The Riki Skinny Smart Vanity Mirror checked every box
Emily Belfiore is a Buying Guides writer for Meredith brands including InStyle, People, Food & Wine, and more. Always in pursuit of the best reviewer-vouched products, she covers topics spanning across the fashion, beauty, and health and wellness verticals. In her free time, you can find her testing products for articles, watching beauty tutorials, or catching up on the latest binge-worthy show. Decorative Bathroom Mirrors With Led Light
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Good lighting is at the center of every flawless makeup look, which is why beauty enthusiasts have been stocking their vanities with lighted makeup mirrors to achieve the perfect glam. As these mirrors continue to rise in popularity, we decided to try several top-rated models to determine which ones are actually worth buying.
We started by evaluating the construction of each lighted makeup mirror before doing our makeup with them and dove into the technicalities as we glammed. Paying special attention to the mirror's portability, durability, and any unique features, such as Bluetooth speakers or a shelf for your phone and essential cosmetic products, these 11 came out on top in our testing.
Keep reading for the lighted makeup mirrors considered the best that PEOPLE tested.
Brightest setting may be uncomfortable for sensitive eyes
One of the more pricier options
The crème de la crème of beauty tools, the Riki Skinny Smart Vanity Mirror is one of the most recognizable models thanks to the endorsement of celebrities and influencers alike. And after our tests, it's not hard to see why it's so popular. The sleek vanity mirror is surprisingly durable despite its thin frame and uses high-quality glass to deliver a perfect reflection. It's bordered with LED lights with five brightness levels to really illuminate your face, creating a ring light effect and ensuring that there are no dark areas (just be mindful of the brightest setting if you have sensitive eyes).
This lighted makeup mirror's attachments are what make it stand out among the rest. It comes with a 10x magnification mirror that gives you an impressively in-depth look at your pores, brows, and lashes, plus a magnetic phone holder so you can take selfies, record yourself, or follow along with a makeup tutorial. The mirror even has a Bluetooth selfie option so you can nail the perfect pose and get the best lighting.
The magnetic holders allow you to securely attach the vanity mirror to a bigger mirror if you can't sacrifice the counter space, and you can even purchase a carrying case separately if you want to take it on-the-go. While it's not inexpensive, there's no denying that you'll be in good hands with the Riki Skinny Smart Vanity Mirror.
Price at time of publish: $230
Size: 9.5 x 13 x 0.39 inches | Weight: 1.5 lbs. | Color: 2 | Assembly required: No | USB compatible: Yes
Though the Flymiro Tri-fold Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror is the most budget-friendly option on this list, but it doesn't sacrifice quality for its low price point. It's equipped with four LED light bulbs that provide adequate brightness in both naturally lit rooms and dark ones alike so you can do your makeup without any shadows. But unfortunately, it only has one brightness level.
Its tri-fold design ensures that you can see every inch of your face with its 180-degree rotating design, and even has mirrors with 2x and 3x magnification to give you an accurate projection of your complexion. Since it folds down, we felt confident that no harm would come to the glass when the mirror wasn't in use as the doors act as a protective barrier. This feature combined with its lightweight construction gives it a sleek profile that makes it portable and suitcase-friendly if you're traveling.
There's also a small catch-all tray at the base of the mirror, which could be used to store small makeup products like lipstick and mascara or other essentials like perfume or jewelry. If you're looking for a makeup mirror that will illuminate your face without spending a small fortune, this version from Flymiro won't disappoint.
Price at time of publish: $16.99 (orig. $39.99)
Size: 9.4 x 7 x 1.2 inches | Weight: 1.76 lbs. | Color: 6 | Assembly required: Yes | USB compatible: Yes
Multiple brightness and warmth settings
If you're looking to transform your beauty routine into a glamorous affair, then you need a luxe mirror like the iHome Hollywood Vanity Mirror Pro. The splurge-worthy lighted mirror exudes vintage glamor with its oversized frame and protruding LED bulbs, which border the mirror to fully illuminate your face.
The mirror offers four brightness settings and gives you the option to customize its warmth with three dimmable hue adjustments: bright daylight, soft, and warm evening.
This customizable glow projects a sharp reflection that allows you to see all of your facial features clearly. It also comes with a 10x magnifying mirror that is equally as crisp and is even fitted with a Bluetooth speaker that can connect to your phone to play your music, podcasts, and videos while you get ready. Between its sleek design and extra features, this mirror gets to be a bit bulky, making it a bit hard to transport out and about. But with a mirror as high-end as this one, we think it deserves a stationary spot at your vanity anyway.
Price at time of publish: $249.99
Size: 13.99 x 18.79 x 5.12 inches | Weight: 4.84 lbs. | Color: Silver chrome | Assembly required: Yes | USB compatible: Yes
Five-compartment organizer base for cosmetics
No option to adjust warmth and coolness of light
The versatile lighted makeup mirror is a welcomed addition to any vanity with its multitasking design. It's intended to mimic a soft, natural sunlight-esque light that can be dimmed to your desire with its simple one-button touch screen interface. The bulbs gave off a bright and cool-toned light that didn't create shadows or negatively impact our reflection, but it is worth mentioning that you don't get the option to adjust the warmth or coolness of the light — what you get is what you get (but we were happy with it, in the end).
We were impressed with its durability and appreciated its 180-degree swiveling neck that allows you to rotate the mirror horizontally. That, and this lighted makeup mirror also comes with built-in storage; its base is a five-compartment cosmetics organizer that easily fits makeup brushes and products. While we had mixed feelings towards the mini 10x magnifying mirror that comes with it (it tends to get a bit warped-looking if you're not close enough), we liked that the feature was there and that you could easily stow it out of the way when you just need the big picture.
Overall, this all-in-one product is a quality option for makeup enthusiasts, especially ones that have run out of space to store their favorite products.
Price at time of publish: $42.99
Size: 15 x 7.3 inches | Weight: 2.8 lbs. | Color: White | Assembly required: No | USB compatible: Yes
Doubles as a portable phone charger
We all know the feeling of grogginess after a long flight or drive, so why not pull out your little light-up compact to touch up quickly before taking off on your next adventure? The Impressions ChargeUp LED Compact Mirror was a favorite of ours, being small enough to fit in a back pocket or purse yet lighting up with the strength of a larger mirror despite its 3.5-inch diameter. Though you can't adjust the level of brightness or temperature the way you can on other mirrors, we found no faults in its clarity and tone.
Another perk unique to this travel-sized mirror is its double life as a portable phone charger. Simply plug your cable into the charging port located on the side of the compact and gain a full battery while you touch up your day-old foundation. And when it comes time to recharge your compact, simply use the same port to get back to a full battery and be on your merry way.
Price at time of publish: $39
Size: 3.5 inches in diameter | Colors: 2 | Assembly required: No | USB compatible: Yes
You happen to know a thing or two about perfect selfie mirrors when you're a makeup artist to influencers like Alix Earle and Remi Bader, and this mirror is the exact one that Alexis Oakley recommends (it also made Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2019). The Riki Loves Riki Riki Skinny Mirror is the perfect accomplice for your best-lit selfies and TikTok videos yet thanks to a magnetic phone holder that secures your device to the mirror and doubles as a fabulous ring light. You can even hook up your phone via Bluetooth to take hands-free photos — talk about upping your Instagram game.
We loved being able to adjust the brightness between five different settings, but do want to warn you that they're only cool-toned (however, we found this to be incredibly flattering). Though its design is slim and sleek, it doesn't feel flimsy — in fact, it survived several of our drop tests without a dent or scratch. Every aspect of this mirror was intuitive, from the touchscreen buttons to the magnetic attachments, making this a must-have for any beauty lover (and a constant travel companion for Oakley, who says she brings it on all of her trips).
Price at time of publish: $225
Size: 9.5 x 13 x 0.38 inches | Weight: 1.5 lbs. | Colors: 5 | Assembly required: No | USB compatible: Yes
A cheaper alternative to the Impressions charging-mirror combo is the Fancii LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror, a compact that has less bells and whistles but is perfect for midday touch ups and can fit snugly in your purse. We performed drop tests on this compact to see how it would hold up in everyday life and were surprised at how damage-free it remained, making us confident that we could throw this in our bags without second thought. Its sleek color options (particularly the metallic rose gold) were another draw for this compact, because your touch-up tools should be just as beautiful as you.
We would have loved to be able to adjust the brightness settings of this compact, but beggars can't be choosers (and our faces were fully illuminated by this light, anyway). For the budget-friendly price and full-sized quality in a travel-sized compact, we couldn't imagine leaving the house without this dependably little mirror at our side.
Price at time of publish: $24.99
Size: 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 6.7 oz. | Colors: 3 | Assembly required: No | USB compatible: No
3 magnification levels between both sides
When you're the master behind red carpet glam for celebrities like Selena Gomez and Cara Delevingne, you're going to need the best lighting and mirrors to craft those close up-worthy makeup looks — which is why celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo loves mirrors from SimpleHuman. These state-of-the-art mirrors feel just like the kinds in five-star hotels, and the Sensor Mirror Trio is no exception. We love this mirror for its surgical-grade, touch-controlled LED lights, with customizable brightness when you drag your fingertips up or down along the side. You can choose between cool and warm-toned light to better prepare for the day, night, or red carpet ahead, and can flip the mirror around for a regular reflection, 5x magnification, or 10x when you peek into the bottom window.
With all of these high-end features it's easy to understand why this lighted makeup mirror has such a high price point, but we think it's worth the investment for serious beauty lovers or professionals who work with clients regularly, as Vanngo does. We're pretty confident that we've found the perfect hotel mirror replica for your beauty counter.
Price at time of publish: $300
Size: 8-inch diameter | Colors: 3 | Assembly required: No | USB compatible: Yes
Another standout from this Vanngo-approved brand is Sensor Mirror Wall Mount, with essentially the same features as the Sensor Mirror Trio, just attached to the wall for your convenience. This fold-out style can be hardwired into the wall at just the perfect height for you, so that you can pull out, tilt, and flip the mirror however you want for a customized glam session. We are enamored with the mirror's Tru-Lux technology that keeps the surgical-grade LED lights providing a full color spectrum for optimal reflection and evenly distributed bulbs that provide equal shine and zero hot spots.
If maximizing your counter space is at the forefront of your mind, then you'll love the telescopic swing arm that allows you to fold this mirror flat against the wall. However, keep in mind that if you're not handy, you may need someone to help you install this mirror. But for a cool $200 (we've seen higher price tags for lesser quality), we think this mounted mirror is perfect for beauty lovers and small space-dwellers alike.
Price at time of publish: $200
Size: 13.8 x 16 x 3.1 inches | Colors: 5 | Assembly required: Yes | USB compatible: No
You don't have to shell out too much cash to get a makeup artist-approved mirror, and Oakley has found that this option from Amazon does the trick for herself and her clients. She loves this pick for its affable price point, easily adjustable lighting, and long charging time — all nonnegotiable when you're a sought-after makeup artist. "I love this one because it's extremely compact and easy to fit no matter how much of an over-packer you are," says Oakley. Its frame is just about the size of an iPad, making it super easy to throw in a weekender bag or backpack for trips, like Oakley often does.
We love its fold-over protective screen that also doubles as a stand, making this mirror an incredibly compact and versatile option for hotel rooms, dimly-lit bathrooms, and other places where the lighting may be just a bit off. Though this mirror does lack storage of any sort, we think its versatility (and artist's approval) more than makes up for this small setback.
Price at time of publish: $28.89 (orig. $59.99)
Size: 7.5 x 10 x 0.8 inches | Weight: 1.43 lbs. | Colors: 5 | Assembly required: No | USB compatible: Yes
If you often find yourself shuffling from the bathroom to your desk in search of the best lighting (or selfie background), then you'll love this small-scale lighted vanity for its cordless design. The strong LED light features a customizable brightness and temperature level, crafting the perfect light for your best glow. And best of all? This rechargeable light is completely cordless, allowing you to move around without tangling or dragging a cord behind it.
We love that no matter where we're glamming ourselves, we can have perfect lighting and a non-warped reflection thanks to this sleek mirror. Its simplistic metal stand is not only functional, allowing us to tilt it up to 45 degrees for optimal angles, but it adds something special to your desk or bathroom countertop. You do have to turn the light back on after its automatic shutoff time (it will go dark after 30 minutes), but this energy-saving component is what allows this cordless mirror to last for up to 10 hours per single charge. For those who are busybodies in the morning and like to move around while they get ready, this cordless option is the way to go.
Price at time of publish: $124
Size: 6.5 x 13 inches | Weight: 2.6 lbs. | Color: 3 | Assembly required: No | USB compatible: Yes
Travel-sized and countertop versions, like the little Impressions ChargeUp LED Compact Mirror, tend to be more affordable and great for shoppers that aren't looking to break the bank. However, it's not uncommon for them to have limited lighting modes. Models that are stocked with smart functional features, bigger mirrors, and meant for permanent residence on a vanity will cost more (case in point: the expensive, yet luxury-grade SimpleHuman Sensor Mirror Trio).
It's common for lighted makeup mirrors to be lightweight and portable, which is a plus if you're an avid traveler or someone that has to move your glam setup from room to room. "I travel a lot and I've noticed that hotels never have very good light which makes it really hard to do makeup," Oakley says. "It took a lot of trial and error, but I think I've finally found the perfect lighted makeup mirrors for traveling," she says of the Deweisn Folding Travel Lighted Makeup Mirror and Riki Loves Riki Riki Skinny Mirror. However, some models are bulkier, heavier, and designed to be stabilized, which is important to look out for if you're not planning on keeping your new mirror in one designated spot.
A lighted makeup mirror's main purpose is to make finding the perfect lighting easy, but not every model offers the same amount of brightness and hue settings. If you're someone that prioritizes customization, you'll want to opt for a vanity mirror that offers a range of lighting settings, like the iHome Hollywood Vanity Mirror Pro. There are options that also allow you to personalize the warmth and dim.
Getting a closer look at your face will ultimately help you achieve more flawless makeup, which is why it's best to opt for a lighted mirror that has enhanced magnification. Depending on the model you've chosen, it could have a separate mirror that detaches from the base, like the magnetic attachment for the Riki Loves Riki Riki Skinny Mirror, so you can get a closer look. Or the mirror will have various panels with different magnification levels — take the Flymiro Tri-fold Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror with its different panels, or the SimpleHuman with its 10x pocket. They typically range from 2x to 10x magnification, with the latter being the most intense.
Yes, using a lighted mirror to apply makeup is an excellent way to make sure your makeup looks just the way you intend it to. Most lighted mirrors use LED lights which provide a more natural light than incandescent bulbs and also give off less heat. Some lighted mirrors have different settings so you can see how your makeup will look in different types of lighting (daylight, warm, or cool).
For daily makeup application, a makeup mirror with a magnification of 2x to 3x, or up to 5x is best. A 2x or 3x magnification will give you a closer look at your face — for applying eyeliner and mascara, for example — without misrepresenting your appearance. Higher magnification mirrors (10x) are great for getting an extra close-up look of your pores or stray hairs but are not as good for seeing your entire face for putting on makeup.
Most LED makeup mirrors are rechargeable, and some can hold a charge for up to 10 hours. The bulbs themselves are long-lasting — many LED bulbs in makeup mirrors will last for up to 20,000 usage hours.
Backlit mirrors are often preferred because the light doesn't shine directly in your eyes. They are also beneficial because they prevent the appearance of shadows on your face.
Some makeup mirrors are dimmable or offer different light settings. This can be particularly helpful for applying makeup to wear at various times of day as well as for indoor or outdoor settings.
Our PEOPLE Tested team tested and reviewed 11 different lighted makeup mirrors. First, we carefully evaluated their size, weight, shape, and portability. Then came the fun part: doing our makeup. We got ready with the lighted makeup mirrors in different room settings in order to get an accurate understanding of its bulb strength and glass clarity, paying close attention to whether or not the lights created a shadow or the mirror had a distorted reflection. To test their durability, we dropped each mirror to see if they withstood any scratches or irreparable damage.
Once fully evaluated, we rated each mirror based on the following categories: lighting, overall quality, overall design, and stability. The lighted makeup mirrors that earned the best overall scores were picked as PEOPLE Tested winners.
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Want more product recommendations? Check out all of our PEOPLE Tested content.
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