Just when we thought we couldn’t love Rihanna more, she casts a hijabi model in her Fenty Beauty ad.

We’re huge Rih fans around here – the woman has hits – and we’ve been anticipating the launch of Fenty Beauty for months.  

Imagine our delight, then, when we spotted hijabi superstar Halima Aden in the first video ad for the beauty brand.

The 19-year-old Somali-American model, who rose to fame last year after competing in a beauty pageant wearing a burkini, appears as part of a diverse cast of models.

Aden has since walked for brands including Alberta Ferretti and Kanye West’s Yeezy, as well as shot campaigns for Nike and Dubai-based online fashion site The Modist.

Rihanna’s clearly making a point about inclusivity in the beauty industry, and we’re on board.

You might also recognise Paloma Elleser from her Nike campaign, as well as Slick Woods, Duckie Thot, Camila Costa, Selena Forrest, Indyamarie Jean, and Leomie Anderson.

All in, the ad is a lovely counterpoint to the sort of imagery we’re used to seeing in beauty advertising.

READ:
This is when Rihanna’s beauty line will land in UAE stores

Here’s what you need to know about Rihanna’s new Saudi beau

As for the actual products, all we’ve seen so far is a soft matte foundation and what looks like a range of highlighter duos.

For your reference:

That Ginger Binge and Moscow Mule combo is at the absolute top of our shopping lists. How good will those be as eyeshadows? (If you’re not already using blush, bronzer and highlighter on your eyes, consider this your opportunity to start.)

The new ad also features some very plush-looking lip glosses.

Rihanna’s makeup tends to be pretty spectacular, and we’re thinking we’ll also see some bold lipsticks and serious lashes among the Fenty Beauty offering. Prices aren’t available yet, but we’ll keep you updated.

The line launches on September 8 through Sephora (and Harvey Nichols in the UK), and you’ll also be able to snap up Rihanna’s goodies at sephora.ae from that day too.

Now, let’s just clear our diary…

– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook

Image: Fenty Beauty/Instagram