Scarlette French, a 13-year-old girl from Oneida Nation of the Thames near London, Ont., is like many teenagers exploring ways to showcase her identity. She has a fondness for punk rock music, dark attire, and enjoys experimenting with makeup. However, unlike most teens, Scarlette faces a unique challenge due to a congenital eye disorder that has severely impaired her vision, leaving her able to perceive only limited light.
Despite her visual impairment, Scarlette perseveres in her passion for makeup, albeit with some difficulties. To aid in her makeup routine, she diligently labeled her cosmetic containers with braille to distinguish colors and products. However, the process was far from seamless.
Recognizing Scarlette’s struggle, Tiffany Houston, CEO of the Shine Foundation, stepped in to make a difference. Through collaboration with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Houston partnered with Cheekbone Beauty, an Indigenous-owned makeup brand based in St. Catharines, to create “Scarlette’s Palette.”
This innovative makeup palette, a pioneering prototype, incorporates tactile features and an audio description to facilitate makeup application for individuals with visual impairments. Scarlette’s Palette includes three lip and cheek creams, two highlighters, and one powder blush, all housed in a user-friendly case with raised tactile ridges around each product slot.
The standout feature of the palette is a QR code at the top that links to an audio guide video detailing how to use the palette and describing each shade. This feature enhances accessibility for visually impaired individuals who may not be proficient in braille.
Although only 20 prototype palettes have been produced, both Scarlette and Houston aspire for Scarlette’s Palette to initiate discussions among beauty brands and non-profit organizations about enhancing accessibility in the beauty industry.
Scarlette’s mother, Samantha Kennedy, shared how Scarlette’s journey with makeup has transformed her confidence and outlook on life. Kennedy expressed hope that others with disabilities would have similar empowering experiences. Scarlette herself envisions a bright future, aspiring to pursue music and social media influencing.
In a statement, Scarlette expressed her desire for her journey to inspire other girls with visual impairments to embrace makeup artistry and build their skills, debunking the notion that disabilities should be barriers to self-expression.
