Make-up free Miss England round normalises 'real' beauty

Make-up free Miss England round normalises 'real' beauty

In an effort to redefine the conventional standards of beauty, former beauty queens advocate for the inclusion of make-up free rounds in pageants, emphasizing the importance of empowering women and girls. Miss England was among the first competitions to introduce a ‘bare-faced’ heat in 2019, with the intention of promoting a more authentic representation of beauty. Despite initial considerations of removing the make-up free round due to divided opinions among contestants, the overwhelming response from participants and supporters highlights the significant impact it has on body positivity and self-confidence.

Melisa Raouf, a contestant who competed without make-up throughout the entire Miss England contest in 2022, shared her experience of feeling “empowered and brave” after years of grappling with insecurities surrounding her appearance. Similarly, Elle Seline, who participated in Ms Great Britain without make-up in 2021, emphasized the normalization of natural beauty and the need to challenge outdated beauty standards. The winner of the Miss England Bare Face Top Model contest earns a direct spot in the final round of contenders competing for the overall title, underscoring the recognition and value placed on embracing one’s unique beauty.

As the debate about the relevance of make-up free rounds in pageants persists, concerns have been raised about the potential daunting nature of such competitions and the perpetuation of a singular beauty ideal. However, the resounding support for maintaining the optional round indicates a shift towards inclusivity and diversity within the realm of beauty pageants. Contestants like Elle and Melisa serve as advocates for body positivity, encouraging others to embrace their natural selves and challenge societal norms. Elle, who has been vocal about her journey of overcoming bullying and promoting body image acceptance, envisions a future where entering pageants without make-up becomes a norm, ushering these platforms into a more progressive era

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