LONDON: In a unique moment for beauty pageants, the world witnessed the crowning of the very first makeup-free beauty queen. Natasha Beresford, a 26-year-old Londoner, emerged as the victor in the Miss London 2023 competition, a significant segment of the renowned Miss England contest. Standing out amongst 18 other remarkable women, Natasha's victory marked a remarkable shift in beauty standards.

Unlike previous years, where contestants were merely required to submit unfiltered, unedited photos showcasing their natural beauty, this edition of the pageant took things a step further. Participants were prohibited from even applying the slightest touch of lip gloss, embracing their raw and unadorned selves. The underlying concept of this initiative aimed to empower women, boost their confidence, and foster acceptance of their natural appearances.

For her triumphant moment, Natasha graced the stage in a pristine white lace dress by Shikoba Bride, radiating elegance and confidence. With this prestigious title, she has now secured her place in the upcoming Miss England final later this year.

Natasha's journey to the crown is particularly inspiring, as she commenced her career as a dental nurse at the Royal London Dental Hospital in 2021. Fondly referred to as a "real-life tooth fairy" due to her compassionate work with children, Natasha's story is a testament to her inner beauty, which undoubtedly contributed to her success on the pageant stage.

Expressing her joy, Natasha exclaimed, "I am thrilled to have been selected as Miss London. All the girls that competed are so beautiful and truly inspirational, so it was an honor to be chosen." She continued, "I hope to use my title to inspire young women and girls to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin without makeup."

The Miss London 2023 competition introduced a novel judging criteria that went beyond appearances. The panel of judges evaluated contestants based on their occupations, academic pursuits, natural beauty, and ethical values. This holistic approach aimed to celebrate the inner and outer qualities of each participant, emphasizing the importance of well-rounded individuals.

Among the notable runners-up were Afrose Ameen, a 23-year-old engineering student, and Temi Adeyemi, a 26-year-old accounts assistant and model. Additionally, 17-year-old beauty therapy student Atlanta Richards secured the Beauty with a Purpose fundraiser accolade by raising over $2,000 for a suicide prevention charity.

This historic moment follows in the footsteps of Melisa Raouf, who was crowned Miss England 2022, making her the competition's first barefaced contestant in its impressive 94-year history. Her choice to forgo cosmetics in the semi-finals set the stage for Natasha Beresford's remarkable triumph, further emphasizing the importance of embracing natural beauty and self-confidence in the ever-evolving world of beauty pageants.

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