Don’t let bad lighting lead to bad makeup

My first (and most unfortunate) brush with bad lighting was my high school prom. We didn’t get our makeup done (either at home or at a makeup counter) back in those days, so I painstakingly applied foundation and powder (too heavy-handedly apparently) and my face wound up looking pale and pasty compared to the rest of my fake-baked body (I regret that, too). We’re all lucky that advances like HD makeup, highlighters and luminizing products have helped minimize “flash face,” but we still can’t underestimate the effect that lighting can have on how our makeup looks both in person and in photos.

The best way to ensure makeup looks its best (or at least normal) in any lighting situation is to simulate daylight, but that can be a challenge indoors. However, the right mirror can change everything, and I’m kind of obsessed with the Riki Skinny Bluetooth Selfie Makeup Mirror.

First, it features five dimmer settings so you can tailor your makeup to your anticipated lighting (but if in doubt, crank it all the way up). Even better, it has a magnetic magnifying mirror when you need to get close-up (like if you’re applying false lashes) plus a phone holder and Bluetooth so you can take a selfie and see exactly how you’ll look when you say “cheese.” It’s also rechargeable so you don’t have to worry about plugs and cords cluttering up your vanity.

If you take your makeup (and potential Instagram tags) seriously, don’t even think about picking up a makeup brush without it!