Magnifying makeup mirrors are extremely handy for precise makeup application and personal grooming tasks. But if you don’t already own one and are considering getting one for yourself, you might want to read this first. Why? Because magnifying makeup mirrors suck.
I’m going to share with you some examples of these preposterous beasts and why you will regret owning one.
Need a new magnifying makeup mirror? Don't start shopping until you read this first. You've been warned! Share on XWhat are Magnifying Makeup Mirrors?
Magnifying makeup mirrors are basically small mirrors that are just large enough for your face.
They allow you to see yourself close up for easier precision of applying makeup and performing personal grooming tasks.
There are several different kinds available and they typically range from 5x magnification all the way up to 20x! Shudders
Types of Magnifying Makeup Mirrors
Stationary Magnifying Makeup Mirrors
Stationary Magnifying Makeup Mirrors a.k.a. Vanity Mirrors sit on your counter.
They are quite decorative and typically swivel and often have 2 different sides, each with their own magnification level. Some even have electric or battery operated lights.
My husband actually keeps one on the nightstand so that he can watch TV while laying in bed!
Granted the TV shows are backward, but he thinks it’s cool. He says it makes watching old reruns of Seinfeld (that he’s only seen like a million times) more exciting.
Of course, that’s not exactly what these mirrors are intended for, but he thinks it’s ingenious. You GO, dear!
Wall-mount Magnifying Makeup Mirrors
These are just like their stationary sisters, except they mount on a vertical surface.
This is super convenient for those of us who stand at the bathroom counter to do our makeup and grooming.
There are even some with suction cups to hold the mirror in place, which makes it easy to take with you traveling and doesn’t make any holes in the wall.
But be prepared to clean off those little rings on your mirror when you take them off.
Compact and Hand-Held
You may be used to having a compact mirror that comes with your pressed powder. But they probably don’t provide the magnification of these little babies.
These magnifying makeup mirrors are small but pack a big punch. If you are into that sort of thing.
The Mirror that Changed My Life
I am getting older and my eyesight is starting to wane.
The lighting in my bathroom is not all that great so I often leave my house thinking I’m looking pretty fly (for a white girl), but then I get to work and realize that half of my makeup is mucked up.
I had the chance to try out this magnifying mirror for review, I thought this would be something that I could definitely use in my life.
This Light Up Magnifying Makeup Mirror is from a company called Mirror on a Rope and it features 7x magnification.
It requires 3 triple A batteries (not included) and can mount on a flat, smooth vertical or horizontal surface.
The suction mount is very strong. You just place it on the surface you want to mount it to and twist the dial. That sucker isn’t going anywhere!
I found that it sticks best to my marble bathroom counter and on the mirror or glass shower.
The swivel action is also really nice.
You can angle it in practically any direction so whether you have it straight up on the counter or hanging on a vertical service, you can just tilt the mirror to the direction you need it to go.
And when you are ready to take it with you, just twist the base and then pull up the tab on the suction cup and it should pop right off.
I like that it’s square instead of round like most magnifying mirrors. It looks very contemporary.
Try it for selfies to add a little extra light to your face too!
Little did I know, that this one little magnifying makeup mirror would forever change the way I see myself…
Magnifying Makeup Mirrors Suck!!!
When I first looked at myself in it, the mirror was so concave and it looked like a fun house. I was appearing upside down at first glance.
But then I got in a little closer and turned on the light.
AHHHHHH!!!! OMG!!!
There was my face all blown up – in ways I’ve never seen before.
I discovered that my pores are the size of dimes, and I’m growing a mustache AND a beard. WTH!? WHY DID I GET THIS FREAKING MIRROR???
I can actually see how badly I’m applying my makeup and what I need to do to fix it.
I can actually see that I need to start plucking (or in my case, shaving).
I can actually see that I need to take better care of my skin and get a face lift.
I use this mirror every day and I can feel confident that I’m not going to leave the house looking like a clown – not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Actually, that’s a lie. I hate clowns. They are scary. I certainly don’t want to look like a clown (or a bearded lady).
With this mirror, I can see exactly where I am applying my makeup and where I need to pluck. I never knew how much I needed this mirror.
*Tip! As an added bonus, this mirror is great for adding extra light to YouTube videos. I just prop it on my counter, swivel it towards my face, and turn on the light. It’s out of filming range but adds just a little extra lighting right where I need it.
Ok, you got me! Magnifying Makeup Mirrors don’t REALLY Suck.
I guess my beef isn’t really with any of these magnifying makeup mirrors. It’s with my face!
And if you are considering getting one for yourself, I just hope you have really good self-esteem. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Yeah I hate magnifying mirrors, they basically show me all my flaws and imperfections that I do not want to see. I use one to see the back of my head when I’m doing my hair and what is it!
Magnifying mirrors are the worst 🙂 ha ha! They definitely highlight flaws or rather, highlight areas on our faces for improvement 🙂
I don’t have a magnifying mirror but sometimes when I stay in hotel rooms there is one in the bathroom. And I don’t like them at all, I don’t like seeing my flaws so close, haha.
I have a magnifying mirror on top of my desk! It definitely points out every imperfection on my face, especially with the LED light. (reciprocated by Natasha Romero-Salas)
I had a magnifying mirror when I was in high school! I don’t think I considered all of the differences back then because I was a youngster and had no blemishes to hide!
I don’t have magnifying mirrors but it looks to show your flaws and I don’t like it HAHAHHAHAH! I use ordinary mirror 🙂
I like the design of this mirror. I need this and I like how you can stick it to the mirror.
Hahaha! Yeah, I think we can all be a little too self critical at times. And of course anything which highlights the flaws you already see could be annoying.
Have never used magnifying mirrors. Seems it highlights the flaws. Better not to use then. Let the flaws stay hidden what say.
Never though about the variety of mirrors but I can tell when one makes you feel good and another may spoil your day.
We don’t have magnifying mirrors at our place. But seems like everyone hatted this mirror. So will definitely not going to purchase in future 😉
I love my magnifying mirror. It’s so useful to have x
Laura
I don’t have one but I always wanted to buy one. It seems very useful especially when I do my make up routine.
I did not really like using magnifying mirrors.