Oct. 11, 2016, was a life-changing day for YouTuber, famed Instagrammer, and makeup artist James Charles.
today literally has me speechless wow— James Charles (@James Charles) 1476232471
The 17-year-old announced he was the newest face for iconic beauty brand CoverGirl.
I can finally announce that I am officially a new @COVERGIRL. 🎉🎈 First boy ever & I am so excited to see whats comi… https://t.co/hzLgzJuMVv— James Charles (@James Charles) 1476192373
It was the first time ever that a boy landed the role of brand ambassador for the brand.
Ok ladies now let's glow in formation.✨ https://t.co/ngYUtlCNMi— James Charles (@James Charles) 1474234623
The big moment wasn't wasted on Charles, who wrote on Instagram that he was "so beyond excited and overwhelmed and happy and astonished and of course, SHOOK" over the huge news.
"I truly hope that this shows that anyone and everyone can wear makeup and can do anything if you work hard."
some fall glam for you 🍂 https://t.co/ILcev1jBXQ— James Charles (@James Charles) 1474936057
"Hey, if a random 17-year-old guy can [wear makeup], you DEFINITELY can too!” he said.
Charles understands his CoverGirl title is a big win for anyone out there who feels like they can't express themselves because of societal expectations.
“Breaking gender norms just comes instantly as soon as a boy is comfortable and confident enough to put on makeup," he told BuzzFeed.
Find a more iconic moment... I'll wait https://t.co/ByHlmxmQw4— Talia Mar (@Talia Mar) 1476211209
Fans and supporters couldn't have been more excited to hear Charles' life-changing news.
Because, hey — 2016 could use a little uplifting news right about now.
Folks were elated over what this may mean for countless other boys out there.
Some couldn't keep the smiles off their faces.
YES SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW #COVERGIRLJames— not a cross dresser (@not a cross dresser) 1476192902
And others noted the moment was a win for all of humanity.
The love and support for @jcharlesbeauty #CovergirlJAMES is amazing. Sometimes the world is a beautiful place— bai 🌧 (@bai 🌧) 1476211332
This isn't just awesome news for Charles. His CoverGirl gig is the latest crumbling of that age-old gender barrier that harms all of us.
From kids' toys and clothing brands to martial arts clubs and dads with painted fingernails, oppressive gender norms are dying out. Because we've come a long way in understanding gender isn't a binary concept.
This news might put some people a bit on edge (and if "some people" includes you — that's OK to admit!). Evolving cultural ideas and expectations can be scary and uncomfortable at first.
But it's important to understand that it's harmful to tell our kids that boys don't cry (or wear makeup, for that matter). And it hinders our girls when we subtly sway them from pursuing careers in math or science. The more we get the dangers of gender norms — and the importance of just being yourself — the better off we'll be.
Take it from Charles:
"I think it’s so important to love who you are and be comfortable in your own skin."
ready for NYFW day 2! 😊💕 https://t.co/ipF8PTUsYg— James Charles (@James Charles) 1473532867