Look for bulbs with a color temperature between 2700K and 4000K, which will provide a warm, natural light that's ideal for makeup application. You can also consider bulbs with a high color rendering index (CRI), which measures how accurately colors appear under the light source.
The best way to light up your face for makeup application is positioning the light right in front of the face (not above or below). A white light, like the Spectrum Aurora ring light with a CRI of >95, is best.
Ideally, you need to use a light source that is exactly the same all over your face. The shadows that can be produced by lights directly above or below your face should be avoided. In conclusion, neutral white light between 4000K and 5000K is the best color temperature for applying cosmetics.
Soft, diffused lighting is generally best for showcasing skin, as it reduces harsh shadows and creates a flattering look. Natural light is also ideal, as it mimics the skin's true tones. Additionally, warm lighting can enhance skin's appearance, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
The higher the Kelvin value the whiter the light source is i.e sun light. For makeup application, 4800K-5000K is recommended as it is not too warm or too cool. Kelvin (K) is a unit to describe the colour temperature of the light.
LEDs cast a cleaner, more flattering glow. Look for bulbs that have an info chart on the packaging, and buy those with a color accuracy rating of 90 or higher, and a color temperature of around 2700K for clean, soft, warm light that says “home.”
Daylight or Natural Light
For the most accurate color rendering, consider using daylight or natural light bulbs with a color temperature of 5000K to 6500K. This mimics the sun's light, ensuring you get the truest colors when applying makeup.
Fluorescent lights are, arguably, the most unflattering light for makeup. They're the bane of any makeup artist's existence — they highlight flaws and hide your best features. LED lights are the clear winner.
Red LED light therapy may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that diminishes with age. Blue LED light therapy may destroy acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes).
Things you want to avoid include: low light, shadows on your face, side-lighting and back-lighting. What you're going for is a diffused natural light hitting the face evenly from the front, which will downplay wrinkles, creases, and blemishes, and will help erase shadows.
Warm lights can be calm and soothing on the eyes, and provide good aesthetics, but they aren't good at giving you an accurate representation of what your makeup looks like in real, natural settings. Cool lights can be somewhat harsh on the eyes, but they provide excellent clarity for finer makeup work.
What color lighting makes you look best? The best lighting color depends on your skin's undertone. People with warm undertones look best under lighting with orange and yellow tints, while those with cool undertones appear more natural under lighting with a slight bluish tint.
Final answer: Fluorescent lighting is the least favorable for makeup application as it produces harsh, cold, blue-toned light and can emphasize skin imperfections. Natural light is ideal, or warm white lighting if natural light isn't available.
LED Light Bulbs: A Better Choice for Makeup
LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and they don't heat up like other bulbs. But what makes them really stand out for makeup application is how they mimic natural daylight. LED lights provide a continuous, consistent light that's flattering and honest.
Soft white light bulbs are the type of bulb that emits a warm, yellowish glow that closely resembles traditional incandescent lighting. They typically fall within the range of 2700K to 3000K, and they're ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and other relaxing spaces.
Red LED light for wrinkles
Red has a wavelength between 600nm and 700nm and is mainly used for its anti aging benefits thanks to its ability to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen.
Go for Daylight Temperature: You want to aim for LED lights with a color temperature between 5000K and 6500K. This range mimics natural daylight and is ideal for applying makeup because it won't throw off the true colors of your products.
Soft, warm lighting with a color temperature between 2700-3000 Kelvin is considered the most flattering for skin tones, creating a gentle glow that enhances complexions and minimizes imperfections.
The problem with daylight or bright white lights is that it reveals every wrinkle, age spot, or skin imperfection that people in the room have and can make people look tired and haggard. Whereas yellow lights tend to bathe people in a soft glow and is good for making people look ageless and vibrant.
Best Lighting Types for Skin
Natural light often brings out the best in skin. The sun offers broad, soft light that enhances skin tones, giving a natural glow. The golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—provide diffused, warm light perfect for capturing skin beautifully.
Daylight Bulbs. In your home, you may choose a soft white bulb for spaces you want to feel more relaxing, calm, and soothing, like the bedroom or a living are. Daylight bulbs, on the other hand, are ideal for more functional spaces, like kitchens and bathrooms.
For bathroom lighted mirrors and makeup mirrors, a colour temperature close to daylight—around 5,000K—is often recommended. This temperature is considered to provide a balanced, neutral light that closely resembles natural light, making it ideal for grooming tasks.