The Prominence of Makeup When Pageants Are Center Stage

Before I unveil the glamorous art of makeup and pageantry, there's one thing that I want to make clear. We all have heard the silly stories and occasional tragedies that sometimes moms and pageant girls take it just a touch too far. When the glitz and glamour of the pageant is over, it is what's on the inside that is truly important - beauty is only skin deep and it's important that the girls of our future hold tight to their morals and keep the world of pageants in the right perspective. Ladies, that means no hair-pulling. Really though, we should not lose sight that just like any activity, we have to be rational. Someone must win and someone must lose. Now, with that said, I also live by the rule that if you're going to compete, do so fairly, but ALWAYS compete to win!

It's the courageous art of public speaking, to grace, to staying calm under pressure- there is a lovely array of pros in the magical words of pageants. Each girl has their unique personality and look but it can be a dog-eat-dog adventure and there are a couple of rules to follow.

She steps on the stage like it was made just for her. Her smile is contagious, her eyes twinkle like crystals and her lips are pure perfection. With flawless skin and cheekbones like a 1940's movie star- how could anyone be so beautiful? The judge continues to think to himself, simply gorgeous- there is just something about this one...she glows.

In the world of pageants, first comes looks second comes makeup. The right makeup application can make or break you on the big stage. It's important to grasp that when your goal is the crown, the lights are bright, and the risks are high- makeup isn't merely an option, it is a must. Makeup gives you confidence. When beauty meets confidence, you have a winning combination. With pageants, it's all about stage presence and confidence...you may not always be the prettiest, the tallest, the or the skinniest, but if you're struttin' your stuff on that stage like you are, your chances of getting noticed and striking the judges fancy, increases with every move you make in that spotlight.

You're under high voltage, hot lights, and I'm guessing that you don't want to appear that you're melting. So, first you want to have the right coverage of foundation...makeup is an art and especially in the alluring world of foundations, too much of a good thing can be a problem. The goal is always to bring forth your natural beauty, not to put on a mask. I use Christian Dior's Airflash; it's a beautiful and easy to use airbrushing product. Second, you want to follow up with a powder. This set your foundation and gives a matte look to skin (which ideal for high beam lights). The next step would be a bronzer- this will be helpful in contouring the cheekbones and giving that overall sun kissed look that we all love. I would try to stray from any that carry an orange hue- let's save the oompa loompa look for Halloween. Next, pull back the curtain for color! There are endless options, but primarily we you need a richly-pigmented products. They can withstand the harsh lights and the long days. MAC cosmetics and Hourglass Cosmetics are a couple of my personal favorites. Interesting side note, at this years' 2009 Miss Universe Pageant, Kryolan Professional Makeup provided the makeup and their team of artists dolled up the contestants On to shadows, you want to place your brush in the crease, this is where you want to deposit the majority of the color and then blend...then if in question, blend some more. The endless goal is to stay away from harsh lines. A lighter color by the brow bone makes for a nice highlight. However the main focus is well defined eyes and lashes. See my articles on lashes at.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2237341/the_fluttering_legend_of_lush_lashes.html I always encourage fake lashes, but careful, they can be tricky and messy. I would have someone who is sure that they know what they are doing apply the lashes. As for blush, don't be scared to use a heavier hand. I'm not talking Bo-Bo the happy clown here, but a little more cheek color is needed on stage. Lastly, choose a lip color that brightens your teeth, I usually lean to something with red or raspberry. Try to stand clear of lipsticks that have a purple undertone, because purple can cause your teeth to look yellow. The concluding step is to paint on a genuine smile and leave it.

My final words of wisdom are to treat other contestants with respect, make good eye contact with the judges and have confidence in yourself- you have to believe that you will win. Be gentle on yourself and have fun! Finally, don't be chinchy, spend the extra dime on the makeup or hire a talented makeup artist...that is, if you're really are in it to win it!