What is the ideal lighting for applying makeup?

Who hasn’t left the house with cheeks that are too rosy, a pale complexion, or exaggerated eye makeup? Doing your makeup requires not only a little talent, but above all, good lighting in the bathroom! What light to choose, how to arrange your fixtures... Every detail counts to create the perfect lighting for applying makeup in a bathroom, often windowless. Follow our 4-step guide for optimal makeup lighting!

Prioritize natural light in the bathroom

Daylight remains the best option for applying makeup properly. It is a basic principle that our rearview mirror reminds us of every morning by showing us our made-up face in the mirror. However, to benefit fully from it, the natural light entering the bathroom must be well oriented.

If the light comes from a window behind you, it will create backlighting and your face will be cast in shadow. If the window is to the side, only part of your face will be illuminated, which will prevent uniform lighting. Ideally, the window should be placed high up to diffuse light throughout the bathroom and light the face evenly. A mirror between two windows is also a perfect configuration.

If you have a little natural light in your bathroom, maximize it by using, for example, glass shower partitions and light-colored paint on the walls.

Choose the right artificial light for makeup

Whether you are lucky enough to have a naturally lit bathroom or not, you must think about supplementing this light with good artificial lighting. This is where fixtures come in.

In the bathroom, favor a white light, preferably with "daylight" bulbs. Without changing your fixtures, you can improve the quality of your lighting with these bulbs that replicate natural light. It is said to have positive effects on the body and mind, increasing vitality and improving mood. Lighting as a source of well-being is a win-win in the bathroom!

Also, consider integrated LEDs! This durable and economical technology is ideal for the bathroom. It turns on instantly, doesn't heat up, and fixtures equipped with LEDs are often compatible with a dimmer switch. In lighting jargon, this technology is called "dimmable." This function allows you to adjust the lighting according to your needs, from soft light for relaxing to intense light for applying makeup.

What type of lighting should be avoided in the bathroom?

Even if it may seem obvious, it is crucial not to use colored bulbs in the bathroom if you want good lighting for applying makeup!

As for fixtures, be careful with ceiling lights, even though they are often used in this room. If you have one, turn it off before applying makeup. Since the light comes from above, it creates shadows on the face.

Where to place your fixtures for applying makeup

As mentioned previously, avoid light coming from above when doing your makeup. There are several options for properly lighting the area around the mirror. Install spotlights above the mirror, but make sure they are adjustable or articulated to direct the light indirectly and in a balanced way onto the face.

If your walls are light, point the spotlights toward them; this will prevent the light from hitting your face directly. Placing light behind the mirror is also a good idea. The opaque glass softens the light and diffuses it across the entire mirror. At Keria Laurie Lumière, we offer latest-generation backlit mirrors that diffuse a homogeneous halo of light, perfectly suited for makeup.

Installing lights around the mirror remains the best solution for optimal lighting. This avoids shadowy areas and allows for even front lighting, illuminating every part of the face uniformly. Opt for tube-shaped wall lamps with two diffusers, at the top and bottom, for a soft and delicate beam of light.

The to-do list for applying makeup in the bathroom

• Choose fixtures with a power dimmer. As we mentioned above, these are the famous "dimmable" fixtures with integrated LEDs. Set the power to maximum when applying makeup, and lower it when you want to relax in the bathroom.
• For accessories, opt for a large mirror. Adding a second magnifying mirror is also very practical for eyebrow grooming and makeup details.

• Consider small light bars around the mirror, in the form of spotlights or wall lamps, which are ideal for makeup touch-ups. Ensure, however, that the light is powerful enough.
• Pay attention to the colors of the tile and paint in the bathroom. They change the ambiance of the room and the light, which can distort your skin tone and make applying makeup difficult. Therefore, prefer light shades.