A smart mirror is the next big thing... here are just five things you didn't know they could do

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published 16 October 2019

There's something about a smart mirror that seems super futuristic. But far from being the subject of an episode of Black Mirror, it's actually an increasingly common addition to modern homes. In fact, there are more smart mirrors available to buy than you might think.

We've only recently discovered them so we bet you're thinking, 'What the heck?!' (well, that was our reaction, anyway). So, what can they actually do? And are they something you'd want to buy?

In brief, a smart mirror can offer a variety of services (other than just reflecting your face), from personal training and styling advice ('your morning hair looks mad' springs to mind) to diary updates, weather forecasting and more. To navigate you through the smart home maze, we've shared some of our favourite smart mirror functions for you to browse below.

When you're done, head over to The Hub fo the latest smart home news, advice and information.

Celebrating National Smart Home Month

It's National Smart Home Month and we're doing everything we can to cut through the jargon and leave our readers feeling excited and informed when it comes to all things smart home tech.

1. Smart mirrors let you try out different looks

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Ever wondered what you'd look like with a fringe? Or whether blondes really do have more fun? Or whether red lipstick is really your shade? It's now possible to try out a look before committing to a (potentially regrettable) change.

Coty recently revealed their first AR enabled smart mirror (below), which is designed to help you visualise how make up or a new hairstyle might look before you spend or any scissors/hair dye are picked up. While the technology is currently only available in salons, we don't doubt it won't be long before it's accessible in the home, too.

2. Receive daily updates while you brush your teeth

Always on the go? Employ a smart mirror as the personal assistant you wish you had and receive email, news and weather updates while you brush your teeth.

Smart assistants: a guide for beginners and the confused

3. Check how your make up will look throughout the day

Want to know how your make up will look throughout the day? There's an app for that. Well, actually it's a smart mirror, but you get where we're coming from.

The simplehuman Wide View Sensor Mirror connects seamlessly to your smart phone, making it super easy to adapt the colour and intensity of light and get a better idea of how your home might look throughout the day.

After all, we've all overdone the bronzer on a dark morning and stared at our reflections in horror later the same day.

Shop the simplehuman Wide View Sensor Mirror in the UK for £299.99
Shop the simplehuman Sensor Lighted Makeup Vanity Mirror in the US for $199.98

4. Employ your smart mirror as a personal trainer

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A photo posted by on on Oct 11, 2019 at 9:06am PDT

Dream of a home gym? Or an in-house personal trainer? Yep, us too. If you're short on space – or funds – why not consider investing in a smart mirror that doubles up as a personal trainer, guiding you through tailored at-home work outs.

Well, that's exactly what Mirror have to offer. Whether you're into yoga, boxing, HIIT, or all of the above, this almost invisible smart mirror will allow you to live stream workout classes straight to your home, 24 hours of the day. Plus, you can build a personal fitness profile to optimise workouts for maximum results. Genius.

Best home gym equipment: everything you might need for your home gym

5. Receive personalised skincare advice

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A photo posted by on on Sep 16, 2019 at 4:53pm PDT

Another one for the beauty lovers amongst us, HiMirror will analyse your skin to generate a personalised user profile before providing advice on the best products to enhance your skin. From there, it will track your skin progress, providing insight into which products work best for you.

Emily first (temporarily) joined the Real Homes team while interning on her summer break from university. After graduating, she worked on several publications before joining Real Homes as Staff Writer full time in mid-2018. She left the brand in 2020 to pursue another career, but still loves a second-hand bargain and sourcing unique finds to make her rented flat reflect her personality.