Sources
Where our facts come from
Every number on this site, and every swap and tip, comes from a source below. Ease scores are our own guide, not a clinical measure.
How many people this is for
- Gupta et al. 2021, essential tremor surveyMore than 1 in 4 of 2,864 people with essential tremor say it affects putting on makeup.
- Global Burden of Disease 2021, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 202511.77 million people with Parkinson's in 2021, 5.33 million of them women.
- Wei et al., Frontiers in Medicine 2025194.3 million people with hand osteoarthritis in 2021, twice as many women as men.
- Louis and McCreary 2021Essential tremor in 5.79% of people aged 65 and over.
- Global Burden of Disease, Lancet Rheumatology 202317.6 million people with rheumatoid arthritis in 2020.
Makeup tips and easier swaps
- Parkinson's UK: applying makeup when you have Parkinson'sEye makeup first, rest your elbow, short strokes, creams, tidy up last.
- Parkinson's Foundation: dressing and groomingFoam grips and easier grooming tools.
- Parkinson's NSW: applying makeupSit down, fixed mirror, rest your arm.
- Mass General: arthritis at the base of the thumbPinching makes thumb arthritis pain worse.
- Arthritis Foundation: Ease of Use certificationProducts tested for people with arthritis.
In their own words
- Terri Bryant, makeup artist with Parkinson's (The List, 2020)
- Anita Williams on makeup with MS (MultipleSclerosis.net)
- Eyeliner for a shaky hand (Mumsnet, 2025)
- Eileen Davidson on her beauty routine with RA (CreakyJoints, 2024)