Look for a thick or braced/framed mirror that won't bend under its own weight, and hang the mirror at eye level (this also helps you determine the type and height of the chair or stool you'll use).

If the mirror is flimsy or leaned against the wall it can bend, which warps your reflection -- think "fat mirror" or "skinny mirror." For the best reflection, hang the mirror flat against the wall or attach it firmly to the desk.

If possible, place your mirror in a spot that reflects a light source. This will a.) give you better lighting and b.) bonus -- it'll make the room look bigger.

Placing your mirror (and where you place yourself in relation to it) can seriously alter the way your face looks. If you're sitting anything less than one foot away from your makeup mirror, you're way too close. Here's the deal: No one gets that close your face. Most people stand at least 4 to 12 feet away (a.k.a. "social distance"), according to famed anthropologist Edward T. Hall, who devoted much of his career to studying personal space. And anyone who is within "intimate distance" (6 to 18 inches) isn't interested in the size of your pores or the strays in your brow, ifyaknowwhatImean.

I once made the mistake of buying a mirror that magnified my face eight times its normal size. Because magnifying your pores is a really good idea. More than once, I performed a little DIY "surgery", picking at my face until I bled. Really bad idea. Stay away from magnifying mirrors, with maybe the exception of a small one for grooming your brows.