best vanity light bulbs

Most flattering bulbs for bathroom lighting?

reddit.com › r › Lighting › comments › 1b09x0p › most_flattering_bulbs_for_bathroom_lighting

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

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?

Top answer

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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.

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.

Discussions

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

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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24

January 17, 2016

Random Question: What are the most flattering/natural lightbulbs to get for your bathroom?

When you go to the store, the lightbulbs will come in three different color spectrums: soft white, bright white, and daylight. Soft white tends look someone yellowish. Bright white tends to look a bit blueish. Daylight also looks a bit blueish but sounds like it's the closest to what you are looking for. These are not necessarily the flattering lightbulbs, that tends to be soft white, but if you are more concerned with the differences in what you look like when you go outside in the sun, then the daylight bulbs would be best. Some lighted makeup mirrors will have different lighting options on them that let you toggle between them. So if, for example you'll be meeting someone at in the evening and won't be in bright sunlight but rather will be in somewhere likely with soft white lights (most restaurants and such), then you could adjust your makeup look accordingly. More on reddit.com

r/TheGirlSurvivalGuide

27

49

December 21, 2020

Most flattering bulbs for bathroom lighting?

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. More on reddit.com

r/Lighting

20

22

February 26, 2024

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