Let's be honest, beauty standards can be rather harsh towards women. I mean, we've got actual pageants and contests that are based solely on a woman's appearance.

There isn't a woman out there right now that hasn't encountered at least one negative comment or unwarranted opinion when forgoing makeup. Sure, make-up is great. It's fun to play with. But it's not an everyday requirement.

Photo: Pexels/freestocks.org

One finalist in the Miss England Beauty Competition has made history being the first ever beauty queen to compete in a pageant completely fresh-faced! She competed with absolutely no makeup.

20-year-old Melisa Raouf is a college student from south London, and in October, she will be competing against 40 other finalists for the title of Miss England.

The pageant's official Instagram posted, "Melisa is the first Miss England contestant ever to make it to the final totally make up free, isn't she gorgeous!"

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChpXlHRIRJb/

According to the Independent, Melisa stated in an interview, "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."

The pageant's organizers have said that Melisa plans to once again compete in the national final without any makeup. And we think that's amazing!

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChS9zymMCVZ/

According to the Independent, Melisa raised a very important point, saying, "With mental health being such a big topic, I want to make all girls feel good. I just want to remove all the beauty standards. I feel like all girls are beautiful in their own way. I feel like I've done it for all girls."

CNN reports that Angie Beasley, the director of Miss England, said, "We wish her the best of luck in Miss England, it's a very brave thing to do when everyone else is wearing makeup but she's sending out an important message to young women."

What do you think of her choice to compete bare-faced? Let us know!