Melisa Raouf, a courageous 20-year-old contestant in the Miss England pageant, is making waves as the first woman in the competition’s 94-year history to compete without any makeup. Her decision to go au naturel is driven by a desire to promote inner beauty and challenge society’s obsession with unrealistic beauty standards.
Raouf believes that many girls and women feel pressured to wear makeup, and she wants to change that perception. “If one is happy in their own skin, we should not be made to cover up our face with makeup,” she says. “Our flaws make us who we are, and that’s what makes every individual unique. People should love and embrace their flaws and blemishes, as real beauty lies within simplicity.”
By choosing to compete without makeup, Raouf is sending a powerful message about self-acceptance and demonstrating that beauty comes in all forms. This decision was not an easy one for her, as she struggled with confidence in her appearance when she was younger and relied on cosmetics to feel beautiful. But now, she has embraced her true self and wants to show the world who she really is.
Many young women and girls have rallied behind Raouf, gaining confidence in their own appearances through her example. She is an advocate for mental health and supports Papyrus, a UK organization dedicated to preventing teen suicide. During the pageant, she speaks out about children’s mental health, spreading positivity and empowering others.
Miss England pageant director Angie Beasley introduced the bare-faced phase in 2019 after noticing that many contestants heavily retouched their photos and relied on makeup. The aim was to encourage women to be authentic and confident in their own skin, without the need for filters and artificial enhancements.
Raouf’s decision to compete without makeup is not only a brave one but also an important statement to young women everywhere. She is challenging society’s beauty standards and showing that true beauty goes beyond what can be seen on the surface.
In today’s digital age, social media and popular culture heavily influence how we perceive our bodies. Unrealistic beauty ideals are constantly promoted, leading to negative body image and self-esteem issues. However, social media can also be a platform for promoting positive body image if used wisely.
If scrolling through social media leaves you feeling inadequate or unhappy with your own appearance, taking a break from it can greatly improve your mood. Unfollow accounts that make you feel down and instead follow those that promote body positivity and self-acceptance. Surround yourself with a supportive community that is also challenging traditional beauty standards.
A positive body image is all about feeling comfortable and happy with your own body. It means having a broader definition of beauty, loving and taking care of your body in healthy ways. It’s important to remember that true self-appreciation doesn’t come from achieving an ideal appearance but from developing a positive relationship with your body, irrespective of societal pressures.
Melisa Raouf’s brave stand in the Miss England pageant serves as an inspiration to all. No matter how we appear on the outside, we should develop a sense of appreciation for our bodies and celebrate our individuality. Let’s spread the message of self-acceptance and redefine beauty on our own terms.
