We all know what magnifying mirror is, our mom probably had one on her dresser in her bedroom. Typically, it was round, anywhere from 6 to 12 inches in diameter and mounted in a frame which allowed her to rotate it. Usually, one side provided no magnification and simply a reflection. The other side blew her image up, so she could take a close look at any skin problems or makeup mistakes and fix them.

Times have changed. There are now many different kinds of magnified mirror available:

Bathroom magnifying mirror

This is a unit that does not sit on her vanity or on a dresser. This kind of magnifying mirrors actually a wall-mounted magnifying mirror. This is becoming an increasingly common feature in high-end homes, and something many women like to see installed during a bathroom remodeling. Needless to say, almost without exception these are also lighted magnifying mirrors.

In the past if you got a lighted magnifying mirror, whether it was a simple 2X mirror or a high detail 10 X. magnifying mirror, the lights were the same. Simple incandescent bulbs were used. Nowadays, you have a choice. Now there are three different kinds of lighting systems available. Some of the higher-end mirror vendors give you the option of choosing.

• Incandescent bulbs -- these are the old standbys. Although the bulbs themselves are inexpensive, you find yourself changing them quite often especially if you spend a fair amount of time in front of your mirror applying makeup. Another disadvantage is the fact that incandescent bulbs actually use more electricity to draw heat than light. This puts an additional load on your air conditioning system, and besides you may not want your face heated every morning.

• Florescent tubes – They have been around for a while, and they eliminate most of the concerns of incandescent bulbs for makeup mirror illumination. You have to be careful to select the right bulb temperature though, were the light from these tubes will actually change the colors in your magnifying mirror's reflection.

• LED lighting -- this is the latest and greatest. LEDs are by far the most efficient form of lighting. They do have a higher initial cost, but they will pay you back with clean bright white light and no heat generation.

Shoe Stretcher Guide

Grill Basket

Magnetic Knife Holder

Another development is that you can now get a magnifying mirror that is set up to compensate for your own eyesight. This is a godsend to those of us who are getting up in years and need a little additional help.

I hope this brief look at some of the changes in the world of the magnifying makeup mirror has given you the information you need to choose the mirror for you. Thanks for reading.