Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark made history on Saturday night as the first Dane to win the Miss Universe crown. Following her historic win, a recent makeup-free video featuring Miss Universe has sparked widespread discussion online, with fans divided over her natural look.
The short clip, intended to highlight Theilvig’s natural beauty, instead ignited a wave of online criticism. Some critics remarked, “She looks so different,” fueling a broader debate about unrealistic beauty standards and the constant pressure on public figures to maintain a flawless appearance. Some viewers harshly judged her appearance, leaving comments such as, “It’s not the same person,” and “She looks so different with makeup.” Another remarked, “It’s not envy, but I thought she was naturally beautiful.”
Others even called for Miss Universe to implement a no-makeup rule, questioning the authenticity of beauty in the competition. This sentiment suggests a desire for a more "natural" representation within the pageant, yet the backlash to Theilvig's actual natural appearance indicates a complex and perhaps contradictory public expectation.
Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig final walk #missuniverse #beautypageant
Despite the negativity, many rushed to the comments to defend Theilvig and praise her natural beauty. Supporters called out the unrealistic beauty standards imposed by society, reminding others that even the most celebrated figures have textured skin and imperfections. One advocate passionately wrote in Spanish, “No entiendo los comentarios???? Es igual de hermosa sin maquillaje, tiene facciones impecables y ojos hermosos, dejen la envidia” (“I don’t understand the comments???? She is just as beautiful without makeup, she has flawless features and gorgeous eyes, stop the envy”).
Others joined in, applauding her vulnerability and authenticity. One user shared, “My skin looks exactly like this without makeup, so it’s refreshing to see,” while another added, “I wish more women showed their natural skin online, no filter.” These comments highlight a growing appreciation for genuine representation and a desire to normalize natural appearances.
The debate surrounding Victoria Kjær Theilvig's makeup-free video highlights a broader cultural discussion about beauty, self-image, and societal pressures. It brings to the forefront the often-conflicting expectations placed upon public figures, particularly women, regarding their appearance, and the ongoing conversation about what constitutes true beauty in the modern era.