What features should I look for in a makeup & shaving mirror?
Once you have figured out the material for the frame and type of your mirror, you need to think about features that will best suit your needs.
Lighted
Lighting is a major concern when choosing a makeup & shaving mirror. LED lighting has become the gold standard because it creates lighting that is closest to natural light. Another alternative for natural lighting is a fluorescent mirror. Both of these options are up to 70% more energy sufficient. LED bulbs can last you a lifetime and fluorescent ones can last up to three years. You can also choose different color temperatures to match your room. Soft white color temperatures are best for bedrooms and living rooms. Both bright white and daylight color temperatures can look well in kitchens and bathrooms to provide a more energetic feel. Regarding the purpose of the mirror, the traditional incandescent light is a good option for shaving and combing hair, but if you will be applying makeup, it is best to pick a LED or fluorescent light.
Magnifying
A magnifying mirror is your best choice for applying intricate makeup such as lip liner or eyeliner and for cosmetic practices like tweezing eyebrows. The most common magnification is 3x and 5x, which is generally enough for people with normal vision. There is also a choice of a dual-sided mirror, which usually offers a non-magnified and magnified side. For people with poorer vision, opt for a more powerful magnification, which can be 10x or even 15x. Keep in mind that strong magnification can cause distortion, which can affect your choice of mounting type and lighting. Look for high-quality glass such as optical quality glass, which is an optician's lens that has been silvered and hand ground to enhance the magnification quality. Additionally, you will need to be very close to this kind of mirrors when in use, so choose a mounting style that will allow that.
Fogless
Fogless mirrors are men's best friends when they must combine shaving and showering in the morning. There are three different types of fogless mirrors on the market for you to choose from:
Chemically coated mirrors are the most popular choice, however, their slight disadvantage is that they need to be removed from the shower stall when not in use to reduce degradation of the coating.
Heated mirrors, on the other hand, can last you a lifetime. They come with a reservoir placed directly behind the mirror, which then wards off the fog.
Attached mirrors - in this type, you will attach the mirror directly to the pipe that is coming out of your wall. Water from the shower warms the mirror and removes the fog. The only disadvantage of this type of fogless mirror is that it requires a more complicated installation method.
Additional features that come with fogless mirrors are razor hooks and a pivoting head for ultimate versatility.