In a world that continuously pushes for cosmetic help to attain unrealistic beauty standards, a Miss England contestant set her own standards.
The 20-year-old competed without any make-up. In a time when we even have a ‘no-make-up make-up look’, she pushed for natural and realistic beauty standards. Melisa Raouf made history as the first Miss England contestant to compete in the pageant without makeup in 94 years!
This young student of politics made an effort to contend in the beauty pageant without makeup in an attempt to challenge beauty ideas being pushed by social media and promote inner beauty.
In an interview with Independent, the London-based student shared that;
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“It means a lot to me as I feel many girls of different ages wear makeup because they feel pressured to do so, … If one is happy in their own skin we should not be made to cover up our face with makeup. Our flaws make us who we are and that’s what makes every individual unique.”
She added how she feels people need to accept themselves more.
“I think people should love and embrace their flaws and blemishes, as we know real beauty lies within simplicity.”
Speaking from personal experience, Melissa Raouf shared how she started wearing makeup at a young age, but ‘never felt comfortable‘ in her own skin. That has now changed as she has learned to love herself more.
“I never felt I met beauty standards. I have recently accepted that I am beautiful in my own skin and that’s why I decided to compete with no make-up, … I still feel confident in myself, with makeup I’m all concealed. This is who I am, I’m not afraid to share who I am. I wanted to show who Melisa truly is.”
Interestingly, there is a makeup-free round in the pageant. Miss England organizer Angie Beasley introduced the makeup-free round to the competition in 2019 after seeing how much makeup and cosmetic enhancement contestants had. In order to qualify for the round, contestants must post a makeup-free image of themselves on social media.
Looks like Melissa’s approach is working as she moved on to the semifinals with 40 other women. Now they will contend to be crowned Miss England 2022 in October.
