English Woman Competes in Beauty Pageant with 'Minnat' Look: "I Am Perfectly Fine as Myself"

Elle Celine (31) became the first contestant to appear without makeup at the Miss Great Britain beauty pageant.
[Photo by Elle Celine's social media (SNS) capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] A woman who participated in a famous beauty pageant in the UK without makeup has become a hot topic.

On the 11th (local time), Elle Selin (31), who competed in the UK beauty pageant 'Miss Great Britain,' opened up about the bullying she endured during her school days in an interview with BBC.

Selin said, "The kids who bullied me mocked me," and added, "I also ended up laughing at my own reflection in the mirror." She recalled, "During my school days, I thought my appearance was ridiculous," and "Because of my severe curly hair, other kids teased me saying I had head lice, and I was called a gorilla because of the hair on my arms," reflecting on her painful past.

Selin, who has British and Greek heritage, mentioned that she had to wear makeup from the age of 13 due to bullying related to her appearance. She explained, "I even used foundation lighter than my skin tone," and said, "What I did during my school days was no different from the functions of filters in various photo applications (apps)."

However, Selin participated in this year's 'Ms Great Britain' pageant with a bare face, without makeup. This pageant is one of the categories of 'Miss Great Britain,' the oldest beauty pageant in the UK, and is open to participants aged 27 to 38. Selin participated last year but was eliminated, and she challenged again this year, stating that she plans to remain makeup-free during the final round to be held on the 16th and 17th.

Selin said that the lockdown period due to COVID-19 prevention measures actually became an opportunity to change her mindset. She recalled, "During the lockdown caused by the pandemic, the pressure to wear makeup like before disappeared," and "I had to learn to accept myself as I am."

She added that she hopes her participation in the beauty pageant will inspire the next generation. She said, "There will be women who feel they are wonderful just as they are," conveying the message her challenge leaves behind.