When natural light is not possible….because you are up at the crack of dawn and the natural light is still asleep…the right light bulb is the next best thing. Selecting light bulbs may seem straightforward in theory, but finding exactly what you need can be overwhelming—especially for bathroom or vanity lighting. When choosing light bulbs for the best makeup application, be sure look for the CRI (Color Rendering Index) number on the packaging. The higher the CRI number, the closer the bulb is to providing true and natural light. For the perfect morning makeover, purchase a bulb with a CRI of 90 or higher.

Light bulbs with dimming capabilities are ideal for makeup application. The dimming switch will allow you to see what your makeup will look like in various settings, from your meeting in a brightly lit conference room to the dinner party on a lantern-lit rooftop.

Of course, getting the bulbs is only half the battle: Position the light source to shine on you directly from the front for ideal results; lighting from above or below will cast shadows that won’t let you accurately see what you are doing. So consider sconces on either side of a bathroom mirror or vanity to create even light and help you avoid major makeup mess-ups.

With the flip of a switch on your new lighting, you will be able to perfect your daily beauty routine—leaving you looking flawless every day, and in every setting.

Excerpted from an article in Veranda magazine.