Studio Quality At Home: Setting Up Best Bathroom Lights For Makeup

Do you dream of having studio-quality lighting right at home? 

We will guide you on setting up the best bathroom lights for makeup, so you can always feel like a professional makeup artist.

When it comes to applying makeup, lighting plays a crucial role. The wrong lighting can make your foundation look uneven, your eyeshadow appears dull, and your contouring needs to be more present.

But fear not! We have all the tips and tricks to help you transform your bathroom into a beauty haven.

With our bathroom remodel expert's advice and practical solutions, you can create a well-lit space that mimics professional studios. 

What Is the Best Lighting in a Bathroom for Makeup?

When applying makeup in your bathroom, it's essential to consider the best lighting. You'll want to use cool rather than warm light for the best results.

To properly light the mirror in your bathroom for applying makeup , consider installing lights on either side of your mirror to eliminate shadows and provide even illumination.

Having a light right above the mirror(s) can help a lot too. Lets dive into it more...

Best Lighting In A Bathroom For Makeup

Do You Use Warm or Cool Light for Bathroom Makeup?

To achieve the perfect bathroom makeup, you should opt for cool light instead of warm light, as it illuminates your face like a soft spotlight, enhancing every contour and detail. Cool bathroom vanity lighting mimics natural daylight, giving you a clear and accurate representation of how your makeup will look in different lighting conditions throughout the day. 

This is especially important if you're putting in makeup for a special event or photo shoot, as it ensures your look is flawless in any setting.

Bathroom vanity mirror with natural lighting

Benefits of natural lighting for applying makeup:

  • The natural bathroom vanity lighting provides the most accurate representation of your makeup's appearance in different settings.
  • It helps you avoid any mismatched foundation shades or poorly blended eyeshadows.

Advantages of Using Fluorescent Lighting for Bathroom Makeup

Disadvantages of Using Fluorescent Lighting for Bathroom Makeup

Fluorescent bulbs are bright and provide even illumination across your face.

Fluorescent bulbs can sometimes have a slightly greenish hue, affecting color accuracy.

They can help minimize shadows and make it easier to see finer details during application.

The harshness of fluorescent lighting can make imperfections appear more prominent

Bathroom vanity mirror with warm lighting

Creating the best bathroom vanity lighting for makeup involves finding the right balance between brightness and warmth. Incorporating multiple light sources around your vanity area can help eliminate shadows and create an evenly lit space. 

Consider adding wall sconces on either side of the mirror or installing overhead lights with dimming capabilities. This allows you to adjust the intensity of the light based on your needs at any given moment.

Exploring the impact of different light color temperatures on makeup application:

  • Cool light (blue-toned) can enhance skin tones by neutralizing any redness or discoloration.
  • Warm light (yellow-toned) can add warmth to fairer complexions but may not accurately represent color.

Tips for achieving the best bathroom vanity lighting for makeup:

  • Use LED bulbs with a color temperature of around 5000-6000 Kelvin for optimal cool light.
  • Avoid overhead lighting that casts shadows on your face, as it can make applying makeup more challenging.
  • Consider installing a magnifying mirror with built-in LED lights for precise application.

How Do You Light a Bathroom Mirror for Makeup?

Consider investing in specific bathroom vanity lighting fixtures to create the ideal lighting setup. These fixtures can be mounted on either side of the vanity mirror or above it to provide even and balanced illumination.

By positioning the lights at the level of your eye, you'll avoid casting unflattering shadows on your face, allowing you to apply your makeup precisely.

In addition to artificial lighting, natural light can achieve flawless makeup routine. Try to position your vanity mirror near a window or install skylights in your bathroom to take advantage of natural daylight.

Natural light provides an accurate representation of how your makeup will look in various settings, ensuring that you achieve a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor environments. 

Bathroom Mirror with lights For Makeup

Best Light Bulbs for Makeup Application

For flawless makeup application, using the correct light bulbs is essential. The type of lighting you choose can make a huge difference in how your makeup looks. 

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting light bulbs for your bathroom lights for makeup:

  1. Natural vs. artificial lighting for makeup: Natural lighting is the best option for applying makeup as it provides the most accurate representation of colors. 
  2. Dimmable light bulbs for makeup application: Having dimmable lights in your vanity area allows you to adjust the brightness according to your needs. This is especially useful when applying different types of makeup, such as daytime or evening looks.
  3. Choosing the right color temperature for makeup lighting: Color temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of light. For makeup application, it's recommended to use light bulbs with a color temperature between 3000K and 5000K, which mimics natural daylight and helps ensure accurate color representation.
Mirror Light Bulbs For Makeup

Is Led Lighting Good for Applying Makeup

In this discussion, we'll explore different options and help you find the perfect LED light to enhance your makeup routine.

We'll also guide you on where to place bathroom lights to create the ultimate makeup-friendly environment strategically.

What Is the Best Led Light for Makeup?

When applying makeup, LED lights have several advantages over natural and traditional lighting options. One of the main benefits of using LED lighting for makeup is their ability to mimic natural daylight. 

LED lights offer a consistent and even illumination that closely resembles sunlight, allowing you to accurately see your face and makeup colors. This is crucial for achieving flawless results as it helps you precisely apply your makeup.

For makeup application, it's recommended to use LEDs with a color temperature between 4000K and 5000K, which provides a neutral white light. This range ensures that your foundation shade matches your skin tone perfectly and prevents any unwanted shadows or undertones from appearing on your face.

When applying makeup under LED lighting, there are some tips you can follow to achieve a flawless look. 

  • First, ensure adequate lighting around your mirror area, preferably with multiple light sources, to eliminate shadows. 
  • Secondly, take advantage of the directional nature of LEDs by positioning them at eye level or slightly above to minimize unflattering shadows on your face.
Best Led Light For Makeup

Where Do You Put Bathroom Lights for Makeup?

When applying makeup, you need proper lighting to evenly illuminate your face to ensure that the color and contouring you apply are accurate. Poor lighting can lead to makeup that appears too heavy or unevenly applied.

Here are a few tips on where to place your bathroom lights for optimal makeup application:

Above the mirror: One of the most common places to install lights is above the mirror. This setup provides a good level of illumination. However, it can cast shadows under your eyes, nose, and chin, distorting your perception when applying makeup. To combat this, try using a light fixture with multiple bulbs spread along its length to distribute light more evenly and reduce shadows.

lights above the bathroom mirror
lights on both sides of the mirror


At eye level on either side of the mirror: Placing a light fixture on either side of your mirror at eye level can provide the most optimal lighting for makeup application. This can minimize shadows and provide even lighting across your whole face. The lights should be placed about 36 to 40 inches apart to spread the light evenly.



Backlit or side-lit mirrors: These mirrors are becoming increasingly popular and can provide a good illumination level for makeup application. They are designed to provide even lighting across the face with less risk of shadows.

Side lit bathroom mirror



Layered lighting: This involves combining different types of lighting to get the best possible result. For example, you could use overhead lighting for general illumination, lights at eye level on either side of the mirror for task lighting, and a lighted makeup mirror for detailed tasks.

bathroom mirror with light on the side



Adjustable light intensity: Whatever your lighting setup, it can be beneficial to have adjustable light intensity. This will allow you to adjust the brightness based on the time of day and the amount of natural light in the room.

square bathroom mirror with lights for applying make up


Color temperature: The color temperature of your lights can also affect how your makeup looks. Lights with a color temperature around 3000K to 3500K will mimic daylight and provide the most accurate reflection of your natural skin tone and makeup colors.

round bathroom mirror with lights

Remember to ensure all lights are securely installed and always follow safety instructions when installing lighting in a bathroom, as there are special considerations due to water. It's always best to hire a professional.

Wrapping Up These Best Bathroom Lights for Makeup

To achieve studio-quality makeup application at home, you'll need to consider the best bathroom lights for optimal lighting conditions. The proper lighting can make a world of difference when applying makeup flawlessly. 

So, let's wrap up these best bathroom lights for applying makeup by summarizing some key points in a table:

Bathroom Lighting Trends

Lighting Techniques for Flawless Makeup

LED Vanity Mirrors

Cross Lighting Technique

Backlit Mirrors

Ring Light Technique

Hollywood-style Vanities

Natural Light Technique

Pendant Lights

Spotlight Technique

Now that you have an overview of the latest trends and techniques, you can choose the lighting fixtures that suit your makeup routine. Consider maximizing natural light in your bathroom by using sheer curtains or installing skylights. 

Create a cozy and flattering ambiance by enhancing your bathroom lighting, adding dimmer switches, or using warm-toned bulbs. Remember, serving others is about looking good and feeling good about yourself. 

Are you ready to step up your makeup game, but your bathroom lighting needs to improve?

Phoenix Home Remodeling can resolve that for you! Our expertise in home transformations allows us to reinvent your bathroom into a makeup haven. Refrain from settling for less when you can shine with the best.

Don't wait! Take the first step toward your dream makeup station. Contact Phoenix Home Remodeling now. Once you experience our exceptional service and dedication to detail, you will only look for your remodeling needs. 

Transform your space, master your craft, and ignite your passion with Phoenix Home Remodeling. Call us today!

FAQs: Choosing Bathroom Lights for Makeup

How do I choose the right color temperature for my bathroom lights?

Consider LED vs. fluorescent lighting options when selecting color temperature for your bathroom lights. Remember the importance of CRI for accurate makeup application. Explore dimming options and carefully plan lighting placement to create the perfect vanity setup.

Can I use natural light as the primary lighting source for makeup application?

You can use natural light as your primary lighting source for makeup application. Natural light benefits include its ability to provide a true reflection of colors. However, artificial lighting options are available to maximize and optimize your bathroom lighting if natural light is limited.

Are there any specific lighting techniques or angles that can enhance makeup application in the bathroom?

To improve your makeup application in the bathroom, try these lighting techniques: position a mirror near a window for natural light, use adjustable LED lights to highlight your face evenly, and experiment with different angles to find the most flattering illumination.

What are the best ways to prevent shadows and ensure even lighting while doing makeup in the bathroom?

To avoid shadows and ensure even lighting while doing makeup in the bathroom, place your mirror strategically to catch natural light. Choose light bulbs with a high CRI for accurate color rendering. Install dimmer switches, explore task lighting options, or invest in a lighted makeup mirror for precise application.

Are there any additional accessories or tools that can enhance the quality of bathroom lighting for makeup?

To improve your bathroom lighting for makeup, consider using additional tools like vanity mirrors with built-in ring lights. These provide even illumination and eliminate shadows. Light bulbs with adjustable dimmers are also helpful in creating the perfect ambiance for flawless application.

Podcast about Bathroom Lights to Perfect Your Makeup:

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About the author

Hi my name is Jeremy Maher. My wife, 2 kids and I went through Contractor Nightmares for 3 years straight.

Ben, Mark, and I teamed up to start Phoenix Home Remodeling to help homeowners remodel without the common contractor nightmares.

Learn more about Jeremy's expertise and topics he likes to write about on his author page.

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