If you like to have a well-lit area to do your makeup, relying on a hotel vanity while you travel is a bit of a risk. Instead, we recommend bringing along a lightweight, packable lighted makeup mirror to ensure you have ample light to complete your makeup look to perfection.
A lighted makeup mirror can also help you see better if you have an extensive skin care routine. They may have a variety of features including warmer or colder light options, magnification settings, and more. Just make sure you pack a lighted makeup mirror that is durable for travel, meaning it folds into a sturdy shape that isn’t too heavy or bulky. Read on for our list of the best ones to shop right now.
Our Top Picks
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Best Magnification:
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Why We Love It
It has six light settings and folds flat to the size of a photo frame.
What to Consider
It charges via USB, so make sure you bring a travel adapter for the outlet.
If you want a sturdy, easily packable lighted makeup mirror with all the bells and whistles, the Mocado LED Folded Travel Makeup Mirror has everything you could want. When opened, the 5 x 7-inch mirror sits upright on a tabletop so you can do your makeup without worrying about holding your mirror in one hand. When not in use, you can close the cover to protect the mirror glass, and stow it in the included travel case.
We love that there are 72 LED lights that function between six different settings, including three brightness levels and white, neutral, and warm light hues. If you like to get a closer look at your face when doing fine tasks such as tweezing your eyebrows or drawing a winged eyeliner, you can use the 10x magnifying attachment, which can be affixed to the top of the mirror or removed when not in use. It charges via USB port, so you can plug it into the same socket as your phone or you can give it a power boost through your computer.
The Details: 5.1 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches | 9.44 ounces | USB charged
Why We Love It
It has multiple magnification options and dimmable bulbs.
What to Consider
It’s a bit heavier than the other options.
This tabletop mount folding makeup mirror uses 36 LED bulbs to give consistent and dimmable lighting while you apply your makeup or do your skincare routine. If you need to get a close-up look while you attend to tiny details, you can flip over the mirror and use either the 3x or 5x magnified mini mirrors included on the other side. It comes in pink or white colorways that fold up to protect the mirror glass in transport.
The Details: 11.4 x 7.7 x 1.2 inches | 24 ounces | USB charged
Why We Love It
It contains a wireless charging pad that can recharge your phone.
What to Consider
It packs as two separate pieces.
When traveling, outlets can be sparse, so we love that this tabletop LED vanity mirror includes a wireless charging pad that you can use to recharge your phone while you do your makeup. The mirror sits on an adjustable base which has a 360-degree swivel and tilt, so you can get the best view from any angle. It uses a touch sensor to adjust the brightness level, giving you the option to dim the LED bulbs. Plus, there’s a detachable 5x magnifying mirror to allow you to take a closer look when desired.
The Details: 14.4 x 8 x 6.25 inches (with base) | USB charged
Why We Love It
The battery-powered magnifying mirror can be used on a tabletop or suctioned to a smooth, flat surface.
What to Consider
There’s only one magnification setting.
If you don’t want to run the risk of forgetting to charge your lighted makeup mirror ahead of your trip, you may find peace of mind in this battery-powered option which runs on three AAA batteries (not included). Great for precision work such as tweezing or applying false eyelashes, this 12x magnifying mirror lets you get a super close look at the area. We love that this mirror can be used handheld, on a tabletop (with the use of a kickstand), or you can suction it to a smooth, flat surface such as a bathroom mirror or a shower wall.
The Details: 4.4 x 4.4 x 1.8 inches | 3.84 ounces | Battery operated
Why We Love It
Various magnification settings allow you to complete precision tasks or get a wider field of view.
What to Consider
It’s bulky.
This tri-fold lighted mirror has options for 1x, 3x, and 7x magnification, allowing you to see every detail for precision tasks or zoom out to admire the bigger picture. Sixty-four LED bulbs operate on three light modes (natural, warm, and cold) and can be dimmed or brightened. A convenient memory setting allows you to lock in your favorite light options for easier access. We especially love the kickstand, which allows you to set the mirror on a tabletop and adjust it to various tilt settings —or, it doubles as a hanging loop, which you can use to secure the mirror to a hook (such as a towel hook) and use it upright.
The Details: 6.3 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches | 9.6 ounces | USB charged
Why We Love It
It offers full-size magnification.
What to Consider
Make sure to protect the handle with cushioning when you pack it.
If you prefer to do your makeup in the bathroom or while you stand, a hanging lighted makeup mirror may be more up your alley than a tabletop one. Conveniently, this mirror does both: its handle can be folded so it stands upright on a flat surface, or it can be hung on a wall hook. The double-sided mirror has 1x or 10x magnification options, and 64 LED bulbs provide ample lighting with cold, neutral, or warm tone settings. A single charge lasts up to 10 hours, so you won’t need to recharge it frequently at all.
The Details: 9.8 x 7.68 inches | 18.72 ounces | USB charged
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Why We Love It
It’s very compact for when luggage real estate is tight.
What to Consider
The mirror isn’t as wide as many of the other options.
This is the most petite item on our list besides the pocket-sized compact, so it’s well-suited for traveling light on weekend trips or if you’re trying to conserve space in a smaller carry-on bag. It can be used while folded as a handheld mirror or expanded as an adjustable tabletop mirror that swivels 180 degrees.
The dual-sided mirror offers 1x and 8x magnification, plus there are three light intensities to choose from. Don’t stress if you forget to shut off your mirror —a 30-minute timed auto-off will do it for you. And if you happen to be out of the required four AAA batteries, you can opt to plug it into the wall, your laptop, or a power bank instead.
The Details: 6.3 x 2 inches (folded) or 6.3 x 13.7 (extended) | 17.6 ounces | Battery operated or charge with wall outlet
Why We Love It
Keep your eye pencils, palettes, and more tucked away along with your lighted mirror.
What to Consider
It only comes in two colors.
This chic zip case, which includes a lighted makeup mirror and storage for makeup, skincare, or jewelry essentials, provides a most convenient way to tote your lighted mirror and your makeup all in one. There are two colors to choose from (gray and pink) in the leather case, which contains one large compartment (perfect for makeup palettes), one long compartment (for eyeliner or lip pencils), and two small compartments (which can be used for hair ties or small jewelry).
The Details: 4.5 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches
Why We Love It
The pocket-sized mirror comes in nine fun colors.
What to Consider
There isn’t as much surface area to view full makeup looks.
Small enough to fit inside the pocket of your jeans, this rechargeable lighted mirror is the most packable on our list, perfect for stashing in a purse or clutch. At just 2.26 ounces, it adds virtually no weight to your packing limit.
The foldable item contains two mirrors with 1x and 3x magnifications. It includes LED lights, on which the brightness can be adjusted or turned off completely, and you have the ability to toggle between warm, neutral, and cold light settings. You can pick from nine colors, making it a great gift for a travel-loving friend.
The Details: 3.3 x 2.5 inches | 2.26 ounces | USB charged
Why We Love It
Compact yet versatile, this mirror has six light options plus a memory setting.
What to Consider
There are no hanging or wall-mount features.
A carrying case can give your lighted makeup mirror added protection during transport. This pocket-sized pick folds up to defend the two mirrors (in 1x and 10x magnifications) from accidental nicks and scratches, and the soft carrying case adds further security. The LED bulbs operate between three color modes — warm, neutral, and cool — and they are dimmable by the touch of a button.
The Details: 5 x 5 inches | 6.4 ounces | USB charged
Tips for Buying Lighted Makeup Mirrors
Think about power source and battery life
If you’re traveling with a lighted makeup mirror, you’ll want something reliable and easy to charge when you’re on the go. Consider a USB-charged product, which can be plugged into a wall outlet, a power bank, or your laptop for easy recharging. For shorter trips, a battery-operated product may be sufficient —just remember to insert new batteries prior to your trip so you don’t run out of juice.
Prioritize portability
Something you can toss in your toiletry case or weekender bag is best for travel. A mirror that folds up to protect the glass will give you security that it won’t crack or scratch in transit. If your mirror comes with a protective carrying case, that’s a great option as well.
Also consider size and weight limitations. Though a larger mirror provides a more spacious viewing field, it may infringe on luggage real estate. To save more space, you can also opt to pack tiny, portable lights, which can turn any mirror into a lighted makeup mirror.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best magnification for a makeup mirror?
If you’re planning on doing a full face of makeup, you’ll want a mirror with 1x magnification so you can see the finished product in a standard view. For precision tasks such as applying liquid eyeliner, adding false lashes, or tweezing your eyebrows, use a mirror with a higher magnification such as 5x or 10x. Many mirrors include both a standard magnification plus a larger magnification, which is the most versatile solution for travel.
Can I bring a lighted makeup mirror on a plane?
Yes. There are no restrictions on lighted makeup mirrors for travel except any size and weight limitations for your carry-on or checked luggage.
How should I clean a lighted makeup mirror?
Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt from your mirror. For residue or buildup, you can try mixing equal parts water and white vinegar and lightly spraying the mirror before wiping it away with your microfiber cloth. To avoid stubborn streaking, try wiping your mirror in a zigzag pattern.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this story, Talia Ergas used her experience as a beauty editor and avid traveler — plus hours and hours of research —to find the best lighted makeup mirrors in every category.
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