In a landmark moment for the world of beauty pageants, 26-year-old dental nurse Natasha Beresford has carved her name in history as the inaugural winner of a groundbreaking ‘make-up-free’ beauty pageant, proudly representing Miss London 2023 in the regional heats of the Miss England contest. This remarkable victory has reverberated through the competition’s 95-year history, with Natasha and 18 other contestants strutting down the catwalk, completely devoid of makeup.
Traditionally, the Miss England contest required contestants to submit unfiltered, unaltered, and makeup-free photos as part of their entry. However, this year, organizers pushed the envelope even further by banning even the slightest hint of lip gloss. This bold move aimed to foster empowerment, boost self-confidence, and champion a more authentic body image, placing the spotlight squarely on natural beauty.
Natasha Beresford’s win serves as a testament to the power of inner beauty and unwavering self-assuredness. Dressed in a pristine white lace gown by Shikoba Bride, renowned for their ethical and sustainable wedding dresses in the UK, Natasha’s victory as Miss London 2023 paves the way for her participation in the upcoming Miss England final later this year.
Originally hailing from Sheffield, Natasha has since made London her home, working as a dental nurse in the upscale neighborhood of Chiswick. Her dedication to her profession has earned her the affectionate moniker of ‘a real-life tooth fairy,’ a title she has proudly embraced as she offered dental treatment to children at the Royal London Dental Hospital since 2021.
Discussing her career aspirations, Natasha shared, “I find my job genuinely rewarding. Over the years, I have worked in the NHS, as well as private and urgent care dental practices. Looking ahead, I plan to further my training in dental radiography and oral health education. Additionally, I intend to volunteer with Dentaid for their UK outreach dental clinics, where they provide dental care and oral health advice to marginalized communities, including the homeless, survivors of abuse, impoverished families, refugees, cancer patients, and individuals on the path to recovery from addiction.”
Natasha expressed her sheer delight at being crowned Miss London and extended her admiration to all her fellow contestants, stating, “I am thrilled to have been chosen. All the girls who competed are exceptionally beautiful and truly inspirational, so it was a tremendous honor to be selected.”
The pageant showcased a total of nineteen contestants who walked the runway in their natural beauty, free from makeup’s façade. They were also allowed to wear their own handpicked boho-themed, ethically sourced clothing, emphasizing the theme of authenticity and genuine allure.
Among the top five contestants were Afrose Ameen, 23, an engineering student from Lewisham, who contributed to the Elizabeth Line on the London Underground, and Temi Adeyemi, 26, an accounts assistant from Enfield, Middlesex. Additionally, 17-year-old beauty therapy student Atlanta Richards from Surrey stood among the top five. Lauren Malone, 26, a company founder and CEO, secured the public vote winner’s title and will join the other four remarkable women in the Miss England final.
The exquisite beauty pageant unfolded at the opulent Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences in London, generously sponsored by the Cetuem London natural skincare brand.
Natasha Beresford’s historic triumph not only symbolizes a celebration of natural beauty but also conveys a compelling message of empowerment and self-acceptance to women across the globe. Her journey reminds us all that true beauty emanates from within, and makeup is a choice, not a necessity. Natasha’s story serves as a testament to the fact that confidence and authenticity shine through even without layers of cosmetics.
In a world often captivated by the allure of artificial enhancements, Natasha Beresford and her fellow contestants have illuminated a path that leads back to embracing one’s authentic self. It’s a message that resonates deeply and transcends political divides, reminding us that beauty, at its core, transcends the boundaries of ideology and celebrates the essence of the individual.
