What To Look For When Buying A Makeup Light For Your Vanity

Ready to upgrade your glam station with new lighting? Before you start the search, you should know that choosing a light fixture for your makeup vanity is not as simple as it seems. There are a few factors to take into consideration, such as the color temperature of the light bulb, the positioning of the light fixture, and its visual appeal. A well-chosen vanity light should be stylish in design and cast a neutral yet bright glow, allowing you to see your face exactly as it appears. As an added bonus, it should also be energy efficient and adjustable so you can alter the brightness as needed. Thankfully, you can find a lighting solution that ticks all of these boxes as long as you know what to look for.

As a form of task lighting, vanity light fixtures should be chosen carefully. It's important to heed the advice of experts, such as professional makeup artists who know how to work with lighting to achieve the best results, and interior designers who know which lighting trends to avoid trying in your bathroom. Suboptimal vanity lights will not only make your glam station appear out of date, but could also distort your perception and lead to uneven blending. Some lightbulbs could even cause your makeup to melt. Let's get into the specifics so you can select the best lighting for your makeup table.

When choosing vanity lighting, it is important to be mindful of the color temperature. Professional makeup artists say that natural daylight allows for the most precise view. However, you don't need to sit by a window to get the same effect. Select lightbulbs with a value of approximately 4,800 to 5,000 kelvins (K), which emits a slightly bluish white that is similar to daytime lighting. Without getting too scientific, kelvins are a unit of measurement that relates to the color temperature of lighting. Lighting below 4,800K will appear warmer, which creates a cozy ambiance, but may not give you a clear perspective of your skin tone.

There are various bulb types to choose from, such as incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent. However, LED bulbs are the optimal choice: They are more customizable, far more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and often more flattering than the alternatives. Incandescent bulbs, for example, emit heat that may cause your makeup to melt. LEDs produce less heat and remain just as bright. Avoid installing the light fixture to one side or above your head. Instead, choose one that distributes the light evenly around your face, eliminating unnecessary shadows. Ring lights or lighted mirrors are excellent options. The Adore bathroom lighted mirror by Philips HUE, for example, provides a bright and balanced glow that is optimal for makeup and is also dimmable for versatility. Steer clear of dated vanity trends like Hollywood-style bulb bathroom lighting which makes designers cringe. Alternatively, opt for two stylish sconces on either side of the mirror.