In a groundbreaking event that defies conventional beauty standards, a dental nurse, Natasha Beresford, emerged victorious in the ‘world’s first’ makeup-free beauty pageant, Miss London 2023. While many pageants require contestants to undergo rounds of makeup application, this unique competition celebrated natural beauty, setting a precedent in the world of beauty pageants.
The Miss London 2023 pageant featured nearly two dozen women who boldly showcased their unadorned faces and wore ethically-sourced outfits. It marked a historic moment in the Miss England pageant’s 95-year history, introducing a makeup-free heat that aimed to empower women, boost confidence, and promote a more authentic and attainable body image by highlighting natural beauty.
Natasha Beresford, a 26-year-old dental nurse, emerged as the winner of this trailblazing event. She embarked on her career as a dental nurse at the Royal London Dental Hospital in 2021 and has since transitioned to a private dental practice in Chiswick. Speaking about her profession, Natasha expressed, “I find my job really rewarding; over the years, I have worked in the NHS, as well as private and urgent care dental practices.” She also revealed her future aspirations, including further training in dental radiography and oral health education, along with plans to volunteer with Dentaid for their UK outreach dental clinics, providing dental care and oral health advice to underserved communities.
Natasha’s victory in the makeup-free beauty pageant has earned her a place in the upcoming Miss England final, scheduled for later this year. She will be joined by the competition’s runners-up: Afrose Ameen, 23, from Lewisham; Temi Adeyemi, 26, from Enfield, Middlesex; and 17-year-old Alanta Richards from Surrey. The public vote winner, Lauren Malone, 26, a company founder and CEO, will also participate in the Miss England final, alongside the other four women.
The concept of a makeup-free beauty pageant challenges societal norms and sends a powerful message about redefining beauty. This pioneering event encourages women to embrace their natural features and reject the unrealistic beauty standards often perpetuated by the cosmetics industry. By spotlighting unadorned beauty, it celebrates individuality and authenticity, fostering confidence and self-acceptance.
Natasha Beresford’s victory serves as a symbol of empowerment and a testament to the changing perceptions of beauty. As she advances to the Miss England final, she carries with her the spirit of this groundbreaking event, inspiring women to embrace their true selves and redefine beauty on their own terms.
