Natural light is the best, but when night falls...

Recessed lighting and downward lights, on their own, cast harsh shadows on the face. For the best makeup lighting, I would combine one or both of the recessed lights and downward light with wall sconces flanking your makeup mirror.

Sconces in front of you or to the side will work well. Be sure not to select a sconce with a colored diffuser. Vanity lights will work as well.

thank you

We use a combination of lighting, with lights on either side of the mirror and a recessed accent light in the ceiling. I have attached a photo of a bath I designed with a custom steel mirror frame.

Sconces on either side of the mirror - mounted up or down - provide the best shadow-free lighting to bathroom vanity areas. Good luck on your project!