New to a beauty pageant and not sure what to do? Here are 11 quick tips to help you win!
Smile smile smile. Judges like to see happy contestants, so show as many teeth as possible.
Walk with your chin up. Even if you can’t walk, keep your head up and try to pretend until you learn. Try not to look at your feet. This shows confidence. Walk slowly.
Keep your eyes on the judges. Always look at the judges, try not to look at your parents or friends, connect with the judges, and allow your eyes to show confidence as well.
Model posture. When standing on stage, stand with your feet in a model position (something I call the 12:00 and 2:00 position). Try not to stand with your feet next to each other with your arms swinging or twisting your body or rocking from side to side. This will make you look bored and nervous.
Shoes. Choose a sandal with a pump or heel that you feel comfortable walking in. Practice walking in the shoe at least a month before the contest. The judges can tell if you just bought the shoes and never wore them. Make sure the shoe is not too small or too big. You want a comfortable fit.
Dress / Robe. Choose a dress that is appropriate for your age and matches your skin tone. Try not to wear a black dress, this color sometimes makes the contestants look dull and faded. If you have a “warm” skin tone, look for a tunic in warmer, richer colors, such as reds, oranges, yellows, and dark browns. If you have a “fresh” skin tone, you should go for cooler colors like purples, greens, and blues. If you have a “neutral” skin tone then you are lucky enough to wear almost any color, the choice is yours. Ultimately, contestants can choose the dress color they want to wear, but complementing their skin tone could not only enhance their complexion and overall appearance, it could also help ensure their pageant victory!
Communication. When speaking on stage, whether it’s answering questions or giving your presentation, you don’t want to sound too rehearsed. Don’t memorize the answers. Be natural and as relaxed as you can be. Show your personality in your voice, be cheerful and happy. Only be serious if it’s appropriate.
Personality. If you don’t have an outgoing personality, which means you are shy and reserved, try to get out of your comfort zone as much as you can by smiling more, walking more confidently, or by communicating.
Makeup. If you are entering a “natural” contest, use as little makeup as possible or go for a more natural look with a little foundation, a little blush, a natural eye, and a natural lip. Choose soft colors that complement your dress and your skin tone. If it is a full-blown pageant, choose the makeup that is appropriate for that particular pageant organization.
Hate. Depending on your dress, your facial structure, and your age, you will want to choose a hairstyle that is easy to style. Girls should choose an updo hairstyle or some kind of pin-up hairstyle that complements the top of the dress and its facial structure. For example, if your dress has rhinestones on top, embellishments, elegant straps, or a lace design, front or back, do not wear your hair down because if it is long, the judges will not be able to see the details. If the dress is long and elegant, your hair should normally be in an updo. If your dress is short, then an up or down style will be good. Judge how when you do something different with your hair, be it an updo or a loose curly hairstyle. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or a lot of time on your hair, just do something with it.
Walk and turn. If the contest you enter has a group lineup, meaning you are in a straight line with other contestants in your age group, this is usually the time when the judges are grading the optional or secondary categories that you may have entered. . The group’s lineup is before going on stage alone. So, make the most of the group’s lineup. Judges generally know that what you do or don’t do in the group lineup is what you will do when you are alone on stage. Sixteen girls of opportunity! Strike a model pose or pose, smile, turn slowly, and return to a model pose. This is not a time to just stand there and wait to be noticed, turn on the charm, blink, wave (younger girls), kiss (younger girls). This is your time to shine and be noticed among the other contestants, especially if there are many in your age division.
I hope these quick tips help you win your next beauty pageant!