Getting ready for a beauty pageant doesn't start the day of the pageant, but weeks before.
Eating right and exercising can make all the difference in the world in the way you look on the big day.
If you have a few extra pounds to lose, don't wait until the last week or two and go on a crash diet, because your skin will look drawn and listless, and your eyes will look tired and hollow.
When you crash diet you mainly loose water weight, and it can cause your skin to be dry and flaky.
You should eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein.
Don't completely cut out the good fats in your diet because this, too, will cause your skin to be dry and will also cause your hair to be dull rather than shiny.
Drink plenty of water.
Water flushes out the toxins in your body and makes your skin glow.
Get plenty of rest the night before the pageant.
You actually need to be doing this for at least a week prior as well.
You want to feel well rested, but most importantly you want to look well rested.
The judges DO look at the little things.
Color is your best weapon when it comes picking just the right dress.
A flattering shade can give your skin a healthy glow, while the wrong color or hue can make you look washed out.
Make sure that you pick a dress color that compliments your skin tone, hair color, and eye color.
If your complexion has a pink or rosy undertone, you should go with colors that are sharp and clear.
Wear rich dark colors such as black, navy blue, red or hot pink.
If you must wear light colors, wear icy pastels in pinks, yellows, or blue, or wear bright white.
Earth tones will make you look ashen.
If you are a natural blond and / or have pale or pink skin, you should choose soft neutral colors and pastels, as well as muted colors with cool undertones.
Great color choices for you are dusty pink, powder blue, mauve, lavender, and pale yellow.
Earth tones are not for you, either.
But for those of you who have complexion with golden undertones, like a golden beige or brown, or pale peach, the earth tones are just what you want to look for.
Dark brown, camel, beige, olive, orange, and gold are all colors that are great for you.
You want to stay away from bright colors as well as black and white.
Also, pastels and blues are no-nos for you.
If your skin is very light, creamy white, or peach tone, you can wear very pale, very soft colors like golden brown, golden yellow, peach, camel, tan, and aqua.
You also can wear bright green, true reds, clear blues and coral.
You want to avoid wearing black and white.
When choosing makeup, be sure to match your complexion as closely as possible.
Some women tend to go to dark, trying to make up for the lack of a tan, but that is exactly what it looks like is happening.
It just never looks natural because the skin on your neck, chest, arms, legs, etc.
, are going to show that it is not a tan.
You never want a line where your foundation ends.
When your makeup is the right color, it is easy to blend so that you don't have any lines.
If you are doing your own makeup, keep in mind what the makeup artists already know...
you don't want to overdo anything.
You want to look as naturally beautiful as you possibly can.
When it is time for you to walk out in front of those judges, imagine the crown already on your head! You will exude the confidence the judges absolutely crave.
Don't be cocky.
Try to look the judges in the eye, and give them your very best and most confident smile.
Who knows, you just might be the next Miss America!