The reflective surface is clear. I like the three light options—it helps you adjust your makeup for where you’re going. When I got it, I charged it immediately—it took about 5 hours for the first charge. Then, after I charged it, I turned it on and left it. The charge ran out at around the 4-hour mark. To turn the light on, there is a small touch-sensitive button on the non-magnified side, which is annoying because the only reason I’m using it is for the magnified side. But that’s a small pet peeve. Also, this is my first magnifying mirror and 10x is hard to adjust to. To use the mirror, you have to keep your face at 4" from the mirror. Not sure I can work like that.