The 12 Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors for Travel of 2023
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These lighted makeup mirrors make doing your makeup or skincare routine on the go a total breeze.
Relying on the hotel bathroom can be a gamble if you require great lighting to properly do your makeup or multi-step skin care routine. The right lighted makeup mirror will make getting ready on vacation so much easier, whether you’re in a well-lit hotel bathroom or sharing a single bathroom at your girls trip Airbnb.
Lighted makeup mirrors are designed to provide ideal lighting and magnifying in order to make applying things like winged eyeliner or foundation as simple as possible. There are tons of different shapes and sizes available — from lighted compact mirrors you can throw in your handbag to packable mirrors that unfold into a full-sized display.
Below, we’ve put together a handful of stand-out lighted makeup mirrors for travel. We curated this list based on several important factors including the quality and longevity of the mirror, how easy it is to pack, and other features to best suit various preferences and requirements. Our top pick is the Deweisn Folding Lighted Makeup Mirror for its compact size and ample surface area.
Best Overall: Deweisn Folding Lighted Makeup Mirror
Why We Love It
This folding lighted mirror fits into a carry-on bag while still offering a large surface area to work with.
What to Consider
The mirror is fragile and could crack if it’s not properly packed.
The most important aspect to take into account when shopping for a lighted makeup mirror for travel is a compact size and ease of use on the go — and the Deweisn Folding Lighted Makeup Mirror checks all those boxes and then some. This compact travel mirror is designed to fold in half which allows you to easily slip it into a carry-on bag or backpack — but once unfolded it spans over 10 inches in length, which should be more than enough surface area for the average makeup or skin care routine.
This option features an easy-to-use LED touchscreen that allows you to toggle between light settings based on your needs. We also love that this option is rechargeable via USB, so you won’t have to worry about keeping batteries on hand during your travels.
Price at time of publish: $60
The Details: 10.04 x 7.48 inches | Micro USB
Best Magnifying: FITNATE 3xMagnifying 32LED Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror
Why We Love It:
This option features a magnifying mirror as well as a large surface area and adjustable light settings.
What to Consider
The price point is a bit higher than similar folding travel mirrors.
The Fitnate 3xMagnifying 32LED Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror is a standout option for both traveling and detailed makeup and skin care application. It features a folding hinge and built-in carrying case that makes it super easy to pack in a carry-on bag or handbag, and it also comes equipped with a magnifying mirror for getting up close and personal during your morning makeup routine. It’s rechargeable via USB for even more convenience and also includes 32 LED lights that can be adjusted via touchscreen.
Price at time of publish: $17
The Details: 9.85 x 7.45 inches | USB
Best Packable: Zadro Next Generation LED Lighted 15X Spot Mirror
Why We Love It
Lightweight and easy to pack, this suction spot mirror can easily be installed in your hotel bathroom on a whim.
What to Consider
The small size might not be large enough for makeup application on its own.
This teeny tiny LED lighted mirror is a great option for throwing into your carry-on bag for use on the go. The round spot mirror features battery-operated LED lights, but the charge is extremely long-lasting so you won’t have to worry about always needing to carry batteries.
This option comes equipped with three built-in suction cups that can be effortlessly attached to a hotel or Airbnb mirror or shower for easy use without getting permanently stuck or leaving behind residue when you take it down. This option also magnifies 15 times the normal strength, which is great for detailed cosmetic application and maintenance.
Price at time of publish: $24
The Details: 4.2-inch diameter | Battery-operated
Related: Amazon Shoppers Call This Travel Mirror a ‘Lifesaver’ for Applying Makeup in Dim Hotel Lighting
Best Folding: Conair 1X/3X Rechargeable LED Lighted Compact Mirror
Why We Love It
This folding mirror doubles as a portable vanity and compact mirror.
What to Consider
The compact mirror can be bulky and might not fit into smaller handbags.
Looking for a portable mirror that’ll work as well on the go as it does while getting ready at home or in a hotel? The Conair 1X/3X Rechargeable LED Lighted Compact Mirror works as a slick mirror you can throw into your handbag for quick touch-ups, and also features a flat base that allows you to sit it on a countertop for getting ready at home. It features dual one- and three-times magnification and a built-in set of LED lights that are rechargeable via USB port for added convenience.
Price at time of publish: $23
The Details: 3.35 x 1.1 inches | USB
Best Lightweight: Riki Love Riki Cutie Mirror
Why We Love It
This compact personal mirror is about the size of a smartphone, but doesn’t sacrifice powerful LED vanity lights.
What to Consider
The plastic exterior feels a little flimsy for the price.
Packing light leaves no room for even a few pounds of unnecessary weight — which is why the Riki Cutie Portable Lighted Mirror can be such a game changer for the carry-on-only crowd. This ultra-compact lighted mirror is no bigger than the average smartphone which makes it super simple to slip into a small carry-on bag or handbag.
The shatterproof mirror design is great for tossing in your purse to use on the go — but we also love that this option comes with two different built-in stands. You can either hold the mirror in the dual-finger ring slot for easy use while you’re out and about, or you can press down the kickstand to use the mirror on a bathroom counter or vanity.
Price at time of publish: $75
The Details: Micro USB
Best Rechargeable: Funtouch Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror
Why We Love It
This rechargeable vanity mirror features a long-lasting 1000mAh rechargeable lithium battery.
What to Consider
The ultra-bright light setting can actually be hard on the eyes.
The Funtouch Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror is an excellent option for those who travel internationally or who want something they don’t have to worry about charging on a nightly basis. It comes with a universal USB charging port which makes it easy to plug into your laptop or portable charger, but the long-lasting 1000mAh lithium battery also means you’ll get plenty of use from your mirror between charges. We also love that this option comes with a built-in protected cover as well as a slim felt carrying case for added safety.
Price at time of publish: $26
The Details: 7.6 x 5.1 inches | USB
Best Compact: Wobsion LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror
Why We Love It
Cute and convenient, this LED-lighted compact mirror is super lightweight for on-the-go convenience.
What to Consider
The latch can be tricky or stiff to open.
The Wobsion LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror is a classic compact mirror — reinvented. This lightweight and adorable compact mirror comes in a handful of fun colors (think turquoise, dusty rose, and red) to suit your style, but the best part is the built-in LED mirror and one- and 10-times magnifying capabilities. The tiny compact mirror is just 0.7 inches thick, which means it’ll easily slip into the smallest of carry-on bags and even evening handbags and clutches without looking bulky. The LED lights are also surprisingly bright, and although it’s battery-operated, the charge is very long-lasting.
Price at time of publish: $14
The Details: 3.5 x 3.5 inches | Battery-operated
Related: The 8 Best Travel Accessories Under $50 at Amazon, According to T+L Editors
Best Simple: Conair Reflections Compact Hollywood Mirror
Why We Love It
This battery-operated mirror is budget-friendly without sacrificing bright light and functionality.
What to Consider
The clamshell exterior feels a little flimsy.
You don’t have to spend a bundle to get a decent portable stand-up mirror — just look at the Conair Reflections Compact Hollywood Mirror. The folding mirror is almost a hybrid of a vanity mirror and a compact, thanks to the clamshell design that unfolds kickstand-style for easy use on a desktop or bathroom counter.
Despite being coin battery operated, the LED-powered lights are long-lasting and ultra-bright, and the mirror itself offers a built-in one- and three-times magnification. We also like that this option includes touchscreen functionality for an even more convenient user experience.
Price at time of publish: $20
The Details: 8.5 x 6.5 inches | Battery-operated
Best Budget: Luminar Bowo Vanity Tabletop Mount Mirror with Lights
Why We Love It
The light is customizable, so you can adjust it to your surroundings.
What to Consider
You may need to prop it up on a higher surface to comfortably use.
This affordable travel mirror lights up with three different levels of brightness as well as three tones — for white light, natural light, and warm light. It's great for using on the go thanks to the built in adjustable stand, plus the mirror itself rotates 360-degrees, so you can use it vertically or horizontally. It's about the size of a book, so when you're ready to pack it up, simply flip the stand over the front mirror to prevent cracks and scratches, and slip it into your carry-on bag or personal item.
Price at time of publish: $15
The Details: 8 x 5.5 inches | USB
Best with Storage: CielClair Makeup Case with Mirror and Light
Why We Love It
It's easy to use with just one button to adjust the lighting.
What to Consider
The USB charger is not included.
If you're looking for a lighted makeup mirror that doubles as your makeup bag, this case is the perfect accessory. It's small enough that you can easily pack it into most bags, just like a toiletry case, but the 10.5-inch tall mirror (that becomes the lid of the case) still gives you plenty of space to see what you're doing whether applying your makeup or working on your mid-flight skin routine. It also doesn't sacrifice on lighting, but includes 45 lamp beads to perfectly adjust the brightness wherever you need it.
Price at time of publish: $35
The Details: 10.5 x 6.5 x 4.3 inches | Battery-operated
Best Mountable: Fancii 10X Magnifying Lighted Makeup Mirror
Why We Love It
The mirror can rotate on its mount 360-degrees.
What to Consider
The 10x magnification may not be best for applying makeup.
When you want a lighted makeup mirror you can adjust to your height, this 10X magnification mirror from Fancii is the perfect option. Whether you're tweezing or want that winged eye-liner just right, this mirror allows you to see every detail as clearly as possible. We love that the suction cup easily applies to flat surfaces like shower doors, windows, or other mirrors, and pops right off when you're ready to move it without any residue left over. Since it can be reused over and over, it's perfect for long travels, group trips, and more.
Price at time of publish: $26
The Details: 6.5 x 6.5 inches | Battery-operated
Best for Car Visors: Vanexiss Car Sun Visor Vanity Mirror
Why We Love It
It's the perfect size for the standard vehicle visor.
What to Consider
Since it's rechargeable, you'll need to remove from your vehicle to plug it in.
Yes, most vehicles already have visor mirrors, but they don't always light up and if they do, the lights are usually dim or in awkward locations. The Vanexiss Car Sun Visor Vanity Mirror lights up along the full frame of the mirror and allows for dimming and color adjustment with just a touchscreen button. The mirror installs on visors with just two adjustable straps so you can easily remove it when needed. Plus, each set comes with two mirrors and charging cables, so you can install one on your passenger side visor as well or keep one at home charging. That way, you're always ready to swap them out.
Price at time of publish: $27 for two mirrors
The Details: 10.2 x 5.3 inches | USB
Tips for Buying the Best Lighted Makeup Mirrors
Prioritize portability
There are tons of lighted makeup mirrors on the market — and it’s easy to see why. Flicking on your own personal vanity makes it easy to get ready whenever, wherever, even if you’re sharing a bathroom or dealing with a low-light Airbnb or hotel room. That said, you’ll want to make sure the lighted makeup mirror you opt for is small enough to comfortably pack in your carry-on or backpack. Most portable makeup mirrors are designed to withstand heavy-duty use — but you’ll want to avoid putting them in your checked luggage where it could crack or shatter while in transit.
Consider power source and battery life
Lighted makeup mirrors require a power source. Usually, the lights are either battery-operated or rechargeable via USB. We tend to prefer USB rechargeable options because they’re more sustainable and much easier to charge on the go versus trying to remember to pack fresh batteries or a rechargeable battery pack — but certain options, like miniature compact mirrors, are mainly powered by batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a lighted makeup mirror on a plane?
Yes! Lighted makeup mirrors are permitted in your carry-on bag or checked luggage. If you plan to carry on your makeup mirror you’ll want to be sure that it suits the standard dimensions of 45 linear inches (which most portable makeup mirrors comfortably adhere to).
Are backlit mirrors good for makeup?
There’s a reason why professional makeup artists use backlit mirrored vanities. Backlit mirrors are extremely practical for applying skin care and makeup due to the fact that the even amount of light surrounding the mirror removes any shadows that overhead lights can project; hence giving you a clear canvas from forehead to chin.
What is the best magnification for a makeup mirror?
The magnification for a makeup mirror totally depends on your preference and the size of the mirror overall. For those with 20/20 vision, 3x or 5x magnification is usually plenty, as higher magnification may cause dizziness — especially if you're using the mirror while traveling.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure writers are shopping, fashion, and product experts who use personal experience and customer recommendations to choose the best items for shoppers. For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis and Taylor Fox used their experiences as travel writers to curate the best options to suit most needs.
Related: The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags and Cosmetic Cases
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