Best makeup mirrors for flawless application every single time
When it comes to applying makeup, a good vanity mirror is an essential. Whether you’re trying to ace that winged eyeliner or contour like a Kardashian, these compact magnifiers provide an up-close view of facial features that a foggy bathroom mirror simply can’t compete with.
So if you want to avoid makeup faux pas like using the wrong the shade of foundation (goodbye beige tidemarks!) or going overboard with blush, you’ll need to add the right mirror to your beauty kit.
Also a great option for tweezing eyebrows, double-sided mirrors feature a standard mirror and a magnification option – ranging from 1x to 20x – making it easier to see imperfections easily.
If you’re in need of a lighted mirror, ideal for using in dark rooms or where natural light isn’t readily available, consider a dimmable option with multiple settings to view your makeup in different lighting.
Fluorescent light bulbs are super bright, but LED light bulbs are more energy-efficient and will last far longer than most other bulbs. And while nothing quite beats natural light, warm white lighting provides the ideal illumination needed for grooming indoors.
To help you get your face on point every time, here’s our pick of the best makeup mirrors on the market.
See our favourites below
simplehuman 2 in 1 Sensor Mirror, Stainless Steel
If you’re looking to splurge for your beauty regime, this super-smart mirror is designed with an LED ‘tru-lux’ light system that simulates natural sunlight – so you’ll be able to see if your foundation is blended seamlessly.
The cordless and tilting design, which comes with a magnetic 10x mini mirror to see extra details, is complete with a 5x magnification mirror while providing enough room to see your whole face. As well as silver, it also comes in a rose gold finish. A USB cable and adaptor is included, so it's easy to recharge and will work for up to fours weeks on full juice.
The best part? It automatically lights up as your face approaches thanks to a motion detector. Consider us sold.
No7 Illuminated Makeup Mirror
The 360-degree lighting around this double-sided mirror makes it ideal for getting dolled-up in almost any space. Thanks to swivelling motion, you can position the mirror at different angles with ease – we found this helpful when applying highlighter and bronzer. Created with a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting and a 5x magnification, it emits a lovely glow that allows you to see flaws clearly. A great everyday option - now less than half off.
£20 | Boots *On sale from £49.99
Glamcor Limited Edition Up in the Clouds Riki Skinny Mirror
Take your selfie game up a notch with a new version of the mirror that ‘broke’ Instagram. Offered in a dreamy sky-blue shade, this ingenious mirror boasts 3x magnification, adjustable LED lighting and a mounted phone clip so you can take the perfectly lit selfie, every time. Lightweight and rechargeable, it's a must for all beauty aficionados.
Magnitone Lightup LED Desktop Makeup Mirror
Cast away unwanted shadows with Magnitone's makeup mirror, which is fitted with an adjustable ring light to illuminate your complexion perfectly. See your features up close with up to 10x the magnification - your pores or unwanted facial hair will have nowhere to hide! It charges with a USB cable and can operate independently for up to five hours, making it a good option for staycations and short breaks. Comes with a one-year warranty.
Champagne Hollywood Mirror
For those who enjoy a retro aesthetic, this bulb framed mirror should hit the mark.15 LED lights to offer illumination from every angle while the adjustable settings take you from white to warm light. The freestanding mirror sits on a pivot style stand keeping it sturdy and safe and can be tilted for the right angle so you don’t have to awkwardly bend all over it.
EASEHOLD Vanity Mirror Magnifying Makeup Mirror
With up to 10x magnification and 21 long-lasting LED lights, this dimmable folding mirror is a dressing table essential. As well as makeup application, it's great for precision shaving and microblading. The matte finish design weighs just 1kg and measures 22 x 27 x 9.7cm. The stand also doubles up as a little tray, perfect for setting brushes and small accessories like jewellery.
See all makeup mirrors at Amazon
HOMEDICS Touch and Glow MIR-SR820-EU Illuminated Cosmetics Mirror
HoMedics is one of the leading names in beauty tech, so who better to turn to for a makeup mirror that excels? It’s Touch and Glow MIR-SR820-EU Illuminated Cosmetics Mirror features 5x magnification which should make nailing that smokey eye a breeze. There’s also a touch-control dimmable light – just tap the stand to achieve your desired level of brightness. Standing 25cm tall, it’s small enough to take on trips away, so you’ll always look your best wherever you go. USB chargeable.
Rio 21 LED Illuminated Cosmetic and Make-up Mirror
Make a crystal clear assessment of your face with Rio's mirror, which offers 180 degree spin and 21 individual lights to banish any shadows. It comes with 10x magnification and even comes with a little removable mirror that can be placed where you need it. The stand is also a tray, a safe setting for contact lenses, tweezers and other small beauty essentials.
Shop all makeup and shaving mirrors at Argos
X-Large Light Up Makeup Mirror
You'll make every angle your best with Mirrorvana's super-sized light up mirror, which rotates 360 degrees and comes with a touch dimmer. Magnifying options run through from 1x to 10x, allowing you a closer look at your features, also helped by the 22 embedded LEDs. You can charge it with a USB or with batteries, offering dual power sources that will undoubtedly come in handy if you take it away from home.
£34.99 | Amazon *On sale from £39.99
Brambly Cottage Larose Fog Free Makeup/Shaving Mirror
Modelled on a traditional tri-fold dressing table mirror, this design has been brought into the 21st century with the addition of 16 LED lights around the border of the central mirror. They operate through a USB cable or with three AA batteries (not included). Made with sturdy MDF, the back is lined with velvet so as not to scratch against your paint or wallpaper.
Verdict
For mirror that surpasses expectations, simplehuman’s mirror, with ‘tru-lux’ lighting and sharp magnification is our Best of the bunch. If you’re looking to spend less than tripe figures, Boots’ No.7 mirror is a great alternative.
Read More
Best fake tans for your face and how to apply to get the best results
Best facial massage tools: Sculpt and tone with these contouring products
Best smart LED mirrors: for the bathroom, living room, kitchen and your dresser
Best SPF sun creams for your face that protect and moisturise
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer new shades: our honest review
