After watching hundreds of TikTok videos of 20-somethings sharing their makeup contouring tricks and “anti-aging” secrets (as if they’ve ever seen a wrinkle or felt the no-joke effect of gravity on their skin 😩), I’ve come to the obvious conclusion that self-care over 50 is a full-time job! Add in having to work around a neuromuscular disorder like Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, or any other hand function and loss of fine motor skill-related disability, and it’s like you’re clocking in for overtime every day.
Oh, and that doesn’t even include the time spent struggling to remove a product from whatever kind of rigid plastic-like casing it’s been sandwiched, buried, or packaged inside of!
But, long before the internet was even created, I’ve been into and skilled at discovering the best disability friendly tools, products, and workarounds to help me look and feel my best.
This is the reason I created Trend-Able in the first place; to share my finds with others who might not have the time or energy to do the research themselves, or who may feel stuck and need a little guidance and inspiration to get started.
While most of my posts here have focused on curating cute, AFO-friendly shoes and fashionable pull-on denim and other types of accessible fashion, turning 54 this month has sparked an obsession (no exaggeration) with finding age-defying skincare products, makeup, and beauty tools that are not only effective and affordable, but that are also easy to grip and use.
None of the products I’m going to share with you will turn back the hands of time by 20 years or magically transform you into a supermodel, but based on expert opinions, positive reviews, scientific research, and my own personal experience, if you use them consistently, you’ll definitely notice a positive difference.
What follows are the 10 disability-friendly products I use regularly as part of my self-care routine and recommend for you to try. I’ve included links (click on the bolded text and/or images below) to shop them from the actual manufacturer’s store on Amazon.
I used to rely solely on high-end (read: expensive) moisturizers from department stores and Sephora because I believed in the saying, “You get what you pay for!” Plus, I’m a sucker for cute branding. But a few years ago, I stumbled upon a $20 moisturizing cream on Amazon by an unknown brand, Remedial Pax, and I haven’t looked back—I’ve probably repurchased it at least 10 times since.
First off, its airless pump, which involves a simple finger or knuckle push-down motion, is a lifesaver for anyone with fine motor challenges like mine. It makes dispensing the perfect amount super easy—no more wrestling with stubborn jars!
It’s packed with retinol, which is fantastic for boosting skin cell turnover and elasticity, meaning fewer fine lines, tighter skin, and smoother texture. Check, check!
One of the 12,000+ five-star verified Amazon reviewers said, “…this product goes deep into my skin and keeps it moist…I like the light scent, rich texture, and easy-to-use dispenser it comes with…I use it twice a day; once in the morning and once before I go to bed. My skin looks healthy, even, and young! I highly recommend this product.” Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite skincare staple.
Let me tell you about my latest self-care obsession: dry brushing. It’s like giving your skin a wake-up call! Dry brushing is not just about making your skin super soft by exfoliating dead skin cells; it’s also amazing for boosting circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage, which is super important for someone like me with a neuromuscular disorder.
This one has a long, easy-to-grip handle, so you can effortlessly reach every part of your body. The stiff bristles work wonders in stimulating blood flow, helping to flush out toxins and giving your skin a temporary glow. Plus, there’s talk about it helping reduce the appearance of cellulite—though the jury’s still out on that one scientifically, many people swear by it.
I dry-brush my body (sometimes only getting to my legs) before I shower, and my skin has never felt softer! Plus, I really enjoy the feeling of the brush on my skin. If you’ve never tried dry brushing, you may want to grab this one; your skin—and your circulation—will thank you!
Let me tell you about the Michael Todd Sonicsmooth Dermaplaning Tool which has quickly become a staple in my skincare routine. It’s like having a professional dermaplaning session right at home, minus the hefty price tag.
What makes it great? For starters, it uses sonic technology to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and remove peach fuzz, leaving your skin incredibly soft and radiant. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, which is a huge plus if you have limited hand mobility. With my hands, it would look like a crime scene if I even attempted to use a regular dermaplaning razor tool. This one uses gentle sonic technology to exfoliate without any bloodshed!
One of the best parts? It’s cordless and rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about getting tangled up in cords or being restricted by outlets. Plus, it’s safe for sensitive skin, so you can use it with peace of mind.
I love how it helps improve circulation and collagen production, which can reduce fine lines and tighten pores. And as a bonus, makeup goes on so much smoother afterward.
One 5 star Amazon reviewer said, “I Absolutely love this product. I’ve used other products that were similar but didn’t give the same results, or left me with cuts on my face. The Sonicsmooth left my skin sooo soft and smooth! Big fan!”
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use tool that fits seamlessly into your routine, this dermaplaning tool is definitely worth considering.
I’ve listened to countless podcasts about healthy skincare and aging, and the biggest takeaway that seems to be repeated the most is the importance of cleansing your skin thoroughly before bedtime. Many aestheticians and dermatologists actually suggest washing your face twice to ensure there is no trace of makeup residue left on your skin.
I’d like to introduce you to the tool I use first to start my face washing process each night: Meet, The Original Makeup Eraser.
I’m not sure what the magic ingredients are, but these washcloths can literally remove all of my makeup with just water, including stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
They’re super soft and have finger loops attached for grip (which I definitely need). The best part? They are reusable and machine washable, lasting 3-5 years, which makes them not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly.
If you haven’t tried the Original Makeup Eraser, grab a set and see the difference for yourself!
After using the Makeup Eraser to take off my eye makeup, I then use an affordable and effective cleanser called, Paula’s Choice RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Face Wash to thoroughly cleanse my entire face and neck.
With this all skin type cleanser you get a ton of bang for your buck! It comes in a large pump style dispenser which is fantastic for someone like me with fine motor challenges.
The formula is packed with anti-aging benefits, including ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe, which help hydrate and plump the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
A reviewer mentioned how this face wash leaves their skin feeling clean and refreshed without any tightness—a testament to its gentle yet thorough cleansing power. If you’re looking for a reliable cleanser to complement your makeup removal routine, Paula’s Choice Hydrating Face Wash is definitely worth considering!
When I was growing up, we literally spent hours laying on tinfoil all day tanning ourselves. Nowadays, we know better, and sunscreen is something we need to prioritize in our self-care routine if we want to maintain healthy skin as we age and, obviously, to avoid skin cancer. But let’s be honest—sunscreen can be a bit boring, so I love 2-in-1 products that provide SPF and coverage.
For those gym days or casual outings when I don’t want to wear heavy makeup, the DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46 is my go-to. This tinted cream evens out my skin tone and covers imperfections while keeping my skin safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The easy pump-style container and universal tint make it a breeze to apply, and it’s packed with anti-aging benefits to help reduce fine lines and keep my skin hydrated throughout the day.
When I’m heading out to meet friends or for the night and want more coverage, I reach for the Trish McEvoy Beauty Balm Instant Solutions SPF 35. This beauty balm is a multitasker—moisturizing, brightening, and priming my skin while providing medium-to-full coverage with a soft-focus finish. It offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays to prevent sun damage. The formula minimizes shine and blurs imperfections, creating a smooth, even complexion. Plus, it’s free of phthalates, sulfates, parabens, and fragrance, making it perfect for sensitive skin. I love the feel of this all-in-one creamy beauty balm!
One of the most frustrating things about serums is that they’re often packaged in dropper-type containers, which are nearly impossible for me to use without a pincher grip. That’s why the RoC Derm Correxion Firming Serum Stick is such a game-changer in my skincare routine.
This unique product has a wider body, making it much easier to handle and apply, even if twisting can be a challenge. You simply glide it over your face, neck, chest, or hands to deliver its powerful formula right where you need it. The stick format eliminates the hassle of trying to manage fiddly droppers.
The serum stick is packed with advanced retinol and antioxidants that work together to reduce lines and boost elasticity, giving your skin a firmer, more contoured look.
Users have reported seeing visible results in just a week, with 94% noticing reduced lines and firmer skin in four weeks. It’s fast-absorbing and paraben-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use serum that delivers powerful results without the packaging struggle, the RoC Derm Correxion Firming Serum Stick is definitely worth trying!
I used to be all about the pricier Laura Mercier eyeshadow sticks, but then I discovered the Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème-to-Powder Palette, and it was a total game-changer. Traditional eyeshadows often require brushes and precision, which isn’t ideal when you have limited hand mobility. That’s why I love these creme-to-powder sticks—they’re super easy to use!
The formula is creamy and glides on effortlessly, thanks to the candelilla wax. Just swipe it across your lids and blend with your finger or a brush if you want. It’s perfect for those busy days when I need a quick yet polished look. The wide range of shades means there’s something for every mood and occasion, from subtle neutrals to bold colors like lavender and mint green.
One of my favorite things about this product is its staying power. It lasts all day without creasing, especially if I use an eyeshadow primer. Plus, the affordable price makes it a fantastic alternative to the more expensive options.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use eyeshadow that delivers beautiful results without he fuss, the Julep Eyeshadow 101 Palette is definitely worth trying!
Not all mascaras are created equal! My all-time favorite mascara and makeup product I can’t live without is BADgal Bang Mascara.
This mascara is awesome, not just because it gives my lashes dramatic volume and length, but also because it has this fantastic built-in grip texture on the tube which makes it disability friendly.
The formula is lightweight yet powerful, thanks to those space-age aero-particles that give your lashes a gravity-defying lift. It’s smudge-proof and water-resistant, so it stays put all day without flaking.
What I love most is how it instantly lifts and lengthens my lashes, making them look fuller and more defined. Whether I’m going for a subtle daytime look or layering it on for a night out, BADgal BANG! delivers every time. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on some seriously fabulous lashes!
Last on my list but definitely not least, is a new product I recently bought called Revision Skincare D·E·J Eye Cream® after hearing so many people rave about it. I figured, why not give it a shot? Our eye area is the biggest telltale of aging, after all. It’s definitely an investment, but the results have been worth it for me.
What sets this eye cream apart is its ability to target the entire eye area, including the eyelids, which is pretty rare. It uses some fancy Pathway Technology and Prebiotic Innovation to help reduce sagging, wrinkles, and redness. It feels cool and amazing on my eyes and I’ve noticed my eyes looking more refreshed and less tired since I started using it.
The cream is packed with ingredients like Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide to support the skin’s microbiome and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 to tackle fine lines. Plus, it’s super hydrating, which is always a win in my book. It does have a button that might be tricky for some people to push, but I found it fairly easy to manage. Overall, I’m super really happy with how this eye device is working for me!
In Conclusion
And there you have it! I hope you’re feeling as pumped as I am about diving into your self-care routine. Let’s be real—tackling skincare and makeup can feel like a full-on expedition, especially when you’re juggling the extra hurdles of a neuromuscular disorder or other condition.
Trend-Able is all about making life a bit easier and a whole lot more fabulous for those of us who refuse to let anything cramp our style. As I keep scouting out the latest and greatest finds, remember—self-care is all about you. It’s your time to shine and find what makes you feel amazing.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the newest AFO-friendly boots or a beauty tool that fits like a glove, know that we’re in this together. Let’s keep breaking the mold on what it means to age like a boss, with style and a smile. Here’s to feeling fierce, fabulous, and ready to take on the world at any age! 🎉💄✨
Xo
Lainie
Thank you so much Lainie for all that you do. There’s some great advice in here and products. I definitely want to try. I really appreciate all your hard work for us.