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12 Best Magnifying Mirrors (Review) In 2021
Written by:
Kate Young
Kate Young
Kate is our interior design expert. Thanks to her keen eye for detail and vast knowledge surrounding design trends, she knows exactly what finishing touches all homes need. From compact rooms to large spaces, no job is too complicated for her artistic mind! Kate has built a rewarding career from her passions, working as a freelance interior designer and content creator. In terms of style inspiration, her main interests focus on 70s bohemian decor. This is clear to see through her beautifully designed home that features in many major publications.
Last Updated: March 29, 2021
A magnifying mirror is one of those items everyone just has to have! These types of mirrors make it easy to do everything from plucking stray eyebrows to flawlessly applying makeup. But not all mirrors are created equal -and in this guide we aim to help you find the best one for your beauty needs. For example, if your bedroom or bathroom is dimly lit, the best option for you would be a LED lighted makeup mirror. These tend to recreate natural light, helping you apply just the right amount of makeup! Or perhaps you need something you can travel with. In that case, we list the features to look out for and which guarantee you'll easily be able to use your mirror wherever you go. In our 'mirror features' section, we also take a look at different magnifying strengths and how to choose the best one - plus how to choose between free-standing mirrors and those you attach to the wall.
The Best Magnifying Mirror
1. Raytix 20X Suction Cup Magnifying Mirror & Slant Tweezer Set
Best Choice
Key Features
20x magnification
3 suction cups
Comes with travel pouch
Includes heavy-duty stainless steel tweezers
4-inch diameter
100% money-back guarantee
The best magnifying mirror in our review is Raytix 20X Suction Cup Magnifying Mirror, which is perfect for everything from makeup application to eyebrow removal! It has 3 suction cups which means it will stick securely to the wall, but it's also small enough to be easily portable. It comes with a handy little pouch that protects it, so you can travel with it safely. And as an added bonus, when you buy this mirror you also get a great pair of tweezers. Made of stainless steel, these are professional quality, with a slanted tip that makes it easy to pluck hairs precisely.
Pros
Small enough to be easily portable
Great for traveling
Attaches securely to wall
Professional quality tweezers are slanted for precision
Makes a lovely gift
Durable
Cons
No light
Too small to see your whole face properly
Some distortion with magnification
No plain mirror option
2. KOOLORBS 10X Magnifying Makeup Mirror with Lights
Key Features
10x magnification
3 color lighting
Adjustable brightness
Integrated suction cup
Adjustable angles
Requires 3 AAA batteries
This LED light up KOOLORBS 10X Magnifying Makeup Mirror makes applying makeup easy because it offers 3 different color options – cool light, natural light, and warm light. These help you choose the best makeup for different situations, such as going to work or for an evening out. You can also make the light dimmer or brighter as required. It's fully adjustable, with 360-degree rotation, and has a powerful suction cup that allows you to firmly stick it to any flat surface. What's more, you don't need to worry about the batteries running out if you forget to turn it off after use – it will automatically turn itself off after 30 minutes.
Pros
Adjustable lighting allows you to apply makeup perfectly
Light switches off automatically when not used for 30 mins
Adjustable enough to get the perfect angle
Small enough to pack for traveling
Suction cap is strong and easy to use
Can be wall-mounted or used free-standing
Cons
No bag for traveling
A little too small for some users
No plain mirror option on the reverse
3. Absolutely Luvly Trifold Vanity Magnifying Mirror with Lights
Best Value
Key Features
Trifold lighted makeup mirror
1x 2x and 3x magnification
Touch screen bright LED light
180° swivel rotation
100% money-back guarantee
Uses 3 AAA batteries or 1m USB cable
When it comes to value for money, the best lighted makeup mirror is this trifold one, which allows you to see yourself at normal magnification in the main mirror, or to use the side panels for 2x and 3x magnification. Absolutely Luvly Trifold Vanity Magnifying Mirror swivels 180° so you can tilt it towards you for the best viewing angle and the touch screen light is dimmable, so you can get the level of brightness to just where you need it. What we love about this lighted mirror is the fact that you can power it with batteries when traveling, or with a USB cord when at home!
Pros
USB cable option means you'll never have to worry about the batteries running out
Portable
Light settings are dimmable so you can get the perfect amount of light
Easy to achieve the ideal viewing angle
Good size
Has a plain mirror in addition to magnifying mirrors
Cons
No variation of color in light settings
No height adjustment – a bit short when placed directly on a dressing table
USB cable is short
Base is hard to remove for travel once fitted
4. Miss Sweet Folding Hand Held Magnifying Mirror
Key Features
10x magnification
Hand-held
Comes with a travel pouch
Folding design
6-month limited warranty
6.1-inch diameter
Miss Sweet Folding Hand Held Magnifying Mirror is a great little mirror and one of the best in our review if you're looking to buy something small, that you can easily pop in your bag for when you're out and about. It is double-sided, with a regular mirror on one side and the magnifying mirror on the other. You can either hold it in your hand or use the handle as a stand. It comes with a cute little bag that protects it from scratches when you travel.
Pros
Portable
Perfect for traveling
Offers both regular and additional magnification
Adjustable angle for the best view
Durable
No distortion
Cons
Too small for some users
No lighting
No option for wall mounting
5. Wobsion LED Lighted Travel Compact Makeup Mirror
Key Features
1x and 10x magnification
10 bright LED lights
Pink outer case
Simple on/off switch
Takes 2 x CR2032 batteries
3.5″ diameter, 0.7″ thick
The ultimate in compact magnifying mirrors is Wobsion LED Lighted Travel Compact Makeup Mirror. It's small enough to fit easily into your handbag or purse to take with you on days or nights out, and has the added bonus of 10 daylight LED lights surrounding the plain mirror, allowing for flawless makeup application. The magnification side of the beauty compact helps you see in detail, making it easy to remove eyebrows and other stray hairs. The cover is a pretty pink shade but tough enough to protect the glass, so you can carry this magnification mirror with confidence wherever you go.
Pros
Compact design – fits easily in pocket or purse
Ideal for travel – glass is protected by the case
Pretty case
Durable
Uses friction closure – easy to close
Makes a lovely gift
Cons
No auto on/off for lighting – risk of draining the battery
Batteries are not included
Can be tricky to open
No lights on magnifying side
6. AmazonBasics Vanity Mirror with 1-5X Magnification
Key Features
1x and 5x magnification
Gold color finish
360-degree rotation
Nonslip base
Mirror diameter of 6.69 inches
Iron coated construction
Perfect for use as a bathroom mirror or for applying makeup, AmazonBasics Vanity Mirror stands at nearly 12 inches high. It features a plain mirror on one side, with 5x magnification on the reverse, and is built to last, with tough, iron-coated construction. It features a nonslip base and has a lovely gold finish that will look attractive in any room in your home.
Pros
Durable
Looks attractive in bathroom, bedroom, etc
Simple to assemble
Adjustability makes it easy to get the perfect angle
Has a heavy, high quality feel
Great value for money
Cons
No lighting
Design is slightly top-heavy
No height adjustment – may be too short for some
Not designed to be easily portable
7. Ovente Wall Mounted, Double Sided, Extendable Arm Magnifying Makeup Mirror
Premium Pick
Key Features
Available in 3 finishes
Wall-mounted
1x and 10x magnification
LED light
Battery operated
360-degree rotation
One of the best magnifying mirrors in our premium category is Ovente Double Sided, Extendable Arm Magnifying Makeup Mirror, which is designed to be mounted on the wall. Simulating natural light, its LED light bulb will last for as long as the mirror, so there's no need to change it. A combination of the extending arm and the adjustable angle of the mirror gives you the perfect view for makeup application and other beauty needs. If you are short on space, this is the perfect option, as the fact that it's wall-mounted means that it doesn't take up precious space in the bathroom, bedroom, etc.
Pros
Gives a clear, undistorted image, even at 10x magnification
Extending arm and adjustable rotation allows you to view your face from the perfect angle
Space-saving – mounted on the wall to avoid clutter
Long-lasting lightbulb
Variety of finishes means you can find the perfect look to suit your room
Generous 7 inches of viewing space
Cons
Batteries not included
Installation instructions not very helpful
No adjustment up or down
Adjustable arm can be stiff
Uses batteries up fairly quickly
8. Fancii Suction 10X Magnifying Lighted Makeup Mirror
Key Features
10x magnification
Natural daylight LED
360° rotation
Foldable
Suction cup
Battery operated
Travel pouch included
Fancii Suction Lighted Makeup Mirror has an innovative square design and allows you to see yourself at 10 x magnification, helping you easily apply beauty products and providing a natural-looking light. It attaches to the wall using an advanced air-tight suction cup, but you can use the cup as a stand instead if you don't want to mount this mirror on your wall. It's perfect for travel – it folds to a nice compact size and has its own travel pouch to protect it when you're on the move.
Pros
Fully adjustable angle makes it easy to achieve the view you need
Compact size and the fact that it folds makes it ideal for travel
Locking suction cup attaches securely to clean, flat surfaces
Cordless, so completely portable
LED light gives a natural daylight look, making it easier to apply beauty products correctly
Takes just 5 minutes to install
Cons
Light is not dimmable
Offers magnification only – no regular mirror
No USB option – battery-powered only
Light switch turns on too easily when traveling with the mirror, draining the battery
9. OMIRO 20X Magnifying Mirror and Eyebrow Tweezers Travel Kit
Budget Pick
Key Features
20x magnification
Comes with stainless steel tweezers
0.4″ thick
2 suction cups
Compact size
One of the best magnifying mirrors, if you're on a budget, is OMIRO Mirror and Eyebrow Tweezers Travel Kit, which gives an impressive 20x magnification. It even comes with a bonus set of tweezers, which are made from stainless steel and have a 25 degree angled tip – just what you need for plucking those annoying stray hairs.
Pros
Attaches firmly to the wall
Slim size means it's easy to pack when traveling
Easy to install
Tweezers are high quality and easy to use
Excellent value for money
Cons
No light
No travel pouch
No stand to use instead of suction cups
Mirror may be too small for some
10. VESAUR Professional 10X Magnifying Lighted Vanity Mirror
Durability Pick
Key Features
1x and 10 x magnification
Bright but dimmable LED light
Professional color rendering
Double function button – on/off and to adjust brightness
270 degrees swivel rotation
Made with high-grade pearl nickel
The VESAUR Professional 10X Magnifying Lighted Vanity Mirror is a high-quality mirror, which has 32 built-in medical-grade lamp beads. These are designed to be not just very bright, but also gentle on your eyes – the perfect combination. The brightness is also fully adjustable. What we particularly love about this mirror is its pearl nickel construction. This is a high-quality material that is resistant to corrosion. It also resists fingerprints, which means the mirror stays looking good. With its modern/vintage aesthetic, this is a beautiful piece that makes a nice accessory to any room – and if you're short of space it can do double duty as a desk lamp.
Pros
Double-sided, with plain mirror on the reverse
Can be battery or mains powered with AC adapter
Very durable – shaft has passed the fatigue test of 10,000 times
No reflection or glare
Finish remains fingerprint-free
Can double up as a desk lamp
Cons
More costly than other magnifying mirrors
Too large and heavy to use when traveling
Cord connection is a little loose
Some distortion on magnifying side
11. Danielle Small Matte Black Two-Sided Makeup Mirror
Key Features
1x and 12x magnification
Available in 5 colors
Soft-touch finish
360-degree rotation
9 inches high
Chrome detailed stem
This vanity makeup mirror is plain on one side, with 12x magnification on the other. Danielle Small Matte Black Two-Sided Makeup Mirror comes in a range of lovely colors so it's easy to find one that matches your decor and it has an interesting rubberized soft-touch finish. The finish actually helps it grip quite well to the surface it's sitting on, helping with stability. It has a smooth, solid tilt mechanism and holds its position well.
Pros
Easy to co-ordinate with existing decor
Image is sharp and free of distortion
Rubberized coating gives it a good grip
Quality, durable feel
Smooth tilt mechanism
Cons
No light
Impossible to remove the brand sticker from magnified side
Base too short for some users
No side to side adjustment
12. Cutygirl Flexible Gooseneck 10X Magnifying Mirror with Powerful Suction Cup
Key Features
10 x magnification
Dimmable LED lights
Touchscreen switch
Strong suction cup
Battery-powered
Cutygirl Flexible Gooseneck 10X Magnifying Mirror is an excellent lighted makeup mirror with a super-strong suction cup and an adjustable gooseneck design that makes it possible to get the angle just right for your beauty needs. The natural LED lighting helps you apply your makeup perfectly in a dimly lit room and is controlled by a simple touchscreen switch. If you choose not to attach this mirror to your wall with the suction cup, it will stand up perfectly well by using the cup as a base.
Pros
Can be mounted on the wall or used free-standing
Gooseneck arm is detachable for traveling
Very clear image
Saves space when attached to wall
Easy to install
Sticks securely
Cons
Non-reversible – no plain mirror option
Battery-operated only – no power cord
Batteries not included
Will sometimes switch itself on and off
Mirror is a little too heavy for the arm and may sag
Features To Consider With Magnifying Mirrors
Adjustability
This is an important factor when choosing the best mirror for your beauty needs. If you can easily adjust the angle then it's possible to get the best position to see clearly for detailed work such as plucking eyebrows or other stray hairs, or for successfully applying makeup. Some mirrors will adjust forwards or backward with a simple tilt mechanism, whereas others will rotate a full 360 degrees. It is hard to find a mirror with an adjustable height, so it's important to check that the height of any free-standing mirror you buy is adequate for your needs. If not, then the best option is to buy a wall-mounted mirror instead, that you can install at the perfect height.
Compact & Travel Friendly
If you decide that you need a mirror that's not just ideal for home use but is also one that you can easily take with you when you travel, you need to buy something that's compact, or that can be easily folded to a compact size. If you are looking for a lighted makeup mirror, then you need to make sure that it can be battery operated for portability. Some mirrors with LED lights come with USB cables, so this might be another option worth considering if you're looking for a mirror you can travel with. A mirror is - of course - very vulnerable to damage, so the best type to buy is one that folds in a way that protects the glass. Some mirrors in our review come with a travel pouch - a nice feature that offers a little extra protection.
Freestanding vs Wall Mounted
There are two types of mirrors in our review - free-standing, which can sit directly on a dressing table or bathroom shelf, and wall-mounted. In many of the mirrors we reviewed, the mirrors are attached to the walls (or to other, larger mirrors) using suction cups. These make a quick, easy, and effective way to stick them up, without the hassle of drilling holes. It also means the mirrors are easy to move from one room to another as needed. For larger, heavier mirrors that you plan to use in just one room, a more secure type of mounting, where the mirror is screwed into the wall, would be best. Particularly useful are models that can be used either way, and many of the mirrors in our review can be either attached to the wall or have their own stand. The best type to buy will depend on your needs. Whilst free-standing mirrors are more portable, a mirror mounted on the wall is easier to use hands-free, as it will already be at the correct level for your height. Another advantage of mounting your vanity mirror on the wall is that it frees up space on your dressing table or in the bathroom.
Lighting
If the lighting in your bedroom or bathroom is not quite bright enough, then a lighted makeup mirror is a must! This type of mirror will usually have LED lights that tend to last for ages and are very energy efficient. The best-lighted vanity makeup mirror in our review not only features dimmable LED lights but also offers different colors. These colors emulate the light at different times of day, so you can apply makeup in a way that will look good on a night out, then use a different light to apply day makeup. A lighted makeup mirror will, of course, require power. Batteries are good if you plan to travel with your mirror as they make it totally portable. On the other hand, constantly replacing batteries can be a pain if you use your mirror often. So another good option is to buy an LED lighted makeup mirror that comes with a USB cable. This, too, gives you some degree of portability if you have a device you can attach the cable to. Alternatively, look for a lighted mirror that comes with an AC adapter for mains power. In our opinion, the best-lighted makeup mirror to buy is one that can be either mains or battery operated, as this gives you complete flexibility.
Magnifying Strength
It can be very tempting to opt for the highest magnifying strength when choosing a vanity mirror, but in this case, the biggest isn't always best! If the magnification is higher than you need it can actually be very difficult to get a clear image of what you're looking at! As a rule of thumb, lower magnifications increase the size of images very little and are really only suitable for a handheld mirror that you will hold close to your face. The average magnification for a vanity mirror is around 5x, which is generally good for applying beauty products, shaving, etc. 7x magnification gives you a clearer view for detailed work such as plucking eyebrows and those with 10x magnification or higher are ideal if your eyesight is particularly impaired, or if you want to have a magnified view at a distance.
Size
The size of the mirror you buy will depend on the space you have for it and the way you want to use it. If you want to be able to take it with you when you travel, look for a compact, travel-friendly mirror. You might want to get something even smaller if you plan on taking it on nights out - in that case, the best option would be something very small and thin, that you could easily slip into your handbag. If you plan to buy a free-standing cosmetic mirror, check its height. Many magnifying mirrors tend to be quite short, so you may need to sit it on something in order to be able to look into it directly.
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Source: https://unclutterer.com/best-magnifying-mirror/
