3rd September 2025 – (Hong Kong) The results of the 2024 Miss Hong Kong pageant have sparked considerable debate, particularly regarding the makeup of first runner-up Angela Stanton, known as number 7 in the competition. During the pageant, Angela’s heavy makeup drew criticism from netizens, who described her appearance as “aged” and “unattractive.” However, a video shared on TikTok by a contestant who did not make it to the final round showcased Angela with a more natural look during the preliminary interviews, prompting some to defend her. Comments from viewers included remarks like, “She looks quite good here! Why did she look so different during the live broadcast?”
Angela’s deep nasolabial folds were particularly noted during the competition, leading to further discussion about her overall appearance on the night of the event.
One participant from this year’s Miss Hong Kong, known as “Mak Mak,” who unfortunately did not reach the final 14, also joined the conversation on TikTok, sharing a video of herself with Angela and third-place winner Jane Yuan outside the TVB studio in Tseung Kwan O. In the video, as night fell, Jane, tall and cheerful, took the selfie while Angela, initially engrossed in her phone, appeared naturally beautiful with minimal makeup. Following this, many netizens expressed their admiration for Angela, stating, “The runner-up truly looks lovely; her makeup during the finals just didn’t do her justice. Just look at her regular videos and photos — she embodies both intelligence and beauty!” Other comments echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that Angela’s natural look was much more appealing than her heavily made-up appearance during the competition.
Angela Stanton, 26, is of mixed Chinese and British heritage, with her father being British and her mother from Hong Kong. Coming from a family of high achievers, with five generations graduating from Cambridge University, Angela has her roots deeply embedded in academic excellence. She previously admitted that she felt out of place in the beauty pageant world, feeling she didn’t fit the traditional mold due to her self-described “boyish” looks and having previously identified as a “plus-size” contestant after losing 40 pounds to compete.
In interviews after her win, Angela candidly acknowledged her struggles with her smile, suggesting she did not believe it was aesthetically pleasing. Nevertheless, she expressed confidence in her appearance, stating, “My smile isn’t unattractive because of my features; it’s simply because I haven’t mastered the art of smiling. I have a year to improve, and I believe people will see me smiling more beautifully over time.”
