The world’s first make-up-free beauty queen is being stripped of her Miss London crown as she withdraws from the Miss England title race to become a bridesmaid.
Natasha Beresford, 26, beat 18 other women, all of whom competed bare-faced, in the first make-up-free pageant in Miss London’s 95-year history.
She was due to compete in the Miss England final in Wolverhampton in May and had a ‘great chance’ of being crowned the winner, organizers said.
But she missed out on her chance to win the title because the final clashed with her best friend’s big day.
So instead of parading down the catwalk, she now walks down the aisle as a bridesmaid.
Natasha Beresford, 26, beat 18 other women, all of whom competed bare-faced, in the first make-up-free pageant in Miss London’s 95-year history
Natasha is crowned during the makeup-free pageant. While in previous years contestants were asked to submit photos of themselves without filters, cosmetics or editing as part of the contest, the 2023 pageant’s contestants weren’t even allowed to use lip gloss.
Natasha, a dental nurse originally from Sheffield who now lives in London, said: ‘Unfortunately I will no longer be representing London or competing in the Miss England national finals in May.
‘My best friend is getting married that same weekend in the north of England, and I’ve already promised to be her maid of honor.
‘I would like to thank everyone for their support during my participation in the competition and I wish all the Miss England finalists the best of luck.’
Natasha wowed the Miss England judges last year with her natural beauty as she wore a white lace dress from Shikoba Bride, which produces ethically and sustainably sourced wedding dresses in Britain.
While in previous years contestants were asked to submit photos of themselves without filters, cosmetics or editing as part of the contest, the 2023 pageant’s contestants weren’t even allowed to use lip gloss.
Organizers said the concept aimed to empower women, boost self-confidence and promote a more realistic body image as it focused on natural looks.
Runner-up Temi Adeyemi, 26, an accounts assistant from Enfield, Middlesex, will now compete as Miss London in the final
Natasha wowed Miss England judges with her natural beauty as she wore a white lace wedding dress in the make-up free competition
National Director of Miss England Angie Beasley said: ‘We are so disappointed that Natasha cannot take part in the Miss England final, she had a great chance.
‘It’s such a shame that Miss England fell on the same date as her best friend’s wedding.
‘But the show must go on. I wish Natasha all the best for the future.
‘Natasha is a true beauty with a purpose to put others first before her own. She doesn’t want to let her best friend down, which is completely understandable.’
Runner-up Temi Adeyemi, 26, an accounts assistant from Enfield, Middlesex, will now compete as Miss London in the final.
She said: ‘I was hoping to compete in the Miss England Final for free, to embrace the natural beauty.
‘For me it is a powerful statement. It is also an honor for me to represent London. I’m so excited.’
Natasha started working as a dental nurse at the Royal London Dental Hospital in 2021, where she was described as ‘a real tooth fairy’ treating children.
She now works at a private dental practice in the capital’s chic Chiswick area.
Miss London contestants. L-R: Winner Natasha Beresford, runner-up Temi Adeyemi, runner-up Afrose Ameen, public vote winner Lauren Malone and runner-up Atlanta Richards
She said in October: ‘I think my work is really rewarding. Over the years I have worked in the NHS, as well as private and emergency dental practices.
‘For the future, I would like to pursue further training in dental radiography and oral health education.
‘I also plan to volunteer with Dentaid for their UK dental clinics, where they provide dental care and oral health advice to people experiencing homelessness, abuse survivors, families in poverty, refugees, cancer patients and people recovering from addiction. ‘
Natasha added at the time: ‘I am thrilled to have been selected as Miss London. All the girls who took part are so beautiful and truly inspiring, so it was an honor to be chosen.
‘I hope with my title to inspire young women and girls to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin without make-up.’
During the competition in September, 19 participants took to the catwalk completely make-up free, wearing ethically sourced clothing with a boho theme of their choice.
In second place was 23-year-old Afrose Ameen from Lewisham, an engineering student who worked on the Elizabeth Line on the London Underground during its development.
Alanta Richards, a 17-year-old beauty therapy student from Surrey, also achieved a place in the top five.
The winner of the public vote was Lauren Malone, 26, founder and CEO of the company, who will join the other four women in the Miss England final.
The beauty pageant was held at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences in London and was sponsored by natural skincare brand Cetuem London.
The Miss England final takes place over two days on May 16 and 17 at Grand Station in Wolverhampton.
