L'Oréal made a handheld, motorized device that helps disabled people apply lipstick

Richard_Scope

[A disabled woman of colour applying lipstick using The Hapta lipstick applicator]

The Hapta lipstick applicator uses technology developed in part by Liftware, a startup that created a utensil for people with limited hand and arm mobility. L’Oréal

• The makeup giant L'Oréal announced a handheld, computerized lipstick applicator.
• The device is designed to help people with limited hand and arm mobility.

A decade ago, you would've been hard-pressed to find many makeup products designed for people of colour. There were some options, but most shades, tools, and brands catered to white people.

Today, many people with disabilities might face a similar sense of exclusion when they browse the cosmetics aisle: There are often few, if any, products designed for someone with limited fine motor skills.

A team of L'Oréal engineers, researchers, and beauty experts is working to change this.

At the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, L'Oréal unveiled a handheld, computerized makeup applicator called Hapta. It's designed for people with limited hand and arm mobility.

Hapta is a nod to the word haptic, which is a type of vibrating motor technology used in many smartphones and adaptive devices for people with disabilities. The product is expected to be available in US stores at the end of this year and globally next year at a cost of $149 to $199.

Hannah_Alumni

It's amazing to see technology like this, especially for those people who want to express themselves with makeup. I certainly love to do that. But to take almost $199 to do so? 

It raises the question, with the amount of essential equipment those with disabilities need and in some cases already struggle to afford, are they realistically thinking of their disabled customers or just trying to tick a box? 

L_Volunteer

I completely agree with you @Hannah_Scope. I would be interested to hear what other people think if anyone else wishes to share their thoughts with us 

Richard_Scope

@Hannah_Scope and @L_Volunteer, I completely agree that the cost is likely to be prohibitive. That's the 'disability premium' for you.