If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more about our policies and reviews.
Handheld mirrors are absolutely essential for all of your everyday needs. Whether it’s applying your makeup, shaving, or anything else, they are super convenient. The best part about handheld mirrors is that you can take them with you wherever you go or you can keep one at home for your daily needs.
We rounded up all of our favorite handheld mirrors of 2024 that cater to all your different needs. Whether you’re looking for magnification, size, or durability, there’s something for everyone below.
Some of our picks include a 3-in-1 mirror that can be used as a standing, handheld, or compact mirror, a 10x magnification mirror, and a large mirror with a soft grip handle that is great for industry professionals including makeup artists, barbers, or hairdressers.
No matter what you are looking for, there is a type of mirror for anyone included on our list and you can see all of the great options below!
The Great Hand Mirror Models of 2024 in Detail
Goody Hand Mirror, 11" Inches — Best Overall
This large, 11″ from top to bottom of the handle mirror, is a great option to keep around the house when needed and is especially handy for shaving. It’s simple and straight to the point. Plus, it has a hole at the bottom of the handle so you can hang it up for convenient and easy storage. There are various colors that the mirror comes in and you can choose one to your liking.
Pros
- It’s 11 inches
Cons
- The color of the mirror may vary
Gotofine Double Sided Magnification Hand Held Mirror — Runner Up
This mirror can be used as a handheld or a standing mirror, plus, it has 7x magnification on one side and a regular mirror on the other. The actual size of the mirror is five inches and you can adjust the stand to move closer or farther away from you so you can see every angle. Even better, it folds up and is completely portable so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Pros
- It can be used as a hand or standing mirror
Cons
- The mirror is only five inches
Mirrorvana Large & Comfy Hand Held Mirror — Honorable Mention
This is the ultimate handheld mirror as the actual mirror measures 9″ by 8″ while the full length from the top to the bottom of the handle is 13.5 inches. It features a smooth and comfortable grip handle which makes this the perfect mirror for barbers, hairdressers, or makeup artists, as they can do their work more efficiently and easily.
Pros
- It has a comfortable grip handle
Cons
- It is quite large
Miss Sweet Folding Hand Held Mirror — Contender
Perfect for all your needs, this handheld mirror can be held by the handle, folded out into a stand, or folded up into a handheld compact. It’s a great option to keep in your purse, at your desk, and at home. In addition, one side features regular magnification while the other is magnified 10x. Even better, it comes with a 6-month limited warranty if there are any problems with your purchase.
Pros
- It can be folded up into three different mirrors
Cons
- It’s not shatterproof
BeautifyBeauties Hand Mirror 2 Pack — Also Consider
If you’re looking for a new everyday mirror that you can take with you anywhere, look no further because this hand mirror comes in a pack of two! You can leave one at home and take one with you while you travel. The mirror is 5″ x 11″ and has a slender shape and handle that makes it convenient to store and pack away. The handle has a hole on the bottom which allows you to hang it.
Pros
- It comes with two mirrors
Cons
- It’s not big
Buying Guide: Hand Mirrors
Hand mirrors are available in an assortment of different sizes, shapes, and handles. However, picking the right hand mirror out of the lot is not always an easy task. To save you from trouble, we’ve listed some important considerations below to help you choose.
What Makes a Good Hand Mirror?
Size of the glass
When it comes to mirrors, size always matters. A hand mirror shouldn’t be so small that you’re unable to view yourself, nor be too large for it to become a hassle to carry. Generally, a 5-inch hand mirror is considered to be medium-sized and any mirror larger than that is considered acceptable in the fashion industry.
Frame of the mirror
The quality of a mirror can be judged by the frame that holds it. A weak or cheap plastic frame is most likely to crack or break under pressure, which would ultimately shatter your glass and may hurt you. You should always opt for a strong and well-built frame that is bulged out in order to prevent the glass of the hand mirror from shattering under rough use.
Handle
The handle of your hand mirror plays quite an important role when it comes to comfortability and convenience. Hand mirrors are meant to be carried around, thus the handle shouldn’t be long enough to limit the mirror’s portability. Moreover, a shorter handle can be a nuisance for people with large hands as they would end up smudging the mirror with their hands. For hand mirrors, you should ideally pick out handles with ergonomic designs and gripping finishes along with a suitable length.
Mirror type
In the hand mirror industry, there are either single or double-sided mirrors. While single-sided mirrors do manage to get the job done, double-sided mirrors can be integrated with a magnifying glass for beauticians who like to peek into the depths of their faces. However, double-sided mirrors are more prone to breaking or shattering as they are exposed from both sides, making them less durable than a single-sided mirror.
Integrated lighting
While simple hand mirrors are used worldwide, advances in technology have brought us an upgrade. Hand mirrors integrated with lighting are extremely useful when it comes to lowlight conditions and clearly seeing the subject. Lighting is everything and the wrong lighting can make you completely miscalculate your makeup strokes. However, hand mirrors with integrated lighting may seem high maintenance or too flashy for some people and can be skipped upon personal preference.
Types of Hand Mirrors
Magnifying mirrors
Makeup can be stressful as a single bad eyeliner stroke can ruin your whole look. To help you out, magnifying mirrors have made their way through the hand mirror industry. Magnifying mirrors feature a function known as “chrome” which allows the mirror to magnify the subject while maintaining clarity. The most popular magnifying scales are between 3x and 7x as they provide you enough magnification to accurately apply makeup while maintaining a crisp and clear reflection of your face.
Shatterproof mirrors
If you live around children or travel a lot, you need a hand mirror that is durable and can withstand rough usage. While hand mirrors with bulged-out frames do a sufficient job of preventing the glass from breaking, you can also opt for shatterproof mirrors. These mirrors are made from acrylic and will not shatter if dropped or applied pressure. They are extremely durable, however, they are prone to scratches and are not heat resistant like normal hand mirrors.
Foldable mirrors
Hand-held mirrors aren’t always a pleasure to work with. While portability is a huge motivating factor, it’s difficult to apply makeup with one hand and hold the mirror steady with another. To solve this, portable mirrors take the entry with their compact designs and foldable stands. The stand helps you set up the mirror on any surface so that you can apply your makeup in peace and comfort.
Flexible mirrors
If you’ve ever found yourself trying to adjust your hand mirror at the right spot for half an hour, it’s probable that you need a hand mirror with a flexible handle. Flexible handles allow you to easily adjust the glass of the mirror to any angle you require so that you can work in peace. The added functionality also makes sure that changing mirror angles is a breeze and you don’t need to adjust yourself to fit in the mirror anymore.
Cleaning Your Hand Mirror
Hand mirrors shouldn’t be regularly cleaned, and rather should only be wiped if they are dirty or filled with fingerprints. You can use any glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to safely clean off any dirt and debris from your hand mirror. If you’re unable to find a glass cleaner, you can use lukewarm water to clean the glass and wipe the dirt off with a soft cloth. However, make sure to completely dry your hand mirror after cleaning and keep it in a cool and dry place in order to prevent rusting on the glass.
