US Beauty Brand CoverGirl Reveals First Ever Male ‘CoverBoy’

Many industries, from fashion to toys are working hard to tackle gender stereotyping. The idea that a boy or girl should only enjoy or participate in activities traditionally suited to their gender is sexist and outdated – the focus should be on being inclusive. We have gender-neutral fashion, for example, so why shouldn’t this extend to the beauty industry in a more prominent?way?

Well, the good news is that a couple of influential beauty brands are trying to break down restrictive barriers by championing diversity, and in the case of US brand Covergirl they are doing this by choosing to have their first ever male ‘CoverBoy’ as a brand ambassador. It’s a history-making decision; the first time they’ve gone down a gender-neutral route and should mark what is hopefully another step for a more boundary-breaking beauty industry.

Their chosen star is 17-year-old makeup artist and YouTuber James Charles, who starts out as the face of the brand’s latest mascara launch “So Lashy!,” but will also be fully integrated into?an extensive ad campaign. CoverGirl said they hope that having Charles as a spokesperson will inspire others to go against the norm, and simply be themselves: “One year ago, he boldly chose to launch his Instagram to the world, using transformative, dynamic makeup looks to showcase the many facets of his personality, serving as an inspiration to women, men, guys and girls who might have been afraid to do the same.”

Meet @JCharlesBeauty: makeup artist, boundary breaker, and the newest COVERGIRL! Spread the word by regramming using #COVERGIRLJames.

A photo posted by COVERGIRL (@covergirl) on Oct 11, 2016 at 7:03am PDT

Just wrapped another great @COVERGIRL shoot. Honored to have the pleasure to announce the very first COVERBOY, James Charles! Follow him @JCharlesBeauty! #COVERGIRLJames #glam??

A photo posted by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on Oct 10, 2016 at 10:52pm PDT

Earlier this year, L’Or?al Paris’ campaign for their True Match Super-Blendable Foundation made headlines for breaking down racial barriers in beauty. They enlisted?23 celebrities and influencers?with a range of skin tones,?including Angela Scanlon, beauty blogger Amena Khan, fitness expert?AJ Odudu and the philanthropist and TV presenter Katie Piper to highlight that products and shades should be available to everyone, regardless of their ethnicity?or skin colour:

Please take note, fellow beauty giants.