| 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, | | | | tempted to go out on a limb by trying a color that |
| so take a look at them to help make your | | | | looks great on your friend but just isn't for you. |
| experience as 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 |
| Practice in front of a mirror and focus a lot of | | | | as they appear overdone and will just distract from |
| attention on gaining self-confidence in the weeks | | | | the rest of your look. |
| leading up to your pageant. The best way to | | | | Be organized |
| become effective at dealing with any nervousness is | | | | Make sure that you are clear on exactly when you |
| to perform or talk in front of an audience as much as | | | | are being judged and be sure that your apparel is |
| possible. Find ways to do this with friends and family | | | | clean and ironed. Have a plan for hairstyles, do not |
| and it will help you work on your stage presence. A | | | | leave your 'up-do' to chance and have plenty of grips, |
| natural smile is a 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 | | | | Always remain gracious to other contestants. If you |
| before a competition, as this will cause unavoidable | | | | or your child does not make it through this time then |
| bloating, which is very unflattering and won't show | | | | you can take away what you have learned from the |
| you at your best. | | | | experience and next time will go much better! |