They are way too hot for makeup application. I wouldn't ever consider them unless you want your makeup to slide off your face when you're done.

OK, I worded that to sound like she was placing halogens to the side of the vanity mirror. My bad. She's putting halogen on the ceiling as down lighting. I know halogens are really hot but what about the light for vanity use?
Thanks,
Monica

I have recessed ceiling lights in my bathroom now, and they work great everywhere except at the vanity where they create down-shadows on my face. Not flattering, not helpful. When I reno, I intend to install some vanity lights adjacent to the mirrors. The halogens I've seen in stores do generate a lot of heat, not ideal. Something that would accept some small Reveal bulbs would be great.

I have a halogen fixture above the mirror in my newly remodeled main/guest bathroom. I haven't put on makeup in there (I only use mascara anyway), but I haven't noticed any heat from the lights (except when changing a bulb). The lights themselves are very bright and might be problematic at eye level, but I would think they should be fine over the mirror. In fact, I intend to install another (or maybe two) halogen above mirror fixtures in my master bathroom in the future.

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Here is a look at my work in progress...

Here is a link that might be useful: More pictures of vanity make up lighting

These are T5 bulbs.

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The make up mirror with the light is a nice touch.

Don't look to close. I think I looked right into my brain with this mirror once. Not a pretty picture...