In 2023, the Casa Colina Research Institute (CCRI) conducted a study on
behalf of Rare Beauty to help founder and creator Selena Gomez and her
team gather information on what product attributes aid or hinder usability
and satisfaction for users with hand and arm disabilities. CCRI evaluated
a selection of Rare Beauty brand products based on ease of grip, maneuverability,
packaging design, and product applicators. The study consisted of 57 individuals
with a range of upper extremity disabilities resulting from stroke, traumatic
brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other neurologic and orthopedic
conditions. Participants documented their experiences, challenges, and
any suggestions for improvements.
The successful research eventually culminated in Rare Beauty founder and
creator, Selena Gomez, receiving the inaugural Impact Award at Casa Colina's
annual Tribute to Courage Gala on March 9, 2024. In the following video,
some of our study participants share how the experience using these inclusive
products improved their self-confidence and quality of life:
Since the completion of the first study, Casa Colina Research Institute
and Rare Beauty have continued their collaboration through additional
research projects focused on accessibility and inclusive design. By engaging
individuals with upper extremity disabilities in the product evaluation
process, these studies have generated meaningful insights that help inform
product development and support Rare Beauty’s ongoing commitment
to creating products that are accessible to a broader community of users.
Exploring Beauty Product Accessibility: A Study on Rare Beauty for Individuals
with Upper Extremity Disabilities
Exploring Beauty Product Accessibility examines how product design can
improve independence and ease of use for individuals with upper extremity
disabilities. Through a two-week trial of Rare Beauty products, researchers
evaluated how packaging, applicators, and ergonomic features supported
accessibility, comfort, and self-expression in daily beauty routines.
Key Findings-
Most participants agreed that bottle shape, cap design, texture, and product
size made beauty products easier to grip, open, hold, and apply.
Across the seven Rare Beauty products evaluated, 77–96% of participants
reported positive experiences related to comfort, grip, stability, ease
of opening, and application.
Several product designs showed statistically significant advantages for
individuals with fine motor limitations, including the Foundation bottle
grip, Luminizer bottle design, and Lipstick cap design.
Participants consistently highlighted larger grips, ergonomic bottle shapes,
stable non-slip finishes, intuitive applicators, and easy-open closures
as features that improved usability.
Scent and Accessibility: Evaluating Perfume bottle Designs for Individuals
with Upper Extremity Disabilities
Personal care products play an important role in self-expression and well-being,
yet many are not designed with accessibility in mind. This study explored
how perfume bottle design influences usability for individuals with upper
extremity disabilities, highlighting product features that support greater
independence, comfort, and participation in everyday self-care activities.
Key Findings-
Over 90% of participants reported that larger actuator size and shape made
it easier to press and spray, even using different parts of the hand or body.
About 85% of users found that ergonomic bottle shapes enabled a secure
grip and comfortable handling, supporting better control during use.
Roughly 90% of participants indicated they could successfully use the bottles
with alternative techniques (e.g., palms, forearms, or flat surfaces),
highlighting adaptability for different ability levels.
It ranked highest for opening, spraying, holding, and comfort, with a statistically
significant preference —especially among users with moderate to
severe impairments.
Exploring Beauty Product Accessibility: A Comparative Study of Rare Beauty
Products for Individuals with Upper Extremity Disabilities
As the beauty industry places greater emphasis on inclusive design, this
study examined the accessibility of cosmetic packaging for individuals
with motor impairments. Through product evaluations and home-use testing,
researchers assessed how packaging features impact usability, helping
to identify design elements that enhance independence and participation
in daily self-care activities.
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