A Dubai-based Australian pageant queen has returned Down Under, looking almost unrecognisable following a decade-long model makeover.

Jessica Kahawaty, known as ‘Australia’s most beautiful woman’, gained fame in the early 2010s through the international beauty pageant scene, notably finishing as the second runner-up at Miss World 2012.

The 36-year-old has been likened to Australia’s Amal Clooney due to her legal background, significant charity involvement, and striking appearance.

But fans of her earlier work may struggle to recognise Jessica these days.

The Australian-Lebanese beauty, who is currently in Sydney promoting her family cookbook Mama Rita, has undergone quite the transformation.

One of the most noticeable differences in her look is Jessica’s transition from jet-black hair and dark eyebrows to a lighter chestnut brown shade over recent years.

Jessica, an Australian pageant star based in Dubai, has recently returned to Australia. After a decade-long transformation, she appears almost unrecognizable. (Photos show her in 2018 and 2025.)

Jessica (centre) was spotted strolling through Sydney’s CBD with mother Rita (right) on Tuesday following her book signing at Dymocks 

Jessica showcased her long legs in a pink mini dress, and added some flare to her look with orange lace stockings and white heels 

The most noticeable transformation in her appearance has been her transition from deep black hair and eyebrows to the softer tones of chestnut brown. (Images from 2016 and 2025.)

Her lips also appear plumper, while the angle of her eyes seems more upturned these days.

Her eyelids themselves appear more pronounced — perhaps thanks to clever makeup tricks.

She also now sports a golden tan, something she has been embracing since her move to the desert city of Dubai.

The Project Runway Middle East host also regularly changes her eye colour with contact lenses.

While the catwalk queen has never spoken about undergoing any cosmetic work, she did previously share an insight into her rigorous beauty regimen.

In a 2017 interview with Daily Mail Australia, Jessica shared that she never goes to bed wearing makeup and cleans her face twice daily using ‘activated charcoal cleansers’.

Her top lip also appears plumper these days than it did at the beginning of her career, while the angle of her eyes seem more upturned these days. (Pictured left in 2015 and right in 2025) 

Jessica is pictured in Sydney on Tuesday looking glamorous  in a white button-down blouse, black mini skirt and unusual black heels 

She also now sports a golden tan, something she ahs been embracing since her move to the dessert city of Dubai. (Pictured left in 2018 and right in 2025) 

‘I use all natural products and love using jojoba oil mud masks, dead sea masks and DIY masks – I love using sugar and cinnamon, especially on my lips,’ she added.

She also drinks warm water with Manuka honey from New Zealand every morning without fail – something she credits for her glowing skin and improved immunity.

‘I have actually never tried coffee in my life (shocking I know) but I find the Manuka honey water gives me all the energy I need for the day,’ Jessica said.

With her diet, Kahawaty is all about moderation and describes herself as a ‘massive foodie’.

‘I love food and I cook a lot. Because we are a Lebanese family we always cook up big feasts and while I enjoy everything I just focus on keeping the portions small,’ she said.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in 2017, Jessica explained that she never sleeps with makeup on and washes her face twice a day with ‘activated charcoal cleansers’

She also drinks warm water with Manuka honey from New Zealand every morning without fail – something she credits for her glowing skin and improved immunity