CRI, or Colour Rendering Index, is a measure used to describe how accurately a light source reveals colours compared with a reference source. It is useful when choosing light around a bathroom mirror because skin, makeup, towels and tile colours are all judged under that light.
CRI is not brightness
A bright light can still make colours look wrong. CRI addresses colour rendering, while brightness depends on output, room size, distance and diffusion. A mirror light needs enough useful illumination without creating glare or harsh shadows.
These are separate design questions.
Colour temperature changes the mood
Warm, neutral and cooler colour temperatures can make the same bathroom feel different. The selected temperature should relate to the room’s other lights and the way the mirror will be used.
An adjustable mirror can be flexible, but only if its controls are simple and the colour range is appropriate.
Position may matter more than the mirror feature
Front lighting can reveal the face more evenly. Backlighting creates a halo and atmosphere but may not provide enough task light. Side sconces can sometimes produce a better makeup or shaving light than an integrated LED strip.
The best mirror is chosen with the room’s complete lighting plan.
Read front-lit versus backlit mirrors, or see the Durban bathroom lighting guide.