Getting your makeup right can come down to making sure your mirror is not just right but set up correctly.

From where you place your mirror, the height and size you choose to lighting and glass magnification, Pebble Grey explains the best set up for your mirror and the right type to choose to best apply your makeup.

Finding the right place

You should first think about where you will place your mirror and whether or not to use a mounted or free-standing design. When deciding whether to stand or hang your mirror, you should think about how you best apply your makeup. Do you prefer to sit or are you steadier on your feet? This can help you decide whether to hang it above a wash basin or stand a free-standing mirror on a dresser or vanity unit.

You should also make sure you have enough space around you to comfortably sit or stand and feel relaxed, and get close to the mirror without difficulty. If you choose to sit, you should also make sure you have suitable seating, like a sturdy stool. There are other things to consider when it comes to finding the best spot for your mirror, like lighting and height, explained below.

Deciding the best height

The height of your mirror is also important when applying makeup, as it helps ensure comfort and steadiness. Whether you choose to sit or stand, the mirror should be positioned so you can apply successfully.  Apply without crouching or sat right up (if seated), or bending over or standing on your tiptoes (if stood).

Ideally, positioning the mirror at eye level is a good height for making sure you adopt the right posture. This should also allow you to comfortably get close to the glass to work lines, colours and contrasts carefully.

Getting the right lighting

Making sure your mirror gives you the right quality of lighting is essential. This has a lot to do with where you place the mirror, in terms of its location, as mentioned above, and its distance from lights sources. For instance, in a big room, a mirror placed some distance from a light fixture probably won’t give you the best source of light to work with, compared with lighting fitted closer to the mirror.

You should also aim to have the right lighting, so you can accurately see you’re doing, without shade and shadow appearing on your face. Poor lighting, causing shadow, can make it difficult to see the correct tones and blends you’re applying, which might appear heavier or harder in natural light. To help avoid this, it’s a good idea to make sure your mirror is positioned close to more than one light source, is positioned near to a window to bring in natural light, and a mixture of lighting, like wall and ceiling lights, is available in the room.

When it comes to combining mirrors with good lighting, an illuminated mirror, which has lights fitted alongside parts of the glass, can work well. The mirror lights on the glass can get rid of unwanted shadows on your face to reflect a clear complexion accurately.

Size and magnification

The size of the mirror you use is also something to think about. You should be able to see your whole face in the mirror, not just part of it, to get the full facial effect. Better still, it’s a good idea to use a large mirror that allows you to compare skin tones, such as against your neck, shades of your hair, and the colours of your clothing around the shoulders.

Finally, a magnifying mirror, which allows you to see facial details, like lines, small spots and blemishes, up and close, is a must when applying your makeup. The convex glass magnifies those areas that you might not accurately see if you were stood slightly away from the glass.

These mirrors are also ideal for helping you add finer detail and carefully work on delicate areas that require a steady hand. This includes around the eyes and lashes, and the edges of the lips. It can also help you check that makeup isn’t too full or heavily layered and that blends are subtle and soft.