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.

The next time you're inspecting those fine lines and red patches inches away from your mirror, remember: take a step back. Your vanity chair or stool should sit you at least one foot away from the mirror.