In 2019, the pageant organizers introduced a makeup-free round to promote natural beauty among young women. Angie Beasley, the organizer of Miss England, initiated the round after observing that many contestants had undergone cosmetic enhancements and heavy makeup application.
Beasley expressed support for makeup as a means to enhance natural beauty but emphasized the importance of avoiding an excessively thick application that resembles a mask.
Contestant Raouf embraced the makeup-free stage to “empower natural beauty and eliminate this toxic mindset,” a decision that resonated with many online. However, critics argued that Raouf, with her naturally striking features, had the privilege of going makeup-free, a luxury not every girl feels they possess.
Some online comments pointed out the potential negative impact of emphasizing a naturally beautiful woman going makeup-free in a beauty pageant, reinforcing insecurities for others who may not conform to conventional beauty standards.
One Twitter user remarked, “Being a naturally beautiful woman making a stand in a beauty pageant by not wearing makeup is unfortunately not empowering at all. You’re still competing in an archaic beauty pageant, and we’re still valuing people on their looks.”
Another commenter highlighted the historical and potentially toxic nature of the “natural look,” emphasizing that not wearing makeup does not equate to liberation.
Despite not winning the Miss England crown, Raouf secured victory in the makeup-free round, earning the title of the pageant’s “Bare Face Top Model” in October 2022