When we hear the words, “easy, breezy, beautiful,” most of us know what comes next: CoverGirl. We know the familiar faces of Sofia Vergara, Ellen DeGeneres, and Katy Perry to be the classic models for this world-famous brand. However, we can now add someone else to this list of beautiful and confident models: Mr. James Charles.

Yes, that’s right, please meet the first ever CoverBoy. A seventeen-year-old YouTuber and makeup artist, James Charles has followed his passion and pursued something people told him he couldn’t because it simply is not for “boys.” Despite the bullying and social pressure, James Charles succeeded in the beauty and fashion world with his sensational YouTube channel with thousands of Instagram followers. In a society that needs progression, James is one of the role models for those who need the motivation to force a change.

As the first ever male CoverGirl model, James Charles shatters the stereotypes that society forms about makeup and beauty – that they are solely aspects of femininity. The new face of this brand, James Charles represents a spark that will hopefully ignite a change in our society, a change for the better.

CoverGirl has taken a large step in pushing equality. Without the actions of such large corporations and brands supporting these issues, society will never gain the courage to change. James Charles serves as an example that will hopefully lead other influential companies and campaigns to support equality and break gender boundaries. Without courageous human beings like Mr. Charles pursuing their dreams despite the backlash and social pressure, no one would ever attempt to change. We would never have the figures to lead this kind of change. Rather, society would remain stagnant.

So props to CoverGirl for inciting a movement that will hopefully continue to positively influence society. Thank you for recognizing that no passion is gender-exclusive and that anybody can do anything they want to. By making James Charles a face for the company, CoverGirl has taken a large, progressive step in encouraging young consumers not to be afraid of expressing themselves.

In the words of James Charles himself, “breaking gender norms just comes instantly as soon as a boy is comfortable and confident enough to put on makeup. I think it’s so important to love who you are and be comfortable in your own skin."