Something else to consider for “flattering” light is diffusion, contrast and symmetry. If you put a high CRI light directly under your chin in a pitch black room you’re going to look like a monster no matter how pretty you might be. The diffusion makes a difference in the flattery. Also the placement. A particularly forgiving lighting arrangement is called “clamshell” lighting which places two diffuse sources like a large book or corner of a room in front of your face or slightly above eye level. Finally, you may or may not want some backlighting or other way to fill in the room. In a small space with white(ish) walls, you’re bound to get reflections; maybe some sunlight through a window. However, consider at high-end retailers how they have semi-spotlights (less or no diffusion) which can be flattering on hair; conveniently called hair lights or rim lights which should fall on your head and shoulders. Color temperature doesn’t matter that much in terms of color perception because your eyes will adjust. However, I find that cooler whites help me see details better. If I was doing makeup, I’d prefer a cooler white so I wouldn’t miss anything. Then again I’m not a makeup artist. Bear in mind that you usually don’t want to mix color temperatures so if you plan to use existing lights, match your new lights to those or change everything. These are from film techniques but a face is a face. Incidentally it is not CRI which makes a good film light but TCLI. CRI is for eyes, the other is for cameras. Answer from HexspaReloaded on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/lighting › most flattering bulbs for bathroom lighting?
r/Lighting on Reddit: Most flattering bulbs for bathroom lighting?
February 26, 2024 -

The current bulbs in my bathroom are very unflattering and have a warmer tint. I've tried a cooler daylight bulb but it was way too bright. What do you think is the perfect bulb for flattering bathroom lighting?

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Something else to consider for “flattering” light is diffusion, contrast and symmetry. If you put a high CRI light directly under your chin in a pitch black room you’re going to look like a monster no matter how pretty you might be. The diffusion makes a difference in the flattery. Also the placement. A particularly forgiving lighting arrangement is called “clamshell” lighting which places two diffuse sources like a large book or corner of a room in front of your face or slightly above eye level. Finally, you may or may not want some backlighting or other way to fill in the room. In a small space with white(ish) walls, you’re bound to get reflections; maybe some sunlight through a window. However, consider at high-end retailers how they have semi-spotlights (less or no diffusion) which can be flattering on hair; conveniently called hair lights or rim lights which should fall on your head and shoulders. Color temperature doesn’t matter that much in terms of color perception because your eyes will adjust. However, I find that cooler whites help me see details better. If I was doing makeup, I’d prefer a cooler white so I wouldn’t miss anything. Then again I’m not a makeup artist. Bear in mind that you usually don’t want to mix color temperatures so if you plan to use existing lights, match your new lights to those or change everything. These are from film techniques but a face is a face. Incidentally it is not CRI which makes a good film light but TCLI. CRI is for eyes, the other is for cameras.
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Some of that effect will be related to the CRI of the fixture. A lower, cheaper unit won't look as flattering as one with a high CRI. Aim for a 90+ CRI and a 3200K color temp and you should be good. You can go higher on both, but a higher color temp isn't recommended because this is a living space that will be used at night and we don't want to mess with circadian rhythms. If you have a dimmer, you could even go with a warm-dim option.
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Amazon
amazon.com › Daylight-Cotanic-Incandescent-Equivalent-Non-dimmable › dp › B0866JBWNT
Cotanic Vanity Light Bulb 5000K Daylight,G25 LED Globe Light Bulbs for Bathroom Vanity Mirror, E26 Medium Base,5W 60W Incandescent Equivalent,500LM,Non-dimmable,4 Pack - Amazon.com
With a lifespan of over 30,000 hours, these B11 LED bulbs last longer and are more durable than CFL bulbs. Safe Vanity Mirror Lights: The safety of light bulbs are necessary, especially for vanity mirror that close to the face.
Discussions

electrical - Can’t find replacement vanity bulbs - Home Improvement Stack Exchange
I bought new bulbs online that are 3W, 120V, 4000K (which I thought looked like a nicer brightness level), and dimmable (the vanity has a touch dimmer option) - but I know NOTHING about this and think I made a mistake! I put them in the vanity and the lights won’t turn on- but it works fine ... More on diy.stackexchange.com
🌐 diy.stackexchange.com
July 26, 2024
What light bulb do I need for bathroom vanity? - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - What light bulb do I need for bathroom vanity? - Hello. I bought G16.5 globe light bulb for my bathroom vanity lights and the base is too long. It screws in; the width is right. But it doesn't screw in all the way. More on doityourself.com
🌐 doityourself.com
July 20, 2025
Best bulbs for vanity light - LED Light Bulbs - BudgetLightForum.com
She typically uses the bathroom mirror, and the vanity has four warm white globe CFL bulbs that have been with me since our last house. The thought occurred to me recently that these bulbs probably have TERRIBLE color rendering and she could really benefit from a different option. So: let the only factors be, best light ... More on budgetlightforum.com
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0
April 10, 2014
Light bulb recommendations for bathroom vanity?
If you do go with LEDs you may have a hard time finding anything that's aesthetically pleasing in a vanity like the one you have. These are the ones I settled on and they're not too bad: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T3OI7FO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 More on reddit.com
🌐 r/HomeImprovement
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January 14, 2016
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Lowe's
lowes.com › home › diy projects & ideas › buying guides › bathroom
Vanity Lighting Buying Guide | Lowe's
December 1, 2023 - In general, look for a warm white color temperature for living rooms and bedrooms, a bright white color temperature for kitchens and workspaces, and a daylight color temperature for reading nooks and studies. Cool white bulbs are particularly ...
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Rowabi
rowabi.com › home › our journals › our journals
How to Choose the Best Bathroom Vanity Lighting | A Complete Guide + Expert Tips
3 weeks ago - If you’re using side sconces, ... for the best visual balance. Lights placed at eye level or on either side of the mirror are ideal for grooming tasks, as they minimize shadows on your face. By keeping these factors in mind, you can select vanity lights that enhance your bathroom's overall style. If you’re looking to make a change, you might find these guides helpful: how to change a bathroom light fixture or how to install a bathroom light fixture. Choosing the correct light bulbs for your bathroom ...
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NYTimes
nytimes.com › wirecutter › blog › ask-wirecutter-bad-bathroom-lighting
Ask Wirecutter: How Do I Improve the Lighting in My Dingy Bathroom?
September 13, 2023 - An easy solution that is literally as simple as screwing in a light bulb (or two, or three, or more) is the Feit Electric Enhance 60W Replacement A19 Dimmable LED Light Bulbs, the top pick in our guide to LED light bulbs.
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Houzz
houzz.com › discussions › 6335809 › best-bulbs-for-clear-glass-lights
Best bulbs for clear glass lights
January 5, 2023 - IMO nothing pretty about those filamnets and honestly any Edison type bulb is the wrong choice it glare is the issue see about LED frosted bulbs IMO thtatw as the wrong choice for the situationYou can actually see the yellow light form the bulb in the bathroom that is the reason Edison type bulbs went out of favor long ago and why we want them now is a mystery to me.
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The Spruce
thespruce.com › best-light-bulbs-for-bathrooms-4169683
7 Best Light Bulbs for Bathrooms of 2025
November 26, 2025 - With a color temperature of 3,500K, these bulbs are a little cool for setting a truly relaxing mood in your bathroom, but the light they produce isn’t dull yellow or shockingly blue. They provide a remarkably high CRI of 90, right in line with our more expensive favorites, so they work well enough for daily grooming tasks, makeup application, and more. Bulb Type: LED | Brightness: 800 lumens | Amount: 10 | Color Temperature: 3,500 K | Price per bulb: $1 | Dimmable: No ... Best For: Getting the most out of your vanity lighting.
Find elsewhere
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There are a bunch of variables with light bulbs.

MUST Match

  • Voltage - 12V (typical low-voltage lighting), 120V (standard US/Canada), 240V (typical for most other places around the world). Some are actually able to handle a range of voltage, but typically within a range of something like 110V - 250V or similar. Basically there is low (< 50) and high (> 50) and never the twain shall meet.
  • Base Type - Edison (screw) bases come in several sizes, though in some cases there are adapters from one size to another. There are also various bi-pin, bayonet, twist & lock (sort of a fancy bi-pin) and others.

Must be in an allowable range

  • Power - Measured in Watts. Alternatively sometimes specified in VA (which is sort of the same, it gets complicated) or Amperes (which basically multiples with the voltage to give you W or VA). Within a given category (LED, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Halogen, etc.) more power = more light. But there are dramatic differences between types, with LED generally the most energy-efficient. What you mainly need to watch for is a maximum for the fixture. If a fixture says "Max. 10W" then you can swap a 4W LED for a 10W LED but can't swap it for a 25W incandescent.

User Choice

  • Lumens - Unfortunately not always so easy to find. More lumens = more light. This is particularly useful for comparison when changing lighting types (LED, incandescent, etc.)
  • Color Temperature - This is the 4000K vs. 6500K number and affects how things look independent of the total amount of light (lumens) and how much power is used.

In general you need to:

  • Match the voltage and base type
  • Keep the power similar unless you (a) are changing type (LED, incandescent, etc.) or (b) want more or less light (though less can usually be handled via a dimmer)
  • Match the lumens unless you want more or less light
  • Match the color temperature unless you want to change it to a different temperature

For comparing color temperature, nothing beats going into a store that has a display of different bulbs where you can actually see the light. Due to the way computer monitors work, comparing on-screen is just not the same.

But if you can't find a specific combination (e.g., 3W dimmable LED, 4000K, 12V) locally then a good online retailer can help. I highly recommend https://1000bulbs.com (No connection except as a satisfied customer.) Their web site allows for selecting by type (LED), wattage, voltage, base type, color temperature and more. I don't recommend using a big generic online retailer as they tend to have a very wide range of products with misinformation (since the retailer doesn't really "know" lighting specifically), widely varying product quality, etc.

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Modern.Place
modern.place › home › lighting information › how to pick the best color temperature for bathroom lighting
How To Pick The Best Color Temperature For Bathroom Lighting
September 12, 2024 - Energy Efficiency: Choose LED bulbs as they save energy and last longer. Color temperature affects how light looks and feels. It ranges from warm to cool, measured in Kelvin (K). Warm lighting (≤3000 K) makes our bathroom feel cozy and inviting.
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The Home Depot
homedepot.com › lighting › vanity lighting
Light Bulb(s) - Vanity Lighting - The Home Depot
Number of Lights · Recommended Vanity Size (in.) Fixture Width (in.) Features · Shade Material · Fixture Bulb Type · In Stock at Store Today · Free 1-2 Day Delivery · Same-Day Delivery · Sort byTop Sellers · Included:Light Bulb(s) Download Our App · How doers get more done™ ·
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The Edit
the-edit.lumens.com › home › the guides › bathroom vanity lighting buyer’s guide: how to choose the perfect vanity lights
Bathroom Vanity Lighting Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Vanity Lights - The Edit by Lumens
October 23, 2025 - For larger, double-sink vanities, a multi-light fixture (two, three, or four bulbs) above the mirror can be ideal. As a rule of thumb, keep the fixture about three-quarters of the mirror’s width or no wider than the cabinet beneath. Symmetry for Double Vanities: Consider mounting two identical fixtures—one above each sink—for a balanced look. The standard height for above-mirror fixtures is 75″ to 80″ from the floor. ... Style is personal, but function is key. The best vanity lighting strikes a balance between your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.
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Urban Ambiance
urbanambiance.com › collections › bathroom light fixtures exposed bulb design
Collection Of Exposed Bulb Bathroom Lights - Urban Ambiance
Bathroom Light Fixtures Exposed Bulb Design clear · Filter · Sort by: Featured · Best Selling · Alphabetically, A-Z · Alphabetically, Z-A · Price, low to high · Price, high to low · Date, new to old · Date, old to new · Bath Light · $229.00 $297.99 · Bath Light · $229.00 $297.99 · Best Seller · Bath Vanity Light ·
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DoItYourself.com
doityourself.com › doityourself.com community forums › electrical, ac & dc. electronic equipment and computers › lighting, light fixtures, ceiling and exhaust fans › what light bulb do i need for bathroom vanity?
What light bulb do I need for bathroom vanity? - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
July 20, 2025 - There are plenty of options out there , G16.5 is a globe style bulb and you need something with a candelabra base , post a pic of the fixture so we can make suggestions. Geo🇺🇸 ... Hickory vs. Laminate Solid Hardwood ... Lennox two state not starting. ... there are 3 light switches side by side.
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Robern
robern.com › article › best-bathroom-lighting-for-makeup
The Best Lighting for Your Makeup Routine | Robern
December 18, 2023 - Look for vanities with built-in lighting or consider installing lighting fixtures around the mirror to guarantee optimal illumination. This will give your bathroom a chic and sophisticated look while also providing the perfect lighting for makeup application. In addition to choosing the best bathroom vanities for makeup, there are other luxury master bathroom ideas to explore.
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BudgetLightForum.com
budgetlightforum.com › other types of lights › led light bulbs
Best bulbs for vanity light - LED Light Bulbs - BudgetLightForum.com
April 10, 2014 - Over the past few months, my wife has gotten insanely serious about hair and makeup, to the point of making her own videos on YouTube and the like. She typically uses the bathroom mirror, and the vanity has four warm white globe CFL bulbs that have been with me since our last house.
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Impressions Vanity Co.
impressionsvanity.com › tips and tricks › the right glow: selecting the best light bulbs for makeup
The Best Light Bulbs for Makeup | Impressions Vanity Co.
January 17, 2025 - Our collection includes the best light bulbs for makeup, designed to mimic natural daylight and provide the consistent, flattering illumination you need. Don’t settle for less when it comes to your makeup. Explore our light bulb collection today at Impressions Vanity and ensure that every stroke of your makeup brush is guided by the best light possible.
Price   $$$
Call   8448810790
Address   17353 Derian Avenue, 92614, Irvine
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Today's Design House
todaysdesignhouse.com › home › resource guides › best lighting for makeup application and grooming | today's design house
Best Lighting for Makeup Application and Grooming | Today's Design House
February 16, 2023 - The lights are usually placed around the perimeter of the mirror, giving you the lighting you need to see your entire face and apply makeup evenly. Selecting your preferred color temperature bulb will allow you to customize the lighting to your preference. Allante Vanity Light in Oil Rubbed Bronze, 4-Light