (after one use) I notice a huge difference and so did others on the Zoom call!" —Chris K.

Ring Light Kit

Take your beauty setup to new heights and angles with Neewer's Ring Light Kit, which boasts an adjustable base so you can switch up your height and angle on a dime. With over 59,000 customer reviews on Amazon and nearly a five-star rating, this more extensive and best-selling ring light kit is ideal for the content creator in all of us. Whoever thinks filters are just meant for editing apps will also be dazzled by the orange and white filters, which help create steady light temperature. Featuring extras like a bluetooth-enabled remote, adapter for your phone or camera, this ring light will definitely make you feel like a professional.

What shoppers say saying:

"Super nice ring light. Easy to put together, has several light settings and comes with two plastic removable filters to change light settings when needed. Stand is adjustable from a floor position all the way to a tall standing position and has a phone mount built right in. Turn and and off from the knob located under the phone mount base. Good price, highly recommend." —Haley F.

10-Inch LED Ring Light with Tripod Stand

Whether you live in a studio apartment or have your expansive makeup collection splay out on your vanity, those with small spaces will need to find a ring light that gets the job done without taking up too much real-estate. That's where UBeesize's option comes in. Bigger than a phone ring light but much more compact than a standing tripod, this tabletop light is ideal for small spaces, and sits nicely on a countertop or kitchen table.

However, just because this ring light is small doesn't mean it skimps on quality. Ten brightness levels and three temperature colors offer plenty of versatility, while the two kilogram weight capacity makes it sturdy enough to hold your phone or camera.

What shoppers say saying:

"I now have three of these: One for me, and two for my wife to use at home and her office. For my wife, I purchased an extension tube to raise the height. For an easy to regulate light to balance out room light or windows, it works perfectly. Color temperature control is helpful too. In the day time, I use the bluer temp to balance the light from a window, and at night, I warm it up to balance a table lamp. It is not a heavy duty item, so if you will be packing it up and changing locations a lot, it probably isn’t a good purchase, but for home use on video conferences it works great." —John R.

6.3-Inch Selfie Ring Light with Clamp Mount

Many brands sell ring lights with tripods, but if you're looking for one that can securely clip onto a laptop or table and stay there, you might want to consider a clamp mount Enter this 6.3-inch option from Jaoxisou.

This versatile LED device features a flexible stand that makes it easy to angle its light, plus an anti-scratch mounting clip that helps prevent damage to devices and surfaces. The ring light also has three light color options to choose from (warm, warm white, and white) with up to 10 different brightness settings. Since this right light doesn't come with a tripod, the height of your glow is limited. However, a 360-degree rotation and lock screw make it possible to adjust angle.

What shoppers say saying:

"I've had this a while and it works perfectly. I've used it for many work Zoom/Webex meetings at home and just got another for the office. I don't use the color/warmth setting much but different brightness settings is nice. Easy to set up and it stays put." —Steve P.

LED Ring Light with Tripod Stand

When you're shopping for a ring light, assessing an option's eco-friendliness may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, if you're interested in illuminating your space responsibly, AIXPI prides itself on its use of smart materials. Like most ring lights, this brand uses an energy-efficient LED bulb; however, its robust-yet-lightweight metal stand will last for years to come. (Translation? You won't have to worry about throwing away a plastic stand every few years.)

Plus, with 10 brightness levels and three color modes, this option delivers bright results. (After all, over 32,000 Amazon shoppers can't be wrong) This top-rated, 10-inch ring light that's powered through your laptop's USB port or a wall outlet, which can also be used as a table lamp to enhance last minute makeup touches before a Zoom call.

What shoppers say saying:

"I must admit that I am not very tech savvy. I can use my phone and social media about as well as my grandmother. However, I really like to post pictures of my crochet projects and I needed clearer pictures for my tutorials. This was perfect for someone like me. It was easy to assemble and it even comes with its own tripod. I was a bit skeptical about the different color schemes, but it does make a difference. I think the one with blue undertones is my favorite. I also like that I can clip my phone or camera into clamp in the middle of the ring. It can be removed if you want to use it for a makeup light." —Darling Nikki

10-Inch Ring Light with 50-Inch Extendable Tripod Stand

Whether you are snapping some photos or giving your look a once-over before leaving the house, most people are using a ring light with their phone. Fortunately, Sensyne's ring light has an adjustable phone holder that can accommodate devices up to 5.3 inches wide, making it a great choice for both iPhones and Androids.

Of course, phone compatibility is only one thing to love about this ring light. Amazon shoppers are calling this adjustable ring light—which stands at 50-inches when fully extended—a "must-buy" and "picture perfect" product. It uses a touch panel instead of buttons to control brightness intensity and light color, and a remote shutter with a range of up to 30 feet.

What shoppers say saying:

"If you are just starting to create content for your social media page then this is the perfect ring light for you. I have been using this to do live zoom calls and social media recordings on my iPhone 13 Pro Max. You can change the height of the legs. At its highest, It is perfect for my height (five feet, six inches.) If you are taller you might have to prop it up on a table. It is sturdy. The light changes brightness easily. You can record vertically and horizontally." —Giselle R.

10-Inch Selfie Ring Light

With 10 brightness levels, three color temperatures, and a 360-degree ball head, EMART's LED ring light offers a great glow from any angle. However, what makes this option really shine its convertible stand. Easily sit this 10-inch, LED device on a desk or the floor to light your next TikTok, plus, it can even transition to a mobile selfie stick for indoor or outdoor use and maximum versatility. A Bluetooth remote rounds out the remote, making it possible to capture the perfect pose.

What shoppers say saying:

"Very pleased with this ring light! The stand is very adjustable. Works well on the table on floor. Sturdy. Very easy to assemble (my eight-year old put it together). Has adjustment settings on the cord and also a camera clicker. Bluetooth it to your phone, and the clicker works perfectly. Haven't had any issues with the remote control. Brightness can also be adjusted. Camera quality is amazing!!! It’ll definitely give you what you're looking for!" —Monique W.

What's the best base for a ring light?

Ring lights are generally available with two base options: A standalone tripod or a clip-on version that needs to be attached to a sturdy surface like a laptop or table. While clip-on versions come in a breadth of options like clamp mounts and suction attachments, tripods can usually be adjusted to get the perfect height. So, which option is best? Dresher says it depends on personal preference.

"I prefer the standalone lights, but the clipped-on light options are definitely great for content creation and are an affordable option for makeup artists who may just be starting out and want to be able to take great photos of their work," she explains. "I don't think they're the most suitable for actually applying makeup though, but definitely to help capture the perfect photo."

What's the best brightness for a ring light?

Looking for that perfect glow? Dresher says it's important to pay attention to a light's Kelvin temperature. "Learning about the Kelvin measuring system and what it means is super useful and will advance your artistry to the next level," she says. "For those not well versed in Kelvin temperature, a setting of neutral, warm, and cool lighting is absolutely necessary to be able to adjust to your surroundings." Translation? The higher the Kelvin temperature, the whiter the light will be. As a general rule of thumb, Dresher gravitates to a reading of 4800 to 5000K because it "most closely resembles natural daylight."

You might notice that some brands don't specify the Kelvin temperature—and refer to lighting colors as "warm," "neutral," and "cool." It's not exactly a deal-breaker, but understanding the Kelvin temperature will give you a quantifiable metric to ensure you're getting the best lighting.

Meet the Experts

Natalie Dresher is a celebrity and influencer makeup artist.

Madeline Gibson is a professional makeup artist.

Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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