A Current Affair viewers slam reporter for appearing make-up free on air

An upcoming A Current Affair segment designed to challenge unrealistic beauty standards has instead highlighted the very issue it set out to expose.

Veteran reporter Maggie Raworth was inundated with cruel online comments for appearing on television without make-up, despite the fact her appearance was meant to drive home a point. 

Raworth will appear on Tuesday night's program completely barefaced, forgoing the usual on-screen staples of foundation, mascara and lipstick.

She is doing it as part of the Laugh Lines Project – a global campaign launched by Australian photographer Cait Miers encouraging women to embrace their natural appearance.

But ahead of the episode airing, a promotional clip shared by the Channel Nine program was flooded with nasty remarks about the reporter's appearance, underscoring the pressures many women face when they step out without make-up.

'I don't know if this person is the best to participate due to all the work she's had done,' one person sniped.

'This is SO 2010s,' a second added.

'Give me a break!' another chimed in.

However, others were more appreciative of what they saw and complimented Raworth's natural beauty.

'Absolutely stunning without makeup,' one person wrote.

'You look naturally beautiful,' another chipped in. 

Raworth has worked with Channel Nine since February 2016 and has developed a reputation for her glamorous on-camera presentations.

The cruel responses laid bare just how quickly women can become the target of appearance-based criticism online.

While the segment was intended to spark discussion about beauty standards, many commenters instead scrutinised Raworth's looks.