The Makeup Mirror Buyer’s Guide: What Actually Works (and What’s Just Hype)

Why Your Bathroom Mirror Is Lying to You (and What Older Eyes Actually Need)

The overhead light in your bathroom is not doing you any favors. It casts shadows under your eyes, exaggerates every pore, and turns foundation matching into a guessing game. Then you step outside, catch your reflection in a car window, and realize the person you saw in the bathroom was a slightly distorted stranger. This is not a character flaw. It is a lighting problem.

For anyone past the age of 40, the stakes get higher. Presbyopia—the age-related loss of near-focusing ability—makes small, low-contrast details harder to read. That includes the fine line of an eyeliner wing, the edge of a brow, or whether that foundation is actually blended at the jawline. The instinct is to buy more magnification. The smarter move is to fix the light first, reduce glare second, and add only the magnification your specific task demands.

A makeup mirror is not a luxury item. It is a tool. And like any tool, the wrong one makes the job harder. The right one makes you wonder how you ever managed without it. The difference between those two outcomes comes down to three specifications: light quality, magnification level, and physical stability. Everything else—the brand name, the app connectivity, the selfie ring—is secondary.

This guide covers the full landscape: the best mirrors for older eyes, the magnification numbers that actually make sense, the brands that have earned their reputations (and the ones that have not), and the consumer protections that apply when a “premium” mirror arrives with a warped glass or a dead LED strip. No fluff. No affiliate-driven rankings disguised as journalism. Just the specifications, the trade-offs, and the math.

The Magnification Trap: Why “More X” Is Rarely the Answer

Walk through the mirror aisle of any retailer and you will see numbers plastered on boxes like horsepower ratings on a muscle car: 10x, 15x, 20x, even 30x. The implication is clear. More magnification equals more clarity. That is not how optics work.

Magnification on a makeup mirror is not a zoom lens. It is a fixed focal relationship. A 10x mirror has a very shallow depth of field. You must position your face within a narrow band of distance—often just 3 to 5 inches—or the image goes soft and distorted. A 30x mirror is worse. At that level, the usable viewing window is measured in fractions of an inch, and any movement makes the image swim. CNN Underscored’s hands-on testing of eight magnifying mirrors found that a bad mirror “may distort your reflection like a fun house mirror” and that surface warping is a common failure point in cheap high-magnification models.

The practical rule, confirmed by optical retailers and mirror manufacturers, is that magnification should match the task, not the ego. For full-face makeup and skincare, 1x is not a compromise. It is the correct specification. It shows your entire face at a comfortable distance with no distortion. For detail work—brows, eyeliner, lip lines, contact lenses—7x to 10x is the useful range. Beyond 10x, the field of view becomes so narrow that you spend more time repositioning your head than actually applying product.

For older eyes specifically, the most common mistake is buying a single high-magnification mirror and trying to live in it. A 10x mirror used for foundation application will make you over-correct. You will pile on concealer because everything looks like a flaw at that zoom level. You will spend twenty minutes on a brow that looked fine at arm’s length. The smarter setup is a two-stage workflow: a large, stable 1x mirror for the overall picture, and a 5x or 7x attachment for short precision bursts. Luna London’s guide to mirrors for aging eyes puts it bluntly: “Use magnification to confirm details, not to live there”.

What about the 30x mirrors sold on Amazon for under $30? They exist, and they sell. But the reviews tell a consistent story. The magnified side is often blurry, the lighting is uneven, and the build quality feels like it was assembled by someone who was late for lunch. A high number on a box is a marketing decision. A clear, undistorted image at a usable distance is an engineering decision. The two are not the same.

Lighting Is the Spec That Separates a Tool from a Toy

You can buy a mirror with 10x magnification and still look terrible in it if the lighting is wrong. The opposite is also true. A well-lit 1x mirror will outperform a poorly lit 10x mirror every single time, because your eyes need contrast and color accuracy to do their job. Magnification without adequate light just shows you a bigger, dimmer version of the same problem.

The first thing to understand is color temperature, measured in Kelvin. Most household bulbs fall somewhere between 2700K (warm, yellowish) and 5000K (cool, daylight-like). A warm bulb makes your skin look warmer and more “flattering,” which is exactly the problem. It distorts the colors you see, so your foundation looks one way in the bathroom and another way at the office. For makeup application, the useful range is 4000K to 5000K—neutral to slightly cool white—because that is where color perception is most accurate. Some mirrors offer switchable temperatures, which is genuinely useful if you get ready for different lighting environments (daylight for brunch, warmer for evening).

The second factor is light placement and diffusion. A single bulb above the mirror casts shadows under your brows and nose. A ring of LEDs around the perimeter of the glass provides even, front-facing illumination that minimizes shadows and glare. The difference is not subtle. It is the difference between guessing where your blush ends and seeing it clearly. Mirrors with built-in LED strips around the glass—sometimes marketed as “Hollywood” or “vanity” style—tend to get this right. Mirrors with a single light bar or a bulb at the top tend to get it wrong.

The third factor is dimmability. A mirror that only has one brightness level will be too harsh in a dim bathroom at night and too weak in a sunlit room in the morning. Adjustable brightness lets you match the mirror’s output to the ambient light, which reduces eye strain and gives you a more consistent view of your face. The simplehuman Sensor Mirror, for example, turns on automatically when you lean in and has a brightness level that many users find intense; some reviewers note that the lack of adjustable dimming is a drawback for sensitive eyes. That is the trade-off: convenience versus control.

Finally, pay attention to the Color Rendering Index (CRI) if the manufacturer publishes it. CRI measures how accurately a light source renders colors compared to natural daylight. A CRI of 90 or above is good for makeup application. A CRI of 97, which some premium mirrors advertise, is excellent. Most budget mirrors do not publish CRI at all, which is usually a sign that it is not a priority. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is a useful data point when comparing options at the same price.

The 10 Best Makeup Mirrors for Every Routine and Budget

The market is crowded, and the “best” mirror depends on what you are trying to do. A frequent traveler needs something different from someone with a dedicated vanity. A person with advanced presbyopia needs a different magnification strategy from a 28-year-old who just wants better lighting for eyeliner. The list below is organized by use case, with the specifications that matter and the trade-offs that do not always make it into the product page.

1. simplehuman Sensor Mirror Trio (1x / 5x / 10x) — Best Overall for Older Eyes

The Sensor Mirror Trio is the closest thing to a reference standard in the lighted mirror category. It has a large 8-inch round face, a brushed stainless steel body, and a sensor that turns the light on when you lean in and off when you step away. The Trio version offers three magnification levels—1x, 5x, and 10x—so you can check your overall look at 1x, switch to 5x for detail work, and use 10x only for the most precise tasks. The light quality is excellent: even, bright, and color-accurate. The build is solid enough that people report keeping these mirrors for a decade or more. The downsides are price and the lack of adjustable dimming on some models. It is an investment, but it is the one most frequently recommended by makeup artists, forum veterans, and review sites for a reason. Metafilter users call it “the gold standard” and note that it lasts. For older eyes, the Trio’s combination of a usable 1x view and controlled magnification is exactly the right architecture.

2. Fancii Vera + Lara (or Fancii Lana) — Best Value and Versatility

Fancii has carved out a reputation for offering near-premium features at mid-range prices. The Vera is a full-face vanity mirror with switchable warm, neutral, and daylight color temperatures and adjustable brightness. It is sleek, stable, and does not feel like a compromise. The Lana, which CNN Underscored named the best magnifying mirror in its tested group, is a 10x rechargeable model with a magnetic ball joint that lets you swivel the mirror in any direction and detach it for handheld use. That magnetic mount is the standout feature: most mirrors only tilt up or down, which forces you to move your entire body to get the right angle. The Lana solves that problem. If you want a single mirror that handles both full-face and detail work without paying simplehuman prices, the Fancii line is the most sensible starting point.

3. Conair Double-Sided LED Vanity Mirror (1x / 10x) — Best Budget Workhorse

Conair has been making lighted mirrors for decades, and the double-sided LED model is the one that shows up in countless bathrooms for a simple reason: it works, and it costs less than a decent dinner. You get a 1x side for overall viewing, a 10x side for tweezing and detail work, 360-degree rotation, and three light settings. It is corded on most models, which some people see as a limitation and others see as a reliability feature—no battery to degrade, no charging to remember. The plastic housing feels like plastic, and the light is not as evenly diffused as on a simplehuman or Fancii. But at roughly $38, it delivers the core function without the markup.

4. Zadro Newport 10" x 18" Oval LED Mirror (1x / 5x) — Best Large Vanity Mirror

If you have the counter space, a larger mirror changes the experience. The Zadro Newport gives you a wide oval face that shows your whole head and neck at once, which is useful for blending foundation down the jawline and checking symmetry. The 5x magnification is built into the main glass or a separate panel depending on the model, and the LED lighting is bright and even. It is not a travel mirror. It is a “plant it on the vanity and leave it there” mirror. For people who do a full face every morning and want to see the entire canvas without moving their head around, the size is the feature.

5. Riki Loves Riki Skinny Smart Portable LED Mirror (5x / 10x) — Best for Portability and Selfies

The Riki Skinny is the mirror that made “smart mirror” a category. It is slim, lightweight (1.5 pounds), and rechargeable, with a built-in phone holder and Bluetooth shutter for taking photos or following tutorials while you get ready. The light is bright and dimmable across five levels, and it offers 5x and 10x magnification options depending on the model. The trade-off is that the light quality, while good, is not quite at the level of a simplehuman or a high-CRI vanity mirror. It is optimized for portability and content creation, not for clinical color accuracy. If you travel, film, or do your makeup in different rooms, the Riki’s form factor is hard to beat.

6. PMD Reflect Pro — Best All-Around Flexibility

Allure’s editors named the PMD Reflect Pro their best overall lighted mirror, and the reasoning is sound. It swivels 360 degrees, tilts 90 degrees, and has a 5x magnifying spot built into the corner of the glass. You can use it docked on its base, detach it and hold it closer, or pack it for travel. The three dimmable light settings (soft white, neutral, natural daylight) cover the common lighting scenarios. It is not the cheapest option, and it is not the most powerful magnifier. What it is, is adaptable. For someone who wants one mirror that does a little bit of everything without committing to a dedicated vanity setup, the Reflect Pro is a strong choice.

7. Dienmern 1X/30X Rechargeable — Best for Extreme Detail (with Caveats)

Dienmern is one of the budget brands that has gained traction by offering very high magnification numbers at very low prices. The 1X/30X model has a 9-inch face, a 5000mAh rechargeable battery, three color temperatures, and stepless dimming. For tasks that genuinely require extreme close-up—ingrown hair removal, precise brow shaping, contact lens insertion—the 30x side can be useful if you respect its limitations. The usable distance is extremely short, the field of view is tiny, and the edge distortion on budget high-magnification mirrors is real. This is not a primary mirror. It is a supplemental tool for specific jobs, and it should be priced accordingly. If you buy it expecting simplehuman clarity at a fraction of the cost, you will be disappointed. If you buy it as a dedicated detail mirror, it earns its keep.

8. HIEEY 17.3" Lighted Makeup Mirror (1x / 5x detachable) — Best Hollywood-Style Vanity

The HIEEY is a large, tabletop “Hollywood” mirror with a detachable 5x spot mirror. The 17.3-inch width gives you a broad view, and the LED strip around the perimeter provides even front lighting. It is plug-in (USB-C), not rechargeable, which is fine for a vanity that stays in one place. The detachable 5x mirror is a smart compromise: you get the large 1x canvas for overall work and a separate magnified tool when you need it, without sacrificing the main mirror’s clarity to a bifocal-style design. It is not a travel mirror, and the build is not premium, but for a dedicated vanity at a mid-range price, it covers the essentials.

9. Auxmir 1X/30X Wall-Mounted or Suction Mirror — Best for Small Bathrooms

Auxmir makes a range of magnifying mirrors that mount to a wall, a tile, or a larger mirror via suction or adhesive. The 1X/30X models are popular on Amazon and typically cost under $30. The appeal is obvious: no counter space required, adjustable angle, and a rechargeable battery. The caveats are equally obvious: suction mounts can fail over time, the 30x magnification is only useful at very short distances, and the light quality is functional but not exceptional. If you have a small bathroom and need a dedicated detail mirror that does not clutter the vanity, this category makes sense. Just do not expect it to replace a primary lighted mirror.

10. B Beauty Planet 1X/30X Height-Adjustable Vanity Mirror — Best Budget Adjustable

B Beauty Planet’s 30x model has a height-adjustable stand, a phone holder, three light settings, and a rechargeable battery. Amazon reviewers consistently mention the height adjustment as a differentiator—most budget mirrors sit at a fixed height, which forces you to slouch or stack books under them. The 30x magnification is the headline, but the adjustable stand and stable weighted base are the features that make it usable day to day. Like other budget high-magnification mirrors, the 30x side is a niche tool, not an everyday viewing surface. The 1x side is where you will spend most of your time.

The Comparison Table: What You Get for the Money

Specifications on product pages are not always comparable. One brand’s “10x” is another brand’s “8x with edge distortion.” The table below normalizes the key variables—magnification, light adjustability, power source, and the practical use case each mirror is actually built for—so you can compare like with like.

The price ranges are approximate and fluctuate with sales, but the pattern is consistent. The $200+ tier buys you optical quality, build quality, and a warranty that means something. The $60–$100 tier buys you competent function with some compromises. The sub-$50 tier buys you a tool that works if you understand its limitations. There is no hidden gem that delivers simplehuman performance for $30. The physics of good glass and even LED diffusion cost money.

A Field Guide to Mirror Types (So You Don’t Buy the Wrong One)

The phrase “makeup mirror” covers a wide range of objects, and the type you choose determines how and where you use it. The tabletop vanity mirror is the most common: it sits on a dresser or bathroom counter, usually has a weighted base, and may be single-sided or double-sided. It is the right choice if you have dedicated counter space and do your makeup in the same place every day. A wall-mounted mirror with an extending arm frees up counter space and can be positioned at the ideal height, which matters for people with limited mobility or small bathrooms. A compact or travel mirror is designed to fold flat, run on a rechargeable battery, and survive a suitcase. It will not have the light output or glass size of a full-size mirror, but it solves a different problem.

Within those categories, the most important distinction is between a primary viewing mirror and a detail mirror. A primary mirror should be large enough to show your whole face at a comfortable distance, with 1x magnification and even, adjustable lighting. A detail mirror can be smaller and higher-magnification because you only use it for short, targeted tasks. Many people try to combine both functions in one device, which is why double-sided mirrors exist. The compromise is that the high-magnification side usually has a smaller usable viewing area and a shallower depth of field. If you do a lot of detail work, separate tools are often more pleasant than a single bifocal-style mirror.

There is also the “Hollywood” or “vanity” style, which mimics the bulb-lined mirrors of backstage dressing rooms. The modern versions use LED strips rather than incandescent bulbs, which is a good thing: LEDs run cooler, last longer, and can be tuned to different color temperatures. The aesthetic is part of the appeal, but the functional benefit is the even, front-facing light that wraps around the face. If you have ever done your makeup under a single overhead bulb and wondered why your contour looked patchy in daylight, a perimeter-lit mirror is the correction.

Finally, consider the power source. Corded mirrors are the most reliable: no battery degradation, no charging routine, no surprise dimming in the middle of a brow. Rechargeable mirrors are more flexible and better for travel, but battery capacity and LED brightness are linked. A mirror with a weak battery will produce weaker light, which defeats the purpose. If you go rechargeable, look for a model with a battery capacity rated in thousands of milliamp-hours (mAh) and a USB-C charging port, which is now the standard for new electronics. A 1500mAh battery is fine for a compact travel mirror; a full-size vanity mirror should have 4000mAh or more if you want it to last through a week of daily use without charging.

How to Choose Without Getting Played by Marketing

The first step is to ignore the magnification number until you have decided what the mirror is for. If it is for full-face makeup and skincare, 1x is the correct primary specification. If it is for brows, liner, and contact lenses, 5x to 7x is the sweet spot. If it is for ingrown hairs or surgical-level precision, 10x is the practical ceiling before the image becomes more frustrating than useful. A 30x mirror is not a better mirror. It is a different tool with a much narrower use case.

The second step is to read the lighting specifications, not the marketing copy. “Natural daylight” is a claim, not a measurement. Look for a stated color temperature in Kelvin (4000K–5000K is the useful range) and, if available, a CRI value (90+ is good, 95+ is excellent). Look for dimmability. Look for whether the light comes from around the glass or from a single point. A mirror with a ring of LEDs around the perimeter will produce more even illumination than a mirror with a light bar at the top, almost without exception.

The third step is to check the physical specs that affect daily use. What is the diameter or width of the mirror face? A 6-inch mirror is a travel accessory; an 8-inch mirror is a usable vanity mirror; a 10-inch or larger mirror is a full-face canvas. Does the mirror tilt and swivel, or is it fixed? Can you adjust the height, or will you be stooping? Is the base weighted enough that it will not slide when you touch it with a mascara wand? These details are boring, and they are the ones that determine whether you actually enjoy using the thing.

The fourth step is to check the warranty and return policy before you buy. A mirror is a fragile object with electronics inside. LEDs can fail, sensors can malfunction, and glass can arrive cracked. A one-year limited warranty is standard for reputable brands. A 30-day return window is common, but some retailers charge restocking fees or require original packaging. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act sets minimum standards for written warranties in the US: a full warranty must provide remedy “within a reasonable time and without charge” for a defect, and the warrantor must allow the consumer to choose between a refund or replacement in certain circumstances. That is the floor, not the ceiling. Brands that stand behind their products often go beyond it.

The Fine Print: Returns, Warranties, and Consumer Protection in the US

Consumer protection in the United States is a patchwork of federal law, state law, and retailer policy. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the main federal statute governing written warranties on consumer products. It does not require a manufacturer to offer a warranty, but if one is offered, it must be labeled as “full” or “limited” and must meet certain minimum standards. A full warranty must provide free repair or replacement within a reasonable time and must not limit implied warranties. A limited warranty can impose conditions, such as requiring you to pay shipping or limiting coverage to the original purchaser. Most makeup mirror warranties are limited warranties, which is why reading the terms matters.

Retailer return policies are separate from manufacturer warranties. Amazon, for example, generally allows returns within 30 days of delivery for most items, but the condition of the item and the reason for return affect whether you get a full refund. Ulta and Target have their own windows and exceptions. The practical advice is simple: before you buy, find the return policy page and read the section on “electronics” or “beauty tools.” If the mirror is a gift or a long-term investment, consider buying from a retailer with a generous return window and a manufacturer with a warranty that covers LED failure. A mirror that costs $200 and dies in month 13 with a 12-month warranty is a $200 lesson.

There is also the question of authorized sellers. Manufacturers often restrict warranty coverage to products purchased from authorized retailers. A deeply discounted mirror from a third-party marketplace seller may be genuine, or it may be a grey-market unit with no warranty support. The price difference is not worth the risk on a product with electronics and glass. Buy from the brand’s own store, a major retailer, or a marketplace seller with a clear return policy and a history of honoring warranties. The “deal” that saves you $40 but leaves you with a dead LED strip and no recourse is not a deal. It is a donation.

If a product arrives damaged or defective, document everything: photos of the damage, the packaging, the order number, and the serial number if there is one. Contact the retailer first, because return windows are often shorter than warranty windows. If the retailer will not help, contact the manufacturer. If neither resolves the issue, your state attorney general’s consumer protection division or the Federal Trade Commission may be able to assist, though neither will intervene in an individual dispute. The threat of a formal complaint is sometimes enough to get a customer service escalation. Use it sparingly, and only after the normal channels have failed.

Where to Buy, When to Wait, and How to Spot a “Deal”

The US market for makeup mirrors is dominated by a handful of retailers: Amazon, Ulta, Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond (now largely online), and the brands’ own websites. Amazon has the widest selection and the most review data, but it also has the most counterfeit risk and the most confusing mix of authorized and unauthorized sellers. Ulta and Target are reliable for in-stock availability and easy returns, but their prices are not always competitive. The brand’s own website is often the best place to find the full specification sheet and the warranty terms, even if you end up buying elsewhere.

If you are not in a hurry, the best time to buy a lighted makeup mirror is during the major promotional periods: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the weeks around Mother’s Day. Discounts of 20–30% are common on mid-range brands during those windows, and premium brands occasionally discount older models when a new version is released. The catch is that the “original” price may be inflated to make the discount look bigger. Check the price history with a browser extension or a price-tracking site before you commit. A 30% discount on a price that was raised 20% the week before is not a discount. It is theater.

Be skeptical of bundles. A mirror sold with a “free” travel bag, a “free” cleaning cloth, or a “free” phone holder is not necessarily a better value than the mirror alone. The accessories are often low-cost items with high perceived value, and they can obscure the fact that the mirror itself is a lower-spec model. Compare the mirror’s specifications—glass size, magnification, light settings, warranty—to a standalone model at the same price. If the standalone model is better, buy the standalone model and a $5 travel pouch separately. The word “free” on a product page is doing a lot of work. The retailer is not a charity, and the cost of that “free” item is baked into the price you pay.

One more thing: the “VIP” or “member” pricing that some retailers advertise is often just a loyalty program with a different name. You may need to create an account, sign up for emails, or spend a minimum amount to access the “exclusive” price. That is fine if you were going to sign up anyway. It is not a reason to buy. The mirror you need is the mirror that fits your routine and your face. The pricing game is secondary. A $5 coupon on a mirror you will use every day for five years is irrelevant. A $5 coupon on a mirror that sits in a drawer because the magnification is wrong is still a waste of money.

Do magnifying makeup mirrors actually help older eyes?

They help with specific tasks—brows, eyeliner, contact lenses—but they are not a substitute for good lighting and a 1x mirror. Presbyopia makes near-focusing harder, so a moderate magnifying mirror (5x–7x) used for short bursts can confirm details that a 1x mirror cannot show. But living in a 10x mirror all morning often leads to over-correction. The best setup is a large 1x mirror for the overall picture and a moderate magnifier for targeted work.

What is the best magnification for everyday makeup?

1x for the full face, and 5x–7x for detail work. The common mistake is buying a 10x mirror and using it for foundation, which makes every pore look like a crisis and encourages heavy-handed application. A 5x mirror has a more forgiving depth of field and a wider field of view than a 10x, which makes it more comfortable for brows and liner. 10x is for contact lenses and precision tweezing, not for blending.

Is a lighted mirror better than a regular bathroom mirror?

Yes, for makeup application, because the light is front-facing and even. A regular bathroom mirror depends on overhead lighting, which casts shadows under the eyes and nose and distorts color. A lighted mirror with LEDs around the glass provides consistent, shadow-reduced illumination that lets you see what you are actually applying. The difference is most obvious when you compare foundation blending under both lighting setups.

Are expensive makeup mirrors worth it?

At the top end, you are paying for optical quality, even light diffusion, build quality, and a warranty that means something. A $250 simplehuman and a $35 Conair both reflect your face, but the simplehuman’s glass is clearer, its light is more even, and its sensor and dimming are more refined. Whether that is “worth it” depends on how often you use it and how much you value the experience. If you do a full face every day, the premium is easier to justify than if you only tweeze once a week.

Can I travel with a lighted makeup mirror?

Yes, if you choose a compact or folding model with a rechargeable battery and a protective cover. The Riki Skinny and Fancii Taylor are popular travel options because they are slim and lightweight. Check the battery capacity (1500mAh is fine for travel; 4000mAh+ is better for daily use) and the charging port (USB-C is now standard). A full-size vanity mirror is not a travel mirror, even if it has a handle. It will be heavy, fragile, and a hassle to pack.

What does color temperature mean on a makeup mirror?

Color temperature, measured in Kelvin, describes whether a light source looks warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish). For makeup application, 4000K–5000K—neutral to slightly cool white—is the most accurate range. Warmer light (around 3000K) makes skin look warmer and can distort your perception of foundation and blush. Some mirrors offer switchable temperatures, which is useful if you get ready for different lighting environments. Natural daylight is roughly 5000K–6500K, but a mirror that is too cool can look clinical and harsh.

Do I need a mirror with a built-in phone holder?

Only if you actually use your phone while getting ready—for tutorials, video calls, or filming. A phone holder adds bulk and can make the mirror less stable if the clamp is poorly designed. If you follow makeup tutorials on your phone, it is a convenient feature. If you do not, it is an accessory you will never use. The mirror’s core specifications—glass quality, lighting, magnification—matter more than the phone mount.

How do I clean a lighted makeup mirror without damaging it?

Use a microfiber cloth and a gentle glass cleaner or a mixture of water and a small amount of dish soap. Spray the cloth, not the mirror, to avoid liquid seeping into the LED housing or the sensor. Do not use abrasive cleaners, paper towels, or rough sponges, which can scratch the glass or the reflective coating. For the frame, a damp cloth is usually enough. Unplug the mirror before cleaning, and let it dry completely before turning it back on.