simplehuman Round Sensor Mirror Review
It’s been four years since I’ve splurged on this mirror.
I remember when I first purchased this bad boy, I was judged heavily. $200 for a face mirror?!?! When people visited my place, and I got a chance to show my new toy off, instead of being impressed, my guests typically responded along the lines of “Is this actually necessary? Do you really need a stainless steel mirror? Do you really need a mirror that illuminates automatically and announces that you have arrived???” (Spoiler: uh, yah?) I mean, I could literally go to a Home Goods and buy an ordinary mirror for less than $10! But would it be a mirror that rivals the simplehuman sensor mirror? NOT BY A LONG SHOT. Here’s why:
[Disclaimer: Simplehuman has released several improved versions since I’ve purchased my mirror’s model such as the sensor mirror trio or the pro model (with 5x/10x magnification mirrors), etc. However, this review is based on the original one (named on the website: “sensor mirror).]
Specifications (from the simplehuman website)
Magnification: 5x
Glass Ultra-clear, high-quality glass backed by high-quality aluminum coating
What’s Included: mirror, USC cord and adapter, cleaning cloth
Material: brushed stainless steel
Warranty: 5 Years
Power-Source: Built-in lithium ion battery
Battery Charge: Lasts 5 weeks
Review
Pros:
Looks. I mean, just look at how sexy it is. Four years later, and I don’t feel like it’s outdated on my vanity by one bit. You can tell just by looking at it: the thing’s built to last, which I’m all for because if I’m dropping serious money on something, I want it to look like it cost me how much I paid- if not more. It’s definitely a modern look, but its sleek design is definitely going to stay relevant throughout the years.
The actual mirror. (Hope you saw this coming! Haha). The 5x magnification is perfect for makeup application. It’s not too magnified to where I can’t assess my face makeup as a whole, but it’s close enough to where I can identify texture, dry areas, or any crazy eyebrow hairs that a regular mirror would overlook. Also, the light and brightness is perfect. The tone is not too cool, not too warm, and the light naturally illuminates my face. With other lighted mirrors I’ve used, I’ve noticed that the brightness can blast the colors and give inaccurate readings. You don’t have to worry about this at all with this guy! I’ve compared how my makeup looks using just my Impressions Vanity and when I use this mirror, and it’s a night and day difference.
Practicality. It’s nice to have a cool looking gadget around the house and to show off. But how often do we buy things that look cool or sound cool but don’t actually use it? You don’t have to worry about it with this mirror. I’ve used it everyday for the past four years. The sensor works beautifully and actually saves time when doing makeup application believe it or not. Now I’m spoiled, because when I’m at a friend’s, I get confused to why their mirrors don’t light up when I pop in front of it!
Cons:
Responsibility of charging your mirror. Battery life is good if you remember to charge it! If you’re like me and you don’t, you’ll end up forgetting more frequently than you think you would (Honestly, who thinks, “Did I charge my mirror today?”). Although the 5-week battery life sounds impressive, if you catch yourself without any battery, you’re gonna notice a fairly long charging time. In fact, there was even a period that I just stopped charging my mirror altogether for a few months! (I kept telling myself, “I’ll do it tomorrow!”). To avoid this predicament, just remember to charge this thing before any event where you need it. Though the mirror is still impressive even without the sensor light, it’s definitely not the full package without it.
Price tag. Well, this aspect is what sets people back most of the time. By no way, shape, or form, is $200+ for a mirror normal. However, if you have the budget or see the need to have a high- quality mirror for makeup application in your household, then I don’t think I have to convince you any further. :)
What do you guys think about luxury mirrors? Are they worth it or not? For those of you that own this mirror, is it as life-changing for you as it was for me??? Let me know in the comments below!