Adaptive product design expands to include Make Up

Adaptive product design expands to include Make Up

I’ve always taken pride in my appearance and given thought to how I present myself with my clothes, hair and make up. When starting out in my career, paying attention to my professional presentation boosted my confidence and made me feel more capable, ready to take on the world! I have occasionally experimented with new products for a more artistic look, to explore my creative side and enjoy dressing up for special occasions. 

When I lost the use of my left arm, something as simple as putting on makeup suddenly became an uphill battle. The brushes I had once flicked across my cheeks with ease became awkward to hold. Mascara wands slipped from my grip. Lipsticks rolled away before I could even uncap them. Yet, despite the frustration, I didn’t want to stop wearing makeup. Beauty has always been more than a routine for me - it’s a ritual, a comfort, a way to express myself even on the hardest days.

But I have struggled to find products I can use easily without having to manoeuvre into uncomfortable positions, causing me to strain my other arm or shoulder. Thankfully the adaptive fashion market has expanded into make up and in the world of cosmetics and conversations around inclusivity are gaining momentum. 

Make up is a powerful form of self-expression, and everyone deserves the opportunity to feel confident and beautiful. This is where adaptive makeup brands come into play, offering innovative solutions tailored for individual, diverse needs.

Kohl Kreatives 

This brand launched in 2018 and is based on the principles of inclusivity and community. They aim to help people with vitiligo, alopecia, burns and scars as well as those undergoing chemotherapy. Their range includes angled brush sets and stick on eyeliner so you don’t need to worry about positioning your hand to get that perfect winged eyeliner. 

They also offer bolder eye make up designs, perfect for the Christmas party and their contouring ‘stickies’ are designed to help you create a chiseled look for accurate placement without the fuss. 

Tilt Beauty launched at the beginning of this year, Aerin Glazer, who grew up living with psoriatic arthritis, is redefining what it means to be inclusive in the makeup industry. Founded with the belief that beauty should be accessible to all, Tilt’s collection is small but mighty, offering a range of products designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and dexterity challenges. 

Ergonomic handles and grips that sit comfortably in the hand, non-slip vessels so products don’t slide away mid-application and using calming ingredients for extra-extra-sensitive skin, Tilt proves accessibility can coexist with luxury.

Their products come in unique packaging that makes it easier for people with limited hand mobility and Braille labeling as they understand that everyone has different needs

Human Beauty

Another forward-thinking make up brand is the award winning Human Beauty.  Launched in 2021 by Millie Flemington, this make up brand seeks to empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty while making a statement. 

Born with a rare condition, Millie faced daily challenges that made simple routines including makeup more complicated. Instead of accepting those barriers, she turned them into fuel for change and makeup became her form of empowerment. 

Human Beauty was born and their product line features highlighters and blushes as well as mascaras and lip oils. The brand prides itself on being cruelty-free and vegan, ensuring that ethical considerations are part of the beauty equation. Hidden Beauty is committed to adaptive design. Their products often come with specially designed applicators that facilitate use with varying levels of dexterity. 

I have my eye on their Make Up Therapy eyeshadow palette. It has 16 shades or matte and shimmer eyeshadows and when you scan the code provided you are taken to visual and audio shade descriptions on your device.

Guide Beauty 

Terri Bryant has personal experience with adapting makeup for individuals with disabilities and launched Guide Beauty in 2020 . At the height of her career, Terri began experiencing dexterity loss in her hands, which as a Make Up Artist created challenges in her work. 

This brand emphasises the importance of user-friendly design to make beauty accessible to everyone. They have developed a range of makeup tools, including their patented applicators designed for ease of use. These tools encourage a guided and intuitive makeup application process, allowing users to create flawless looks which do not depend on the level of dexterity. 

With their tutorial videos supporting application of their products you can use the pot eyeliner with the guide wand - a tool with a slightly curved tip, made to fit comfortably in the hand. Their neutral eye palette suits all skin tones and the brushes have a raised emblem to fit between your fingers for stability and precision application. 

As the beauty industry continues to evolve, adaptive makeup brands like Tilt, Hidden Beauty, Guide Beauty, and Kohl Kreatives are at the forefront of change. By prioritising functionality and innovative design, these brands are paving the way for a future where beauty is truly accessible to everyone. 

So if you’re looking for something that boosts confidence and self-esteem check out these inclusive brands for beautifully designed make up that fits in your hand and can be applied independently, so you can see your best self reflected back in the mirror.