| A beauty pageant can be the door to a wonderful | | | | Stick to colors that suit you best |
| future for the successful candidate, but it is not an | | | | You probably have a good idea of which colors |
| easy thing to get right. We have gathered some top | | | | compliment you best so stick with them. Do not be |
| tips on how to maximise your chances of success, so | | | | tempted to go out on a limb by trying a color that looks |
| take a look at them to help make your experience as | | | | great on your friend but just isn't for you. |
| positive as possible. | | | | Don't go over the top |
| Don't forget to smile | | | | Avoid over-accessorizing or wearing too much |
| Of course it can be hard to maintain a relaxed looking | | | | makeup at pageants, even in the evening gown |
| smile when you are onstage, but this is so important. | | | | competition. Items like gloves should never be worn as |
| Practice in front of a mirror and focus a lot of attention | | | | they appear overdone and will just distract from the |
| on gaining self-confidence in the weeks leading up to | | | | rest of your look. |
| your pageant. The best way to become effective at | | | | Be organized |
| dealing with any nervousness is to perform or talk in | | | | Make sure that you are clear on exactly when you |
| front of an audience as much as possible. Find ways | | | | are being judged and be sure that your apparel is |
| to do this with friends and family and it will help you | | | | clean and ironed. Have a plan for hairstyles, do not |
| work on your stage presence. A natural smile is a | | | | leave your 'up-do' to chance and have plenty of grips, |
| great start to winning over judges. | | | | slides and safety pins at the ready just in case. |
| Watch what you eat | | | | Be gracious |
| Avoid large meals and carbohydrates the night before | | | | Always remain gracious to other contestants. If you or |
| a competition, as this will cause unavoidable bloating, | | | | your child does not make it through this time then you |
| which is very unflattering and won't show you at your | | | | can take away what you have learned from the |
| best. | | | | experience and next time will go much better! |