Can the NDIS Fund Makeup and Beauty Products? What You Need to Know
TL;DR: Standard cosmetics aren't NDIS-funded - but adaptive beauty tools can be when linked to a functional daily living goal, and supported by an OT recommendation. The key is framing: it's not makeup funding, it's independent grooming support. This guide explains what's fundable, how to ask for it, and what your plan type means for flexibility.
Disclaimer: This post is general information only. It is not financial, legal, or NDIS planning advice. NDIS rules change frequently - always confirm current guidelines with your plan manager, support coordinator, or the NDIA directly.
Can the NDIS fund beauty products? Can you claim makeup through your plan? These are common asked questions by the disability community, that almost never get a straight answer.
The honest answer is: sometimes. It depends on what the product is, how it's framed, and what's in your NDIS plan.
What does the NDIS Fund - and what are the rules?
The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary to help participants pursue their goals, live more independently, and participate in the community. A support must meet several criteria:
- It's related to your disability
- It helps the you pursue your goals
- It represents value for money
- It's effective and beneficial
- It doesn't replace what family, carers, or other services are expected to provide
Mainstream products that anyone might buy - including standard cosmetics - don't meet these criteria because they're not disability-specific.
Can the NDIS fund personal grooming and beauty products?
Personal grooming can be funded through the NDIS — but only when it's framed as a functional independence goal. The NDIS funds support with daily personal activities under Core Supports (Daily Activities).
What the NDIS will not fund:
- Standard cosmetics (lipstick, foundation, mascara) from a regular retailer
- Beauty treatments or salon services as a general wellbeing expense
What may be fundable with the right framing:
- Adaptive grooming tools that you need specifically because standard tools don't work for you
- Support worker time to assist with grooming
- OT assessment and recommendations related to grooming independence
- Assistive technology items that support independent personal care
The ByStorm Accessible Beauty Clinician Survey 2025 surveyed 1,700 occupational therapists across Australia. Of those, 81% said they had recommended or would consider recommending adaptive beauty tools as part of a daily living independence goal in a client's NDIS plan.
What's the difference between cosmetics and adaptive beauty tools for NDIS purposes?
| Item | Category | NDIS-Funded? | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lipstick, mascara, foundation | Standard cosmetic | No | Available to general public, not disability-specific |
| Adaptive makeup grip (Betty, Margie) | Assistive technology | Potentially yes | Disability-specific function, supports independent grooming |
| Standard makeup brushes | Standard accessory | No | Not disability-specific |
| Chunky-handled disability-specific applicator | Adaptive tool | Potentially yes | Addresses functional barrier caused by disability |
| Long-handled nail tool for limited reach | Adaptive daily living aid | Potentially yes | Addresses specific functional limitation |
The pattern is consistent: if the product exists to address a specific functional limitation caused by disability, and isn't available as a mainstream product designed for general use, it has a stronger case for NDIS funding.
Betty and Margie from ByStorm sit firmly in the adaptive tool category. They're silicone grip adapters designed specifically for people with disability and motor impairments - not cosmetic products.
How does an OT assessment help with NDIS funding for beauty?
An occupational therapist's recommendation is one of the most powerful tools you have when seeking NDIS funding for adaptive grooming supports.
The ByStorm Accessible Beauty Clinician Survey 2025 (n=1,700 occupational therapists) found that 73% reported clients had reduced or abandoned grooming routines due to inaccessible tools. Among those OTs, 81% said they had recommended or would consider recommending adaptive beauty tools as part of a daily living independence goal.
An OT can document:
- The specific functional limitation affecting grooming
- How that limitation relates to your disability diagnosis
- Why standard tools don't meet the your functional needs
- What adaptive tools or supports would address the gap
- How the support connects to the your stated independence goals
Which NDIS support categories could cover adaptive beauty tools?
Core Supports - Daily Activities (01)
Covers assistance with daily personal activities including grooming, hygiene, and self-care. Can sometimes cover low-cost items that directly support daily living tasks.
Assistive Technology (05)
Covers items that help a participant complete daily tasks more independently. Betty and Margie sit well within low-cost AT thresholds (under $1,500).
Capacity Building - Daily Activity (07)
Covers OT assessments, recommendations, and skill-building related to daily living.
What do you need to demonstrate?
- A diagnosed disability that directly affects grooming
- A documented functional limitation - not just "I have X condition" but "X condition causes reduced grip strength that prevents me from completing grooming tasks independently"
- An OT assessment that confirms the limitation and recommends a specific adaptive solution
- A connection to a plan goal - frame it as "maintaining independent personal grooming"
- Evidence that mainstream options don't work
- Reasonable and necessary framing
Does plan type matter?
Self-managed participants have the most flexibility — you can purchase from any provider including non-NDIS-registered ones.
Plan-managed participants can still purchase from non-registered providers with more flexibility than NDIA-managed.
NDIA-managed participants can only use NDIS-registered providers.
Frequently Asked Questions about NDIS and Makeup Funding
Can I use my Core Supports budget to buy makeup?
Not for standard cosmetics. Core Supports can cover adaptive grooming tools or support worker time for personal care but everyday makeup products don't qualify.
Can I claim ByStorm Betty or Margie through my NDIS plan?
Adaptive grip tools like Betty and Margie are categorised as assistive technology for daily living, which may be fundable under your AT budget. Seek advice from your plan manager, support coordinator, or OT.
What if my planner doesn't understand adaptive beauty tools?
Bring your OT's written recommendation and ask them to frame it as "low-cost assistive technology supporting grooming independence."
Can I include adaptive beauty tools in my next plan review?
Yes. Plan reviews are the right time to raise new support needs. Prepare by getting an OT assessment before your review.
The ByStorm Accessible Beauty Clinician Survey 2025 (n=1,700 OTs) found that fewer than 30% of participating OTs had been asked by clients about NDIS funding for adaptive beauty tools — despite 73% identifying grooming as an area where clients had reduced independence. Awareness of adaptive beauty as an NDIS-relevant category remains low.
Related reading: NDIS and Personal Grooming Goals: A Guide for Occupational Therapists and How Do Occupational Therapists Assess Makeup Brands? Here's What the Data Shows.
References and Disclaimer
- NDIS. (2024). Reasonable and necessary supports. ndis.gov.au
- NDIS. (2024). Assistive technology: what it is and how to get it. ndis.gov.au
- ByStorm Beauty. (2025). Accessible Beauty Clinician Survey (n=1,700 occupational therapists).
- Occupational Therapy Australia. (2023). OT and assistive technology in daily living contexts. otaus.com.au
This post is general information only and not NDIS planning, financial, or legal advice.