Reflecting on Beauty (Literally)

Is it a makeup mirror or a ring light? It's both!

Hello, Gorgeous!

When I was a wee makeup girlie, I remember watching my big sister apply her makeup at her super glam vanity makeup mirror. Back in the day everyone had those makeup mirrors with bulbs on the side that could be adjusted for daytime or evening. There was also some weird green lighting that served no flattering purpose (hospital waiting room lighting? industrial elevator lighting?).

My sister's vanity setup was my first introduction to the power of good lighting - and good mirrors. In a post-ring light universe, a company called Ilios seems to have perfected dual lighting for makeup and Zoom.

Ilios Beauty Ring Mirror

Did you ever put on your makeup and feel absolutely stunning, only to change your mind when you caught a glimpse of your reflection in different lighting? Yup. Me, too.

And yet how is it possible that some folks always look lit from within on every single selfie? I’m guessing they don’t just use fantastic filters, they also have great lighting (Ryan Seacrest, we…