Scarlette French, a 13-year-old girl from Oneida Nation of the Thames near London, Ont., is navigating ways to express herself like many other teenagers. She gravitates towards punk rock music, dark attire, and enjoys experimenting with makeup. However, what sets Scarlette apart is her limited vision due to an eye disorder she was born with, causing severe vision impairment and the ability to only perceive a limited amount of light.
Despite her visual challenges, Scarlette diligently applies makeup using braille labels on her products to identify colors and items. Tiffany Houston, the CEO of the Shine Foundation, noticed Scarlette’s efforts and desire for a makeover during their meeting. The Shine Foundation supports Canadian youth with significant disabilities in pursuing their aspirations. Scarlette’s dream was to have a makeover that would empower her to express herself with confidence and independence.
Collaborating with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Houston reached out to Cheekbone Beauty, an Indigenous-owned makeup brand based in St. Catharines. Together, they co-created “Scarlette’s Palette,” a groundbreaking makeup palette designed to cater to blind and visually impaired individuals. This innovative palette features tactile elements and an audio description to facilitate independent makeup application.
Scarlette’s Palette comprises three lip and cheek creams, two highlighters, and one powder blush, all housed in an easily accessible case. Each product is enclosed in a circular holder with raised tactile ridges for easy identification. Moreover, the palette includes a QR code at the top that links to an audio description video detailing how to use the palette and describing each shade, providing enhanced accessibility for those who cannot read braille.
Although only 20 prototype palettes have been produced, Scarlette and Houston aspire for Scarlette’s Palette to spark discussions within the beauty industry and charitable organizations about inclusivity and accessibility. Scarlette’s mother, Samantha Kennedy, expressed how this experience has positively impacted Scarlette, boosting her confidence and fostering self-care habits. Kennedy hopes that others with disabilities can have similar empowering experiences.
Scarlette, now the face of a groundbreaking makeup palette, envisions a future where she pursues her dreams of becoming a musician and a social media influencer. She aims to inspire other girls, regardless of visual impairments, to embrace makeup artistry and skill development. Scarlette’s journey with Scarlette’s Palette underscores the importance of inclusivity and empowerment in the beauty industry, encouraging individuals with disabilities to explore and express themselves through makeup.