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.
- Tactile ridges and dividers between color pans to help users select makeup independently and confidently.
Still a Prototype, But Poised for Impact
Currently, Scarlette’s Palette exists as a one-off prototype, but Cheekbone Beauty and the Shine Foundation are actively seeking feedback and hope to work with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) to refine and scale it for broader release. The website at shinefoundation.ca/scarlette is gathering support, stories, and donations to push the concept into production.
Cheekbone Beauty: A Mission-Driven Brand
Jenn Harper, as an Indigenous Canadian brand, Cheekbone Beauty has blazed trails in representation, sustainability, and now accessibility. Our mission has always been bigger than beauty. Every lipstick, gloss, or mascara you pick up is part of a larger story — one rooted in representation, giving back, and Indigenous values. The brand is a Certified B Corporation, intertwining Indigenous teachings and responsible innovation to create positive social change.
The Future of Adaptive Beauty
Scarlette’s Palette lands at a moment when the global beauty industry is being forced to confront the needs of often-overlooked consumers. The project is expected to inspire brands worldwide to innovate—not just for profits, but for dignity, independence, and self-expression for all. As the Shine Foundation states: “Self-expression should always be unencumbered”.
Harper concludes, Collaborating with Shine to bring Scarlette’s dream to fruition is a significant milestone for us, and we aspire to motivate the beauty industry to continuously strive for accessibility.
Final Thoughts
Scarlette’s Palette is more than a product—it is a call to action. As Cheekbone Beauty and Shine Foundation demonstrate, representing everyone is possible when empathy, technology, and design come together. The beauty industry and its consumers now have a tangible example of how accessibility can be woven into the DNA of every product for a more inclusive world.
