Magnifying lighted mirrors are brilliant inventions bad eyesight. They mainly provide a real-time ‘zoom’ image for perfect makeup application and facial hair removal.
These magnifying mirrors can be mounted or handheld and their magnification capability can vary from 3x or 5x all the way to 20x! You’ll be ready for your close-up after an hour with one of these mirrors.
10 Best Makeup Mirror for Older Eyes with Bad Eyesight
We’ve compiled some options for household magnifying mirrors that you can explore!
1. MIRRORMORE Professional 7.5” Lighted Makeup Mirror
The mirror can be powered by an electrical outlet or by 4 AA batteries. The manufacturer also indicates that the mirror can be used as a desk lamp, a night light, or ambient lighting – whatever your heart desires!
Pros:
- Adjustable brightness for different uses
- 1x and 10x magnification on different sides
Cons:
- Because the light adjustment is made with a knob, it may not be very accurate or easy to get the same light level consistently.
2. Jerdon Tri-Fold Two-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror
This tri-fold mirror looks like it came straight out of the 80’s and got a bit of an update along the way. Users have the option of utilizing a 1x or 5x magnification, plus four adjustable light settings: daytime, evening, home, and office.
It’s easily portable and comes with a convenient built-in electrical outlet, though the outlet is made for only two prongs, so any grounded electronics can’t be plugged in.
Pros:
- Adjustable side mirrors for ideal angles
- Folds flat for travel and storage
- Adjustable light settings
- Two magnification options
Cons:
- Design seems outdated
- Needs an electrical outlet
3. Fancii 10X Magnifying Lighted Makeup Mirror
The mirror is compact and battery-powered, and if that’s not enough, it even folds in half! Fancii’s mirror sounds perfect for travel; when you fold this mirror, it takes up less than half a square foot of space and comes with a travel case.
Pros:
- 10x magnification
- Battery-operated
- Fully portable (including a travel case!)
Cons:
- Only one light setting
4. Fancii LED Makeup Mirror set
This mirror set is an exciting duo with two magnification options. The larger mirror is a 1x mirror with adjustable angles up to 180 degrees, both horizontally or vertically. You can choose between three light settings: soft, warm, natural daylight, or neutral white – all of which can be dimmed.
It’s portable and can be powered with an included USB charger or with 4 AA batteries, making it perfect for travel. The base has a storage component that can hold small items like makeup or accessories – ideal for holding your things while you apply your makeup or do your hair.
The removable 15x magnifying handheld mirror is excellent for close work or tweezing.
Pros:
- Three light settings with dimmable options
- Portable with USB charging or battery-powered options
Cons:
- The handheld mirror is quite small
5. JiBen Square Gooseneck LED 10X Magnifying Makeup Mirror
Ever wish a mirror would drop down from the ceiling when you need it, then go away when you don’t? This magnifying makeup mirror is pretty darn close to it. A gooseneck mirror lets the mirror come to you instead of you having to do that weird contorting dance to get over the sink and as close to the mirror as humanly possible.
This specific one has a 10x magnification element, so stand back about 5 inches, per the manufacturer’s recommendation. It comes with a bright LED daylight border controlled with a push button at the front of the mirror.
The Gooseneck is flexible and also allows for any angle you want – make it bend to YOUR will.
Pros:
- 10x magnification
- Adjustable angles
Cons:
- The suction cup may not be strong enough to hold it in place for its weight.
6. ALHAKIN Wall-Mounted Makeup Mirror with 10x Magnification
This two-sided extendable swivel mirror is a big bang for your buck. Many hotels choose this style of mirror because it’s a space-saver while still maintaining a certain elegance and utility that other mirrors do not have. This mirror has options – you can either buy the 10x or the 5x magnification. The other side of the mirror will be the standard 1x magnification.
When fully extended, the mirror’s arm will come out about 12 inches, but it folds away to nearly flat when it is put away. The mirror has a full 360-degree range of motion, allowing you to get all your angles made up perfectly.
Pros:
- Space-saver
- Wall-mounted with screws means secure and won’t fall
Cons:
- No lighting options
7. Mirrorvana XXLarge 11-Inch Oversized 3X/1X Magnifying Makeup Mirror with Stand
If you’re not into all the techy-techy and you just want a straightforward mirror with a little magnification, we have the mirror for you. This option is a classic mirror with a slight twist – it’s enormous. You’ll be able to see your entire face (and your neck) with this giant mirror.
Don’t plan on taking this mirror on your vacation – it may not fit in your suitcase, and it’ll definitely put you over your weight limit. Sitting at seventeen inches tall, it’s larger than most laptops.
The magnification on this is just 3x, with the other side being your standard 1x magnification.
Pros:
- Extra-large mirror means no eye strain
- Dual-sided mirror with a detachable base
Cons:
- No lighting options
8. Vimdiff 10x Magnifying Makeup Mirror with LED Lights
Okay, you’re looking for a super-magnifying mirror with LED lights without all the necessary stuff because you already have a mirror in your bathroom, right? We got you, fam. This mirror has 10x magnification with 360-degree rotation and an impressive suction cup that helps you secure it to any clean, smooth, dry surface.
It’s portable and lightweight, thanks to its small size, making it perfect for travel!
Pros:
- 10x magnification
- Great for travel
- Battery-powered
Cons:
- Its small size makes it inadequate for full-face use
9. Mirrorvana 7-Inch LED Lighted Magnifying Makeup Mirror
The makers of this mirror said, ”We’re not making JUST a mirror. No. We’re making a cute mirror AND giving it an extra purpose.” This little cutie has jewelry hooks to conveniently store your earrings, rings, and necklaces while you get ready for your day. Who needs a jewelry armoire!
The magnification is also dual-sided: standard on one side and 5x on the other – with an LED border powered by two AAA batteries so you can move it wherever you want. The mirror itself is 7” in diameter and stands at 14” tall in total.
Pros:
- Jewelry hooks built into the structure
- LED light around border
Cons:
- Too heavy for travel
10. Conair Double-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror
This magnifying mirror is the first oval-shaped mirror on the list, but it’s in keeping with the theme of a double-sided, lighted makeup mirror. It does rotate 360 degrees, though it is also the only one featured on the list with a standard side and a 7x magnification side.
The lighting on this mirror is called ‘soft halo’ light, which may not be ideal for doing your makeup if you’re heading to the harsh fluorescents of an office building, but could be perfect for a candle-lit dinner with your boo. The switch is on the base for easy access.
This mirror needs an electrical outlet for its lights, so its portability is still there but slightly more tethered to whether you can find a nearby outlet.
Pros:
- Lighting is more comfortable for eyes
- 7x magnification
Cons:
- Only electrically powered – no battery-powered or rechargeable option
Why should you use Magnifying Mirror?
Magnifying mirrors are great for the finer details – and that’s what makes your whole look, right? Applying eyeliner, blending your shadow out, tweezing those stubborn little chin hairs that you can feel but disappear when you look for them in an ordinary mirror.
These kinds of mirrors get even better when they’re lighted because there are no shadows to play tricks on you. The most critical thing to think about is what kind of light you’re using, because if you use soft light and go out into the daylight, you might end up looking like Chuckles the Clown, and that may not go over well at the board meeting.
Types of Magnifying Mirrors
There are so many types of magnifying mirrors – some even go up to 20x magnification! I’m not sure about you, dear reader, some things cannot be unseen, and I am scared to look.
Higher magnification will undoubtedly cost more, but types of mirrors aren’t just limited to magnification level. We have lighted mirrors, stationary (wall-mounted) mirrors, and electrical or chargeable mirrors. A mirror can be a combination of any of these, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Think about it – even the clip-on ‘selfie mirror’ serves a purpose for the Instagram influencers, so think of how useful a larger one could be!
Things to Consider before Buying Magnifying Mirrors
When you search for ‘magnifying mirrors,’ you’re going to get a lot of results, so let’s look at some options to narrow down your criterion.
Size and Shape
Think about what size you want your mirror to be. It will largely depend on what function you want it to serve: is it going to be a stationary mirror on your vanity? Are you using it as an everyday mirror in your bathroom? Do you have room for an extra-large, 17-inch mirror, or do you need a teensy, 5-inch handheld compact?
Portability
Are you moving it between locations? Maybe you travel a lot and need it to be lightweight and portable. Or perhaps you have a dedicated space for it, and you know it’ll stay there forever. Either way, these factors change, which mirrors you should be considering.
Magnification
If you have a great mirror already, maybe you only need the magnification element. Or maybe you want a standard and a magnified mirror. Okay, so how big do you want to go? Perhaps the better question is, how brave are you?
The more magnified the mirror, the higher the level of imperfections you’ll see on your face. That’s not because you have visible flaws; it’s because our skin is naturally not a smooth surface, and magnification is going to expose that shameful, dark secret! And the hair – don’t get started on the hair. You will find hair coming from every pore. Ready your tweezers honey.
Lighting
Some people aren’t fans of LED lights, and that’s okay. We won’t hold it against them. Many magnifying mirrors come with built-in LED lights, but there is a fair number of classic mirrors without the bells and whistles. If you just want to rely on the lights that the good Lord (and the home contractor) gave you, that’s okay! There are still plenty of mirrors to choose from, and that will probably make the mirrors more affordable.
Pricing
As with anything you purchase, set a budget beforehand. You can find a decent mirror ranging anywhere from $30.00 – $70.00, so expect to spend about that amount for something with the features mentioned in this list. Of course, the more fancy features you opt for, the more expensive the mirror will be. Bare-bones mirrors will be more affordable, as common sense will tell you.
FAQ
What magnification mirror do I need?
Every person has unique needs based on their daily routine, the space they live in, and their hygiene regimen. The list we have provided should offer options for everyone!
How do I choose a magnifying mirror?
Since everyone’s needs are so different, take a look at the ‘Things to Consider before Buying Magnifying Mirrors’ section above for help in figuring out the critical factors to weigh before making your final decision.
What is the strongest magnifying mirror?
The strongest magnification usually available for consumers on the market is 20x magnification, though the most common is typically 10x or 15x. There are some 30x mirrors available, though they are usually specialty mirrors and are not very useful for everyday makeup application.
Is LED lighting good for applying makeup?
Yes! LED lighting can mimic natural sunlight, and since you can’t precisely use sunlight in your bathroom, warm white LED is the next best option. It’s on the same color spectrum, and since we’re talking mirrors at face-level here, there’s no shadow to worry about.
What magnification should a makeup mirror be?
An essential factor to consider is that the higher the level of magnification, the smaller your field of vision will be. Your eyesight also matters! Magnification mirrors can offset your need for glasses, so if you take your glasses off to apply makeup, there might need to be a balancing act there.
Conclusion
Magnifying mirrors can change your world (and possibly show you horrors untold). As you can tell, more isn’t always a good thing when it comes to magnification. Hopefully, this guide gave you a little more knowledge when it comes to how to pick the best magnifying mirror for your needs.
