Beauty for All: Finding Accessible Tools and Products for Your Routine
Photo by Vince Mariel Conlu on Unsplash
Beauty is an essential part of life, yet not everyone has access to it. People with disabilities are acutely aware of this, which is why finding accessible beauty products and tools for their routines can be a challenge. For this reason, it is crucial to assess the multitude of options out there, from automated skincare tools to specially designed makeup brushes.
It is encouraging to see more and more brands striving to create inclusive solutions that allow us to partake in a truly enjoyable beauty experience. Selena Gomez, founder and chairwoman of Rare Beauty, is a prime example of this. Having lupus herself, she is aware of the importance and power of such products and ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can take part in their beauty routine.
People with disabilities often encounter various challenges when dealing with the beauty industry. Products ranging from eyeshadows to beauty tools can be difficult to use due to their lack of description and variety. Therefore, we have created a list of easily-accessible tools and products to make our beauty routine a more convenient experience.
What is accessible beauty?
Accessible beauty is a term that refers to products and services that are available to everyone, regardless of physical or financial limitations. It includes tools and devices designed for those with physical disabilities and products designed to provide services to everyone. By removing cost and access barriers, everyone can enjoy the benefits of looking and feeling their best.
Accessible Makeup Tools
Makeup is a great form of self-expression, but those with disabilities can find it more difficult to accurately apply these products. These products will help disabled people to better express themselves by making it easier to create the artwork they want on their faces, thereby saving them energy.
The Vamp Stamp
The Vamp Stamp, a favorite of mine for years due to its promise of ease of use, enables users to flawlessly execute the perfect cat-eye; however, you must take on the task of creating the remainder of your eyeliner yourself.
Guide Eyeliner, Eyebrow Gel, Lash Wrap
Selma Blair is renowned for her acting but in the wake of her diagnosis, she has been a strong advocate for those living with disabilities. She is part of the Guide brand, which has created an accessible line of makeup products ranging from eyeliner to brushes to make it easier for those with disabilities to apply cosmetics. In my opinion, the Guide Eyeliner Duos are the optimal choice for achieving a laidback cat-eye look that extends across the entire eyelid, particularly if you find it difficult to hold a steady grip.
Makeup brushes - The Flex Collection by Kohl Creatives
This range of makeup brushes has been developed with accessibility in mind, with tutorials on their website to help those who are just getting into makeup or have not used accessible tools before. My favorite of the collection is the small diamond-shaped head.
Mascara guard
This mascara guard is incredibly beneficial for those with trouble with hand tremors or vision impairments, enabling them to apply mascara without stressing over smudging their eyeshadow look.
Thimblettes
These Thimblettes are an excellent choice for a variety of beauty routines and tasks, and their multipack design makes them a great addition to any home. Furthermore, they come in a wide range of sizes, so you can always ensure you have the right grip for any job.
Accessible Beauty Products
If you already have a shower chair and other adaptive items in your bathroom to assist in your daily routine, additional products can easily elevate your beauty regimen.
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Hair Curler
The disability community has been singing the praises of this hair curler for good reason - it's designed to curl your hair without you needing to hold a typical curling iron or raise your arms above your head, as you simply place your hair in the barrel.
Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer Attachment
The hair dryer attachment enables users to place a bonnet on their heads, as it takes care of the drying process, thus saving time and energy. The adjustable hair dryer stand is a better option for those with heat sensitivity.
Foam Swivel Seat Cushion
This swivel seat cushion offers the comfort of a swivel chair without the risk of toppling over, ideal for grabbing items from your vanity or countertop during your beauty routine. You can effortlessly attach this cushion to any chair or stool, providing secure swiveling capabilities.
Touch Tags
These products are ideal for easily distinguishing between different beauty products, offering categories for home care, self-care, and skincare. This is designed to facilitate the lives of visually impaired or intuitive communicators. They will be available shortly.
Adjustable Hair Dryer Stand
The adjustable hair dryer stand is an efficient and convenient product, as it allows you to simply place your hair dryer in it and you can use almost any hair dryer with it. What makes this hands-free system so great is that you can adjust the flexible neck of the stand to dry your hair quickly without spending any extra money.
Vive foam tubing
This foam tubing is incredibly versatile, being compatible with hairbrushes, toothbrushes, and even utensils. Its addition to your beauty tools will provide you with improved grip and handling, making it a great asset for your everyday activities.
Continuous Spray Bottle
Holding a spray bottle can be a challenge for individuals suffering from pain or impaired handgrip; thus, this continuous spray bottle is a blessing in disguise. I use this for setting sprays, hair treatments, and even creating my own lotion spray with my preferred fragrances. (Mixing water with the lotion improves the spray consistency!)
Accessible Skincare
I must confess that there are days when it is a challenge to go through my skincare regimen. Thankfully, these products have made it easier and it has become a pleasant part of my daily routine, something I actually look forward to.
Cerave Cleanser with Pump
Cerave is a great option for those with sensitive skin, as they offer cleansers with pumps rather than twist tops or droppers. This is attractive to many, as pumps are much easier to use. Additionally, the brand uses simple ingredients that are ideal for those with skin conditions or allergies.
Serum Pump
This product is a great and cost-effective way to pump serums that come in the right bottle size, rather than using a dropper. I am pleased with its versatility, and it functions excellently with a variety of serums, from vitamin C to retinoids.
Stick-On Under-Desk (or Vanity) Organizer
This under-desk vanity is easy to install with just adhesives, providing you with more room to arrange your beauty products in a way that's convenient to reach. With this organizer, you can transform any desk or tabletop into your own personal vanity and put it anywhere you'd like.
Sun Bum Face Mist
I find this sunscreen mist to be ideal for my skin; the unique combination of being reef-friendly and water-resistant protects my skin from the sun all year round. Furthermore, it is lightweight and easy to apply, making it my preferred choice.
Eazy Hold Grips
I strongly suggest you try out this new handle for your beauty and skincare tools. It is important to have options available, and this one is specially crafted to be adjustable to your hand size for comfortable use and it is compatible with other existing products.
Rolling Cart
A rolling cart is essential for everyone as it is an easy way to transport items from one place to another without using up your energy or taking too much time. Moreover, if you prefer to do your beauty routine in bed, you can conveniently move the cart to your bedside and get ready there.
To sum up, accessible beauty is not just about having the right products and tools to create a beauty regimen. It is about creating a culture of acceptance and inclusivity for everyone, regardless of disability. In striving to make beauty products and routines accessible to all, we can create an atmosphere where everyone can confidently find and appreciate the beauty in themselves.
About the Writer
Ariel Taranski (she/her) is a freelance content and copywriter. She's worked with brands such as The Knot, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, New York Comic Con, and more. In her free time, she loves playing around with makeup, advocating for disability rights, and spending time with her fiance and two pups.
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