11 Quick Tips for First Time Contestants or “Newbies” to the Contest

Is this your first time entering a beauty pageant and not sure what to do? Here are 11 quick tips to help you win!

smile smile smile. The judges like to see contestants happy, 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 fake it 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 your friends, connect with the judges and let your eyes show confidence too.

model posture. When you’re standing on stage, stand with your feet in a model position (something I call the 12 o’clock and 2 o’clock position). Try not to stand with your feet side by side with your arms swinging or twisting your body or swaying 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 with the shoe at least a month before the parade. The judges can tell if you just bought the shoes and have never worn them before. 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 complements your skin tone. Try not to wear a black dress, this color sometimes makes the contestants look dull and washed out. If you have a “warm” skin tone, you should look for a dress that is warmer and has richer colors, such as reds, oranges, yellows, and dark browns. If you have a “cool” skin tone, you should look for cooler colors like purples, greens, and blues. If you have a “neutral” skin tone, you’re lucky enough to wear just about any color, the choice is yours. Ultimately, contestants can choose the color of dress they want to wear, but complementing your skin tone could not only improve your complexion and overall appearance, it could help ensure your victory in the pageant!

Communication. When you speak 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. Show your personality in your voice, be bubbly 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 through your communication.

make-up. If you enter a “natural” contest, wear as little makeup as possible or go for a more natural look with a little foundation, a little blush, natural eyes, and natural lips. Choose soft colors that complement your dress and your skin tone. If it’s a pageant full of glitz, choose makeup that’s appropriate for the organization of that particular pageant.

Hate. Depending on your clothing, your facial structure, and your age, you will want to choose a hairstyle that is easy to style. Girls should choose an updo or some type of pin-up hairstyle that complements the dress top and their facial structure. For example, if your dress has rhinestones on the 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 detail. If the dress is long and elegant, your hair should usually be tied back. If your dress is short, then a high or low style will be good. The judges like it when you do something different with your hair, whether it’s up or down and curly. 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 the judges score any optional or secondary categories you may have entered. The formation of the group is before going on stage alone. Therefore, make the most of the group lineup. Judges generally know that what you do or don’t do in the group lineup is what you’re going to do when you’re alone on stage. Sixteen the girls of opportunity! Strike a model pose or pose, smile, turn around slowly, and come back into model pose. This is not a time to just stand there and wait for them to notice, turn on the charm, bat their eyes, wave softly (younger girls), blow kisses (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!