There are some things that every pageant girl needs in her bag, so let's start with the basics...

 

1. Fake Eyelashes – If applied well, fake eye lashes are a great way to open up tired eyes after a long day of rehearsals.  You will probably want to wear them for both your interview and the evening competition. Practice with a couple of sets before the compeition, so you can change sets quickly to glam up your look if you need to, between rounds.
    

2. Butt Glue – Remember the scene in MIss Congeniality when Michael Caine sprays Sandra Bullock's bum back stage at Miss United States?  This was no joke, it's a very real, and equallyessential part of your pageant preparation.  The purpose of butt glue is simple - to stop your swimwear disappearing up..ahem!  To keep your bikini in place, spray the glue onto your cheeks; let it dry for a few seconds then pull your swimsuit down over it. The ‘glue’ will prevent your swimwear riding up. Finall, don't forget to pack baby wipes to remove your butt glue, or you may have a sticky problem when you go to get your next outfit on.
    

3. Plan your Makeup – Investing in a good make up routine is fandamental to your pageant success. STart by finding the right makeup for your skin type by visiting a large department store and try a range of skincare brands, from Clinique to Mac, to Estee Lauder.  UKS highly recommends Eastee' Lauder's Double Wear Foundation rangem which is fantastic for full face coverage and does not melt off under bi=right stage lights. ALso keep in mind that your makeup on stage will be very different to what you need to wear in your interview.  Makeup contouring is especially good for looking good under stage lights.  For tips on countouring visit our makeup page and watch the tutorials.  Look for high quality eye shadows, a good bronzer, a good quality foundation, and some great lipstick.
    

4. Be Organised – Being organised helps to keep the stress level down because you have what you will need right at your fingertips.  Pack your shoes, jewellery, and clothes (bikini, evening wear etc) in seperate bags, so they are easy to access in the back-stage rush..and label everything!
    

5. Hire a Steamer – A pageant winner always looks flawless, and that includes her clothes.  Banish the wrinkles by keeping your evening gown hung up until he last minute, and ask a friend or another contestant to help you iron out any creases while you put it in, if you have time.
    

6. Hide your panty lines by investing in some invisible panties.  Marks and SPencer sell some great invisi-knickers, as do Primark and H&M.
    

7. If you have contacts, wear them.  If atall possible, glasses should only be worn in the fashionwear round, so chose a stylish and elegant pair!
    

8. Plan your jewelry – Wear jewelry that will enhance your beauty, not distract from it.  Put your jewellry into bags (money bags fromthe post office are always useful) so you canwhip it out of your bag in the mad rush between competition rounds back stage.  Put your ear rings and bracelets for swimwear for example, with your bikini, and the same for evening wear. Planning is everything.
    

9. Practice, Practice, Practice! A contestant needs to be comfortable navigating through every aspect of a pageant. Practice everything. Practice wearing your heels. If you can’t wear sky high heels then find a lower heel and practice wearing them. Practice wearing you swimsuit, (with heels). Practice a variety of hair styles and get proficient at quickly creating them. (Judges like variety in hairstyles). Practice your interview questions by having your friends/family ask you a variety of random questions. Have a trial pageant run-through and ask for feedback from others; especially feedback from former/current beauty pageant winners.
    

10. Your smile! Be confident, composed, relax and enjoy the ride.  It will show if you look concerned or nervous, so stay positive and believe n yourself. Be mature but stay playful, and be sure to let you personality shine!  You are the best you!