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Not sure about you, but when I was among the ~youths~ I fully expected that one day I would have a full-fledged Pinterest-level makeup vanity straight out of my middle school dreams. While Real Adulthood has brought a dose of reality—aka having a gorgeous, but giant, Hollywood light-up mirror is pretty impractical for a tiny apartment—there are other ways to make this dream a reality. Enter: lighted makeup mirrors.
Luckily for all of us, there is a range of lighted makeup mirrors. Most can be set up in literally any space, from desks to wall mounts to car visors. They come in a bunch of sizes too, so if you actually *do* have space for a huge, stunning vanity set up, you can go all the way out. But if you don't, not to worry—a bunch come in compact frames and can fit in the snuggest of spaces. And then there are the ones perfect for travel, because your glam routine doesn't have to change just because you're not home! Have a quick peek:
Our Fave Lighted Makeup Mirrors of 2024
No matter what you're looking for, there's certainly a lighted makeup mirror here for you. Keep scrolling to find the next thing you'll be staring in for hours, whether you're trying to get really good eyebrows or picking at your blackheads (promise we won't tell your derm)!
I've had this exact mirror for about three years now and have literally used it nearly everyday. It has three different light tones and you can make each one however bright or dim you'd like. The size of it is perfect too—it fits so easily on my desk with my makeup organizers and doesn't take up too much space at all. Truly no bad things can be said about this here pick, it gets the job done exactly how you need it too and will last a good bit of time!
- Dimensions: 12"L x 1"W
Pros
- Easy to carry
Cons
- The 10x magnification side has no lights
So this light-up compact mirror (with 1x and 10x magnifying) isn't exactly pocket-sized, but it's actually pretty thin with the lid shut, making it truly excellent for keeping in your purse/backpack/car/or makeup bag—basically, anywhere where light is guaranteed to suck for doing your makeup.
- Dimensions: 5" x 5"
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Best Simple Lighted Makeup Mirror
simplehuman Floor Mount 5" Round Mirror
Pros
- Rechargeable with USB
Cons
- Only one magnification lens
This standing makeup mirror is simple and subtle—it's not going to take over your vanity or bathroom counter, and it gets the job done. It has 10x magnification so you can really see those pores and a soft, evening light hue that isn’t too flashy. Literally. I also love that you can fold it up, put it in it's hard case, and throw it in any travel bag you have! Truly, the convenience every baddie needs.
- Dimensions: 5.7" x 4.5"
Pros
- Mirror has a 360-degree swivel
- Rechargeable with USB
Cons
- Only one magnification lens
We love a product that pulls double duty, and this lighted makeup mirror is no exception. The mirror, which stands on its own, is also the lid to a little storage box that has four compartments to hold skincare products, mini eyeshadow palettes, makeup sponges, hair ties, and more. Plus, the mirror is fully rechargeable, so no annoying batteries to deal with.
- Dimensions: 11" x 7.1" x 13.8"
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Pros
- Gooseneck is easy to twist to any angle
Cons
- Only one magnification lens
- Battery operated
This 10x magnifying mirror has a suction-cup base that allows you to stick it to your mirror to keep it up and out of the way (don't worry—it swivels 360 degrees), or stick it to your countertop so it can't get knocked over.
- Dimensions: 3"L x 11.5"W
Pros
- Ability to mount
- Aesthetically pleasing design
Cons
- Pricey
- Only one magnification lens
If a legit light-up vanity mirror is your goal, try this minimalist, vintage-esque mirror that uses 12 big LED bulbs to fully light your face like the superstar you are.
- Dimensions: 23.6" x 1.2" x 31.5"
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Pros
- Multiple magnification lenses
- Affordable
Cons
- Battery operated
This light-up mirror has 21 LED lights (with three light intensity options) and a touch on/off sensor button, making it the next best option for mastering all of those winter makeup trends. It folds up like a menu and has a tiny stand in the back to keep it upright, so you can store it flat or keep it on display, depending on your ~spatial~ situation.
- Dimensions: 11" x 7.3"
Pros
- Compact
- Affordable
- Rechargeable with USB
Cons
- Short battery life, according to some reviews
I can safely say that the fastest way to ruin my mood is to look at myself in my car visor mirror. Like, why? Why?! If your car hates you like mine hates me, I highly recommend trying this lighted mirror that velcros to your car visor and can be dimmed warmer or cooler with a touch of two sensor buttons. Applying red lipstick in the car? 100 percent better with this.
- Dimensions: 12.05" x 6.69" x 1.69"
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Pros
- Affordable
- Compact
- Rechargeable with USB
Cons
- Only one magnification lens
This little light-up mirror is sleek and simple—it has a fold-up, adjustable stand on the back, 33 LED lights rimming the mirror, a micro-USB charging port on the back, dimming capabilities, and built-in lithium batteries. For $25, you seriously can't go wrong if you just need something sleek and effective.
- Dimensions: 9.37" x 6.61"
Pros
- Dual magnification
- Has a 360° swivel
- Affordable
Cons
- Some shoppers have had issues making base stable
This light-up mirror is the best-selling wall-mounted mirror on Amazon with more than 1,300 reviews, and for good reason: It comes in three colors (bronze, nickel, and chrome), has two magnifying options (1x/7x or 1x/10x), is double-sided (just flip the mirror upside down to switch between magnifying mirrors), and has a ring of bright LED lights.
- Dimensions: 8.5" x 13"
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Pros
- Compact
- Clips to phone
- Three levels of brightness
Cons
- Not a mirror
Okay, so technically not a makeup mirror, but if you've looked through all of these lighted mirrors and realized, meh, I honestly just wanna look better in seflies, then try this bb ring light. It clips over your phone and brightens your face for a super-pretty, natural-looking photo.
- Dimensions: 3 1/3" diameter
What to look for when shopping for a makeup mirror
Lighting: Not all lights are created equal. Most lighted mirrors will come with either cool or warm tone lights (sometimes even both!). The tone can impact the way you appear in the mirror. Warm toned lights are a better way to illuminate and replicate a natural nighttime light. They’re also easier on the eyes. On the other hand, cool and neutral light will provide a sharpened view for detailed tasks like makeup application and plucking eyebrows (or selfies!).
Magnification: Having a magnified mirror can help you zero in on certain areas up close. If you want precision while plucking your brows or applying eyeliner, a more magnified lens will serve you well. Typically, mirrors will come with a dual magnification of a traditional 1x and 5x or 10x.
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Why trust Cosmo?
Our lifestyle team includes Lifestyle Director Rachel Torgerson, Lifestyle Editors Christen Johnson and Hannah Chubb, and Assistant Editor Annabel Iwegbue—collectively we have decades of experience researching and selecting the best buys for you. We spend all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we'd want for ourselves. Our shopping roundups also adhere to the 15 Percent Pledge—this one included.
Daisy Maldonado
Associate Shopping Editor
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.
Christen A. Johnson
Lifestyle Editor
Christen A. Johnson is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers health and wellness, home, money, career, pets, food, travel and more for print and digital. She also dabbles in culture writing, and wrote Cosmo’s first-ever digital cover story. Before joining the magazine, Christen was a lifestyle features reporter at the Chicago Tribune. Several of her health and style stories made the paper's front page. When Christen isn’t digging through antique stores, she's likely drooling over home renos on HGTV, sharing her latest therapy revelation, redoing old workouts from her college basketball days, or trying to perfect her homemade buttermilk biscuit recipe. Follow her on Insta for BTS ~ editor life ~ tingz!