Four months into the new year of 2018 and so many gender, culture and racial barriers have been shattered. While we celebrate all of these accomplishments, it is sometimes shocking to realize that there are still a number of “firsts” in all aspects of the beauty world that have just occurred or are yet to be discovered. There have been some truly brave and incredible women and men who embraced their unique qualities while making history and setting an example for the next generation. Here are seven remarkable firsts in the beauty, fashion and entertainment industry over the last decade.

AMY DEANNA,

The first Covergirl model with Vitiligo

“Why try to blend in when you can choose how to stand out?”

The breath-taking Amy Deanna is Covergirl’s first model with vitiligo. A woman teaching the world not to be ashamed of who you are and to never apologize for being wonderfully unique, Amy does not believe in covering up her vitiligo when applying foundation and consciously uses two shades of foundation to highlight her unique qualities.

Follow her on Instagram @amy.deanna

HARNAAM KAUR,  

The first fully-bearded model

“Never be ashamed of who you are, the love that you have for yourself, no one can take that away from you.”

Harnaam Kaur is the first fully bearded woman to walk a runway show. Harnaam has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder effecting 1 out of 10 women, that causes her to grow significant facial hair but doesn’t let it stop her from being an activist, life coach and motivational speaker.

Motivated by the cruel bullying she faced as a child growing up with PCOS, Harnaam  has devoted her life to be an anti-bullying activist and features in a short film, The Bearded Dame. She is a role model who depicts what it truly means to own who you are.

Follow her on Instagram @harnaamkaur

ASHLEY GRAHAM,  

The first curvy model on Sport's Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue

“Soon, we won’t be talking about the fact that I’m considered ‘plus-size,’ we’ll just be talking about what I’m doing in the world to change people’s lives. Models are beautiful, of course, but we need to be talking more about how they’re shaping the industry, and public perception of beauty.”

The first curvy model to be on the cover of Sport’s Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2016. Ashley Graham has served as an inspiration to thousands of women through her resistance to conform to current beauty standards.

Graham is a judge on America’s Next Top Model and is dedicated, along with the other judges, to change the conversation about beauty starting by being a part of the decision to eliminate the age limit for cycle 24 of the show.

Follow her on Instagram @TheAshleyGraham

LUPITA NYONG'O,   

The first woman of color to represent Lancôme

“What appealed to me about Lancôme is that they’re not dictating what beauty is. What they do supports something that already is — and that was appealing to me, too."

Lupita Ngong’o is the first black woman to be a spokesperson for Lancôme. She is known to embrace her dark and lovely skin and has had a remarkable career with so much more to come.

Lupita is dominating the box office in her remarkable role in the new Black Panther film. The Ivy League graduate is the first African to win the Oscar’s Best Supporting Actress Award and the first ever Mexican-born actress to win an Oscar.

Follow her on Instagram @lupitanyongo

HALIMA ADEN, 

The first woman to wear a Hijab on Allure and a Vogue magazine cover.

“Society puts so much pressure on girls to look a certain way. I have much more to offer than my physical appearance, and a hijab protects me against, ‘You’re too skinny’, ‘You’re too thick’, ‘Look at her hips’, ‘Look at her thigh gap’. I don’t have to worry about that."

Halima Aden became the first ever Hijab-wearing woman to be on the cover of Allure and Vogue magazine. This remarkable woman is also known for being the first ever Miss Minnesota to compete wearing a hijab and burkini.

Halima Aden was born in a refugee camp in Kenya and later relocated to the US with her family. She is an international model taking huge leaps in her career while studying to receive a degree and was chosen to be a preliminary judge for the 2017 Miss USA pageant.

Follow her on Instagram @Halima

JAMES CHARLES, 

The first male ambassador for CoverGirl

“I think [CoverGirl] having a male ambassador really takes it one step further and just expresses inclusivity for all. Makeup is kind of becoming a more genderless concept, which is so cool and something that I’m all for."

The first man to be on the front of CoverGirl, James Charles, looks stunning with his glowing highlighter at the age of 17.

James Charles is faced with a vast amount of responsibilities in his daily life. The now 18-year-old juggles his commitments of his job as the first male ambassador for CoverGirl with school work and class as he attends high school.

Follow him on Instagram @JamesCharles

SHAUN ROSS,

The first international male model with albinism.

“I was always the outcast, but a confident outcast. I just had to accept it. I’m going to be me — either you’re going to accept it or you’re not.”

Shaun Ross is the first ever international male albino fashion model. He is a strong advocate for more inclusivity in the entertainment industry. Shaun Ross is also known for his eye-opening role in Beyoncé’s Pretty Hurts music video as a harsh pageant coach and briefly appeared in Beyoncé’s Party Music Video in 2011.

Follow him on Instagram @shaundross