A groundbreaking collaboration between Canada’s Shine Foundation and Indigenous-owned Cheekbone Beauty has resulted in the creation of Scarlette’s Palette, the first tactile makeup palette designed specifically for people who are blind or have low vision. Announced on World Sight Day, the innovation is making waves in beauty, accessibility, and social impact communities alike.
Bridging the Accessibility Gap: The Story Behind Scarlette’s Palette
Cheekbone Beauty and Shine Foundation—whose mission is to fulfill dreams for youth with severe physical disabilities—joined forces on the project after the foundation’s 9,000th dream went to fourteen-year-old Scarlette, a blind teen with a love for beauty. Scarlette’s wish was for a complete makeover and greater independence in her beauty routine, but the gift has come to stand for much more: it spotlights the social exclusion millions face when products are designed for the sighted only.
“Youth living with disabilities deserve to be seen as more than their…
disabilities,” said Tiffany Houston, CEO of Shine Foundation. “With Scarlette’s Palette, we’re sending a message that self-expression should never have barriers.” Jenn Harper, Cheekbone Beauty founder, added: “Cheekbone Beauty has always championed inclusivity and innovation.
Partnering with Shine to bring Scarlette’s dream to life is a milestone for us, and we hope it inspires the beauty industry to keep pushing for accessibility.” Accessible By Design: How the Palette Works Scarlette’s Palette is built with universal design thinking and user consultation at every step.
Its features go far beyond the industry’s (rare) braille labeling: Raised patterns and logos for tactile identification of brand and product. Tactile arrows showing how to orient and open the palette.
A raised QR code linking to audio descriptions; when scanned, users are guided through the palette’s layout and each color’s function. Shapes under each shade (rather than braille) to distinguish between colors—key for those unfamiliar with braille or with additional sensory needs…
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