Posted on Feb 20, 2018

CoverGirl Finally Featured A Model With Vitiligo, And The Ad Is Incredible

"#IAmWhatIMakeUp celebrates the power to be who you are and who you want to be."

by Delaney Strunk

BuzzFeed Staff

In October 2017, CoverGirl officially launched its new #IAmWhatIMakeUp campaign with a video featuring its newest CoverGirls. The campaign focuses on spreading the message that you can be whatever you want and look however you want.

youtube.com

The CoverGirls showcased in the October ad included Ayesha Curry, Issa Rae, Shelina Moreda, Maye Musk, Katy Perry and Massy Arias.

youtube.com

The CoverGirls showcased in the October ad included Ayesha Curry, Issa Rae, Shelina Moreda, Maye Musk, Katy Perry and Massy Arias.

On Tuesday, CoverGirl released its newest #IAmWhatIMakeUp ad featuring Amy Deanna, a model with vitiligo.

COVERGIRL @COVERGIRL

Why try to blend in when you can choose how to stand out? 🌟 Our TruBlend foundation has invisiblend technology for… https://t.co/rwUo7OWwVY
05:15 PM - 20 Feb 2018
Reply Retweet Favorite

@COVERGIRL / Via Twitter: @COVERGIRL

Vitiligo is a condition where the skin loses pigment cells resulting in discolored patches.

In the ad, Deanna asks, "Why try to blend in, when you can choose how to stand out?" The message is powerful and Deanna looks absolutely flawless.

As CoverGirl's first model with vitiligo, obviously awareness is close to Deanna's heart. "It’s a part of my identity, but it doesn’t define who I am," she told People. "For there to be so many of us and so little representation, it’s truly disheartening."

While the beauty industry still has a long way to go in terms of diversity, Deanna sees this opportunity as a step in the right direction. "Inclusivity is important — not just for people of different backgrounds and ethnicities, but also people of all sizes," she said. "That’s why I was so excited to partner with CoverGirl on this project."

Deanna isn't the first model with vitiligo to make waves in the beauty industry. In 2014, Winnie Harlow helped spread vitiligo awareness after appearing on America's Next Top Model.

While Deanna strives to promote diversity, she also wants to remind others to be kind to themselves. "There’s something about believing in yourself and being confident," she said. "Practice it, look in the mirror, smile big and compliment yourself. You can be whatever you want to be. You’ve just got to believe it."