In an era where beauty standards are often tied to cosmetic procedures, digital filters, and Botox injections, the 'Natural Beauty Queen' contest carves a different path, placing natural features at the forefront of the competition.

With this in mind, the third edition of the contest is being held in Beirut, requiring participants to appear without makeup or any cosmetic enhancements. The contest aims to send a message encouraging acceptance of beauty as it is, celebrating self-confidence away from artificiality.

The contest's founder and organizer, media personality Zakaria Fahham, believes that this event, held in Beirut for the third consecutive year, is the first of its kind globally. He told Asharq Al-Awsat: 'We held two editions of the contest under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism, and they achieved remarkable success. This year, we received more than 200 applications, before the final stage settled on 17 young women competing for the title.'

Fahham noted that Jessica Qais won the title in the first edition, while Joy Tawk was crowned in the second. He added: 'After their coronation, we made sure to involve them in Arab beauty festivals and competitions, and they were also guests of honor at several conferences and events specialized in beauty.'

The contestants' ages range from 18 to 27, and they come from various Lebanese regions. Fahham said: 'They represent Lebanon in its diversity, from north to south. Among the candidates are young women from Tripoli, Akkar, Beirut, Amchit, and the Bekaa, along with other Lebanese areas, reflecting the national character of the contest.' The selection was overseen by influencer Larissa Abu Chakrah, who promotes natural beauty for women in her digital content.

He recalls that the idea for the contest was born when he encountered a girl without makeup who possessed striking beauty. He added: 'Then I decided to encourage young women who are confident enough to forgo makeup and Botox injections, to highlight their natural beauty.'

The contest is held in Lebanon for the third consecutive year (organizer).

The contest will take place on July 29 at the Boulevard Theater in Beirut. The contestants go through three stages, starting with an evening gown appearance, followed by individual and group questions posed by the jury members. The jury includes doctors and beauty experts, among them dermatologist Dr. Ghada Ksair, and Miss Lebanon 2001 Christina Sawaya, along with other personalities.

Each edition of the contest carries a different social message. Fahham explains: 'In the first edition, we raised the slogan of peace in the face of war, and in the second we focused on fighting drugs. This year, we chose to support people with special needs and determination. Therefore, George Jerji, who belongs to this category, is on the jury and will also crown the queen with the sash.'

In addition to the competition for the title, the ceremony will feature participation from the 'Care for the Orphan' association, as some of its children perform the song 'Lebanon Will Be Rebuilt.' Also, a member of the 'Al-Hadi Association' for hearing, visual, language and communication disabilities will present segments of the event in sign language, while media personality Rawan Hafez from Al-Jadeed channel will host the evening.

The 'Natural Beauty Queen' contest takes place on the 29th of this month (organizer).

Fahham explains: 'Our goal is to shed light on Lebanese groups that work silently for a more just and equal society, so we made "difference" the theme of this edition, believing in the necessity of accepting and embracing others without any exception.'

The ceremony will feature artistic and performance pieces, including religious hymns presented by an association in the city of Tyre, with a choir team trained especially for the occasion. The audience will watch a dance performance by 35 dancers from the 'Al-Bayarek' troupe to the tune of the song 'Khabtet Kadmak.' Artist Steven Jbeili and 'The Voice Kids' star Hossam Mourad will also perform Lebanese songs.

The ceremony will open with the Lebanese national anthem, performed live on stage by a group of young men and women wearing shirts that read: 'I love you, Lebanon.'

Zakaria Fahham notes that the questions posed by the jury members to the title candidates revolve around several topics including disability, war, tourism, beauty, and others.

As for the training of the participating girls, it was organized over three months by experts in teaching articulation, and how to walk and stand on stage.