Melisa Raouf, age 20, is one of the 40 finalists vying for the Miss England title.

Raouf, however, was the first competitor to do so in 94 years and the only one in the pageant competing without any makeup. 

She aimed to promote inner beauty and challenge the social media-presented beauty norms.

“It means a lot to me as I feel many girls of different ages wear makeup because they feel pressured to do so,” Raouf said.

“If one is happy in their own skin we should not be made to cover up our face with makeup. Our flaws make us who we are and that’s what makes every individual unique. I think people should love and embrace their flaws and blemishes, as we know real beauty lies within simplicity.”

The Miss England Contestant with Bare Face

This year’s Miss England contestant is the first to opt out of the Miss England pageant’s bare-face round. Her choice, according to Raouf, was a “daunting but amazing experience.”

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