We Tested the Viral "Alix Earle Light" on 2 Different Skin Tones
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I am by no means a TikTok connoisseur. At most, I get lost in an hour-long scrolling adventure once a week. So, the fact that I've seen countless enthusiastic videos spotlighting the viral "Alix Earle light" ($26, originally $32), a selfie light from tech brand Newmowa, is saying a lot. But I figured it can't just be podcast host Alix Earle's must-have beauty products that have her looking so good. A selfie light must always be involved. (Just kidding.) And the hype is real. The content posted surrounding the Alix Earle light feels endless, and it's currently the only bestseller on her Amazon storefront, which you can access through her TikTok bio.
The product has over 10,000 ratings and 4.7 stars. It's portable and lightweight and can be easily clipped onto your smartphone, laptop, or tablet. At the click of a button, you can turn on a range of modes (bright white, bright white and warm yellow, or warm yellow) and adjust the brightness on a scale of 10 different levels. The 135-minute battery is incredibly convenient, too. If you're just using it for video calls and selfies, the light will last a week or more without the need for a charge, which is easily done in an hour via the accompanying USB cord. Finally, it comes with a 12-month warranty, just in case the lighting doesn't meet your standards.
However, we test a wide variety of products at POPSUGAR and can easily distinguish quality from overrated internet promotion. Devoted to providing you with the most thorough review, we tried the light on two different skin tones and took comparison pictures so you can see what our selfies looked like before and after we introduced the Alix Earle influence into our lives. Ahead, find out why we're singing this gadget's praises and collectively deeming it a five-star item you must immediately add to your cart.
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In short, the Newmowa selfie light ($26, originally $32) is incredible. But I didn't believe the hype until I had it in my hands and started using it myself. The many, many TikToks I scrolled through made the quality look promising, but I almost felt like the illumination would be too bright and harsh for me. When I looked at these comparison shots side-by-side, I was blown away. The photo at left was taken with the Lume Cube Ring Light Pro ($280), which you'd assume to be superior quality given the $250-plus price difference. And while Lume Cube's ring certainly makes for professional lighting, the Newmowa snap just comes off more natural-looking and softer. It's important to note that both lights can be adjusted to either a white or yellow tone, but only the Newmowa light allows you to blend both shades together with both sets of bulbs — which was my exact setting when I snapped the pic at right.
I use the Newmowa light for all my virtual meetings, even when I take them on my large desktop instead of my laptop. I simply clip it onto my portable phone stand that sits on my desk, and it instantly enhances and clarifies my face on the video call. Of course, the lightweight, portable design is what makes it so convenient — plus the 135-minute battery, which can be easily recharged in about an hour.
Rating:
★★★★★
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"After seeing all those TikTok ads and 20-somethings out and about taking the most flattering selfies in the worst lighting, I ran to Amazon to order this Newmowa selfie light ($26, originally $32) myself. I can 100 percent confirm it is worth the hype. This light mimics the effects of studio lighting, but it does not wash me out at all. I immediately noticed a significant difference in the quality of my pictures, especially selfies, because everything looks more crisp and detailed. Initially, I thought my phone camera was on the fritz, but who knew that it was just missing proper lighting.
"One of the most useful features of this selfie light is how you're able to adjust the levels of warm and cool lights, along with the brightness, so you get the ideal lighting for your needs and environment. I'm actually shocked at how bright it is able to get for such a small, compact light, which I can conveniently carry with me in my handbag, pocket, or purse, if it's not already clipped onto my phone. The battery lasts a long time, too!" — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, commerce
Rating:
★★★★★
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Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of commerce at POPSUGAR. With plenty of experience in the shopping market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at POPSUGAR, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.