How To Choose A Cosmetic Mirror

Do you need to do spectacular makeup, and at the right time, remove it without any hassle, shave efficiently and accurately, correct the shape of your eyebrows, or remove a splinter? A cosmetic mirror helps in achieving these goals. True, the mirror is different from the mirror.



Nature of the back covering (reflective layer)



The most popular budget cosmetic mirrors use glass coated with aluminum (amalgam) and a protective paint coating as a reflective layer. Alas, such mirrors do not have the highest mechanical strength, and they also “behave” poorly in a humid environment. But, if you need an inexpensive compact cosmetic mirror, which, for example, is always at hand (and stored, for example, in a desk drawer at work), and secondly, does not distort the color scheme, then this option is quite suitable.



The next type of cosmetic mirror is a titanium-coated mirror. They handle moisture much better, and their mechanical strength is much higher (that’s why compact cosmetic mirrors for travel are often produced with titanium coating). However, one big and annoying “but” arises: the titanium coating significantly distorts the image. If titanium itself is used, then the image will have a “gray” tint, if titanium oxide has a slight bluish tint. Therefore, titanium is good for decorative purposes, but not for the production of cosmetic mirrors. After all, doing makeup with such a mirror can significantly damage your own image. Although it is quite possible to carry out hygienic procedures with such a mirror (for example, shaving on the road) without problems.



But the best quality mirrors have a reflective layer created using silver or a combination of silver and copper, again a paint coating. In this case, the thickness of the silver film should be 0.15 - 0.3 microns. It is these mirrors that have the best reflectivity and moisture resistance (for a cosmetic mirror located in the bathroom, this is simply invaluable).



Optics



It is also important to emphasize that most smart cosmetic mirrors have two surfaces. One of them gets a classic 1:1 image, the other gets an enlarged “picture”.



For everyday use, a mirror with a 2-3x magnification is sufficient, but for professional purposes (for example, a painstaking tattoo procedure in a beauty salon), mirrors with a magnification factor of 8-10 are often purchased. But for everyday cosmetic procedures there is no need for such a mirror.



The magnifying effect is achieved by installing concave optics. After all, everyone knows that it is the concave spherical surface that optimizes the distribution of light flux in the desired direction, which is very important for the accuracy of makeup and other cosmetic procedures. As you know, concave mirrors are also installed in car headlights and flashlights. And the same principle is important here.



Backlight



It’s great if the cosmetic mirror is illuminated. At the same time, when purchasing, experts advise giving preference to models configured for different intensity modes. The best option is to support three intensity modes: neutral (simulating daylight street light), “night” and “office” (providing the effect of a fluorescent lamp).



Some mirrors only operate on battery power, while others operate on mains power. But there are also combined options that give the user the right to choose.



Mobility



Mobility is an integral aspect of ergonomics. Small cosmetic mirrors are already mobile. But what about stationary ones? You can solve the problem if you buy a mirror whose mechanism allows for 360° rotation;

has a folding bracket (in this case, you can work with the mirror both standing and sitting, and, if necessary, move it to the desired viewing area).



In addition, it is necessary to note that nowadays there are cosmetic mirrors on sale that can easily change their place of “registration” with the help of removable accessories (for example, some mirrors have both a bracket for the wall and a stand for placement on the table). And it's very convenient. In this case, the mirror can easily “travel” around the room without interfering with the ergonomics of its own use.