Lighting is one of the most critical elements of a professional makeup tutorial. It ensures your audience sees the details of your artistry while creating an aesthetically pleasing setup for your videos. For makeup tutorials, soft, even lighting that mimics natural daylight is ideal. Here are the top 10 lighting setups for makeup tutorials in 2025, designed to bring out your best work.
Essential Lighting Setup Comparison for Makeup Tutorials
| Lighting Setup | Type | Ideal For | Key Features | Price Range | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neewer 18″ Ring Light | LED Ring Light | Close-up beauty tutorials | Adjustable brightness, colour temperature | £80-£120 | Buy on Amazon |
| Elgato Key Light Air | LED Panel Light | Desk setups for streaming | App control, adjustable colour balance | £150-£200 | Buy on Amazon |
| Lume Cube 2.0 | Portable LED Light | Mobile tutorials | Compact, adjustable brightness | £90-£130 | Buy on Amazon |
| Godox SL150II Bi-Colour | Studio LED Light | Full-room setups | Bi-colour, soft and bright output | £250-£350 | Buy on Amazon |
| Aputure Amaran 100D | Studio LED Light | Professional video shoots | High CRI, daylight-balanced lighting | £180-£250 | Buy on Amazon |
| GVM RGB LED Ring Light | RGB Ring Light | Creative makeup looks | Adjustable RGB colours, wireless control | £120-£150 | Buy on Amazon |
| Nanlite PavoTube II 15C | LED Tube Light | Accent and edge lighting | Customisable RGB, dimmable brightness | £200-£300 | Buy on Amazon |
| ESDDI Softbox Lighting Kit | Softbox Setup | Large, soft light for full coverage | Adjustable height, two-light kit | £90-£150 | Buy on Amazon |
| Falcon Eyes F7 | Portable RGB Light | Mobile and creative shoots | RGB spectrum, magnetic mounting | £120-£160 | Buy on Amazon |
| Rotolight Neo 3 | On-Camera LED Light | Detailed close-up shots | High brightness, adjustable settings | £350-£450 | Buy on Amazon |
1. Neewer 18″ Ring Light
- Why It’s Great: The Neewer 18″ Ring Light is a staple for makeup tutorials, offering flattering, even lighting with adjustable brightness and colour temperature.
- Key Features: Dimmable LED lights, flexible phone mount, and adjustable stand.
- Recommended For: Beauty creators who want reliable, professional lighting.
- Price Range: £80-£120.
- Buy on Amazon
2. Elgato Key Light Air
- Why It’s Great: Compact and desk-mounted, the Elgato Key Light Air provides bright, adjustable lighting that is perfect for makeup tutorials in smaller spaces.
- Key Features: App-controlled brightness and colour, compact size.
- Recommended For: Makeup creators with limited workspace.
- Price Range: £150-£200.
- Buy on Amazon
3. Lume Cube 2.0
- Why It’s Great: Portable and versatile, the Lume Cube 2.0 is perfect for on-the-go tutorials or supplemental lighting.
- Key Features: Compact size, adjustable brightness, and water resistance.
- Recommended For: Travel vloggers and makeup tutorials on location.
- Price Range: £90-£130.
- Buy on Amazon
4. Godox SL150II Bi-Colour
- Why It’s Great: A studio-grade LED light, the Godox SL150II provides bi-colour settings for warm and cool tones, ideal for full-room setups.
- Key Features: High brightness, quiet fan, and adjustable temperature.
- Recommended For: Studio environments and professional tutorials.
- Price Range: £250-£350.
- Buy on Amazon
5. Aputure Amaran 100D
- Why It’s Great: With daylight-balanced output and a high CRI, the Aputure Amaran 100D ensures true-to-life colours in your videos.
- Key Features: Energy-efficient, compact design, and high brightness.
- Recommended For: Professional beauty influencers and detailed makeup tutorials.
- Price Range: £180-£250.
- Buy on Amazon
6. GVM RGB LED Ring Light
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for creative makeup tutorials, this RGB ring light offers vibrant colour options and adjustable brightness.
- Key Features: Wireless remote, full RGB spectrum, and dimmable settings.
- Recommended For: Influencers showcasing bold or artistic looks.
- Price Range: £120-£150.
- Buy on Amazon
7. Nanlite PavoTube II 15C
- Why It’s Great: The Nanlite PavoTube is ideal for accent lighting, adding depth and creativity to your makeup tutorial backgrounds.
- Key Features: RGB colours, dimmable brightness, and portable design.
- Recommended For: Adding stylish accent lighting to your setup.
- Price Range: £200-£300.
- Buy on Amazon
8. ESDDI Softbox Lighting Kit
- Why It’s Great: A classic choice for diffused, soft lighting, this two-light softbox kit is perfect for creating an even, flattering glow.
- Key Features: Adjustable height, energy-efficient bulbs, and large softboxes.
- Recommended For: Full-coverage lighting setups.
- Price Range: £90-£150.
- Buy on Amazon
9. Falcon Eyes F7
- Why It’s Great: This portable RGB light adds flexibility to your shoots, offering vibrant colours and adjustable brightness.
- Key Features: Magnetic mounting, RGB spectrum, and compact size.
- Recommended For: On-the-go and creative lighting needs.
- Price Range: £120-£160.
- Buy on Amazon
10. Rotolight Neo 3
- Why It’s Great: This on-camera light delivers powerful, adjustable output, making it ideal for detailed close-up shots.
- Key Features: High brightness, portable design, and customisable settings.
- Recommended For: Precision lighting for makeup tutorials.
- Price Range: £350-£450.
- Buy on Amazon
Wrapping Up
The right lighting setup can transform your makeup tutorials, highlighting every detail of your work and creating a professional, polished look. From ring lights to studio-grade LEDs, these setups cater to a variety of needs and budgets. Choose the lighting solution that fits your creative goals and start creating stunning tutorials today!