Ring lights continue to grow in popularity and are a great way of ensuring you have the perfect light for your makeup applications every time.
Searching for a new ring light can be confusing as there are a lot of terms to consider such as color temperature, power sources and how many bulbs each light features. We have put together a list of the 5 best ring lights for makeup applications.
Each one has been chosen as the best of 5 different categories, being the most popular size, 18-inch ring lights, budget, luxury, on the go and even a ring light for anyone who has limited space in their home. Each light we have chosen fits into a budget of under $200.
Take a look and who knows you might find exactly what you’ve been looking for!
The Best 18-inch Ring Light: ESDDI PLV-R432 18-inch Ring Light
- Size: 18-inches
- Power Source: Mains power
- Color Temperature: 3000 – 6500K
This is the best budget ring light on the market. The ESDDI ring light comes with a stand that is easy to set up and the top of the stand can be adjusted to cast light over wherever you need it for your makeup applications.
This versatile ring light can be used for recording makeup tutorials as well as in professional settings, such as a photography studio and beautician clinics to illuminate clients.
Pros
- 48W power with eye protection and energy-saving modes
- Adjustable color temperature, bi-colored and dimmable
- Set includes a carrier bag, helping to keep your ring light safe when not in use
Cons
- Can only be powered by the mains so must be used near a socket
- Phone holder is not as strong as more expensive models
You can buy this ring light directly from the manufacturer by clicking here.
The Best Large Ring Light: Neewer 20” Dimmable Ring Light
- Size: 20-inches
- Power Source: Mains Power or 1 x NP-F Battery
- Color Temperature: 3200 – 5600K
This ring light is hugely popular for make-up tutorials but is also fantastic for makeup applications because of the soft white light it gives off. The huge size is fantastic for achieving a studio look when recording videos or taking pictures of your finished look.
If you only want a ring light for makeup application this ring light may be more than you need. 352 LED lights work hard in this ring light to give you the lighting you need. This light comes with a 6’5” stand, a phone holder, remote control and so much more.
Pros
- Provides a soft light with a wide cast range
- Offers wire-free shooting with remote control and dual power sources
- Easy to set up and fold away after use, no time wasting on fancy set-ups required
Cons
- When using battery power the light only stays on for up to 48minutes and works at 10W less than when plugged into the mains
- Discontinued on manufacturers page so prices fluctuate on Amazon and other stockists
You can buy this ring light on Amazon by clicking here or directly from Walmart by clicking here.
The Best Luxury Ring Light: Stellar Diva II Pro Ring Light + Photo Stand and Tray
- Size: 18-inches
- Power Source: Dual Sony F-Type Batteries or Mains Power
- Color Temperature: 3200 to 5600K
This ring light is loved by some of the biggest names in makeup, like the selfie queen Kylie Jenner, and it is easy to understand why. The ring light comes in a range of colors so you can match it to your decor and leave it set up in your room.
With up to 6000 lumen brightness this ring light will light up even the darkest of spaces, helping you to achieve a flawless face with every application.
Pros
- Comes with 2 in 1 mirror attachment
- Built-in tray to hold your makeup
- Sturdy DSLR bracket included to easily accommodate photography or recordings
Cons
- Mains power cable not included, must be purchased separately
You can buy this ring light directly from the manufacturer by clicking here.
The Best Travel Ring Light: E.l.f. Cosmetics Glow on the Go Selfie Light
- Size: 3⅓-inches
- Power Source: 2 AAA Batteries
- Color Temperature: Varies on different settings and battery levels
This tiny ring light should not be judged for its size as it is a brilliant device that has three levels of brightness and 36 bulbs.
You can clip this phone on your phone case or if you are staying in a hotel, and let’s be honest most hotels have stunning ambient light but no make-up application light, simply attach it to a mirror or frame on the wall for the perfect makeup application light, and all for a wonderful price of under $50!
Pros
- Features 3 levels of brightness
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Failproof and easy to use
Cons
- Brightness varies due to battery levels
You can buy this ring light on Amazon by clicking here or directly from the manufacturer by clicking here.
The Best Ring Light For Limited Space: Koolorbs Makeup 21 LED Vanity Mirror with Lights
- Size: 12 x 7.9 x 3-inches
- Power Source: USB Charging Cable or x4 AAA Batteries
- Color Temperature: Varies depending on setting being used
This slim, tri-fold ring light mirror is the perfect solution for anyone who is craving a ring light but has limited space. This combination of mirror and ring light works perfectly, offering you an easy-to-store tool.
The 21 LED bulbs perfectly illuminate the face and work perfectly for makeup application as well as for tweezing, waxing and other face treatments helping to highlight any stray hairs that could go unnoticed under regular lights.
Pros
- 3 magnification modes
- Dimming options
- Catch-all storage tray to store your daily makeup must haves
Cons
- Must be placed on a flat surface to use
You can buy this ring light mirror directly from Walmart by clicking here.
Buyers Guide
While ring lights can vary in price they are often an investment piece so it is important that you get one that you can rely on to work and one that will give you value for money. Here are some important things to consider when purchasing a new ring light.
Size
Consider how much space you have for a ring light. This will influence what type of ring light you get, whether it is on a stand and left set-up all the time or whether you will need to take it down after each use.
Also think about how much you want the ring light to illuminate, if you want it to light up more than just your face you may need a larger and more powerful model.
Durability
When spending money it’s important to make sure it is money well spent. Ring lights can be expensive so take time to read reviews to check that they live up to expectations and that the stand is durable.
Glass ring lights are more prone to breaking than plastic ring lights so check what is used when making your purchase.
Color Temperature
For makeup application you will need a cooler temperature like a white light, this will help to illuminate your face and help you to put on a flawless makeup application that will look perfect in the outdoors too.
Often with warmer temperatures, the makeup application can look too dark in the natural light.
Power Source
If a ring light is powered using the mains you will need to set it up near an outlet. This can create a mess from wires which can be a trip hazard if an outlet is not easy to access. Consider what type of power would suit you and your home best.
There is a huge range of ring lights that are powered using batteries and rechargeable batteries also so you will not be left stuck.
Final Thoughts
We hope you find your perfect ring light from our list above but if not do consider our buyer’s guide when shopping for a new ring light to help you to find the ring light for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ring Lights Worth It?
If you take photos and videos of your makeup application it is definitely worthwhile investing in a decent ring light as they can help elevate the lighting in your recordings to give a studio standard look.
If you live somewhere that has very dark mornings and short days it is worth getting a ring light as it will allow you to record and photograph your looks at any time of day rather than working between a limited window of natural light.
Are Ring Lights Better Than Natural Light For Makeup Application?
Natural light is better for applying makeup but getting natural light can be easier said than done. To apply your makeup with natural light it needs to be shining directly onto your face for the best results.
In most cases, getting direct natural light is difficult as your house would need to be facing a certain direction and you would need to have a large window that would act as a light source. Depending on your location you may only have natural light for a few hours a day.
Ring lights have become more high tech and it is now possible to buy ring lights that replicate natural light, giving you unlimited hours of light every day. Convenience makes ring lights more popular than relying on natural light.