Melisa Raouf: Who is the make-up free Miss England finalist?

20-year-old Melisa Raouf is the first Miss England finalist to compete make-up free in the 94-year history of the beauty pageant.

'We should not be made to cover up our face with make-up'

The politics student has just advanced to the finals (to be held in October) and plans on continuing on to compete without using any make-up on her face. Speaking to the Independent, Raouf explained that the process of wearing makeup is one that can generate copious amounts of anxiety to many people.

For that reason, her decision to forego make-up in the competition was her way of taking an empowering stance to defy contemporary beauty ideals. She explained:

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

And added:

I think people should love and embrace their flaws and blemishes, as we know real beauty lies within simplicity.

Finally accepting herself for who she is

She went on to explain that she personally no longer feels the need to conceal her exterior with make-up as she fully accepts the way she looks without it. She said:

I never felt I met beauty standards. I have recently accepted that I am beautiful in my own skin and that’s why I decided to compete with no make-up.

Before adding:

I still feel confident in myself, with makeup I’m all concealed. This is who I am, I’m not afraid to share who I am. I wanted to show who Melisa truly is.

Read also:

⋙ Here’s why you need to clean your makeup brushes regularly

⋙ Millie Court: This is what she looks like without makeup

⋙ The queen's makeup artist is none other than herself