Melisa Raouf, a Miss England finalist, became the first person in the pageant's 94-year history to go makeup-free on Saturday.
Raouf told the Media that she decided to go barefaced in order to promote inner beauty and challenge the beauty ideals perpetuated on social media.
She said; "It means a lot to me because I believe many girls of various ages wear makeup because they feel pressured to do so." We should not be forced to wear makeup if we are happy in our own skin. Our flaws shape who we are, and that is what distinguishes each individual."
"I never felt I met beauty standards. I recently accepted that I am beautiful in my own skin, which is why I decided to compete without make-up."
"I still feel confident in myself, even though I'm all covered up with makeup." This is who I am, and I am not afraid to be myself. "I wanted to show Melisa for who she truly is," she added.
Angie Beasley, Miss England's organizer, introduced a makeup-free modeling round to the competition in 2019, but she claims it is the first time anyone has chosen to compete without makeup.