Differently Abled Makeup Brands

Although the only social interaction many people have these days is over a Zoom call or while buying groceries from behind a mask, it’s beneficial for your own sense of well-being to shower, dress, style your hair and if it’s your habit, wear a little makeup.  It’s amazing how far a little mascara and lipstick can take you towards a greater sense of normalcy, but for people with a loss of dexterity, applying makeup can be a challenge. 

The good news is that older adults and people with health conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease who experience unsteady hands have new alternatives to help them look and feel their best.  Some of us are just bad at applying eyeliner or mascara without making a mess of it and could use the help of a product designed to make application easier.  

According to a recent New York Times report, makeup artist Terri Byant recently founded Guide Beauty after experiencing the frustration of trying to apply makeup successfully following her diagnosis of Parkinson’s.  The eyeliner, mascara, and brow products have ergonomically-designed wands for greater control and an easy-open jar.  The website also offers tutorials on how to apply the products which are all ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested, cruelty-free, and vegan.

An eyeliner stamp can also help achieve a winged cat-eye when shaking hands make drawing a clean line impossible.  Kaja makes the Wink Stamp Wing Eyeliner Stamp and Pen and the Vamp Stamp line helps those with physical limitations apply the perfect winged liner.   Grace Beauty is also working to manufacture grips and accessories to make the application of mascara safer and easier.  In the meanwhile, pencil grips or a universal ring holder may do the trick to help make liner, lipstick or mascara application easier.

In addition to discovering new, accessible beauty products, good lighting and vision are necessary for any successful makeup application.  The Kellyn Makeup Reader features a swiveling lens that allows you to see clearly while applying eye makeup.  Kohl Kreative makeup brushes with flexible, easy grips allow people with motor disabilities or illnesses to apply cosmetics independently.

Take a little time each day to do something for yourself to feel good; it might be hair and makeup, doing your nails, or giving yourself a close shave. It’s amazing what some self-care can accomplish!

“Looking good leads to feeling good, feeling good leads to empowerment.”

Scott Barnes, Makeup Artist, and Author