Hi all. I've been trying to find the perfect travel makeup mirror for ages, so decided to ask for help. I don't really wear much makeup, and sometimes none at all, so I guess I'm looking more for a small packable mirror that will allow me to balance it somewhere (so flat sides are better), that has lights, and that has a magnified side so I can see up close so I can pluck my eyebrows when needed. Yes, I have the kind of eyebrows that really can't go more than a few days without it and I've never come across a hotel or airbnb bathroom that has adequate lighting and/or magnification for this task. I have one small lit mirror that works okay, but it's round so I have to balance it on something, which doesn't always work out well. I recently got a small square one, but the way the lights hit, it's blinding on one side and shadowed on the other, so it doesn't work well either. I know this is trivial in the big picture of travel, but it sure would make me a little happier to find the perfect, or at least closer to perfect mirror, for travel plucking. Any recommendations? Thank you!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11888 posts
I have been happy with this one from Amazon. it is USB rechargeable, has 3 lighting choices. Doesn’t take up much space, nor is it heavy.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8658 posts
Here's a thread from a year ago that lists quite a few options: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/travel-makeup-mirror
Posted by
OP
USA
687 posts
Laurel, that one seems like it has potential. I’ll have to read all the reviews when I have time later, but fingers crossed…
Mardee, I even commented on that topic, but forgot all about it. Thanks for remembering.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12224 posts
My wife has one similar to this:
No charging or batteries needed
Posted by
OP
USA
687 posts
joe32F, I tried one with a suction cup in Florence a few years ago. Unfortunately, the suction didn't stick and it fell to the floor and broke, so I'm hesitant to try another. I ended up ordering the one Laurel recommended. Fingers crossed it works out well for me.
Thank you!
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2893 posts
When I read the title of this thread, I did not think I needed one of these:) Then I looked at the one Laurel linked to, and ordered it, lol. I am fine with bathroom mirrors, but I admit when we have camped in Iceland I used the campers side door mirror. This is a better option;)
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12224 posts
when we have camped in Iceland I used the campers side door mirror.
You need makeup when camping in Iceland? ( asked the clueless guy)
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2893 posts
Joe--LOL, yes, just a touch of mascara. I am normally very low maintenance, but at least like to look somewhat human in pictures :)
Posted by
Pennsylvania, USA
791 posts
Im glad the OP asked. Last year in my Airbnb the lighting was very subdued.
Posted by
OP
USA
687 posts
I ordered the mirror Laurel suggested. It had great lighting. Unfortunately, it was too big for me, so I'm sending it back. I travel with just carryon and try to watch every inch of space. Fortunately, I found another and I LOVE it! It's roughly 4x4 so not too big and I actually think the lighting might be better than the bigger mirror I have at home for daily use. Whew! One more travel need resolved.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mocado/LEDMAKEUPMIRROR/page/56378CF2-4450-4BBB-98D1-8A7E55AF1D03
Posted by
10 posts
One option you could consider is the Fancii LED Travel Makeup Mirror. It's compact and lightweight, which makes it super easy to pack. It has a flat back so you can balance it on various surfaces without much trouble. The built-in LED lights are nice and bright, and they're evenly distributed, so you won't have the problem of one side being blinding and the other being shadowed. It also comes with a magnified side that's great for detailed tasks like plucking your eyebrows.