Accessible and Aspirational Beauty Represents the Future—a Model and Amputee Highlights the Brands That Are Getting It Right.

      As recently as 1974, possessing visual differences was considered a crime. Known as "unsightly beggar ordinances" (later termed "ugly laws"), these disturbing regulations prohibited individuals with disabilities from "exposing themselves to public view." Violators faced fines and arrests solely for displaying any visible impairment. This is a stark contrast to Disability Pride Month, which celebrates the uniqueness of individuals. Maya Moore—an amputee, model, and advocate for disability rights—refuses to conceal her disability. She states, "If there are no clothing options or beauty products for people with disabilities, it reflects on where we believe they belong." Moore emphasizes the significant role of fashion and beauty in challenging societal norms. Through her personal style that highlights her disability and her impactful presence on social media, she encourages inclusion within an industry that often equates "chic" with being white, thin, and able-bodied.

      Accepting public perception has not always been straightforward for her. "After my amputation, when I wore a prosthetic arm, I was in a phase where I wanted to hide," she reflects. "All my clothing and makeup choices were aimed at diverting attention from my disability." However, beauty has transformed into a means of unapologetic self-expression for her. Whether she adorns her scars with rhinestones or protects them with sunscreen, Moore amplifies her identity—claiming to be "the most confident and comfortable in [her] disabled body." As Disability Pride Month recognizes unique qualities, she observes that beauty plays a crucial role in helping people feel seen. She believes beauty reveals the diversity within the community, as it provides an opportunity to showcase varying tastes and interests. While some consider beauty trivial, Moore points out that for many, it serves important functions like gender affirmation and self-expression, underscoring its significance.

      Moore has expressed her affinity for dressing in ways that highlight her disability and mentions she utilizes beauty similarly. She recalls a particular photoshoot during the COVID-19 lockdown where she decorated her amputation scar with rhinestones and body glitter for the first time, which felt liberating and transformed her self-perception. She now views makeup as a means of presenting her most confident self.

      When discussing her beauty routine, Moore shares that she recently bleached her brows, which she had previously felt insecure about due to the effects of chemotherapy. This change has significantly boosted her confidence. She begins with Refy's Brow Sculpt to highlight her brows, pairs it with her favorite mascara from Tilt, and prioritizes a dewy, skin-forward look during summer. Her routine includes a selection of concealers and blush sticks, culminating with a moisturizing lip product.

      In terms of accessibility, Moore highlights ergonomic products like the Kosas lip oil and Merit’s foundation stick as easy to use with one hand, while expressing appreciation for brands like Westman Atelier, which features magnetic caps. She believes representation is vital for advancing disability visibility in the beauty industry, as it encourages others to see individuals with disabilities in a positive light.

      Moore argues that innovation in accessibility is also essential for capturing a diverse audience. Accessible products often risk being perceived as medical or unappealing. However, brands like Tilt are striving to create products that appeal to everyone while remaining accessible. She envisions a future where beauty brands design items with universal accessibility in mind to benefit everyone.

      Finally, she emphasizes the transformative power of beauty in fostering self-confidence, especially during challenging times. She urges brands to recognize accessibility as a crucial market opportunity—encouraging thoughtful interactions with disability as a part of everyone’s lives.