Miss England contestant, Melisa Raouf, has recently made headlines and captured the hearts of many by competing in the pageant without wearing makeup. Her decision has ignited a global movement, encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty. At just 20 years old, she became the first contestant in the pageant’s 94-year history to go makeup-free, challenging the narrow definition of beauty imposed by society.
Raouf’s choice to ditch makeup was not an easy one. She used to spend three hours perfecting her cosmetics, feeling pressured to conform to society’s expectations. However, after years of feeling insecure, she decided to take a stand against these unrealistic beauty standards. In an interview, she expressed her belief that women should not be scrutinized for not conforming to these standards.
“I wanted to take that bare-face round to the next level and challenge these unrealistic beauty standards,” Raouf boldly stated.
Spreading Skin Positivity and Inspiring Change
Raouf’s courageous journey has inspired countless women to defy societal beauty norms. Skin-positive activists have long criticized the beauty industry for using manipulated photographs to promote their products, perpetuating insecurities among women. Raouf, a student studying political science at King’s College London, aims to empower women who, like her, have felt judged and unqualified in society’s eyes.
The Miss England Competition: Paving the Way
The Miss England finals, recently held in Birmingham, showcased the talents and beauty of contestants from across the country. While Jessica Gagen, an aerospace engineering student, won the prestigious Miss England crown, Raouf’s message remained powerful throughout the competition. In her final speech, she emphasized the need for change and acceptance of women as they are, regardless of age or background.
But don’t be fooled: Raouf’s impact extended far beyond the pageant stage. She participated in a 10-kilometer race and litter cleanup in London before the finals, raising money for Beauty with a Purpose, a charity affiliated with Miss World. This charity provides essential resources such as food, water, and education to those in need. Inspired by her journey, Raouf also created the #barefacetrendmovement, connecting with a group of like-minded women dedicated to promoting skin positivity.
A Revolution in Beauty Perception
Elle Seline, who made history last year by competing in the Ms. Great Britain competition without using cosmetics, praised Raouf for her bold decision. Seline, a champion of women’s empowerment, believes that Raouf’s actions are transforming society’s perception of beauty. She foresees a significant change in how beauty is understood and appreciated.
The Growing Movement for Skin Love and Positivity
The movement for genuine skin love has been steadily gaining momentum. Even real-skin influencers, initially concerned about negative feedback, have been surprised by the resounding support. Mariia Bilenka, a marketing professional for a face-care app, shared her personal skin story on social media in 2018 to break the taboo surrounding skin disorders. The hashtags #bareface and #skinpositivity, now popular on Instagram, demonstrate the expansion of this movement. People are embracing unedited, unfiltered images and celebrating their natural beauty.
Embrace Your Inner Confidence: Let Your Beauty Shine
Raouf’s transformative journey has taught her a valuable lesson – self-love and acceptance are far more significant than wearing makeup or using filters. When you radiate inner confidence, it surpasses any external enhancements. So, embrace your natural beauty, celebrate your unique features, and let your beauty shine from within.
Remember, true beauty knows no age or background. You are beautiful just as you are.
Join the revolution, and together, let’s redefine beauty standards for a more inclusive and empowering world.
