WASHINGTON • Nura Afia's YouTube channel has thousands of subscribers. On it, she can be seen giving a smoky eye make-up tutorial or going over a skincare routine.

Now, the 24-year-old - a beauty blogger who wears a hijab - is appearing in a CoverGirl commercial.

It marks the first time a Muslim woman wearing a hijab has been featured in an advertisement for CoverGirl, one of the largest make-up brands.

CoverGirl recently announced that James Charles, a teen who garnered fame on social media, is CoverGirl's first male representative. Charles and Afia appear in a CoverGirl ad with actress Sofia Vergara and singer Katy Perry.

Afia, who was named an ambassador for the brand's mascara, said in a statement: "Honestly, growing up and being insecure about wearing the hijab, I never thought I would see Muslim women represented on such a large scale.

"It means the world to me and I'm so honoured to be a part of this campaign with CoverGirl."

Born and raised in Colorado, she said that when she was first contacted about working with CoverGirl, she did not think it was real. There was a part of her, she said, that hesitated to respond.

"Because I was shocked," she added. "I mean, you've never heard of anything like that happening before - in the United States, at least."

WASHINGTON POST