Is a Makeup Mirror Concave or Convex? (Detailed Guide)

I was in the process of doing my makeup the other day and thought to myself, is my makeup mirror concave or convex? So I started researching, and here’s what I found out.

Makeup mirrors are usually concave because they can magnify objects into focus. This allows the user to see more of their face at once, making it easier to apply makeup evenly.

Why not join me and learn more about the different types of mirrors?

Also Read: Makeup Vanity Mirror With Lights Diy

Key Takeaways:

• Most makeup mirrors are concave, but some convex mirrors are also used
• Concave mirrors provide a wider field of view, while convex mirrors can help you see difficult-to-reach areas
• Plane mirrors can also be used, and while they are good, they are less helpful in focusing on specific areas of the face

What is a Concave Mirror?

A concave mirror is a curved mirror in which the reflecting surface is concave. [2] This means that the mirror curves INWARD and can provide a wider field of view for the person using it.

Pro Tip: The fact that the mirror curves inward means that the image is projected outward.

They reflect what is defined as a “real” and enlarged image that is almost three-dimensional in appearance to help provide better ACCURACY when checking your makeup or applying it.

This is because of the way concave mirrors focus light, providing a magnified image when the mirror is used.

And what’s the difference with a convex mirror?

Learn more on this video!

What is a Convex Mirror?

A convex mirror is a curved mirror in which the reflective surface bulges OUTWARD. This means that the light is reflected outwards, and thus, one can not use it. [1]

As a result, the image provided by a convex mirror is more DISTORTED than that of a concave mirror. It is more akin to a spherical mirror, which is why the image formed is not as accurate. [3]

So, if you’re looking for a makeup mirror that will give you a more ACCURATE reflection of your face, a convex mirror will not provide you with the results you’re looking for.

There are other various mirrors, but plane mirrors are also used in makeup applications.

What is a Plane Mirror?

A plane mirror is a type of mirror that has a flat, polished surface. [4] The reflective surface of a plane mirror is PARALLEL to the reflecting object.

You find plane mirrors in dressing rooms or being used as bathroom mirrors. The reflected image is accurate but not the same as a concave mirror.

Plane mirrors provide a WIDER field of view than concave or convex mirrors. However, because the reflective surface is parallel to the reflecting object, the image produced by a plane mirror is more DISTORTED than that of a concave or convex mirror.

You must now be wondering why concave mirrors are so popular in makeup applications. Well, just read on.

Why are Concave Mirrors Used for Makeup?

The fact that concave mirrors will enable you to really FOCUS on one part of your face also means you get better results than using any other type. Even a plane mirror is not quite as effective as a concave one for makeup application.

While most makeup mirrors are concave, some convex mirrors are also used for applying makeup. These mirrors can be helpful for seeing areas of the face that are DIFFICULT to see with a concave mirror.

READ MORE: Know About The Broken Mirror Superstition

Conclusion

So, is a makeup mirror concave or convex? High chances are it’s a concave mirror.

Concave mirrors are the way to go if you’re looking for a makeup mirror that will give you a more ACCURATE reflection of your face.

However, if you’re looking for a mirror that will provide a WIDER field of view, you may want to consider using a plane mirror.

I hope that you have found my guide useful, and there are loads of others to check out if you want to gather a few more tips and tricks for self-care.

Resources:

• 1. Communications GEO of M and. Concave and Convex Mirrors | Physics Van | UIUC. van.physics.illinois.edu. Accessed October 19, 2022. https://van.physics.illinois.edu/ask/listing/16564
• 2. Beeson S. The Reflection of Light. Springer link. Published 2008. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-0-387-75107-8_2
• 3. Convex Mirror – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. www.sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/convex-mirror
• 4. Study.com. Published 2022. Accessed October 19, 2022. https://study.com/academy/lesson/plane-mirror-definition-uses.html