PICS BY MARIANA MENDES / CATERS NEWS – (PICTURED: Having learned to love her birthmark called a congenital melanocytic nevus that stretches across the centre of her face she proudly models and shows off her good looks, she thinks the birthmark makes her unique and defies people who think its ugly or a tattoo) – A model with a large birthmark thats often confused for a facial tattoo is flaunting her difference to show others its beautiful.Mariana Mendes, 24, from Juiz de Fora, Brazil, is defying her critics despite being told that her large congenital melanocytic nevus was ugly and strange. She believes her birthmark makes her unique and has learned to love it, as it helps her to stand out from everyone else. At five-years-old she underwent three laser surgery treatments to reduce the appearance of her nevus as her mother feared she would be bullied. But instead of being embarrassed, Mariana embraces her difference and has shown it off in a series of stunning modelling shots. – SEE CATERS COPY