For the first time in 94 years, a no-makeup candidate is in the Miss England pageant final, reports British newspaper The Daily Mail. Through the beauty contest, 20-year-old Melisa Raouf wants to make a statement against the ‘toxic’ atmosphere surrounding the excessive use of cosmetics and filters on social media: “All girls are beautiful in their own way,” said the English student.
Earlier this month, the Londoner made a big impression on the jury by appearing without make-up in the semifinals. She hoped her action would inspire other women to appreciate their natural looks. “I feel that many girls of different ages wear makeup because they feel pressured to do so,” Raouf said in an interview with the British daily.
Raouf, who studies political science at the prestigious King’s College, has a clear message for society: “Our imperfections make us who we are and that makes each individual unique. I think people should love and embrace their flaws and imperfections.”
It took the candidate a lot of effort to take that step. Raouf herself says she has never felt that she met the beauty standards. “When I used makeup as a young girl, I never felt comfortable.” Recently, however, the student took the plunge. I hid my face with makeup. But this is who I am. I’m comfortable in my own skin and that’s why I decided to go into battle without makeup.”
The organization of the beauty contest also switched off some time ago, according to organizer Angie Beasley: “I saw too many unrealistic images on Instagram with candidates who thought they had to use cosmetics to be beautiful.” That is why the organization behind Miss England introduced a special competition for candidates without makeup in 2019: ‘Bare Face Top Model’.
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This year’s edition was won by Raouf, who has now also made it to the final of the normal Miss England pageant. “This was the first time that a contestant without makeup entered the semifinals.” Beasley says the organization is certainly not against cosmetics: “I’m all for makeup to emphasize your natural beauty, but young people don’t have to wear it so thick that it looks like a mask.”
Since her performance at Miss England, finalist Raouf has been receiving a lot of acclaim for choosing to show her true face. “I get so many messages from girls telling me that I have given them more confidence,” said the student. “I would love to use the Miss England podium to enhance natural beauty and remove this toxic mentality,” concludes the London beauty.
Raouf will take on the forty other candidates of the Miss England pageant on October 17 in Coventry.
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