Embracing Natural Beauty: Melisa Raouf Makes History at Miss England Contest
Miss England contestant, Melisa Raouf, has captivated the world by competing in the prestigious pageant without wearing any makeup. Her courageous decision challenges society’s narrow definition of beauty and has sparked a global movement encouraging women to embrace their natural selves. This historic milestone makes Raouf the first contestant in the pageant’s 94-year history to go makeup-free, breaking barriers and inspiring women of all ages.
In a society where unrealistic beauty standards prevail, Raouf’s bold stance resonates deeply. She shared that she used to spend hours perfecting her cosmetics, feeling compelled to conform to societal expectations. But after years of feeling insecure, she decided to take a stand against these unrealistic beauty standards. Raouf firmly believes that women should not be scrutinized or judged for not conforming to these standards.
Skin-positive activists have criticized the beauty industry for perpetuating insecurities among women by using manipulated photographs to advertise their products. Raouf, a student of political science at King’s College London, aims to inspire women who, like her, have felt the weight of society’s judgment. Her message is clear: women are more than their appearance and should embrace their natural beauty.
The Miss England finals, held in Birmingham, showcased contestants from across the country competing for the prestigious crown. Raouf earned her spot in the competition by winning the optional Miss London Bare Face Top Model competition earlier this year. Introduced in 2019, this competition requires contestants to share a photo of themselves without makeup on their social media accounts.
Prior to the finals, Raouf participated in a 10-kilometer race and a litter cleanup in London to raise funds for Beauty with a Purpose, a charity affiliated with Miss World. This charity provides food, water, and education to those in need. Inspired by her own journey, Raouf also created the #barefacetrendmovement, connecting with a community of women who are passionate about promoting skin positivity.
Elle Seline, who made history last year by competing in the Ms. Great Britain competition without using cosmetics, commends Raouf for her bold decision. Seline, a champion of women’s empowerment, believes that Raouf’s actions signify a revolution in the perception of beauty. She envisions society experiencing a significant transformation in how beauty is understood and appreciated.
While Jessica Gagen, an aerospace engineering student, won the Miss England crown on Monday night, Raouf’s message remained powerful in her final speech. She emphasized the need for change and acceptance of women as they are, regardless of age or background. Raouf’s influence reaches far beyond the competition, leaving an indelible mark on the perception of beauty in society.
The movement for genuine skin love continues to gain momentum, astonishing even influencers who initially feared negative feedback. Mariia Bilenka, a marketing professional for a face-care app, bravely shared her personal experience with skin disorders on social media in 2018 to break the taboo surrounding them.
The hashtags #bareface and #skinpositivity, now popular on Instagram, demonstrate the exponential growth of this movement. People are embracing unedited, unfiltered images and celebrating their natural beauty, free from the constraints of unrealistic beauty standards.
Through her journey, Raouf has learned that self-love and acceptance are far more significant than wearing makeup or using filters. True confidence radiates from within and transcends any external enhancements. Her inspiring story serves as a reminder to all women to embrace their natural beauty and celebrate their unique selves.
