Student makes history as the first make-up free 'Miss England' finalist

A politics student has made history after scoring a spot in the finals of the Miss England contest as the first make-up free contestant in the pageant's 94-year history.

20-year-old Melisa Raouf from London was inspired to go make up free in the prestigious pageant to highlight the importance of inner beauty and challenge the unrealistic beauty expectations set by social media.

Raouf made a great impression on judges in the semi finals of the contest and will now go on to compete against 40 other contestants in the October finals.

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"It means a lot to me as I feel many girls of different ages wear makeup because they feel pressured to do so," Raouf told The Independent in regards to her achievement.

Raouf said that from an early age society had made her feel like she had to wear makeup, which meant she was "never comfortable" in her own skin.

"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."

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Organisers of the Miss England pageant had previously introduced a "Bare Face" round for contestants who wanted to compete without make up, but no one had ever opted into it.

Raouf has confirmed that she will choose to forgo makeup in the final as well, saying the semi finals were a "daunting but amazing experience".

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The student has received an overwhelming amount of support from fellow pageant contestants and supporters who have commended her for the brave move.

In a comment made to Instagram, Raouf thanked her supporters: "Thank you [so] so so much."

"This was honestly the best and most incredible journey! Always ecstatic and willing to promote natural beauty and our imperfections."