Glamour Grip
Glamour Grip is an accessory for makeup brushes to help those with limited mobility in their hands have a better grip on their brushes and other makeup tools. The set comes with 8 attachments with varying center sizes and ridges to allow for multiple gripping points.
Glamour Grip strives to improve disability inclusion in the cosmetic area and allow everyone to look good and feel good.
Mission Statement
Arthritis affects 1 in 4 adults. Making a choice on your own is one thing, but having your body make it for you is a whole different story. It’s an unfair side effect of time that should not take away more than it has to. There are very few solutions to ease the process of applying makeup for those with arthritis and those that do exists are sold almost exclusively online. Other intangible suggestions are to skip steps or not attempt any at all which can prove more frustrating than trying and failing in the first place.
Design Opportunities
Although inclusive in other areas, the makeup industry has made very few strides in disability inclusivity. Many makeup brands may fear that changing form or material may go against their brand’s aesthetic. The big name brands have yet to even make a splash in this area. They have missed the mark on including ergonomic shape and styles in their products and packaging.
This can make it increasingly difficult to retain their customers who develop arthritis and other debilitating mobility diseases. If any big brands took a leap towards disability inclusivity in the cosmetics industry they would not only evolve their look, but also regain the attention of their audience.
"I just avoid certain steps all together because it's not worth the hassle"
"I feel more confident when I put myself together"
"I'm losing motivation to put myself together as I get older from the pain, but I feel like I'm losing a part of myself"
Interviews
"It's hard to be precise when handles are so small"
"Screw off tops are the worst...I can never seem to get a good hold on them"
"Half the battle is getting my hand steady enough to bring it to my face"
Form Iterations
After conducting interviews, it made the most sense to develop an attachment for makeup tools to allow for the widest range of use. The next question to answer was what shape and size would achieve the user's needs while also fitting a wide variety of hand sizes. Getting the prototypes into users hands was key on deciding on Concept B to pursue for the product form.
In production, this product would be made with injection molded silicone to allow for ample stretch to fit the widest variety of makeup tools as possible. This material would also be key in allowing for some cushion in grip to increase comfort for users who already have pain with gripping. For the scope of this project, the prototypes were made by 3D printing with TPU to give some stretch to the models.
To allow for stretch, the inner hole was lined with ridges so the material could flex and condense to adapt to different size tools.
Material
The user will find the right size attachment for the tool they're using, and slide it until tight on the handle. Glamour Grip will be locked on and all ready for use.
To remove the attachment the user will gently twist and pull. Since most brushes are tapered, it will loosen easily after the first initial twist. Once removed the attachment can be washed with soap and water or returned to its holder ready for its next use.
The attachments can also be put on the top of screw containers to help grip and remove the top more easily.
