simplehuman Sensor Mirror and Mini Sensor Mirror Reviews, Photos, Comparisons
simplehuman sensor mirror
A couple of weeks ago, after seeing several readers recommend it, I decided to pull the trigger and buy the simplehuman sensor mirror ($200.00). It supposed to be a light-up mirror that uses a built-in sensor so it lights up when you get near it, and it uses LEDs to provide light that mimics natural sunlight. The LEDs are supposed to outlast you even with daily use, so theoretically, you shouldn’t have to replace the light or the mirror while you have it. (The claim specifically: “Our mirror’s LEDs have been rated to perform like new after 40,000 hours — that’s an hour a day, everyday, for more than 100 years.”)
simplehuman is likely known for their design, and I definitely liked that this is more of a cordless product, as it keeps my countertop cleaner, requires one less electrical socket, and is easily moved from one room to another. (I find that I keep it nearby for photos when I’m applying lip products, but then I’ve also been using it where I do my makeup.) One charge is supposed to last five weeks, so you don’t have to worry about regularly plugging it in. I haven’t had to charge mine over the two weeks I’ve used it. It’s heavy enough that it isn’t easily knocked over, but it’s easily carried to another room or put away. The mirror tilts nicely, so you can choose the angle that makes sense for how you’re positioned. I have it angled so it looks more like a dinner plate when I’m applying lip swatches, as I stand while doing so, but when I’m doing my makeup, I sit, so I have it positioned more vertically. You can also adjust the height. simplehuman has an adjustable diagram here so you can see how it adjusts.
The lighting is good; it does a good job of mimicking natural sunlight–much like sitting in front of a window without direct light (so it doesn’t turn yellowish), and it illuminates evenly as it is a ring of light. It’s not hard on my eyes, as it is not so bright that it’s going to light up a room, but it does give you targeted, consistent lighting right where you need it. It would be nice if there was a dimmer, as some may be more/less sensitive to light. The size and magnification worked well for me, as I could see my features more closely and do a better job at applying products more precisely as things were magnified, but I could still see more of my face to get an overview of the look. I still think having a regular mirror nearby is handy, though.
My only gripe was that there wasn’t a way to force the sensor to take longer to shut off. We actually have sensor lighting in our bathrooms, and we’ve adjusted all the timers, because when we first moved in, we’d end up showering in the dark as they’d turn off too soon! According to simplehuman, they use “intelligent multi-sense” that’s supposed to “adapt to your behavior … It becomes more sensitive during use, so it won’t turn off unexpectedly.” About half the time I use it, the light turns off when I look down to do eyeliner, because my face drops beyond the sensor on the top. If you actually get up to get an item, or if you lean over to pull something out of a drawer, it’ll probably shut off. It takes a second to pop back on when your face returns. I’d love to adjust it from maybe 5 seconds delay, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.
It does lack some of the features you may be more comfortable with (or prefer) in other makeup mirrors, like the ability to switch between magnification levels (or swivel to a regular mirror/no magnification mirror), types of lighting, dimming, side panels for more extreme viewing angles, and so on. Ultimately, this is a simpler makeup mirror, but the brighter, more calibrated, and even lighting is one of its greatest selling points. I just think it depends on your needs and what features you actually use. I don’t know that it is “worth” the price tag, as it is significantly more than most makeup mirrors on the market. It has a really nice streamlined, cordless design and great lighting, but if you already have a set-up with good, natural lighting streaming in, I’m not sure you’ll get the value out of this product. For my purposes (for lip swatches and eye makeup), I’m finding I really like it a lot–more than I thought I would–so yes, if it holds up for several years, I think I could tell you it was worth it (for me).
I was actually debating on whether to opt for the smaller (and cheaper) version, but I ended up buying the full-sized for myself. Not even twelve hours after I bought it, Sephora pitched me about the mirror and asked if I wanted to receive either the standard or mini for consideration, which ended up working out nicely because one of the things I really was curious about was how the full-sized and travel version compared to each other! Now, I get to do that for you 🙂 There is also a wall-mounted option that is the same as the full-sized version in this post. I think the wall-mounted one would be best suited for someone with a set-up that requires standing.
simplehuman mini sensor mirror ($130.00) has one major advantage over the larger version: it’s travel-friendly. It comes with a zippered, slightly firm case that holds the mirror, which folds down. Potentially, the second major advantage is that this mirror has 10x magnification (compared to 5x magnification of the full-sized mirror).
The easiest difference to spot is that it is a much smaller mirror–4.75″ across compared to the 8″ full-sized mirror–but the magnification is also quite different. On the mini, it has 10x magnification, whereas the standard is 5x. The sensor light is on the bottom of the mini but on the top for the standard. If desired, you could actually flip the mirror to the other side, which shortens the height of the mirror (depending on the surface you set it on, how tall/short you are, your seat, etc.). The mini is about 3″ shorter, a skinnier stem, but the base has a similar footprint, it’s just lighterweight and less robust (but the diameter is about the same). A single charge on the mini is supposed to last up to 8 weeks, while the full-sized is 5 weeks, though they use the same USB charger. I have a note on my calendar to check in sometime in October on charging.
The mini is lighter-weight, though I wouldn’t describe it as that light, and it’s a fine weight if you’re packing a larger suitcase but may add a bit more weight than ideal to a carry-on. It doesn’t take up too much space, though, and the case has some protection but has some give (perhaps best described as firm, but not solid, case).
I found I preferred using the full-sized mirror, as I could see more of my face, and felt like I didn’t have to be as close-up to the mirror, which gave me more room to work (especially important if you use a long-handled brushes) and some ability to “step back” to see the results. When I used it, I felt really close to the mirror at all times, so I think the diameter is smaller than what my needs require, much like the magnification was more than I needed except for tweezing that one stubborn misplaced brow hair. For me, it didn’t feel as practical or as useful when I would sit down and do my makeup in front of this. However, if you really need more than 5x magnification, the mini may be the right choice. No matter which one you have, a regular mirror nearby is handy so that you don’t forget to look at the big picture (whatever everyone else will see!) as well.
See more photos!
simplehuman sensor mirror
simplehuman sensor mirror
simplehuman sensor mirror
simplehuman sensor mirror
simplehuman sensor mirror
simplehuman sensor mirror
simplehuman mini sensor mirror
simplehuman mini sensor mirror
simplehuman mini sensor mirror
simplehuman mini sensor mirror
simplehuman mini sensor mirror
simplehuman mini sensor mirror
simplehuman mini sensor mirror
simplehuman mini sensor mirror
simplehuman mini sensor mirror
simplehuman standard vs. mini sensor mirror
simplehuman standard vs. mini sensor mirror
It does look nice, but I know $200 for a mirror is out of my budget!
I was hesitant to purchase, too, at $200 but a few readers really loved theirs!
The lighting in my bathroom is terrible… I could SO use a mirror like this. It’s expensive though, ouch.
It is very pricey!
I recommend signing up for Bed Bath and Beyond emails to get a 20% off any item coupon! That’s how I made mine a bit more affordable.
I like the idea of this..but skeptical since I purchased a plug-in version of an LED ringed makeup mirror and I hate it. I wanted something that would help me ‘see’ in the wee early mornings at 5:00 a.m. when I get up. The mirror I have cost around the $70-$75 dollar mark and can be flipped for magnification, but the lighting is not sufficient and with the lighting far too close around the face, I find it even more difficult that just using the lights in my bathroom (indirect and rather dim). So not sure I would go here. I want one of those Hollywood starlet style mirrors..big..with the bulbs..the whole enchilada. Someday.. it will become a bigger priority.
The area I photograph in gets little light (all blackout shades), and it gave me plenty of light to see all the nuances and detail work without shadowing the colors, but it’s not SUPER! bright.
If you ever head into town, it might worth a look in-store at least!
I’ve been considering a DIY-type vanity setup with a desk I saw at IKEA, so of course the next step was looking for a mirror. This may be the one; I want one that lights up, but isn’t so huge/hot, and can be moved if needed. The timing of this review couldn’t have come at a better time, LOL! It’s still a bit expensive, so my “project” will have to wait a bit longer, but this is definitely at the top of the list.
I just found this on the Bed, Bath, & Beyond site, which is awesome as they often send out 20% off coupons (which can still be used after the expiration date),
Awesome! 🙂
Oh! That I forgot to mention, but there’s no heat from it, so that is a huge plus for makeup application!
Love the comparison review! I bought my mini sensor mirror when it was first released on their website. I went to purchase the full, but noticed they had recently added a mini. I loved how it was more compact and ready to go for travel, and it was cheaper. I do regret getting the mini over the regular though because the magnification is double, which I don’t need. I also find that it becomes annoying and tiresome after a while to do my entire face in the mini and don’t use it as much as I had hoped. Sometimes the cheaper price doesn’t work out sadly!
That was what I was afraid of happening to me, Jordan 🙁 Even now, it is just too close-up for me. I think if you need the magnification, it’ll be nice, but I like being able to see more of my face with the regular one.
Is it too late to return/exchange?!
I know this are cheaper wt Amazon, plus no taxes. The thing is that I have read many reviews in which people complain about the light turning on on its own, or stuff like that, must like whatever you mention here. On the other hand, I dont know if I want to see every single imperfection in my face…
Which mirror would you recommend for someone who has none?
No taxes if you’re lucky 😉
Either one is going to exacerbate what your face looks like. You know, you’ll see pores and skin and blah blah. The way I use the mirror, the standard is just the right size. The mini is too magnified and too small for me.
Wow, those do look nice. I use one of those old fashioned looking rectangular mirrors that flip between regular and magnifying. It works fine, it’s just kinda unattractive on my countertop and the cord is annoying (plus the corners collect dust which is hard to clean out). This would look so much nicer but I don’t neeeeeeed one. Maybe for Christmas?
I like the swivel ones, especially for any space where you don’t have room for a regular mirror. I LOVE that this is essentially cordless 95% of the time.
I am so happy you posted this review. I literally considered buying this exact mirror last week, but couldn’t find enough reviews on it to make an informed decision. It is indeed an investment (I’d opt for the larger version), so thank you so much for our feedback!
My pleasure, Monique! 🙂
I’m glad I went full-size, but I know when I was looking, I REALLY wanted comparisons between the two, because the mini is substantially cheaper (plus, the idea of it folding down is still nice).
I like simple human’s products but I think I’d rather spend $200 on skincare or a collection of Rouge G.
Yes, their design is very particular, so if you love their aesthetic and design, it can be very appealing – but they are pricier products (in general).
Thanks for the info! minor typo: much shaller mirror–4.75″
Fixed!
Thanks so much for this detailed review–I think I’ll be trying it out bc my bathroom is pretty tiny. I’m light sensitive though and thank you for bringing that point up in the review (I’ll be sure to try this out during the weekend in case of migraine triggering). Another minor typo I noticed in the fourth paragraph…
“My only gripe was I was there was a way to force the sensor”
Thank you! I don’t know what happened to that sentence… I can’t even explain that one.
Have you used one of the ottlite mirrors? I’m dying to know how it compares.
Sorry, I haven’t!
I was just going to ask the same thing! These mirrors have amazing reviews on a few of the other makeup forums I visit. The lights are supposed to mimic natural light amazingly.
I can’t imagine spending that amount on a mirror, although I do agree such a mirror would make a big difference to my routine. As weird as it sounds, whenever I do happen to look into a better quality mirror, I feel bad about how I look. Even using my mom’s magnified mirror, I realize how much acne and skin issues I’m still dealing with. I usually do my makeup in my bathroom, which has no window or anything, so lighting isn’t the best either. Even doing my makeup by a window somehow brings me down, though I know natural lighting is good for applying makeup.
Aww, Cat! Nobody’s skin is perfect – at a normal viewing distance let alone magnified – don’t feel bad! I hope you’re able to find solutions to help resolve some of your skin issues. I know that they’re very hard to deal with mentally, so I’m sending you virtual hugs and support! <3
I don’t think that’s weird at all: feeling bad about seeing all your own “flaws” in a quality mirror. I also have skin issues and It’s like a visual slap to the face when you suddenly are confronted with EVERYTHING you have to conceal or work around. Luckily, a lot of people where I live go around bare-faced so I get another visual reminder that realistically no one’s skin is perfect without makeup or photo-shop.
Even so, the best way for me to deal with this is after my meditation and my mind is cleared–I take a moment to be thankful for things I should never take for granted: some part of myself, someone else, and something going on in the world. “Some part of myself” is as easy as thanking your own two feet for being able to get you where you need to go. It sounds hokey but it totally helps with mental and emotional wellness.
My comments are much the same – I tried the mini sensor mirror because I thought it would be perfect for travel – hotel lighting usually sucks for applying makeup and this seemed like the perfect solution with no cord and a firm travel case. I also love the sleek design, obvious quality, the auto on-off, and the long charge time. But I couldn’t get past the 10x magnification. To have your face in focus, you have to be far too close to the mirror to make it feasible for applying makeup. And as you’ve said, you can’t really back up for an overall view – you can see one eye or the other, but not both, let alone your whole face. This really needs to be a 5x or even only a 3x mirror if it’s really going to work as a travel mirror for makeup application. So I returned mine; I really hope that simplehuman considers updating this model with a lower magnification version.
In the meantime, I ended up buying a $4.99, two-sided (1x and 3x) mirror with an articulated handle that allows you to stand it on a desk. It doesn’t have a light, so I have to drag around hotel room lamps or move the desk by the window, but it suffices.
Hey, $4.99 and it gets the job done? 🙂
I’m glad I’m not the only one who found the magnification too high/too small to be that high.
I’m considering the smaller one because I travel often and tend to do my eyes etc standing up. The larger one is great for the vanity area though. I wish I could get both 🙂
If you can, check ’em out in person to see if the 10x magnification is too much or just right. Or make sure you can return! 🙂
My local Bed Bath and Beyond had these mirrors – if you have a store nearby it might be a good place to see it in person. The mini model isn’t very tall (and doesn’t telescope like the standard model), so I think it could be hard to use while standing up – you’d have to have something at chest height to stand it on.
$200, I think I can pass on this, but I did recently add an adjustable magnifying mirror to the side of my normal bathroom mirror where I apply my makeup. I LOVE having that magnification. If I had known how helpful it would be, I would have gotten one years sooner. I’m loving it. I bet everybody who notices my makeup now thinks I’m doing a better job just b/c I can see what I’m doing so much better now! (*cheesy grin*)
What mirror did you get, Kelly?
Thank you so much for reviewing this! It makes me want the larger one I have a small LED one for travel but this looks like both are a great improvement on the one I own. Seeing the side by side between the two is really helpful, too.
Happy to help! 🙂
I just bought this mirror and I love it! The lighting in my bathroom is not the best. This mirror totally makes up for it. I purchased the large one at bed bath & beyond and was able to use their 20% off coupon son it came to 159.99 before tax!
Nice score, Kara!
Loving the mini version! Yes, I’m near blind as a bat & definitely need the 10x magnification. I currently use a large, corded lighted mirror with a cheapo, stuck on 10x off to the side. I’d love it if the did a flip mirror tho. Price is high- but good mirrors are always $$$. Excellent review- really am seriously going to consider this. Thanks!
Happy to share, Trish! Let me know if you end checking it out.
its on sale at lowes , I paid 79.00 but some ladies found it for 20.00 and other 39.00
Wow! That’s incredible.
Hmm, putting this baby on my xmas wish list!
Hope Santa is good to you!
The mini is such a good idea! Man, all those times of traveling would have been way more enjoyable if I had a travel sized cosmetic mirror! lol
LOL!
I also own a vanity mirror (in metallic pink/around $45) that has LED lights installed, too, except that I think I need to buy higher watts for that mirror because it’s not too bright for my liking. How many watts does the full sized have, Christine? Maybe simplehuman should invent heat sense (and not focused on the face/eyes) in the future so it won’t shut off. Haha! But I love this innovation, huh? 😀
simplehuman says it has “600 lux” vs. “300 lux” for competitors for brightness. Don’t really know what that means in terms of watts…
That’s a cool mirror!
It is!
I live in an area with tons of natural sunlight probably 350 days a year, so no need for this although it looks cool- aside from the constant close ups I suppose 😉
You are lucky 😉
I bought the larger size a few months ago and it’s the best investment that i made in years. I bought it at BBBeyond (with the 20% coupon) and i haven’t regretted it for a second.
I find that my makeup looks more precise and i find that i have more control (bc i can see more clearly) especially when it comes to the more detailed stuff (ie: eyeliner, eyebrows, lip pencil).
I love it and would highly recommend the investment!
And YES, go for the larger size. I also found the smaller (even though it’s travel size) wasn’t as effective as the full size.
Happy to hear you’re loving yours, Helen! 🙂
Thanks for the review! I wish it was under 100$ because I just can’t make myself spend that much. My lighting at home is completely awful. I go out not knowing what I really look like most of the time lol
Anyone have any suggestions for a decent but lower-priced mirror that would give me proper lighting?
THANKS!
It could be less expensive for sure – I think at this price point I’d like to see a few more features!
Another reader asked if I had tried Ottolite, which I haven’t, but perhaps that might be worth looking into?
Hehe, the travel one is so cute! My mirror is whichever palette is closest, and my light is natural daylight (because I am the cheapest blogger ever and my ‘setup’ is ‘the corner of the table closest the window…and the light from the window, LOL!). I do really like the idea of an illuminated mirror, though…
I tend to find I do the best job of my face in natural light – if I use artificial, I somehow end up putting more on, for some reason…
Ahh, you are lucky to have natural light at your disposal, though 😉
I was really interested in this when i first saw it a while back. but I can’t understand why it doesn’t have a non magnified mirror. i used the ottlite for almost 2 year but i have light sensitivity so it started to bother my eyes and i sit so close lol the bulbs would get hot and get me overheated (tho that happens with most mirrors when you sit for 30min haa). So then i bought the floxrite rialto mirror, which isn’t bad, smaller tho 2.25″ Diameter. I wouldn’t mind something a little larger. While i think the light and features are awesome on the simple human mirrors why not a dual sided mirror. I only use the mag side for plucking my brows
It really should have more features 🙁
Woah clear typo on my last post. My current mirror is 6.5″. Lol. So the ottlite is around 6 x8″. So I wouldn’t mind something 8″ but I need a regular side
Totally understand, Anne! You definitely need to have both, and depending on your set-up, you may have it behind your magnifying one or need an all-in-one!
Ha that’s what happens when I type fast to leave work. 😉 Well now you have me looking at mirrors online again The one I have flips over to the magnify side but I hardly use it
WORTH EVERY SINGLE PENNY. Seriously, if you put makeup on every single day – buy this mirror. It will change your makeup life, I promise. I bought the mini recently for travel (and I keep it on my vanity all the time since it has more zoom, good for closer work) because I’m so obsessed with it. Got both of mine with 20% coupons at Bed Bath & Beyond! Think about how quickly you spend $200 on makeup or skin care, and this has a 7 year warranty so will last at least that long. No mirror comes even remotely close to this one. Period.
Happy to hear you’re enjoying yours, Jen!
ok!! So after all this talk about the mirror, reading reviews and comments and researching other mirrors. i went to the container store with my coworker yesterday to look at makeup storage and guess what was there lol. I have to say from looking at it, at enough of a distance i can see my whole face well (i hadn’t looked at it since it first came out). She had a coupon for Bed bath 20% and i had to at least try it. Used it this morning, the clarity is amazing!! the light was so bright but didn’t hurt my eyes at all, which is a huge selling pt for me. i think it’s really going to help when we get closer to winter as the room has no windows and this mirror really lit everything up. Also no heat emitting from it which is a big help as i always feel overheated from sitting so close to the mirror. i guess i didn’t realize how helpful the 5x was so im really excited to continue using it and see how long a charge will last. btw was yours charged out the box? mine barely needed to be charged. oh and i saw the mini, it is sooo tiny, i think they would have done better with no mag since its such a small diameter.
So glad you’re loving it, Anne! Woohoo!
Yay!! thanks for your thorough review!! 🙂 Now time to sell my other 2 mirrors haha
Hi,
I was really thinking about getting the big mirror. Can you see your whole face in the standard size mirror? Also, would you recommend getting both mirrors? The standard for applying makeup and the mini for eyeliner and plucking eyebrows?
Thanks,
Victoria
I can mostly see my full face, but you can’t go TOO far back. I would probably just get one for makeup – they are too pricey to get both, I think!