We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What is a Makeup Mirror?

A Kaminsky
By
Updated Feb 16, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Women who wear cosmetics inevitably find themselves in the position of attempting to put on makeup while holding a mirror in one hand. Sometimes, the results are not good. In these cases, a woman could benefit from a makeup mirror.

A makeup mirror is usually a two-sided mirror that sits on a stand and is hinged on each side, so the user can use either side with ease. One side is normal magnification, while the other side may be a 4x or 5x mirror, which is useful for spotting and covering blemishes on the face. A makeup mirror may be almost any size or shape, as long at it allows the person applying makeup to use both hands for the job.

One popular design for a makeup mirror mimics various lighting environments. These have been perennial favorites since the late 1960s. These mirrors have a light on each side, and various filters may be dialed over the lights to suggest different atmospheres. Fluorescent lighting is green, for example, so the "office" filter is green, as well. The filter for "evening" is a soft pink and the "day" filter is clear. The mirror itself is rectangular and turns from side to side on its axis. This mirror runs about US$40, and its drawback is that it is rather large and bulky.

A makeup mirror may be lighted but also relatively compact. Good lighting helps in the proper application of cosmetics, so lighted makeup mirrors of all sorts are popular.

Not every makeup mirror is elaborate, however. Some are just two mirrors encased in plastic on a plastic stand. These run about US$5 at a discount store. They are also often available in the accessories department of a department store at a slightly higher price. Anyone buying a makeup mirror should look for one that is an appropriate size for the space where it will be stored. The person should also look for a mirror that is stable and does not turn too easily. The mirror should stay in the required position during use. A makeup mirror may also be of adjustable height, an advantage if the mirror will be used in different places.

Most shoppers should be able to find a makeup mirror that is perfect for their individual needs simply by looking in any store that carries cosmetics and accessories.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A Kaminsky
By A Kaminsky
Amy Pollick, a talented content writer and editor, brings her diverse writing background to her work at WiseGEEK. With experience in various roles and numerous articles under her belt, she crafts compelling content that informs and engages readers across various platforms on topics of all levels of complexity.

Discussion Comments

By julies — On May 22, 2011

One of my favorite Christmas gifts when I was a teenager was a brown Remington makeup mirror. I had this on my list, and was so excited when I got it. It had lights along both sides and one side was magnified. I used that mirror for several years and even took it to college with me.

I still use a lighted makeup mirror today and cannot imagine trying to get my makeup applied right without one. If I am traveling and do not have a lighted mirror, I really miss it.

By golf07 — On May 19, 2011

I always try to keep a portable makeup mirror with me whenever I travel or go somewhere. A small mirror inside a compact just doesn't always do the trick. Also, if there are several people that need to share the bathroom and counter space, you can still have a place to put your make up on.

It doesn't usually work very well if you are trying to use a big mirror in a hotel room that doesn't have very good lighting. That is when I use my portable mirror the most - especially when it comes to the eye makeup.

By myharley — On May 17, 2011

I would be lost without my makeup mirror in the bathroom. I have a lighted wall mounted makeup mirror by my vanity. It makes it so much easier to apply my makeup and style my hair when I do not have to hold a mirror at the same time.

I also use the magnified side quite often when I am putting on eye makeup or using an eye brow tweezer. Once you get used to using a lighted makeup mirror with a magnifier, it is hard to go back to anything else.

A Kaminsky

A Kaminsky

Amy Pollick, a talented content writer and editor, brings her diverse writing background to her work at WiseGEEK. With experience in various roles and numerous articles under her belt, she crafts compelling content that informs and engages readers across various platforms on topics of all levels of complexity.
WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.