Melisa Raouf, 20, is one of 40 Miss England finalists.
But Raouf was the first in 94 years and the only pageant contestant without makeup.
She pushed inner beauty and challenged social media beauty standards.
“It means a lot to me because I feel many girls of different ages wear makeup from pressure,” Raouf added.
“If one is happy in their own skin, makeup should not be required. Every person is unique because of their shortcomings. Since real beauty is simplicity, I think individuals should love and embrace their defects.
Miss England Bare-Faced
This year’s Miss England is the first to skip the bare-face round. Her choice was “daunting but amazing,” said Raouf.
In the finals, she’ll compete makeup-free. Raouf started wearing makeup as a young, insecure girl.
She stated, “I never felt I met beauty standards. I competed without makeup since I suddenly realised I’m gorgeous in my own skin. Even if makeup hides me, I’m confident. I’m not ashamed of who I am. I wanted to reveal Melisa.”
Many young women and girls supported Raouf throughout the battle because he gave them confidence in their appearances.
Mental health is a significant problem, thus I want to help all ladies feel good. I just want no beauty standards. I feel like I’ve done it for all girls—they’re all gorgeous.
During the pageant, Raof urges children’s mental health and supports Papyrus, a UK teen suicide prevention organisation.
Miss England pageant director Angie Beasley initiated the bare-faced phase in 2019 after noting that most contenders submitted heavily edited and makeup-covered photographs.
She intended to achieve her goal by encouraging women to “show us who they really are without needing to hide behind makeup and filters on social media.” Entering required posting a naked photo on social media.
We hope she does well in Miss England; it’s brave to do without makeup when everyone else is, but she’s sending a message to young women. Beasley on Rauf.
Cosmetics, social media, body image
Person’s impression and sentiments about their own physical appearance is called body image. This view may be influenced by ideas, experiences, and generalisations. Traditional beauty standards have changed.
The way social media and popular culture promote modern norms affects how people view their bodies.
Negative body image means being unhappy with one’s appearance. Compared to others, they may judge themselves harshly. It’s tempting to inspect their body using a mirror, scale, or measures.
Body shame and unease may also occur. A bad body image can lead to unnecessary surgeries, improper weight loss, and mental health issues.
Society, family, friends, and media influence body image. Particularly the fashion and beauty industries promote ugly beauty standards.
As children, many learn about a flawless appearance, which is unnatural and unattainable. This is a problem because social media users only post their best images. Thus, people have erroneous body image expectations.
A small 2018 study found a link between problematic eating, poor body image, and social media use, especially when users viewed aesthetic content from models or fitness professionals.
However, smart social media use can boost body image.
Disengage for a few hours, days, or weeks if scrolling makes one feel bad about themselves. Rest can boost mood.
Also, unfollow dismal and incompetent accounts and follow optimistic ones. Find a community of people who are opening to new beauty standards.
Body-positive Instagram accounts discuss these ideals and offer tips on how to feel more confident. Melisa Raouf, a Miss England finalist, promotes inner beauty.
A positive body image means a person is comfortable with their appearance and has a good relationship with it. It involves a broad definition of beauty, appreciating one’s body, and caring for it well.
It means that a person is improving their relationship with their appearance despite outside forces. Many people believe they’ll appreciate their bodies after they look their best.