At Backstage, we believe makeup isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling powerful. And that power should be accessible to everyone.

The beauty industry has been making moves toward diversity in shades, skin types, and gender expression, but there’s still a huge group often left out of the conversation: people with disabilities.

Recently, we saw a creator on TikTok reviewing makeup products in Sephora based on accessibility – specifically how usable they are with limited hand mobility. (One of her arms is paralysed, and the other has restricted movement.) Watching her struggle with tiny packaging, impossible-to-open caps, and stiff applicators was a serious reality check.

Because here’s the truth: Glam should be for everyone. And it’s about time brands started designing like it.

So, what makes makeup more disability-friendly?

• Easy-to-grip packaging (think chunky sticks, magnetic closures, twist-up products)

   

• Lightweight, ergonomic tools that don’t require a tight grip or two hands

   

• Single-handed application options like cushion compacts, sticks, or pumps

   

• Magnetic lashes and liner (instead of fiddly lash glue)

   

• Twist-up cream sticks for foundation, contour, and blush (instead of messy bottles and brushes)

   

• Click pens and applicators that don’t need to be squeezed with force

   

• Adapted brushes and holders for easier control

   

And honestly? These innovations don’t just help disabled users, they make life easier for everyone. (Because who hasn’t tried to apply lipstick one-handed while holding your phone, let’s be real?)

Brands Leading the Way (and Doing It Right):

• Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez – Designed with arthritis and mobility struggles in mind, their chunky, easy-grip packaging is a game-changer.

   

• Guide Beauty – Created by makeup artist Terri Bryant after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Their ergonomic, easy-grip tools are next-level.

   

• Kohl Kreatives – A beauty brand focused entirely on creating adaptive makeup brushes and applicators for people with motor disabilities.

   

• Fenty Beauty – Their Snap Shadows palettes magnetically click together (and apart), which makes handling them way easier with limited hand mobility.

   

• MAC Cosmetics – Their packaging is generally easier to open, and the lipsticks have a simple, one-hand twist-off. (Plus, their Artistry brushes have thicker handles.)

   

Accessibility Isn’t A “Nice To Have.” It’s Essential.

Makeup can be a form of self-expression, independence, and identity. Everyone deserves the dignity of getting ready how they want – without struggling over a mascara wand or fighting with stubborn packaging.

At Backstage, we’re all about opening up beauty to everyone. Whether you’re a client booking your glam squad or an artist setting up your kit, we’re pushing for more brands, more tools, and more products that don’t leave anyone behind.

Because beauty isn’t just skin deep. It’s about freedom, ownership, and joy – and everybody deserves their glow-up moment.