Pageant chief appeals for entrants for ‘Bare Faced Top Model’ contest to bolster entered the make-up free round
Miss England organisers are appealing for contestants to take part make-up free.
Miss England organisers are making a fresh plea for participants in their “Bare Faced Top Model” competition – following a disappointing response with just FIVE women taking part without cosmetics.
Director Angie Beasley had previously contemplated axing the make-up-free segment of the contest after it faced criticism from some contestants.
Hopefuls later voted to keep the category, though as a voluntary element, following its six-year run aimed at championing and honouring natural beauty.
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But during the most recent regional round in the Midlands, just five women from the 40-plus taking part chose to participate without makeup.
The segment had previously sparked debate, with some saying it restricted women’s autonomy over their appearance choices.
But others felt it empowered women by highlighting natural aesthetics and promoting healthier body image standards in a social media-dominated age.
The competition now hopes more contestants will step forward to display their natural beauty ahead of next month’s semi-finals.
Angie said: “It seems the Midlands girls are a little shy auditioning makeup free as some think they have to go makeup free in the whole contest, its not the case .
Melisa Raouf, Miss England bareface winner (Image: Miss England / SWNS)
“When I first introduced this round in 2019, it was because I was receiving so many filtered, edited and heavily made-up images from contestants.
“I wanted to remind young women that natural beauty is something to be proud of and its who we are.”
The challenge involves contestants sharing an unfiltered, makeup-free photograph of themselves on social media and strutting down the Miss England runway completely bare-faced.
Politics student Melisa Raouf, 21, claimed victory in the 2022 competition and remains the sole participant to have competed throughout the entire Miss England finale without any cosmetics.
She previously said: “I’m so glad to hear the Miss England makeup-free round is staying.
“This round was key in helping me feel confident and empowered in myself, and I’m sure many other girls who participate in the future will feel the same.
Afrose Ameen secured the national Bare Face Top accolade in Miss England 2024.(Image: Afrose Ameen / SWNS)
“I’m truly excited to see how this round continues to evolve, as I believe it’s what sets the Miss England pageant apart from other pageants-offering a unique opportunity to embrace natural beauty and empowerment.”
Afrose Ameen, who secured the national Bare Face Top accolade in Miss England 2024, delivered a presentation about the category at the Midlands audition in Wolverhampton.
More make-up free contestants are wanted to enter Miss England.
The engineer said pageant participants were often viewed as inspirational figures for young women, with the category promoting “authenticity and confidence” without depending on “filters, editing, or layers of make-up”.
Angie said: “By showcasing their natural beauty without the aid of makeup, the contestants can celebrate their individuality and self-confidence.
“This round also promotes natural and realistic beauty on social media which can only be a good thing”. The bare-faced beauty round is just one of nine stages in the Miss England contest, with applications for the Midlands heat open until 19 September.
For further details, visit: www.missengland.info