Adaptive Beauty | 13 Products for People With Disabilities 

Adaptive beauty products are a transformative and inclusive way for the beauty industry to recognize differently abled people. They have accessible designs for making beauty routines more easier for people with disabilities. With a focus on functionality, easy use, and customization, adaptive beauty items empower people of all abilities to create better self-esteem through makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. 

The demand not only highlights the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the beauty world, but it’s also a great example for the power of design and innovation for those with different needs and abilities. Currently, a lot of adaptive beauty products are easily accessible through online shopping or retail stores, but you might not recognize them as being adaptive, because you don’t know what to look for. My goal by exploring these adaptive beauty products is to give you a small glimpse of cosmetic and cosmetic tools that help people with a variety of disabilities.

1. Magnetic Makeup:

Most makeup products come in containers with sealed lids or caps, which are hard for those to open if they have limited hand dexterity or strength. Magnetic palettes are easier to open and close, making makeup easier to access. Magnetic products have fewer small parts, so they’re more user-friendly for people with disabilities. Magnetic makeup isn’t the only easy makeup packaging to open through. Any type of makeup palette in cardboard packaging is easy to open. Colourpop is a brand whose products are mostly made of the easy-to-open packaging. There’s many others that do as well, such as Bh Cosmetics, Physician’s Formula, and most eyeshadow pallets from the Sephora Beauty Collection, to name a few. Opening it does not require twisting or clicking, making it easier for individuals with motor skill disabilities. Traditional makeup packaging like small caps or applicator brushes with tiny handles can be hard for someone like me to manage, and they’re really easy to lose. However, I think I speak for most people when I say I never use the applicator that comes in makeup palettes.

2. Lipstick Applicators:

Wider grips on lip products creates a larger surface area to hold onto, so it’s easier to grip and control. A grip design reduces the amount of times you drop or fumble with it. Especially for those with weak or unsteady hands like mine. I can’t tell you how many times I drop something every day. Usually it’s some type of beauty tool like a makeup brush. Or my iPhone, ha!

Specialty designed applicators don’t need a lot of force when applying lip products. In January, L’Oréal unveiled a lipstick applicator for people with disabilities, called Hapta. It’s an unparalleled innovation of handheld technology. It caters exclusively to individuals with restricted arm mobility, empowering them to effortlessly and flawlessly apply makeup at home. However, I can’t find it anywhere online. In fact, it’s an award winner for technology from TIME.

So where is it?

Unfortunately, I’ve only come across information indicating that the release date is for later this year. Well it’s November and the year is almost over, but I can’t find it anywhere. It’s also important to know that it’s a Lancôme exclusive, so only Lancôme lipsticks will work. It’s also estimated to cost between $150.00-$199.00. That doesn’t sound accessible to me. I do appreciate the effort though, because not many cosmetic companies are willing to spend the money or time to manufacture adaptive beauty tools. However, the majority of people with disabilities struggle financially, so expensive tools like this aren’t seen as affordable or accessible. Until its official launch, I’m calling it a PR move.

3. Braille Labeling:

Braille labels give people with visual impairments the ability to identify and distinguish between different beauty products. This gives the ability to use the correct product independently. With braille labels on beauty products, people with limited sight can pick and choose what makeup and skincare they use without asking for help. In 2018 Herbal Essence created new packaging for shampoo and conditioner with raised lines to distinguish between the two products. Braille labels prevent confusion, so it reduces the risk of using the wrong thing on the wrong place. Especially if there are ingredients that can irritate the skin.

4. Easy-Open Packaging:

Traditional packaging designs need physical strength and dexterity to open, such as twisting, pulling, or cutting. But easy-open packaging is better and less time consuming to open. And it’s definitely more manageable if you have limited strength or mobility. Personally for me, most makeup products with caps are easier to open, such as eyeliner, brow pens, and most lipsticks. It empowers people like me to use the product without help, which is a big deal. But packaging causes such a HUGE barrier between people with disabilities and the right to use them. 

Olay released an Open Easy Lid for their Regenerist line. The cap has wings for easy opening, and braille on the top of the lid. BUT you can only buy it online. If you buy an Olay Regenerist Moisturizer. It’s free with purchase which I appreciate, but it’s not accessible in stores.

Packaging can have sharp or rigid edges can cause a cut, especially if you have limited hand control or sensory impairments. Traditional packaging that’s hard to open is frustrating for anyone, but can you imagine someone with limited movement trying to open a blush or highlighter? This goes beyond the beauty industry, because makeup and skincare aren’t the only products that come in hard-to-open packaging. It’s not a big deal to physically abled people, because it’s not something they’ve had to struggle with. And that’s OK. It’s hard to see another perspective when you don’t live it. However, easy-open packaging can impact the negative emotions of trying to access beauty that everyone has a right to.

5. Adaptive Brushes:

Makeup brushes made for adaptive beauty are more comfortable to hold and maneuver. They come with wider and comfortable grips or handles. This benefits anyone with conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or muscular weaknesses. Personalize makeup brushes can be made fo individual needs and preferences. For example, you can select the bristle type, length, or softness that works best for your skin. 

Guide Beauty created a whole line of adaptive makeup brushes, and an applicator wand for eyeliner, eyebrow products, false eyelashes, and lip liner. It’s also available to buy online.

The wand is designed for more precise application, such as eyeliner. Some adaptive makeup brushes come with assistive handles that can be extended or attached to assistive devices like a universal cuff, or a built-up handle. These adaptations allow people with more severe motor impairments to use makeup brushes more effectively.

6. Scented Nail Polish:

Scented nail polish is a positive sensory experience, which is exactly what SinfulColors was going for with their Essenchills line. Adding a certain fragrance for painting nails can help people with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities know which nail polish they’re using. I don’t believe it’s specifically made for people with vision impairments, but it’s a great option to have. Traditional nail polishes have a strong chemical smell that’s overwhelming, but scented nail polish is a lot easier on the senses. Some scents used in nail polish, such as lavender or citrus can make you feel relaxed or make you in a better mood. This is really beneficial for individuals with disabilities who might benefit from aromatherapy.

7. Foundation Color Correctors:

Color correctors adjust the color of foundation to match individual skin tone. This helps anyone with skin conditions, such as pigmentation. Or individuals who have a hard time finding the right shade match for their skin. Some disabilities and medical conditions can cause changes in skin tone or texture over time, so foundation mixers let you customize your makeup without buying new products. Several makeup brands include mixers into their product line, like the e.l.f. Camo Color Corrector, Hydrating & Long-Lasting Color Corrector. There are even hand-held palettes that hook onto your thumb for easy mixing. However, people with vision impairments will need assistance creating their shade. It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t require precision, so it’s a more accessible way to create the right foundation color.

8. Lighted Vanity Mirror:

The right lighting can create an even makeup look. It’s easy to adjust the brightness and color to suit your needs. It’s flexible for accommodating those with different vision needs or preferences. Lighted mirrors are easy to control, so they’re more inclusive for individuals with disabilities. Buttons or touch controls are easy to change even if you have limited dexterity. Having the right lighting for personal care can also prevent accidents or injuries, like cuts from shaving or applying the wrong skincare product. Most lighted mirrors have adjustable color temperatures, which can look like natural daylight, or create an ambient atmosphere. 

Recently I found the Hello Kitty Impressions Vanity mirror. I’ve been hunting it down for months. I couldn’t wait until it was put up on the wall. It felt like everyone on Instagram found the mirror at Marshalls or TJMaxx, except me. The day comes, and I’m ready to put my makeup on for the day. But it wasn’t bright. At all. I don’t know how anyone uses it as a vanity mirror, because the lighting doesn’t reflect what’s it’s meant to do. 

To say I was disappointed is an understatement. Maybe it’s different because people can lean in to get better lighting. Or maybe people just use a second mirror when they put on makeup. Maybe I got a defective one. Either way, it wasn’t going to work for me. It’s now going to go up above my bed, but I had a lot of expectations since I’ve been trying to find it. 

It makes me sad, but on the other hand I still found it! Even if I’d known beforehand it wasn’t going to work for me, I’d still buy it in a heartbeat. Thankfully I kept my regular Impressions Vanity mirror, but I was on the verge of giving it away. Luckily I never said anything, so know one knew I wanted to pass it down. But sometimes lighted mirrors that are meant to be easy and accessible aren’t meant for other people. It’s disappointing, but it’s not the end of the world.

9. Perfume Atomizers:

Perfume atomizers are designed with simple, one-handed spray mechanisms, so it’s easy to use if you have limited dexterity or mobility. The spray nozzle of an atomizer doesn’t need a lot of strength and energy to activate, so it reduces the use of hands and fingers. This helps people with conditions that involve muscle weakness, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. Atomizer’s distribute fragrance evenly, so you can spray the right amount of cologne or perfume. It also cause less spills if you have limited coordination.

10. Skincare Dispensers:

Skincare dispensers, such as a pump or spray bottle require less hand coordination and strength to use. This is true compared to traditional packaging like screw caps or squeeze bottles. Dispensers have control over how much product comes out, which is hard if you have limited movement or tremors. An airless pump jar is very user friendly, and only needs the use of one hand. They reduce the amount of spillage that can cause slippery surfaces, like countertops or the bathroom floor. Dispensers also reduce waste since they’re designed for refilling, so they’re an eco-friendly approach to skincare products.

11. Velcro Hair Accessories:

Velcro hair rollers, hair ties, and hairpins are easier to maneuver than regular hair accessories. It’s a simple and secure way of being able to put your hair up, because it can be easily attached and removed with little effort. Velcro has a secure grip, so hair stays in place without slipping or falling out. Traditional hair accessories require certain hand movements, which can be hard for those with disabilities in their upper extremities. The 1-Up Hair Tie was designed to accommodate individuals who have experienced limb loss or stroke, giving them a resource for one-handed usage. Though it’s not made of velcro, this hair tie is specifically made for the needs of this demographics, which is the definition of inclusivity.

12. Adaptive Hair Dryers and Straighteners:

Many adaptive hair dryers and straighteners have designs with user-friendly controls and comfortable grips. These adaptive beauty tools are made from lightweight materials, so it’s less physical effort to use them. Also some adaptive beauty tools have visual or auditory alerts to let you know when they’re ready to use, or when they need to be adjusted. One great example of an adaptive tool is the Beachwaver Rotating Curling Iron. It’s meant to create waves or curl your hair with the press of a button. It has an automatic shutoff, and it’s light enough to only use one hand.

13. Shampoo and Conditioner Dispensers:

Wall-mounted pump-style dispensers for shampoo and conditioner, require less physical strength. For example, the Better Living Products Clear Choice Dispenser has two chamber dispensers pump make it easy to identify what products you’re using, and how much product is left. It’s is an adaptable product for different locations throughout your home. It can be mounted anywhere, so you’re not limited to just using it for shampoo and conditioner.

Conclusion 

Adaptive beauty products and tools represent a huge leap towards inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment in the beauty industry. When creating beauty items that are adaptable for disabled people, companies need to consider a wide range of disabilities and designs that accommodate different needs. Collaborating with disabled individuals, and getting their input is important for creating truly inclusive and accessible beauty products. The increasing awareness about inclusivity and adaptive beauty, doesn’t just reflect the diversity of disabilities. It also highlights the impact that design and innovation can have on improving the quality of life for individuals with diverse abilities.