Types of makeup mirrors with lighting, selection and placement tips
Making makeup requires perfect lighting, which can be extremely difficult to achieve naturally. In this case, a mirror with makeup light becomes an indispensable assistant for a woman, providing the possibility of accurate and uniform application of cosmetics. These are practical and functional accessories, the sizes of which vary in a wide range, which allows you to install them in different places. Properly choosing a mirror, taking into account many criteria, you can not only reduce the time it takes to make up, but also complement the interior of the room with a stylish element.
Content
Design features
Modern mirrors with lighting for makeup are presented in a wide assortment: models on the bracket for wall mounting, desktop products, compact options (can be taken on trips). Some accessories may have a magnifying mirror on one side. Their surface is well polished, does not distort reflection. The presence of illumination allows you to achieve optimal lighting, in which you can apply makeup in the same way as a professional does: with well-shaded and clear lines, even complexion, perfect contouring.
The shape and dimensions directly depend on where the accessory will be used. Small mirrors are mounted in the bathroom, taken with you on travel. Larger designs complement dressing tables, are used in the corridors. Manufacturers also offer specialized make-up mirrors, their cost is higher, but the quality of surface treatment is better. Such products are necessary for stylists, makeup artists and make-up artists for everyday work. A variety of mirrors with additional lighting will be useful for any woman who pays attention to personal care.
Varieties
A variety of models complicates the choice, but also reveals ample opportunities to users. You can easily take into account the dimensions of the room, the anatomical features of the body and other factors by choosing a mirror that will be most comfortable to use. Accessories are equipped with various types of lamps, their number varies. When choosing, it is necessary to consider for what purposes a backlit mirror is purchased.
Wall mounted
Basically, wall mirrors are large, with the exception of models installed as an optional accessory in the bathroom. The latter provide a round shape and highlight around the entire circumference of the structure. Convenient folding bracket makes it possible to move the mirror as comfortable for a woman.
A mirror with a zoom function and backlight will allow you to consider even the smallest skin flaws and help eliminate them with makeup.
Wall models have a number of distinctive characteristics:
- fixed mount;
- medium or large dimensions;
- square, rectangular shape (round is less common).
Thanks to their optimal dimensions, reflection can be carefully considered and existing defects removed. The standard size of accessories is 500 × 500 mm, but you can choose a larger product: 1200 × 600, 1000 × 1000, 700 × 500 mm and others. Such mirrors can be enclosed in a frame, save space on the dressing table. Some models have several flaps, but they are characterized by a large weight.
Tabletop
Cosmetic mirrors are quite compact in size, on average, from 10 to 30 cm in diameter. The modest dimensions do not prevent a woman from looking at her face well. Often in such a mirror there is a zoom function, and the design rotates 180 or 360 degrees. Desktop models can have a long leg or a support in the form of a bar (something similar to those used in the framework for the photo). Basically, the mirror has a round or oval shape, can be supplemented by a frame in which the backlight is mounted. The framing is made of plastic or metal, wood is less commonly used in desktop products. The ideal illumination in this case is circular.
The advantage of desktop designs is mobility, if necessary, they can easily be moved from place to place. It is important that the glass surface is perfectly flat. To check this, it is enough to place the device on a horizontal surface, then any, even the most insignificant, defects will be visible to the naked eye.
Hand held
Among illuminated mirrors, these are the most compact products. They are mobile, so it’s convenient to take them with you on the go. As a rule, such accessories do not have a long leg or a stable stand, which is why they are called manual. A popular option is instances in a case. The latter performs a protective function, and also has a leg, thanks to which the product can be put on the table. It is desirable that the cover was made of genuine leather, then the mirror will have a presentable appearance for a long time.
The diameter of hand mirrors rarely exceeds 10-12 cm, and their lighting is not as bright as that of stationary models, so most often they are used as an additional accessory. Lamp operation is ensured by batteries. To save on consumables, it is recommended that you install batteries of the appropriate size. The presence of the magnifying side makes the mirror more convenient for use, so this function is often provided by manufacturers.
Materials
Mirrors fulfill not only a practical, but also a decorative role, therefore they are created in various designs. Equally important is the material deposited on the inner surface of the mirror. The color rendering, the degree of glare, and the quality of reflection as a whole will depend on it. As for the materials for the frames - they affect the appearance and life of the product.
Mirrors
Four types of coating are distinguished. Each of them has a different transmission quality, and also affects the final cost of the accessory. In ascending order, they can be placed as follows:
- amalgam;
- aluminum;
- silver;
- titanium.
Amalgam coating is used when creating budget products. A mirror with such a treatment cannot be installed in the bathroom, because it is not able to withstand increased humidity in the room - over time, the surface of such a model will begin to crack and fade. Aluminum is slightly more expensive, it can give a slightly distorted and not too clear image. It is more suitable for pocket and hand mirrors.
Silver spraying increases the strength of the surface and is resistant to temperature changes, moisture. It is difficult to damage or scratch, so the price is higher. The highest quality and most expensive is titanium spraying.It is as strong and durable as possible, excellent for applying makeup, because it gives the clearest image.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the distortion class. According to the marking, it should be designated as M0 or M1. It is also permissible to install mirrors with markings up to M4 at home, but they are not suitable for make-up. The thickness of the web should be from 4 to 6 mm.
Frames
Not all models are equipped with frames. Without them, the backlight is mounted in the mirror itself. Externally, such products look light and airy, more often used in modern interiors. Unframed make-up mirrors are also popular. Lamps are placed in them around the perimeter of the canvas or on three sides. If the frame is still provided for in the product, it can be made of:
- Plastic. Inexpensive and popular material, characterized by affordable cost. It is not too durable, not resistant to mechanical damage, but has a wide selection of colors and textures.
- MDF. It is installed on large mirrors, has a long service life and a variety of colors, has an optimal price-quality ratio.
- Chipboard. It is offered in almost any color, but it is afraid of moisture, and can be deformed over time.
- Metal. Durable material, which often has a chrome finish, combines with any modern style.
- Tree. Environmentally friendly material used in the manufacture of classic models is quite expensive if the array is involved.
Smooth textures are suitable for modern interiors, carved decor can be chosen for classic and provence. There are frequent options when materials are combined with each other. Metal goes well with plastic and MDF, and wood is complemented with chipboard to reduce the final cost of the product.
Lamp options
Cosmetic makeup mirrors should create light that is as close to natural as possible, so the backlight must be chosen correctly. Many women install additional sconces on the mirror itself or put compact floor lamps on the table, but the backlit model is considered the most convenient to use. Manufacturers use several types of lamps:
- LED. The best option offered, because it has a wide range of lighting. The lamps do not heat up and last a very long time.
- Halogen. They tolerate moisture well, therefore they are used in mirrors designed for the bathroom. Their service life is several times higher compared to incandescent lamps.
- Luminescent. They give clean and cold light, but are characterized by increased brightness, so the eyes get tired quickly.
- Incandescent lamps. They are installed on budget models and do not differ in reliability, so every year they are increasingly losing relevance. Also, such products become very hot and do not give clear light, they emit a warm glow that is not suitable for applying cosmetics.
Only LED lamps can provide neutral lighting, close to natural.
You can also meet models with LED strip. It can be located on the outer edge of the frame or be embedded under glass. The latter option does not differ in brightness sufficient for applying makeup, therefore it is often used for decorative purposes. External lighting can only be used if it has no shades.
How to fit into the interior
The design of the mirror should be harmoniously combined with the general style of the room. It is important to choose the right frame material and evaluate whether its presence is necessary. The color of the backlight, the type of lamps, the shape and dimensions of the product will also matter.
Classical interiors are characterized by massive frames and carved decor. Typically, the frame of the mirror is made in a bronze shade, often the surface is aged artificially.Also, natural wood is abundantly used in the classic, more inexpensive options are created from MDF. The shape of the mirror can be oval, rectangular or square. Harmonious backlighting is made in the form of a sconce with energy-saving lamps. Also, mirrors in the frame are suitable for Provence, country, eco styles.
If the product is chosen for a modern interior, it is better to abandon the frames altogether. Rectangular and square mirrors with illumination around the entire perimeter will look good. For minimalism, modernism and hi-tech, the characteristic materials are metal, glass, acrylic. The chrome surfaces look spectacular in such interiors. The backlighting is done using LED lighting.
Selection tips
In order for the accessory to meet all the required parameters, you must immediately determine for what purpose it is purchased. For applying creams, masks, skin care, a small cosmetic mirror on a bracket that can be mounted on a wall is suitable. Also a good option would be a large mirror, inside which there is a smaller magnifying glass.
The next parameter is the placement of the lamps. Lighting should be adequate, but not bright. For these purposes, it is better to choose models with LED lamps placed on three sides (on the sides and top). It is desirable that the lighting be neutral. Too warm will give a yellow tint to the face, too cold will allow you to consider the smallest flaws, but it will be unusual for the eyes.
The lower placement of the backlight should be discarded, since the flow will be scattered incorrectly and unevenly.
Mirror size also matters. For a comfortable make-up application, a small accessory is enough - from 20 to 40 cm. But if you plan to lay and install a mirror on or near the dressing table, it is better to choose a larger structure - at least 70 cm. In a spacious bedroom, a three-leaf mirror will be appropriate, giving maximum visibility . Of course, you should not forget about the design, because the mirror should favorably complement the interior, and perhaps even be its main emphasis.