What 8 Miss Universe contestants look like without makeup

Miss Universe contestants, including Miss India (pictured), took part in a makeup-free photo shoot ahead of the competition.Benjamin Askinas/Miss Universe

• The Miss Universe no-makeup photo shoot began in 2016 and was a huge hit with fans.
• Photographer Benjamin Askinas has shot the makeup-free pictures since its inception.

The first Miss Universe no-makeup photo shoot began in 2016, and it was a hit with both contestants and fans.

Photographer Benjamin Askinas, who has been part of the makeup-free shoot since its inception, told Business Insider in a previous interview that he never expected the pictures to have such a big impact.

Askinas believes the photos are empowering for the contestants, while showing viewers at home that "Miss Universe is a real human with imperfections and blemishes, just like us."

On Saturday, 84 women will compete in El Salvador to become the new Miss Universe. The winner will be crowned by R'Bonney Gabriel, who became the ninth American woman to take home the prestigious title, and Noelia Voigt will represent the US in this year's competition.

Here's what eight Miss Universe 2023 contestants look like without makeup.