Even with the best skincare and makeup, and your technique mastered, you can still go wrong without the right makeup mirror and lighting.
There are a whole host of options out there for would-be MUAs, including travel mirrors, magnifying mirrors and light-up mirrors. So, it's important to figure out what you need from yours, because once you have the perfect one, your routine will become a breeze.
These are our top picks at a glance, but keep scrolling to explore all their benefits.
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Oliver Bonas Loire Gold & Glass Dressing Table Mirror
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Joseph Joseph Viva Pedestal Mirror
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What features to look for
It's generally best to do our makeup in daylight – who hasn't stepped out after doing their makeup in artificial light, and had a nasty surprise passing a shop mirror? We've all been there.
But if you don't get a lot of natural light, or are often getting ready for the evening, there's a great selection of light-up mirrors to not only help you see clearly, but many also come with cool and warm settings to help you see what your finished face will look like in daylight or at night.
If your eyesight isn't the best or you want to get every last hair when you're plucking, a magnifying mirror is a good option. After all, it's hard to perfectly apply eyeliner with your glasses on.
And if you're on the go a lot, there are solutions to that too, with smart travel mirrors without compromise. There are also some vintage style hand-held mirrors, and tasteful mirrors for interior design fans that can be kept on display.
These are our all-time dressing table favourites.
The best makeup mirrors to shop in 2024
Whether standing or hung, this Hollywood style mirror will likely be a hit with teenagers and adults alike. Most often seen backstage at Fashion Week, it's no wonder many of us have lusted after a mirror like this (preferably with a walk-in dressing room to match).
This clever modern iteration also has dimmable warm and cool light settings for evening and day.
This stylish smart mirror has three settings that accurately replicate daylight, evening and bright sun, letting you check your makeup is up to scratch in the same light conditions you’ll be seen in.
It’s got the seal of approval from our beauty editor Lynne Hyland, who likes the chargeable, cord-free convenience, and the fact the brightness can be adjusted on each setting, turning even the darkest room into a perfectly lit make-up studio.
Extra points for the detachable magnifying mirror, which is particularly useful for fiddly tasks like applying false lashes. It is pricey but for beauty buffs, it's worth it.
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This is the perfect everyday makeup mirror from John Lewis' fuss free and affordable Anyday line.
One side offers 3x magnification so you can get a really good look when you're beautifying, while the other side is a true reflection.
This is homes writer Christina Geggus' favourite mirror. It has a double-sided design (one side offers 10x magnification), three light settings (white, warm and cool) and it's cordless.
"This makeup mirror is an absolute game-changer,” Christina says. “You charge it via a USB-C port and then you can move it around whenever necessary. It's the ultimate portable getting-ready station."
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We love this gorgeous mirror from Oliver Bonas. Not only is it a practical table mirror that you can store your everyday essentials and jewellery pieces in, it will also add a stylish touch to any desk or dressing table. We're big fans of the speckled black and brown design.
Another pretty pick from Oliver Bonas is this chic gold and glass dressing table mirror.
With ribbed glass accessories being super on-trend right now, we're sure it will make a luxe addition to your bedroom.
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Simple yet stylish, this makeup mirror would make an ideal option for a bathroom. Designed to bring a natural, earthy feel to any room, it will save you space as well as keep your everyday trinkets safe.
This desk mirror can definitely double up as a makeup mirror too. Designed with a chic Art Deco-style scalloped trim, this will add a touch of class to any bedroom or bathroom.
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What can we say, we like Oliver Bonas mirrors. If you love a vintage, slightly kitsch feel to your homeware, this gold dressing table mirror with a leopard sitting atop is effortlessly cool. You can also adjust the angle of the mirror, making it as practical as it is pretty.
Looking for a multi-functional option? This mirror from Jospeh Joseph has clever storage underneath to keep all your everyday cosmetics in one place, as well as create a place for you to put your skincare and makeup on every morning.
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This black metal mirror is perfect for minimalist dressing tables. It's double side with one side offering a magnified view. It also features a wooden tray at the bottom for the trinkets and the beauty items you reach for most regularly.
With a whopping 10x magnification, you can see everything with this lighted mirror. Designed to aid eyebrow plucking, it's equally good for up close makeup application. Plus it's handheld, making it a non-negotiable handbag essential.
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This has a dimmable LED light and 5x magnification, and with its modern pink design, it will also look good in your bedroom. What's more, there is a 5x magnified detachable mirror in the centre that you can slip into your handbag. How's that for travel-friendly?
This super simple and slick design is rechargeable via USB, making it super portable. The longer you press the screen, the brighter the mirror becomes. It can also be stored flatly for ease, should you wish to hide it away when it's not in use. Smart.
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This handheld mirror is more practically than aesthetically crafted, but it is designed ergonomically. There's a comfortable, easy-to-grip handle and a nice wide area for seeing your full face. The only downside is having to hold it and do your makeup at the same time, but it's good for quick check-ups and you can prop it up if needed!
This luxury compact mirror allows you to have the best quality on the go. The light is sensor operated and goes out when slid into the pouch. It boasts 650 lux and a colour rendering index (CRI) of 95, which, in layman's terms, means it closely simulates natural light's full colour spectrum.
Combined with 3x magnification, it promises a hyper-clear view that shows every detail. The ring handle makes it easy to hold while using and also doubles as a handy stand.
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This classic option is an affordable all-rounder. It's a simple table-top design with 1x and 10x magnifying sides, 360° rotation and an illuminating light. Simple but effective.
With three dimmable light settings, this clever mirror will replicate daylight, evening and home lighting, so you can do your makeup in the lighting it will be seen in.
It also comes with a detachable 10x magnifying mirror so you can see all the details for tweezing or doing eye makeup. The stylish cordless design comes in black, white and rose gold and is rechargeable.
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With 5x magnification on one side and true image on the other, this handy pedestal mirror is a classic style that will sit neatly on your dressing table. Job done.