Makeup Isn't Made for Everyone

But Tara Sigari thinks it should be (and we agree)

I was lucky enough to attend the annual Rare Beauty Mental Health Summit earlier this month, where content creator Tara Sigari was a guest speaker.

This woman is INSPIRING. She talked about her experience with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, self-esteem, self-expression, and where beauty fits into all of it. Right after the event, I got in touch and asked if we could continue the conversation over here—so here we are!

Tara at the Rare Beauty Mental Health Summit on May 1. Photo by Setor Tsikudo.

Rare Beauty Insider: What role has beauty played in your life?

Tara Sigari: Beauty has been so important to me. Living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, there were days where my body felt like it was betraying me, but makeup gave me back a sense of control. It was a creative outlet. It allowed me to shift the focus from what my body couldn’t do to what my spirit could express.

RBI: How do you define confidence?

TS: Confidence is the ability to walk into a room and know you have value before you even say a word. It’s rooted in knowing who you are. For me, real confidence isn’t in a perfect photo or my full glam, it’s in showing up authentically—pain, struggles, smiles, and all. Things happen in life. It’s choosing to love yourself anyway.

RBI: How did you become a voice for accessibility in the beauty space?

TS: Navigating the beauty world with arthritis showed me how many invisible barriers there still are with packaging that’s hard to open, especially on days I have a flare-up. And it’s not just people with arthritis. Lupus, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, anxiety... there are so many different reasons, and it would be nice if that was [always] considered. As I found my voice, my relationship with beauty changed from something personal to something more powerful.

Insider note: The Rare Beauty Made Accessible Initiative launched last year in an effort to make packaging more inclusive for people with dexterity challenges, and you can learn more about it here.

RBI: Was there a specific moment you realized your presence in the beauty industry could empower others?

TS: Absolutely. I kept getting messages from other people who have arthritis, or moms with kids who have it. They’d say things like, “Seeing you makes me believe I can do anything, too.” One mother said I made her hopeful for her daughter’s future. That hit me deeply. It made me realize that simply existing in spaces where people like me aren’t always seen is powerful. It’s not just about representation. It’s also about making people feel like they belong.

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RBI: What advice would you give to someone intimidated by beauty?

TS: Start with the belief that you’re already enough. Have you heard of “fake it till you make it”? Every morning, when you brush your teeth in the mirror, say something kind to yourself. Makeup is just an accessory to that truth, not a replacement for it.

Think of makeup and beauty as a celebration, not a correction. It’s your personal art form. There are no wrong colors, no wrong styles, and no wrong ways to show up. Let your beauty routine be a daily reminder that you are worthy of creativity. For me, my face is just my canvas. Makeup is color, the same way paint is.

TBI: Any thoughts for our readers about embracing their beauty?

TS: Your beauty was never meant to fit a mold. Imagine how boring life would be if we were all the same. Beauty is individuality, and the most powerful, unforgettable beauty is the kind rooted in your truth, not someone else’s expectations.

The Rapid-Fire Round

Personal theme song:

I listen to this song at least once a day. It reminds me to live my life each day to the fullest, so I don’t ever live with regret.

Three things I never leave home without:

My phone, my card holder, and a lip liner. (You can do a lot with a good lip liner! Almost a full face lol)

What's in my #RareRoutine:

Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting Gel is one of the best eyebrow gels I’ve ever tried.

Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick is so creamy, and it’s extremely blendable. If you’re not the best at makeup, you’ll have absolutely no difficulty blending this.

And how can I not say my Soft Pinch Liquid Blush? That’s everyone’s favorite liquid blush, right?

Best advice I ever got:

“Don’t shrink to fit spaces you’ve outgrown.” It’s a reminder to keep evolving, even when it’s uncomfortable. It taught me to embrace growth, take up space, and trust my voice, especially as a woman navigating creative and professional spaces.

A huge “thank you” to Tara for chatting with me. I hope you all feel as inspired as I do.