From Lupus to Beauty Industry: Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Brings Disability-Friendly Products to the Forefront!
The other day, while browsing the internet, I stumbled upon a video that left a profound impact on me. The video featured a girl talking about her struggle to open certain beauty products due to their packaging, and how her arthritis made it almost impossible for her to use them. She expressed her love for these products, but also her frustration at being unable to access them easily.
Watching the video made me realize how privileged I am to have good health and how unaware I am of the difficulties that people with disabilities face on a daily basis. I felt a surge of empathy for the girl in the video and for all those who have to go to extra lengths to do simple tasks like applying makeup.
This story stayed with me for days and I started to think about how I could help raise awareness about the importance of making beauty products more disability-friendly. It’s time for us as a society to become more mindful and inclusive of people with disabilities and take steps to make sure that they have equal access to the products and experiences that the rest of us enjoy.
My mind immediately turned towards the perfect celebrity who has advocated for making the lives of people with disabilities easier through her work. And who better than Selena Gomez and her cosmetics company, Rare Beauty.
Creating disability-friendly beauty products is an important issue that deserves attention and consideration in the beauty industry. The founder of Rare Beauty, Selena Gomez, has been open about her struggles with Lupus disease and the impact it has had on her hands. This has inspired her to create products that are accessible and inclusive to all, regardless of their ability.
At Rare Beauty, they have taken several steps to ensure that their products are disability-friendly. One of the key features is their use of soft, sponge applicators for liquid blush and highlighter, which allow for easy blending and building without the need for too much pressure or strength. This is an important consideration for those with hand or finger weakness, tremors, or other conditions that may impact their dexterity.
Their lip balm and glosses also feature a simple twist-up mechanism that doesn’t require any force to use, making it easier for those with limited hand strength or mobility to apply the product.
The small ball that can be found on some of the Rare Beauty products may seem like a minor detail, but it actually serves a significant purpose. Did you know it’s specifically designed to help people with hand tremors, a common symptom of Parkinson’s or essential tremors? The ball provides a stable grip, allowing for easier application of the product without any slips or messes. It’s just one example of how Rare Beauty is going above and beyond to make their products accessible to people of all abilities.
In addition to these specific product features, Rare Beauty also works with organizations like the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) to ensure that their products are truly accessible and meet the needs of people with disabilities. They listen to feedback from their customers and strive to be transparent about their product design process.
Other brands that have made strides in creating disability-friendly products include Olay with their Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer, Retinol 24 Face Moisturizer, and Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer, with lids that are specially tailored to individuals with dexterity issues, visual impairments, and limb differences.
Then we have Kohl Kreatives. Their innovative products include the Feast Your Eyes, a six-piece eye brush kit that comes with a non-rolling cuboid handle, designed for those with visual impairments. The Flex Collection, on the other hand, is a five-piece set that can bend forward and backward, making application easier for individuals with motor disabilities. These thoughtful designs cater to a broader audience and provide a more accessible and enjoyable makeup experience.
We also have Benefit Cosmetics, which has created a range of makeup brushes with longer handles for easier use, and Fenty Beauty, which offers a range of cream-based products that are easy to apply and blend.
When it comes to product production, beauty brands need to consider the needs of people with disabilities from the very beginning. This can involve working with disabled product testers, consulting with disability rights organizations, and incorporating disability-friendly design principles into the product development process.
By taking these steps, beauty brands can help to create a more inclusive and accessible industry that caters to the needs of all consumers, regardless of their ability. In doing so, they can help to make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities, who may already face enough challenges in their daily lives.
As a society, we have a responsibility to make sure that everyone, regardless of their physical ability, has access to the same products and experiences. Cosmetic products that are disability-friendly can make a significant difference in the daily lives of people with arthritis and other hand disabilities. Packaging designs that are easy to open, require minimal hand strength, and eliminate the need for twisting and pulling motions can make the experience more enjoyable and less painful.
I’m happy to witness how brands like Rare Beauty, Kohl Kreative, Olay, Fenty Beauty, and others are taking the stand and prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, and I hope that more brands will follow suit. Let’s continue to work together to create a more inclusive world for everyone.
Cheers! xx
