Britney Bearb

• Top Twelve 2002 Miss Louisiana Teen USA
  
• 2001Miss Southwest Louisiana Teen USA
• 2002 Miss Lake Charles Teen USA

Pageants are a very great learning experience that you will cherish all of your life.  Not only do you build confidence but you also learn how to interact with other people.  These are just a few tips that I have picked up through my pageant experiences.

Hair

This is one tip I live by.  Keep it NATURAL and OUT OF YOUR FACE.  The way your hair is fixed can either make or break your appearance.  If it is kept natural you are presenting a girl next-door image.  You always want your hair out of your face because judges want to see your beautiful face!  The hairspray that will last through wardrobe changes is Freeze It.  Very affordable and can be found at Wal-Mart.

Nails

The painted French manicure looks very natural.  Acrylic is very pretty but it damages your nails.  If your nails are at a medium length you can get the same effect with nail polish.  The Sally Hansen Manicure Kit works well.

Make Up

Along with your hair, you want this NATURAL, although you will need a little more than usual on stage.  The lights can be bright and can wash you out.  The foundation that has best coverage and is perfect for stage is Merle Norman Ultra Finish.  Just when you think you have enough blush.  Add a little more.  In the stage lights your blush will barely show.  Eye shadow is the hardest to apply.  The technique that I find looks best under stage light is: pearl white over the entire lid.  Then apply the darker shade in the crease.  Apply a taupe over the lid to blend the colors that gives you a beautiful look.  The mascara that makes your lashes longer and thicker with out clumping is Voluminous.  It can also be found at Wal-Mart in the cosmetic section. 

Wardrobe

The gown you wear should represent your own style.  Teens should wear a gown that has a youthful flare.  The price of a dress does not matter.  Wear what you feel is appropriate and makes you feel like a winner.

Interview

This is the most important segment of a pageant.  Study your bio.  That is where most of the questions come from.  Try not to say um, or you know.  Sit up straight and make eye contact.  And of course, SMILE.  The suit should show your personal style.  Keep the skirt at a decent length.  No more than 4 inches above the knee.  Broaches and necklaces can be very elegant if not overdone. 

Swimsuit

No matter how skinny you may be we all get cellulite.  The best thing to get rid of it is cardio.  Tae-Boe tones you up very quickly and it’s fun.  Swimming is also a good form of exercise.  Don’t eat bananas a week before the pageant.  Bananas make you retain salt and fluids, which can make you bloated.  Firm grip is the best when it comes to making sure your swimsuit stays in place.  It also helps if you spray a little under your feet before you put your taupe shoes on.  This keeps your heels from sliding out of your shoe. 

Arrival

Always look your best.  You never know where the judges are.  Be very kind to people around you.  You want people to think you wake up beautiful.  Arrive prepared at all times.  Set hair with rollers and apply make up in the dressing room.  Arrive a little early.  Being punctual shows that you can be a great titleholder.

Preparation

Be cordial to the contestants.  If you have a little extra time, give a hand to someone who may need it.  Be honest. If something is not quite right with any of the girls let them know. 

The best advice I can give you is BE YOURSELF!!!

If you can dream it you can achieve it…