CoverGirl’s Newest Face Is 17YO Makeup Artist / Actual Angel James Charles

They announced the news on their Instagram this morning, posting a photo of James with the caption: “Meeet @JCharlesBeauty: makeup artist, boundary breaker, and the newest COVERGIRL!”

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

This is the first time in history that a male has been chosen to be the CoverGirl, and given that previous CoverGirls include Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Drew Barrymore, Zendaya and Zooey Deschanel, to say this is a Big Deal is a huge bloody understatement.

James began experimenting with his look on Instagram just one year ago, but he’s posted some absolutely friggin’ fire pics in that time.

SPLATTER ?? I spent a little while today watching watercolor videos on YouTube today and was super inspired by the beautiful technique. Here is my spin on a watercolor portrait. For the paint, I used – @anastasiabeverlyhills liquid lipsticks in the shades “Paint” & “Vamp” – @katvondbeauty liquid lipstick in “Nosferatu” – @lunatick_cosmetic_labs liquid lipsticks in “Grave Heart” & “Paranormal” – @jeffreestarcosmetics @jeffreestar lipsticks in “Drug Lord”, “Jawbreaker”, “Redrum”

A photo posted by JAMES CHARLES (@jcharlesbeauty) on Jan 24, 2016 at 7:47pm PST

The makeup brand said in a statement that all their CoverGirl models are “role models and boundary-breakers, fearlessly expressing themselves, standing up for what they believe, and redefining what it means to be beautiful James Charles is no exception.

“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 anyone who might have been afraid to do the same.”

CHUNKY GLITTER FESTIVAL MAKEUP TUTORIAL for this look is now live on my YouTube channel! ?? Link is in my bio, enjoy! ?? ____ @benefitcosmetics kabrow gel + gimmebrow #benefitbrows @makeupforeverofficial HD foundation stick @katvondbeauty shade & light palette @anastasiabeverlyhills modern Renaissance eye palette + so Hollywood illuminator @morphebrushes 35B palette (use “JAMES” for $$ off) @nyxcosmetics jumbo eye pencil in black bean for waterline @lashesbylena Gigi lashes @ofracosmetics liquid lip in The Bronx (use code “JCHARLES” for $$ off) @artistcouture mermaid fantasy highlighter

A photo posted by JAMES CHARLES (@jcharlesbeauty) on Aug 23, 2016 at 1:17pm PDT

James tweeted his thanks for the support shortly after the announcement was made.

it’s only 12 and today has already been so crazy. i am so thankful/excited for everything in store and the support has been amazing. ??

— James Charles (@jcharlesbeauty) October 11, 2016

And obviously, the news has spread fast.

IMAGINE WATCHING E NEWS AND SEEING YOURSELF ON YOUR TV SCREEN WOW OMG IM SHAKING

— James Charles (@jcharlesbeauty) October 12, 2016

He even got a shout-out from Katy Perry.

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

“Breaking gender norms just comes instantly as soon as a boy is comfortable and confident enough to put on makeup,” he told BuzzFeed. “I think it’s so important to love who you are and be comfortable in your own skin.”

Obviously Twitter is going nuts with the news, and the fact that it coincides with National Coming Out Day is just a cute lil icing on the cake. 

The love and support for @jcharlesbeauty #CovergirlJAMES is amazing. Sometimes the world is a beautiful place

— spooky b?? (@glowwXo) October 11, 2016

I am SOOO beyond happy for @jcharlesbeauty being @COVERGIRL first ever Coverboy!????Conquer the world my love!?? So inspirational!????

— Jaclyn Hill (@Jaclynhill) October 11, 2016