The world's first makeup-free beauty queen will be stripped of her Miss London crown as she drops out of the Miss England bridesmaid title contest.
26-year-old Natasha Beresford beat 18 other women, all of whom competed “without make-up”, in the first beauty pageant in Miss London's 95-year history.
She was due to take part in the Miss England final in Wolverhampton in May and, according to organisers, had a “great chance” of being crowned winner.
But she missed out on the chance to win the title because the final clashed with her best friend's big day.
Instead of strutting down the runway, she will now walk down the aisle as a bridesmaid.
26-year-old Natasha Beresford beat 18 other women, all of whom competed “without make-up”, in the first beauty pageant in Miss London's 95-year history
Natasha is crowned in the beauty pageant without makeup. While in previous years contestants were asked to submit pictures of themselves without filters, cosmetics or editing as part of the competition, contestants in the 2023 beauty pageant were banned from using even a little lip gloss
Natasha, a dental nurse originally from Sheffield and now living in London, said: “Unfortunately I will no longer be representing London and will not be taking part in the Miss England national final in May.”
“My best friend is getting married in the north of England this weekend and I have already promised to be her bridesmaid.”
“I would like to thank everyone for their support throughout my entry into the competition and wish all the Miss England finalists the best of luck.”
Natasha wowed the Miss England judges last year with her natural beauty while wearing a white lace dress from Shikoba Bride – a company that produces ethically and sustainably made wedding dresses in the UK.
While in previous years contestants were asked to submit pictures of themselves without filters, cosmetics or editing as part of the competition, contestants in the 2023 beauty pageant were banned from using even a little lip gloss.
Organizers said the concept aims to empower women, boost their confidence and promote a more realistic body image as it focuses on a natural look.
Runner-up Temi Adeyemi, 26, an accounting assistant from Enfield, Middlesex, will now compete in the final as Miss London
Natasha wowed the Miss England judges with her natural beauty as she wore a white lace wedding dress to the make-up free competition
Miss England national director Angie Beasley said: “We are so disappointed that Natasha will not be able to take part in the Miss England final. “She had a great opportunity.
“It's so unfortunate that Miss England fell on the same day as her best friend's wedding.”
“But the show must go on.” I wish Natasha all the best for the future.”
She added: “Natasha is a true beauty whose goal is to put others before herself. “She doesn't want to let her best friend down, which is completely understandable.”
Runner-up Temi Adeyemi, 26, an accounting assistant from Enfield, Middlesex, will now compete in the final as Miss London.
She said: “I was hoping to attend the Miss England final with no make-up on so I could enjoy natural beauty.”
“For me it's an empowering statement.” I'm also honored to represent London. I'm so excited.'
Natasha began working as a dental nurse at the Royal London Dental Hospital in 2021, where she was referred to as a “real tooth fairy” and treated children.
She now works in a private dental practice in the capital's posh Chiswick district.
Miss London contestants from left to right: 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 find my job really rewarding. “Over the years I have worked in the NHS and in private and emergency dental practices.
“For the future, I would like to continue my training in dental radiography and oral health education.”
“I also plan to volunteer for Dentaid at outreach dental clinics in the UK, where they provide dental care and oral health advice to homeless people, survivors of abuse, families in poverty, refugees, cancer patients and people recovering from addiction. offer.”
Natasha added at the time: “I'm delighted to have been chosen as Miss London. “All the girls taking part are so beautiful and truly inspiring, it was an honor to be chosen.
“I hope my title will inspire young women and girls to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin without makeup.”
At the September competition, 19 contestants walked the runway completely makeup-free, wearing ethical, boho-style clothing of their choice.
One of the runners-up, Afrose Ameen, 23, from Lewisham, is an engineering student who worked during the development of the London Underground's Elizabeth Line.
Alanta Richards, a 17-year-old beauty therapy student from Surrey, also placed in the top five.
The winner of the public vote was Lauren Malone, 26, a company founder and CEO, who will compete in the Miss England final alongside the other four women.
The beauty pageant took place at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences in London and was sponsored by natural skincare brand Cetuem London.
The Miss England final will take place over two days on May 16th and 17th at the Grand Station in Wolverhampton.