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Image: MomJunction Design Team
When you’re getting ready for a big day at home and want to look flawless, you need the best light bulb for makeup that highlights every part of your face evenly. Bad lighting can mess up your makeup, leaving you with unblended patches of concealer or excessive blush on your cheeks.
A high-quality bulb illuminates your mirror and makes it easier for you to assess the colors and how they look on your skin. Also, as these modern lighting bulbs emulate the effects of natural lighting, they allow you to click fantastic Insta-worthy pictures as you get all decked up.
Jackie Alves, makeup artist, beauty educator, and founder of the beauty brand The Real Makeup Artist, says, “Don’t hesitate to invest in quality makeup lighting for yourself. It not only creates a more beautiful space for you to do your makeup but also makes the application process easier because you can see better. And don’t forget how glamorous all those “Hollywood lights” can make you feel!”
Here’s a list of top-rated, performance-driven light bulbs that are designed to offer proper lighting when applying makeup. So, keep reading and pick one that meets your needs.
Top Picks
10 Best Light Bulbs For Makeup
1. Best Brightness: Chende Vanity Lights For Mirror
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 20,801 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
Brighten up your makeup space with this tried-and-tested set by Chende. It has ten Hollywood-style LED bulbs that provide great brightness when applying makeup. These 4000k vanity lights offer soft lights that do not hurt the eyes. Designed to stick directly on the mirror, mirror frame, or wall, these makeup lights work on a 12V power supply. The on/off touch dimmer allows you to adjust the brightness to meet your needs. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the professional makeup bulbs.
Pros
- Two-inch bulbs
- Wear-resistant
- Thick wires
- Comes with UL-certified adapter
- Easy to install
Cons
- Adhesive could have been stronger
- May be small for some
"My DIY vanity project has come to life thanks to these lights. Adhesion is strong - they didn't budge when I tried removing them. Brightness is just right with only one setting, which suits my preference for full brightness. The wires, though, need some strategic placement. They've brightened my daily routine. I’d suggest these for their reliability and performance."
Do remember2. Best Energy-Efficient: Brightown Hollywood Style LED Vanity Mirror Lights
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 9,550 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
Illuminate your vanity mirror with these ten LED light bulbs. They emit soft and bright natural light without causing any discomfort to the eyes. The easy-to-install, durable, comfortable, and energy-efficient smart bulbs come with a dimmer feature and can be put around the mirror, wall, or mirror frame. Check out this video for a detailed review of the reliable light source.
Pros
- UL-certified power supply
- Smart dimmer switch
- Comes with 3M double-sided tape
- Plastic base to adjust the length
Cons
- May be a bit dim
- Adhesive may not be strong enough
"I've been using these lights for a while now, which I believe testifies to their durability. I loved how they illuminated my space and their perfect size. While the adhesive strength declines over time, the adjustable brightness through a sensor is praiseworthy. These lights are reliable and stylish."
3. Best Natural Light: Sunco Lighting 10 Pack G25 LED Globe
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 6,059 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
Designed to save up to 85% energy, these sustainable LED makeup bulbs make a fantastic choice. The G25 LED globes offer sunlight-like light with dimming capabilities to complement any décor. They provide instant bright illumination with no flickering and buzzing of eyes, making them the ideal bathroom vanity lighting. The set of ten bright makeup bulbs is backed by a five-year warranty and promises the perfect natural light for makeup.
Pros
- Provides 450 lumens
- Last for up to 25,000 hours
- E26 screw base
- Suitable for table lamps
- Energy Star and UL-certified
- Safety-tested
Cons
- May not switch on instantly
- May be a bit small
"The plastic bulbs are bright and give a crisp, white daytime look. They're brighter than the 40W incandescent bulbs I replaced. They're super easy to install and instantly turn on. Can't wait to see their longevity!"
Chende Vanity Lights For Mirror Best Brightness | Brightown Hollywood Style LED Vanity Mirror Lights Best Energy-Efficient | Sunco Lighting 10 Pack G25 LED Globe Best Natural Light | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic | Plastic, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | - |
| Color | White | White | 5000k Daylight |
| Weight | 1.05 pounds | - | - |
| Wattage | 18 watts | 12 watts | 6 Watts |
| Number of Items | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Shape | Lights kit | Globe | G25 |
| Light Color | Daylight | - | Daylight White |
| Shade Material | Plastic | Plastic | - |
| Dimensions | - | 9.5 x 6.6 x 2.9 inches | 4.46 x 3.15 x 4.46 inches |
| Weight | - | 15.2 Ounces | 1.48 Pounds |
| Incandescent Equivalent Wattage | - | - | 60 Watts |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 20,801 | 9,550 | 6,059 |
| Price | $22.99 | $18.69 | $28.99 |
4. Best Easy Installation: Pretmess Hollywood Style Vanity Mirror Lights Kit
Get the perfect lighting for makeup application with this set of ten Hollywood-style LED light bulbs. Available in three color temperature modes, they suit different needs in various situations. These high-performance lights come with retractable wire and 3M double-sided adhesive for easy installation. The dimmable makeup bulbs don’t emit any extra heat, nor do they hurt your eyes as they can be dimmed as per your requirements.
Pros
- Transparent tapes
- USB input mode
- PC soft mask
- Extra-long cord
- Wide range of color temperature modes
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May produce a slight buzzing sound
"Initially, I found the controls pretty challenging, but got used to it eventually. The brightness level suits my needs, and it was quite easy to install. However, the cord got mangled, so now it flickers at times. Overall, a pretty decent product suitable for various purposes."
Point to consider5. Best Professional Lighting: Hansong Large Vanity Makeup Mirror With Lights
Hansong bathroom makeup lighting set comprises a makeup mirror, 15 LED lights, and a USB charging port, making it a perfect makeup vanity installation. With adjustable brightness and three-color light settings, it helps you achieve professional lighting for makeup. The tried-and-tested smart-touch control function allows you to adjust the brightness, and the memory function saves your last used settings. Take a look at this video to learn more about the dressing room bulbs.
Pros
- Built-in USB port
- Stable detachable base
- Can be wall-mounted or placed on the makeup table
- Lasts for up to 50,000 hours
Cons
- Bulbs may not be replaceable
- May not be easy to hang on the wall
"This has been my favorite purchase in a while. The mirror is near-perfect, although I did have to add a stand to raise its height. The Bluetooth speakers and USB port are delightful add-ons, making my preparation time fun. Apart from its excellent function, it's pretty!"
6. Best Warm Lighting: Aooshine 50W G25 LED Bulbs
Aooshine’s delicate light bulbs provide soft, warm lighting with 2700k color temperature and a 500-lumen effect. The set has four G25 E26 LED bulbs that are highly energy-efficient and make a suitable choice for domestic and commercial lighting. With a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours, they bring down the maintenance costs, making it a trusted choice of users.
Pros
- Medium screw base
- Glare- and flicker-free
- High color rendering
- Mercury-free
Cons
- Non-dimmable
- May have a yellow tint
"I was drawn to these LED bulbs for their energy efficiency. The bulbs provide an instant, warm light that's ideal for my bathroom vanity. While their extraordinary brightness can be overpowering, especially if used in large numbers, they provide ample light. They're a good value for money and have helped me cut down significantly on my electricity bill."
Quick tip7. Best Long-Lasting: Jerdon 25W Mirror Replacement Bulbs
Specially designed for lighted mirrors, these 25W mirror replacement bulbs make a perfect choice for replacing existing bulbs that have burnt out or have grown old. The pack has two bulbs that are a quick fix for makeup mirrors. These convenient replacements last long and offer a bright shining light in the grooming area for extended periods.
Pros
- Compatible with all other makeup mirrors
- Easy to install
- Doubles as bathroom lighting
- Flicker-free incandescent bulbs
- Comes with a one-year warranty
Cons
- May have a slightly yellow tint
- May be brighter than you expect
"I replaced my previous makeup mirror bulbs with these, and while they're not as bright, they work well. They didn't fit one of my mirrors due to the bigger base, but they suited the rest. The quality is fine, and I particularly cherished reviving my aged mirror with these replacements. Would recommend and purchase it again."
8. Best Adjustable: Assemer LED Vanity Mirror Lights Kit
The bathroom vanity lighting set includes ten LED light bulbs in warm white, natural white, white light, warm yellow, and cool white colors. It is a 16.9-foot long kit that allows easy length adjustments. These performance-driven adjustable light bulbs are designed to offer five levels of brightness to suit different needs. The sticky pads let you place the bulbs quickly and easily wherever you need them.
Pros
- USB input plug
- Concealable wiring suitable
- Provides additional port to charge the phone
- Rated at 800 lumens
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Adhesive may not be great
"I love having these lights in my make-up room, especially due to the adjustable brightness. Suitable for any mirror size! Plus, the adhesive holds up well. Also, having different warmth settings is a big plus for adjusting makeup for various environments. Highly recommended!"
9. Best Safe-To-Use: Siccoo Makeup Vanity Lights For Mirror
These cosmetic light bulbs consisting of three color modes and ten adjustable brightness modes make perfect makeup and bathroom lights. The time-tested set has 14 vanity light bulbs designed to operate with a USB plug, power bank, and low voltage power support, making it a convenient and portable makeup lighting solution. Made of ABS fireproof material, these LED lights are safe-to-use.
Pros
- 65,000K LED bulb
- Free adjustment wire
- Can also be used as a decor
- Safe for children and pets
Cons
- Coiling the extensions between the bulbs may not be easy
- Adhesive tapes may not be great
"Installing these lights was a breeze, though dealing with cords was slightly annoying. The brightness provided was ideal for my daughter's vanity setup. I found myself purchasing a second set for my vanity. They're fantastic for creating a DIY Hollywood vanity look."
10. Best With Hi-Pot LEDs: Waneway Vanity Lights For Mirror
Light up your bathroom vanity with the Waneway vanity lights made of premium materials and certified electrical components. The kit features a 12V adaptor for a hassle-free power supply. These Hi-Pot LEDs last long and produce a maximum of 1200 lumens with a 6000K color temperature that is close to natural light. The CRI (color rendering index) of this light fixture is 90, which produces a bright color and reflects your actual skin tone.
Pros
- Compatible with most mirrors
- Features adjustable wires
- Includes two additional industrial-grade stickers
- Easy to remove and reposition
- LEDs are dimmable and stay cool to the touch
Cons
- May not have a universal plug
- Adapter switch may not work as expected
"A quality product that meets my expectations! It offers solid and reliable performance. It's functional and does the job. While it is not as durable, this product performs reliably and is reliable."
How To Choose The Right Light Bulbs For Makeup?
Here are some features to consider to choose the right light bulbs for a makeup vanity.
- Color modes: Consider high-performance light bulbs that offer you the convenience to choose between different color modes.
- Brightness adjustments: To ensure that the brightness does not hurt the eyes, opt for bulbs that adjust the brightness levels.
- Ease of installation: Light bulbs should be quick and easy to install so that you can use them anywhere and anytime.
- Heat emission: Bulbs that emit a lot of heat on extended usage do not make a good pick. Bulbs that do not emit any heat are an ideal pick.
Is Soft White Or Daylight The Best Lighting For Makeup?
Sunlight is the best light source for applying makeup as it provides an appropriate reflection of the skin. Therefore, daylight is optimal when applying makeup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is cool or warm light better for makeup?
Warmer color light bulbs lack brightness and clarity, making it inconvenient to apply makeup. On the other hand, light emitted by cool-tone light bulbs makes the makeup look unflattering by highlighting the blemishes and uneven skin tone. So, the best lighting for makeup application is neutral light that is close to natural light.
Choose white light with a color temperature ranging between 4800 and 5000 Kelvin and a CRI rating of about 100. In addition, the light should have a brightness ranging between 1000 and 1400 lumens.
2. What wattage is best for makeup?
Wattage may vary depending on the type of bulb. For LED lights, eight to 14 watts is ideal for makeup applications.
3. Are LED lights good for applying makeup?
LED lights offer illumination that is close to natural lighting conditions, Hence, they can be a good choice for makeup applications.
4. Where should the light be when applying makeup?
Lights should be pointed at the center of your face to avoid shadows. The best way to do this is to distribute the lights evenly around the mirror.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a product writer and reviewer passionate about beauty and fashion. She conducts extensive research on user reviews and product listings to recommend quality products. In this post, she has listed the best light bulbs for makeup and has mentioned each product’s features, such as adjustable brightness and colors. Poulami has also mentioned which energy-efficient lights are suitable for personal and commercial use.
The Bottom Line
Now, you can make the most of your makeup skills with the help of the best light bulbs for makeup that will help you accentuate your beautiful facial features. Makeup has now become essential, not only for functions but for a fresh everyday look. And good makeup requires good lighting. So whether you want to do your own makeup flawlessly or you are a professional makeup artist looking to step up your game, these lights will come in handy. Ensure you pick one that best fits and complements your room to improve its look. Our top recommendations include the energy-efficient Sunco Lighting 10 Pack G25 LED Globe and the Chende Vanity Lights For Mirror, which have a sticky back for easy installation.
Infographic: Advantages Of Using LED Mirror Light Bulbs For Makeup
Upgrade your makeup routine with the brilliance of LED light bulbs for mirrors, designed to provide optimal illumination for flawless makeup application. Check out the following infographic highlighting the numerous subtle yet important merits of using LED light bulbs when applying makeup.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Imene Jaadane et al.; (2017); Effects of white light‐emitting diode (LED) exposure on retinal pigment epithelium
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5706508/
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