Pageant Tips

Swimsuit

Walking across a stage in a swimsuit in heels is not exactly the easiest thing to do-that's why you have to make it look easy. While judges are looking for overall fitness, poise and grace are of utmost importance. Walk smoothly and carefully, just as you would in evening gown competition, but show a sense of well-being in your face. Your eyes and your smile are very important elements in this competition because they say you have confidence and can face any situation! And, that's what judges want in a title holder. Choose shoes in tan, beige or clear with a heel that will make your legs look longer. When tanning, use caution. Tanning beds can be dangerous, so you may want to opt for a self-tanner to give you that glow you're after. Use common sense when selecting a shade. A redhead with pale skin probably wouldn't look very natural with a dark tan. Right?!

Evening Gown

Contestants seem to think that white gowns always win. That is simply not true. You should pick a gown that best complements you skin tone and overall physique. Practice walking in heels before you leave the shop so you'll have an idea of how the dress feels when you're in motion! Ask the store associate about tailoring for length. There is almost nothing worse than a gown that is too short or too long. Styles are changing-the pageant gown is becoming more versatile-less restricted. Contestants are no longer expected to wear only sleek, traditional, fitted gowns. You may opt for a free flowing skirt with a wrap or neckpiece. Try on many different styles, but select the one you feel most comfortable with-after all, the judges are not only looking for elegance, but the confident girl behind the gown as well.

Beauty

Enhance your best features-don't cover them up! Don't over-do concealers, especially creams, because they can cake and flake after applying your powder. Apply your foundation first, then your concealer on areas that need a little extra help. Accent pale skin and dark hair with deep shades of red and brown tones on lips with browns, grays and charcoals on lids. But always be sure to match your cheeks and lips with your outfit. Blonde hair and darker skin look best with neutral shades of browns, pinks and peach. Light brown hair can wear either depending on skin tone. Skin tone is very important when choosing a foundation. Match the color with your jawbone and blend in upward strokes. Contour just under your cheek bones, along jaw line (lightly!), in temples, and if you wish, on sides of the nose to make it appear smaller. Don't overdo blush as you don't want to look like a clown. For eyes, highlight with a light color just under the brows to bring them out. Remember, dark colors make a feature look smaller while lighter shades open and highlight. An eyelash curler does wonders for opening up small eyes. If you're daring, you might try false eyelashes and match them with your natural lash color. Follow with brown or black mascara and your eyes will be sure to leap out on stage. Remember, above all, to blend, blend, blend.

Interview

When being asked questions, honesty, sincerity and simplicity are the key. Don't give answers that simply indicate you agree or disagree with a subject. Rather, expand on your answer and explain why you agree or disagree with the issue. Most importantly, be firm in your answer. Judges look for contestants who are confident and comfortable with their opinions. A good answer should have 4 parts. 1) Count to three before answering 2) Have a lead in sentence, like, "I honestly believe that..." 3) Answer the question 4) Summarization, "So overall I believe that "X" is the reason that...."

Sample Pageant Questions

Who is your role model and why?
What qualities do you feel a good role model should possess?
What do you feel is the most challenging issue facing teenagers today?
Why do you want to be come Miss "______" ?
Why did you enter this pageant?
What are your future plans?
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
What are your plans for education after you complete high school?
What are three words that describe you best?
What is your favorite color and how do you feel when you wear it?
What are some things you did to prepare for this pageant?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Do you have a favorite sport?
What can people do to help the homeless?
If you could meet anyone in the world (living or not) who would it be any what would you say to them?
What is your most prized possession?
Who is your favorite actor or actress?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What can we do to stop gang violence?
How would you try to improve racial relations among people?
If you could live anyone else's life, who would it be and why?
If you were elected President of the United States what would be the first thing you would do?
If you had only one wish, what would it be and why?
if your pageant title was threatened because you had gained weight, how would you feel and what would you do?
If you could give $50,0000 to any charity in the world, which one would it be and why?
If you won a million dollars, how would you spend it?
What does the word "loyal" mean to you?

These are only a sampling of questions you might encounter during an interview. Remember to practice in front of family and friends for your special event!! Remember to always smile!!

1. Browse through our Events Page
2. Subscribe to pageant magazines (see our Magazine Page) to find more pageants
3. Check the pageant's age categories and prizes to be awarded
4. Ask questions about type of clothing required and other criteria expected
5. Obtain pageantwear (Dress, Sportswear, etc.) - OR make your own and save $$$
6. See our Pageant Essentials page for designers and shops
7. Seek guidance from a pageant coach if necessary
8. If competing in talent, chose music wisely and PRACTICE often! Be sure to get a high quality background tape
9. Decide on a budget and make travel plans

The best advice I can give concerning make-up is to have color but to allow your child to look like a child - not a child who looks like an adult. Don't overdo eye shadows and lipstick. Simple lip gloss (or a nice pink color on older girls) a touch of blush and maybe a touch of mascara will do just fine.

Any length of hair is fine. Most contestants wear their hair at shoulder length to a long style. For those with short hair, hair  extensions can be used. A good salon should be able to assist in determining color and length. As long as they are natural looking, a judge will not usually be able to tell the difference. Usually, 'pageant hair' has a poof at the top sort of like a Jackie Kennedy bouffant. Teasing and hair spray can accomplish this. Hair sprays to try are Stiff Stuff or Stiff It and are usually found in most drug stores. You need to first tease the hair, preferably hair that has just been curled to add volume. Then start spraying a little and smoothing out the 'pouf; into the direction you want the hair to go. Continue spraying until you have achieved the desired look. 

Choose a talent that your child feels VERY comfortable doing. If she excels in gymnastics, let her perform a routine at the pageant. If she can't carry a tune, don't let her sing! Make sure you chose a song that is appropriate for your child's age. For example, a 4 year old shouldn't be singing about going out dancing in a bar. I enjoy hearing something that is in a good range for the child's voice and shows off her personality and ability to the fullest extent. Technical difficulty is sometimes used as criteria, but if it is too difficult for your child to perform the song or routine, pick something else. I feel bad for a child who is disappointed in his or her talent because it was too difficult to perform. Time after time, contestants performing a vocal talent, pick songs that they cannot sing comfortably. Either the song is too low, too high, too slow or too fast. Choose your material wisely. While you may love a song and want to share it with others, you may need to ask yourself, "Can I communicate the message of the song with the audience and the judges with ease and confidence?"  "Is it difficult for me to reach certain notes in my song?" "Have I practiced diligently and effectively?" "Did I take time to prepare?" (Not the night before!) A good tape is an important part of your talent presentation.

The Golden Rule: pick a dress that is suitable for your child based on color, fit and overall style. Not all winners have white, expensive, beaded dresses. Ignore rumors that certain designers always produce winners. It is not the dress that determines the winner--it's the child in that dress! Pick a color that compliments your child's skin tone and has a good and comfortable fit so your child will perform at her/his best. Royal and sky blue are nice colors as well as a strong yellow or pink.

Certain pageant systems support Pro-Am style which means full modeling style in the different competitions. These can be Sportswear, Swimwear, Party Wear, Western Wear, etc. However, most systems do not require this of their contestants. Usually, if the child performs turns well and has good stage presence they will receive a good score. Judges are looking for someone who is smooth and natural. I do like a good Pro-Am routine as long as it is done in good taste and well practiced. Make sure your child smiles and shows confidence in the routine.

One lesson I have learned is that there is always going to be someone who doesn't win and sometimes it is you! Keep these things in mind:

1. There is a pageant for everyone
2. Quitters and bad attitudes will never win
3. Everyone has bad days
4. Persistence and dedication make winners
5. Poise and confidence are the key to the crown
6. Practice your smile for the next pageant
7. Don't give up!! I have won a few and lost many, but I have learned from all. Remember, you will always gain insight at each event.