Melisa Raouf, 20, is one of 40 finalists competing for the title of Miss England.
Raouf, on the other hand, was the first contender in 94 years to do so and the only one in the pageant competing without makeup.
She wanted to promote inner beauty and challenge social media’s beauty standards.
“It means a lot to me because I believe many girls of various ages wear makeup because they feel pressured to,” Raouf remarked.

“If someone is comfortable in their own skin, they should not be forced to wear makeup.” Our defects shape who we are, and this is what distinguishes each individual. I believe that individuals should accept and adore their imperfections and defects since true beauty comes in simplicity.”
This year’s Miss England contender is the first to decline the bare-faced round of the Miss England competition. Raouf describes her decision as a “daunting but amazing experience.”
She also intends to compete without makeup in the finals. Raouf began using cosmetics when she was young and insecure about her looks.
“I never felt I met beauty standards,” she stated. I just realized that I am gorgeous in my natural flesh, which is why I opted to compete without makeup. I’m still secure in myself, even when I’m completely covered up with cosmetics. This is who I am, and I am not frightened to be myself. “I wanted to show Melisa for who she truly is.”

Throughout the competition, many young ladies and girls supported Raouf because he had given them the courage to feel better about their own beauty.
“Because mental health is such a sensitive subject, I want to make all girls feel good.” I simply want to be free of all beauty standards. I feel like I’ve done it for all females because I believe that all girls are beautiful in their own way.”
During the pageant, Raof promotes Papyrus, a UK charity dedicated to preventing adolescent suicide, and speaks out in support of children’s mental health.
Angie Beasley, the Miss England pageant’s director, instituted the bare-faced phase in 2019 after seeing that the majority of applicants submitted images that were heavily altered and coated in makeup.
She aimed to achieve her goal by encouraging women to “show us who they really are without needing to hide behind makeup and filters on social media.” To participate, entrants had to post a photo of themselves on social media with their faces covered.

We wish her well in Miss England; it’s a daring thing to do in a world when everyone is wearing cosmetics, but she’s conveying a vital message to young women.” Beasley mentioned Rauf.
Body image is a person’s view of and sentiments about their own physical appearance. This viewpoint may be influenced by a variety of factors, including beliefs, experiences, and generalizations. People have long prized beauty, yet these criteria have varied throughout time.
Social media and popular culture are continually upholding modern conventions, which have a significant influence on how people view their bodies.
A person with a poor body image is typically dissatisfied with their appearance. By comparing themselves to others, they may severely evaluate themselves. They may feel compelled to examine their bodies frequently using a mirror, a scale, or measurements.
People may also feel awkward and embarrassed about their bodies. A negative body image can lead to unnecessary procedures, improper weight loss tactics, and mental health issues.
Body images can be influenced by messages from society, family, friends, and the media. The fashion and beauty industries, in particular, promote unflattering notions of what constitutes beauty.
Many individuals learn about having a beautiful look as they grow up; however, this ideal appearance is artificial and unattainable. This has become an issue since individuals only post their most appealing photographs on social media. As a result, people acquire skewed notions of how their bodies should appear.

A small 2018 study revealed a relationship between poor eating and negative body image and the amount of time spent on social media, especially when users read material from models or fitness experts who stress aesthetics.
Social media, on the other hand, may help promote a good body image when used wisely.
If scrolling makes you feel bad about yourself, take a break for a few hours, days, or weeks. Taking a break may significantly enhance one’s mood.
Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate and depressed, and replace them with positive ones. Find a group of people who are open to changing their views on beauty norms.
There are many body-positive Instagram accounts that discuss the realities of these standards and provide advice on how to feel more comfortable in one’s own flesh. Melisa Raouf, a Miss England contestant, is one of the advocates for inner beauty.
When a person has a positive body image, they are comfortable with their appearance and have a positive relationship with their body. It requires having a broad view of beauty, loving one’s own body, and caring for one’s own body in attractive and beneficial ways.
Overall, it means that, despite external influences, a person is aiming toward a better relationship with their appearance. Many people believe that after they have achieved their ideal look, they will begin to love their bodies.
No matter how they seem, everyone should and can learn to appreciate their bodies. If you agree, please share.