Every so often, a beauty purchase comes along that completely changes the game. For me, it was a makeup mirror. Not just any mirror—the RIKI Skinny Lighted Vanity Mirror. I first stumbled across it after seeing makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes use it on Instagram, and while I initially ordered it with the intention of filming makeup tutorials for IGTV, I had no idea how much it would impact my daily routine.
When the mirror finally arrived, I set it up, turned on the lights, and instantly realized what all the fuss was about. Seeing my face in that kind of detail was both humbling and thrilling. For the first time, I could spot every little nuance—tiny areas of redness, uneven patches, the sorts of things that usually go unnoticed in standard bathroom lighting. At first I thought, oh no, this could be terrifying. But instead of making me hypercritical, the mirror gave me control. It allowed me to refine how I applied products and, to my surprise, actually helped me use less makeup.
Instead of blanketing my whole face in foundation, I started spot concealing the areas that needed it most. The result? A far more natural finish that still looked flawless. My eyeshadow blended seamlessly, my eyeliner was sharper, and even my bold red lipstick went on with the kind of precision I never thought possible outside of a professional makeup chair.
I was hooked.
What started as a purchase “just for filming” quickly became a daily essential. Anytime I want my makeup to look polished—whether it’s for an event, a shoot, or even just because—I reach for my RIKI mirror. It’s lightweight, assembles in seconds, and stores easily, so it doesn’t take over my space. And while I originally thought I’d only use it for makeup, it has become my go-to tool for grooming, especially when it comes to tweezing my brows. Once you’ve plucked with this kind of lighting, there’s no going back.
One of the standout features is the lighting. The RIKI Skinny comes with five levels of adjustable LED illumination, and let me tell you, even the lowest setting is bright enough for a flawless application. Level five? Let’s just say it could double as a spotlight—it’s that powerful. Yet, despite the brightness, it’s not harsh or unflattering. Instead, it feels like your face is bathed in perfect daylight, the kind of lighting you always wish you had when doing your makeup.
The mirror also comes with a few handy extras: a magnifying attachment (which I admit I haven’t needed yet, thanks to the already detailed view), and a phone clip that makes filming tutorials a breeze. No awkward balancing acts with tripods and bathroom counters—you just snap your phone in and go. It’s also rechargeable via USB, so no frantic searches for batteries when you’re halfway through getting ready.
In short, this mirror has completely transformed the way I approach makeup. My application looks cleaner, more professional, and surprisingly quicker because I’m not fussing with unnecessary layers or corrections. It’s not often that a single beauty tool makes such a difference, but this one really has.
If you’ve ever wondered why your makeup sometimes looks perfect indoors but less polished in natural light, this mirror might just be the missing piece. It bridges that gap and gives you the clarity to fine-tune your technique. For me, it’s been worth every penny—not only as a filming tool, but as an everyday luxury that elevates my routine.
So, if you’re serious about makeup or simply want to see your beauty routine in a whole new light (literally), I can’t recommend the RIKI Skinny enough. It’s one of those rare purchases that actually lives up to the hype—and then some.
