How empowering is it that a swipe of red lipstick can instantly make one feel ready to take on the day? Or that a spritz of perfume can make one feel more comfortable in their own skin? Even a touch of green glitter on the eyelids might lift the spirits. We are, of course, talking about makeup, skincare, body care, and haircare. On one hand, beauty rituals might be seen as symbols of conformity—encouraging people to look a certain way to fit in.
Yet, paradoxically, they also serve as a gateway for each one of us to express and embrace our unique identities. Therefore, we welcome the world of adaptive beauty. You may not often give much thought to the everyday tools of your beauty routine—palettes, lipsticks, bottles, and brushes.
But how might someone with unsteady hands or visual impairments navigate them? For instance, did you know that Rare Beauty’s rounded bottle tops gained popularity among those with mobility challenges? Their design makes them easier to grip. Have you ever given thought to how the makeup brushes you adore can easily roll off a surface—something difficult to manage if you can’t see? What are adaptive tools? Adaptive beauty is where thought is attached to product —on who is using it, and how to make it a better experience for them. Trishna Daswaney has been conducting makeup workshops for three communities for years—the transgender community, the cancer care community and the motor disability community.
“Someone in the workshop told me th.