The nail art craze! Within the last few years nail art—from fancy to crazy—has become a huge part of the beauty and fashion scene. Simply typing nail art into Pinterest will bring forth a plethora of different tutorials and ideas. But how far is too far for nail art? And how do you decide what is appropriate or not for different social situations? Never fear my lovely pageant ladies! I shall help you navigate the nail craze, so that you may go forth and feel confident in your nail art decisions. :)

1. For Work

This is a tricky one, as it truly depends on where you work and what you do. If you work in a creative industry that promotes self-expression, you may have no boundaries in how crazy your nail art can become. However, if you work in a conservative law firm or for the government you should probably avoid nail art all together. In the latter case, light pink or nude nails are the best choice. Although you may be able to get away with a simple French manicure or red nail polish, other colors are probably not the best idea.

2. For Play

Going out with friends? Have a fun, holiday get-together to go to? Then feel free to be as creative as you want. Check out what nail art is trending now, and go for it. Experiment and have fun!

3. For Everyday

For everyday wear you may want to forgo encrusting your nails with sparkling gems, but you can still have fun nonetheless.  Change it up by painting one nail a different color or choosing one finger on each hand to add sparkles. Add a geometric shape or even polka dots to your nails. Another fun idea is to buy a matte nail polish! These ideas may also apply to your pageant nail art choices as well. :)

No matter what nail design you choose, use your best judgment when deciding if it’s appropriate for work, play, or everyday. Have fun and be creative! Use your nails as a way to express your unique style. So get out there, and start painting!

P.S. What is you favorite nail art design? Post a picture or link to one below and let me know! :)

Nails are an important part of any pageant girl’s look. Well-kept nails make you look put together and chic. However, nail polish, especially when worn on your hands, seems to chip within days. Not so good, so we end up shelling out more than we like for high end nail polish that last. What if I told you that you could find budget nail polishes that do the same? Well, PageantToPhD is here to bring you our top 5 budget nail polishes that will last, dry fast, and get the job done!

1. Essie Nail Polish

Essie’s large range of colors, cute packaging, and long wear make it a favorite amongst reviewers. These nail polishes have a beautiful shine sans topcoat, and they also have a fun variety of textures from glitter to satin. Additionally, they can last about a week and cost under $10!

2. Revlon Colorstay Nail Enamel

Revlon has once again made our budget beauty list! Reviewers loved this nail polish for its naturally glossy finish and its chip-free nature. Its consistency is thinner than other brands, but this helps prevent chipping, which makes it last longer. Despite the thinness of the formula, it does not dry streaky. Overall, the nail polish’s quick-drying, long-lasting qualities make it a drugstore favorite. Perfect for a pageant girl on the go!

3. China Glaze

One of the hallmarks of China Glaze’s popularity is its ridiculously large color selection. The colors are very saturated, and best of all they last! You see China Glaze all over the internet, especially Pinterest. Their diverse color selection, and coveted “For Audrey,” which is a Tiffany’s blue, make them a must have drugstore nail polish for any pageant girl!

4. Sally Hanson Xtreme Wear Nail Color & Complete Salon Manicure

Sally Hanson is a drugstore favorite for its large variety of colors and nail polish lines (e.g., Xtreme Wear and Insta-Dri). The Sally Hanson nail polishes did the job, and did it well. Most reviewers found no need for a topcoat because of the thick, glossy formula. Another bonus was the nice price range, starting at $1.99 and up. A great bargain for a budget-bound pageant girl!

5. Wet n’ Wild MegaLast Nail Polish

Wet n’ Wild is always a budget beauty favorite because of its low price point and large variety making it a great brand to affordably try new colors. Reviewers loved MegaLast because of its fast-drying, true-to-color, and long-lasting properties. Furthermore, the under $3 price is hard to beat. A pageant girl can look great for less, and still have money to buy even more budget brands!

Also: Don’t forget to checkout Navigating the Nail Art Craze (FIND LINK TO OTHER BLOG POST) for tips and tricks on nail art for work, play, and everyday!

During the Summer, many of us are hit up the pool or the beach! Summer is the time of year to get that beautiful golden glow for your pageant. However, baking under the sun for hours is not ideal. Luckily, we have bronzer to give us that natural sun-kissed look. Now many may turn to the high-end brands, but I find that anything upwards of $25 is just too much to pay (unless it works crazy well). Yet, many avoid the drugstore brands in fear of looking orange. But worry not! PageantToPhD is here to make sure you get quality for the right price without looking like an Oompa Loompa!

1. NYC: Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny

By far the most popular and widely loved drugstore bronzer, NYC’s Sunny Bronzer was adored for it’s neutral range (it was neither too cool nor warm). Thus, it is versatile on a large array of skin tones. Furthermore, the formula is sheer meaning it is easily buildable should you want a more dramatic look. Additionally, its sheerness equals a more naturally luminous tan. Another bonus? It costs under $4! Great for a pageant girl on a budget!

2. Physician’s Formula: Bronze Booster 

Physician’s Formula is another popular brand for bronzers, and many of their bronzer formulas were on top drugstore bronzer lists. The Bronze Booster is a collection of tiny, bronzed “sun” stones that you can swirl your brush around to pick up color. This bronzer has good pigmentation with a golden hue, which makes for a perfect, natural pageant look.

Furthermore, you can layer it on top of a deeper bronzer to give it more dimension and glow. Also, don’t forget to check out their Happy Booster Glow and Mineral Wear Face Powder Bronzer.

3. Rimmel London: Natural Bronzer

This bronzer is great for those with fairer complexions! It is a little warmer than NYC’s Sunny, and thus is more flattering on those pageant ladies with lighter skin tones. Furthermore, it acts as both a bronzer and a highlighter, and gives a matte finish with a little oomph. Additionally, it is very smooth and goes on sheer for a gorgeous, luminous glow. Also, check out Rimmel’s Shimmer Maxi Bronzer.

 4. E.L.F.: Bronzer

Another great, affordable alternative, the E.L.F. bronzer is under $4 as well! It has a bronze gold hue and is silky, which translates into streak-free and longwearing. Perfect for a long day at your pageant! This bronzer bestows a subtle, sun-kissed radiance to the skin. A great bargain for a naturally tanned look.

5. Maybelline New York: FIT me! Bronzer

This brand is great because the color is personalized to best fit your skin tone. Thus, when you apply it, it blends beautifully and naturally into the skin. Furthermore, it is long lasting and not prone to fading meaning you will have a wonderful all-day glow. Additionally, the formula is lightweight making for a quick application that won’t feel cakey as the day wears on. Perfect for a pageant girl who needs a bronzer that goes the distance!

P.S. What are your favorite drugstore bronzers? Let me know in the box below! :)

Wondering what budget product we are covering this month? Hint: It’s an important base to every pageant girl’s makeup routine–Foundation! Foundations can get quite expensive and because we use foundation everyday, it can become a burden on the wallet. But do not fear my pageant starlets, beauty on a budget will give you the most for your money. Here below is a list of the top 5 budget foundations. Enjoy! :)

1.    Revlon: Nearly Naked Foundation (Pressed Powder & Liquid)

Revlon is a drugstore favorite, and thus it is no surprise that one of their foundations made Beauty on a Budget’s list of top drugstore foundations. This foundation was great for a no-makeup look. Skin looks flawless and the foundation gives light, buildable coverage. Furthermore, reviewers liked Revlon’s Nearly Naked foundation because it was creamy, but not too thick. Perfect for an effortless pageant makeup look!

2.    L’Oreal Paris: True Match Foundation

By far one of the more popular on the list, L’Oreal Paris’s True Match foundation was a resounding success. The brand comes in 33 different shades categorized by three undertones (i.e., warm, neutral, and cool). Thus, a pageant girl will have no trouble finding the perfect shade! Additionally, they are oil-free, which translates to non-greasy, longer-wear because it is less likely to slough off as the day wears on. The foundation also has medium, buildable coverage meaning you already start off with a good base. Another bonus? This foundation was named InStyle’s Best Inexpensive Foundation for 2013!

3.    Revlon: Colorstay Foundation

Out of all the products I discovered during my research, this was by far the most popular. What is the number one reason to love this foundation? It’s staying power! Many reviewers agreed that it lasted up to 12 hours without the foundation rubbing off or transferring on to hands or clothes. This foundation also has a large number of shades to choose from categorized by normal/dry skin or oily/combination skin. Reviewers appear to prefer the latter formula no matter your skin type for it has an amazing matte finish that still looks natural and not powdery. The coverage is also good and the formula blends well into the skin.

4.    Neutrogena: Healthy Skin Foundation (Enhancer & Liquid)

Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Foundation came in a variety of types from sheers to compacts. However, every incarnation of the Healthy Skin Foundation was loved for different reasons.

The Skin Enhancer formula was loved because it had retinol and SPF protection, both of which are great for enhancing and protecting skin. The coverage is sheer to medium, and it acts a good tinted moisturizer.

The liquid foundation is the most popular and gave reviewers a glowy, dewy finish without being cakey. Furthermore, it was hydrating and helped even skin tone without being too heavy on the skin making it perfect for winter or summer. This brand is best for drier skin, as it is very moisturizing, and it may need to be set with powder if it looks too dewy.  Also, don’t expect full coverage with this brand, and keep in mind a limited color range may lead to mixing two different shades. Despite these shortcomings, the liquid foundation was nonetheless loved for keeping its promise and making skin look healthy!

5. CoverGirl: Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

This brand was popular for the fact that one could skip priming and concealing the skin and go straight to the foundation (3-in-1)! Because of its priming and concealing properties, the foundation has pretty full coverage, so you won’t need to build on the first layer. It dries to a nice matte, but non-powdery, finish. Furthermore, it has lasting power (up to 9 hours)! The only critique is that it sometimes dries a shade or two darker than when originally applied.

P.S. What is your favorite drugstore foundation? Comment in the box below and let me know! :)

When it comes to beauty and makeup, one of the first things we like to focus on are the eyes. A dynamic, well-done eye look will instantly make you look glamorous, regardless of whether or not you decide to go through with the rest of your makeup routine. High-end department store brands of makeup have some seriously amazing eye products that everyone loves, and it can be a little bit harder to find the same quality in a drugstore product. But, it’s not impossible to find a few things that are highly comparable. And with that, I have for you lovely pageant ladies some amazing drugstore steals for your eyes.

Step One: Eye Primer

A flawless eye-makeup look starts with priming the eyes. And eye-shadow primer is a must if you want your makeup to last throughout the day and look just as impeccable at the end of the end as in the morning. It’s especially important if it’s a beauty pageant day and you want to keep that eye makeup in place when you’re under a spotlight for most of the day. My favorite drugstore eye primer is the NYX High Definition Eyeshadow Base. This product is incredible for a drugstore find and it will keep your eye-shadow in place all day long. You won’t get any tell-tale creasing or wearing off, and your makeup won’t budge. Just remember to let the base dry completely before putting on the rest of your eye makeup!

Step Two: Eye Shadow

Now once you’ve primed your eyes, the obvious next step is to apply your shadow. Finding a good drugstore eye shadow is tricky, because many of them are too powdery and don’t stay in place. Because you’ve already put on a primer, it’s not too big of an issue, you still want the best quality you can find on a budget. And it’s always a better deal if you can find a palette that you like rather than buying the individual shades. Palettes are also put together with shades that generally go well together, so that gives you one less things to worry about. One of the best drugstore eye shadow palettes by far is the Sonia Kashuk Eye Couture Eye on Neutral Matte . All of the shades in this palette are highly pigmented and will work well on just about any skin tone. Additionally, while these are pressed powders, the application is creamy and smooth, and it’s super blendable. You get twelve gorgeous shades in this palette so overall, it’s an incredible deal. I also recommend the Sonia Kashuk brushes as well, which are great if you’re on a budget.

Step Three: Eyeliner

For me, eyeliner is an absolute must. If I do nothing else with my makeup, I will at least apply an eyeliner. Eyeliners instantly widen and brighten the eyes, adding depth to any look you create. You can simply tight-line the eyes by applying a pencil eyeliner along your upper and lower waterline, you can create a winged look with a liquid eyeliner, or smudge it out for a bit of a smoky eye effect. It’s always good to have one pencil and one liquid eyeliner on hand. I use a liquid liner on my eyelid, and I use the pencil eyeliner for tight-lining and smudging along my lower lash line. Black eyeliner creates a bold look, which is great if you’re on stage for a pageant and want your eyes to pop, but brown eyeliner creates a soft, more subdued look when you want to look a bit more natural. My favorite liquid eyeliner is the L’Oreal Infalliable Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner. The felt-tip makes for easy application, and though felt-tipped liners have the tendency to dry out quickly, this one will last quite a while. You get an intense color pay off and the pigment won’t fade away or bleed. As for pencil eyeliners, L’Oreal is a winner again, with their L’Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Eyeliner Pencil. This product is incredibly pigmented, and black shade is super intense, which is exactly what you want if you’re going for a black liner. It’s got a creamy formula as well, so it glides smoothly along the eye without tugging. It also has a smudger on one end of the product so that you can smudge it out for that smoky look.

Step Four: Mascara (+ Eyelash Curler)

Eyelash curlers aren’t entirely necessary for a day-to-day basis, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t useful. Eyelash curlers open up the eye and make the lashes look longer and give them that extra help curling them when mascara alone isn’t doing the trick. ELF Mechanical Eyelash Curler is a great one to use, and it’s such a bargain at only $1. Next, it’s time for mascara. Mascara can do any number of things include adding depth, volume, curl, and length to your lashes. One of the best drugstore mascaras, in my opinion, is the Maybelline Volum’ Express Falsies Flared. The curled brush helps fan out the lashes and increases volume while adding depth and dimension to the eyes. I like using a waterproof formula the best, so that it doesn’t wear off throughout the day. Tip: You can easily remove waterproof makeup with olive oil, which quickly breaks down the product.

With that, you’ve got a fabulous and flawless eye makeup routine with 100% drugstore products and quality results!

Beauty on a Budget is back with the Mascara Edition! Budget mascaras have flourished and there are some long-standing favorites that every girl should know. Having explored the vast Internet, read reviews, and compared ratings here are the top five budget mascaras that every pageant girl should try! :)

1. Maybelline New York: Volume’ Express Turbo Boost

You have probably seen this mascara pop up quite a few times on this blog, and that’s because it is my personal favorite budget mascara. I own the waterproof version and love it. Smudging is little to nonexistent (at least in my experience) and it isn’t too clumpy either. Although I do not love it as much as Benefit Cosmetic’s They’re Real Mascara, its price and the fact it does a pretty stand up job make it one of my favorites!

2. CoverGirl: Lash Blast Volume

Beauty mavens raved that this is CoverGirl’s best mascara. The mascara does not clump too much and gives lashes definition and length. This was my first mascara, and I loved it growing up. It was not until I could afford to try other brands that I converted. However, if I do have another go-to bargain mascara, CoverGirl’s Lash Blast would definitely be it.

3. Physicians Formula: Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Jumbo Lash Mascara

This mascara is a great option for ladies with sensitive eyes and skin. 47% of this mascara’s ingredients are organic and its eco-friendly packaging is recyclable! However, not only is it good for you and for the environment, but it also works wonders on your lashes. This mascara not only provides length without clumping, but also tons of volume! You can wear this mascara and rest east knowing that it’s free of any harsh chemicals, dyes, and parabens that could cause more harm than good. Plus the packaging is adorable! :)

4. Maybelline New York: Full n’ Soft Washable Mascara

In my research, I went through quite a few different lists of top drugstore mascaras and this one was on more lists than any of the others. Although apparently lacking the drama for an evening out, this mascara is great for any daytime look. It makes lashes appear natural, but also fuller. Additionally, the name doesn’t lie, it truly does make lashes soft and not spikey, as many other mascaras do. The waterproof version also works well, but the non-waterproof formula is great because it comes off easily with no fuss. Foremost, many mascara-lovers are devotees of Maybelline’s Full n’ Soft making it a staple in their makeup routine.

5. L’Oreal Paris: Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

According to proponents this mascara is truly carbon black and gives lashes an intense, “are those real?” look. Additionally, the mascaras consistency is not goopy, but creamy and the full-brush gives lashes clump-free volume. Another bonus? InStyle Magazine named L’Oreal’s Voluminous Mascara as its Best Inexpensive Mascara of 2013.

P.S. What is your favorite drugstore mascara? Comment in the box below and let me know!

Oh, beauty products…how quickly $100 has slipped through our fingers at Sephora, MAC, or any number of cosmetic counters. So how does a pageant girl on a budget find products that provide quality for the right price?

Look no further than the nearest drugstore! Looking great doesn’t have to be expensive. Although magazines keep luring us into spending $40 or more on phenomenal foundations or beautifully crafted eye shadow compacts, sometimes it is better to stay within our monetary limits. This is where many drugstore brands come into play.

Yes, their advertisements are ubiquitous (we can find a CoverGirl ad in almost any magazine), but some of us avoid these brands fearing we may be sacrificing quality. Not so fast! Beauty on a budget means finding quality in the least expensive of places…so below are a few brands and products that provide quality for a great price! :)

Eye Shadow Edition:

1.     L’Oreal Paris: H.I.P. High Intensity Pigments
People loved these shadows because they were highly pigmented and lasted! Be careful not to apply too much, you can always layer on more color for more drama! The best part is that they apply as smoothly and seamlessly as a higher quality eye shadow. Talk about quality for a great price! You can glow even more at your pageant knowing you look great and didn’t pay ridiculous amounts to do so.

2. Maybelline New York: Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24 HR Cream Gel Shadow
Similar to L’Oreal Paris’ H.I.P. these colors were made to last all day, and according to proponents they do! Although they come in a creamy consistency, the color is still workable, but it dries not too long after application: so blend, blend, blend! Once applied you will have a look that will last all day during your pageant with no need to reapply. :)

3. Wet N’ Wild: Eye Shadow Palette
Wet N’ Wild is always a drugstore favorite whether for eye shadows or lipsticks because you get a lot for your money ($.99 lipstick anyone?). Plus they come in so many fun, pigmented shades! You can find almost any color, which makes the brand a great, cheap way to experiment and play with your pageant makeup look.

4. Maybelline New York: Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow Quad
In general, Maybelline’s eye shadows usually take the cake. Whether it’s the quad or the color tattoo shadows their colors are pigmented and last almost all day (even through my mid-afternoon naps!). What’s nice about these quads is that they come in shades that work well with one another and you have a chance to experiment with different techniques or crazy colors (check out the blue palette!).

5. Milani: Runway Eyes
Milani was a drugstore favorite because its colors blended well together while remaining pigmented. Additionally, the colors in the palette work beautifully together to create a gorgeous look you can rock at your pageant (they aren’t called Runway Eyes for nothing!).

6. L’Oreal Paris: Infallible Eye Shadow
According to makeupgeek.com these shadows are the less pricey version of Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill. Another example of quality at a great price! Once again these shades are super pigmented making them last longer and stay brighter. Additionally, the texture is smooth and silky making application a cinch! You can have a more affordable version of killer eyes to flaunt at your pageant. :)

Craving new budget-friendly beauty products? Well, Beauty on a Budget is back, and this time we’re focusing on blush! Here are our top five picks to give your cheeks a gorgeous, rosy glow. Explore, try, and keep on smiling! :)

CoverGirl Cheekers Blush

Launched in the 1980s, this blush has been a hit ever since. It comes in a variety of shades perfect for any skin tone. Their most versatile color, “Natural Rose,” looks good on both dark and light skin. Additionally, this blush is great for oily skin, as its powdery consistency blends seamlessly into the skin.

Milani Minerals Blush

This blush is great for those with sensitive skin; it’s talc-free, non-irritating, and mineral-based. It is available in four beautiful shades that are long lasting and easy to apply. They give cheeks a nice, natural glow. One reviewer even claims they are the drugstore version of the coveted Nars blushes!

L’Oreal True Match Blush

A repeat winner of InStyle’s Best Inexpensive Powder Blush; this blush is loved for its large selection based on whether your skin tone is warm, neutral, or cool. The formula is non-comedogenic and oil-free, which means it’s perfect for those who are more acne-prone, as it won’t cause breakouts. Furthermore, its silky texture lends a luminous glow to skin.

Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush

Although powder blushes are usually more popular than cream ones, cream blushes nevertheless have their place. Great for those with dry skin or who truly want to mimic a natural blush, cream blushes are a wonderful alternative to powder. This cream blush is loved for its lasting power and its great pigmentation. It will last the day and keep you glowing!

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush

Physicians Formula is always a go-to drugstore brand, and their blush is no exception! The blush gives a beautiful, luminous finish that instantly brightens your complexion. The color is buildable, and application is a pinch. The packaging is also adorable as it comes in a handy compact and the blush has cute little hearts engraved into it!

P.S. What’s your favorite drugstore blush?

Some pageants require a platform.  For those who do not know, a platform is a topic or organization that a contestant chooses to support and advocate for.  There are all different types of platforms ranging from promoting girl scouts to appreciating the elderly to feeding America’s children to strengthening the family to promoting STEM to promoting the arts, etc… hopefully you get the idea, the options are seemingly infinite.  If you do choose to compete in a system that has a platform, you will surely be asked about it in your interview (which we all know is the most important part).  If you are going to take the time to prepare for your interview with the books, it is worth your time to choose your platform wisely.

So you’re wondering how in the world you are going to pick one platform issue.  Easy! Follow these tips to find a platform that you will be able to articulately discuss in your pageant interview.

Just like they say “location, location, location” in Real Estate, in pageants, we say “Passion, Passion, Passion”.  The most important thing you can do for your pageant career concerning your platform is picking a platform that you are passionate about.  What is something you will not mind waking up early on Saturday morning to promote?  Hopefully, when you are picking your platform, you are thinking long term.  So think about if this is a platform you will want to be promoting in a few years.

Make it personal.  If you decide to pick appreciating the elderly as your platform and a judge asks you why you chose your platform and all you have to say for yourself is that you saw the idea on the blog, you might as well just not interview at all- because you are possibly the most boring contestant of all time.  Come on! I’m sure you can think of a time in your life when you saw an elderly person being underappreciated.  Think of a story that pertains to your platform.  Get really good at telling it.  That’s half the battle in your interview.

Next, think of a creative name.  Maybe even think of a pun!  For example, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2016, Allie Nault’s platform is Making Sen$e.  Rather than her platform title being something like teaching America’s children to be fiscally responsible, her title is far more interesting.  Don’t call your platform exactly what it is- give it a fun name.

Next step: pick an organization to partner with.  This will be so useful to have in your pageant interview.  It will give you mentors, events to attend, and connections to make.  If I could give my younger pageant self a piece of advice, it would be to pick a platform that has an organization I can connect with and work with.

Goals.  As with every area of competition, make realistic and achievable goals for your platform.  If you are not sure where to start, ask yourself, “what do I want to be able to tell the judges I have done with my platform?” The answer to that question leaves you with a great place to start.

Lastly, it’s time to get out in your community and make a difference.  Cliché, I know.  But it really is true!  Create a Facebook page, put on an event, attend an event, and chase after your platform goals whole heartedly.  This passion and dedication will come across to the judges in your interview and get you one step closer to the crown.  Want to learn more?

Read this book  for extra pointers when it comes to picking your platform.

Not sure what to wear for the evening wear portion of the pageant?  Turn that frown into your dream gown by following these simple tips.

Evening gowns are important for a couple reasons.  Whatever you win in becomes your signature look.  Nothing else you wear during your pageant year will be even half as memorable as your look in evening gown.  Guaranteed.  Evening gown is also the pageant judging portion where most contestants feel their best and like the princess their five year old self always wanted to be.

Before we get started, there is something we could all remember when it comes to choosing our evening gowns.  I know you don’t want to hear it, and I certainly did not want to hear it either (at first), but it is the truth:  there will always be someone to hate your gown and someone to love it.  Isn’t that a little like life though?  There will always be someone to approve of our actions just as there will always be someone to disagree with them.  And who says pageants aren’t relevant to real life? ;)

Back to the point.  When you are picking a pageant evening gown there are a few things to remember.  Starting with the most important…

Does your dress fit your personality?

Style.  Your dress truly needs to be a representation of yourself.  If you want the pageant judges to remember your softer side, you probably do not want to go with a dress with a high slit, low neckline, and lots of sheer material.  That would be silly.  Why?  The look just described is better for someone with a little more spunk or wanting to come across as sexy.  Before you even start the hunt for your gown, make a list of adjectives describing how you want to come across in your gown (warm, graceful, classic, bold, unique, sexy, etc.)

Color.  Color is another extremely important aspect when it comes to choosing the proper gown for you.  Whatever style you choose, it is important that you get it in a color that compliments your hair and skin tone.  Some colors, as much as we love them, just do not look good on us.  Been there.  Done that.  However, there are some colors that we tend to stay away from that actually look great on us on stage!  Been there.  Done that too.  When I was growing up, sometime along the way, I was told I should never wear the color red because I have red hair.  So for years, I did not own a single thing in my closet that was red!  Then one day, while I was searching for my next gown, I came across a beautiful red Mac Duggal and knew it had my name on it… or on the label.  This gown has worked well for me and taught me that every color deserves a second chance.

Is it appropriate?

Ah.  This one is always a little difficult.  I think it is always best to error a little more on the conservative side rather than too risqué especially when you do not know how conservative your judges are.  It is also important to be aware of the system you are competing in.  Have you looked at the gowns of past pageant winner?  Were their dresses modest or revealing?  What about those who placed in the top 5?  I recommend going through the past three years of photos to get a better idea.

It is also important to consider your age division and the level of the pageant.  The bigger the pageant, the more you can get away with revealing gowns. However, even if you are a teen at a national pageant, it is a good idea to still keep your look conservative.

How does it make you feel?

When you step into your gown, do you want to feel like Beyoncé or Kate Middleton?  Cinderella, perhaps?  Either way, when you wear your gown, you should be feeling your best- you deserve it!  It is the portion of the competition where you can sit back (or stand up in those tall heels) and enjoy your moment.

Can you see yourself winning in it?

So you’re thinking to yourself that this could be the gown.  Now, the next step is to picture yourself wearing it and being crowned the pageant titleholder.  Can you see it?  Speaking from personal experience, often times I get to this step and realize this is not the dress for me.  Maybe it is too plain or too “out there” but I just get a feeling that it is time to move on and find a new dress.

Is it a good investment?

You’re almost ready for commitment!  You have talked it over with your family or friends and now you look at the price tag to see how it works with your budget.  I forgot to talk about this.  YOU MUST HAVE A BUDGET BEFORE YOU START SHOPPING.  YOU MUST.  A $6,000 gown will always look better than a $100 one.  But, is it worth the difference?  Are you willing to break the bank to win this title?  If so, I say go after the gown of your dreams!  If you are like me and compete for the sake of earning scholarships, spending such excessive amounts on a dress is just not a wise investment.

Before investing in a gown, you also need to decide how long you want to use it for.  Is this for a single pageant or are you hoping to make it your gown for the next 3 years?  If you align yourself more to the latter, it may be best to choose a more timeless style so that you will still look trendy in a few years.

Best of luck with your shopping!

Hello Pageant Contestants,

If you are like me, your life may seem like it is just getting busier. As you are preparing for you pageant it can feel even more that way!

Remember, when you are feeling busy it is okay to say “no” to some things. It is okay to say
“maybe” or  “later” too, depending on the situation. Once in awhile we have to let things go, or just accept not everything will be perfect but “go for it” anyway and have fun!  Sometimes it helps to take stock and sort out where you can use more support and then ask for help.

For me, it can be a challenge to keep up with writing–I have so much I’d like to share, but so little time. So I’ve sought out support to help with this blog. I’ll still join the mix now and then to share insights on how to prepare for interview effectively and how handle pageant interview questions like a pro, but I’m adding some folks to the team to contribute more regularly to help you in related areas.

Thus, in the coming days we’ll have a team member begin writing about beauty and fashion to give you ideas and resources. Her tips and tricks will inspire and educate. They’ll likely also save you time (and maybe some money). They certainly will help you look your best at your pageant interview, and at all other times!

Another team member will write about staying healthy as you seek your goals. A healthy body and a happy mind are more important than any crown. And you can have all three if you approach your pageant preparation with healthy attitudes about self, beauty, food, and fitness. There are certainly differing perspectives and lots of info out there (and you should always check with your physician if you feel poorly or before any serious dieting, of course), but hopefully the tips pulled together here will help remind you of some simple, healthy, and reasonable ways to approach finding balance in this arena.

So bookmark this page or sign up for the RSS feed and see how things unfold. :-)

Hello Pageant Lovers,

I’m back in the saddle again. Or should I say I’m back in my crown and my high heels?  :-)

Sorry to have been away for a while. Family demands and other work demands being what they are I just needed to use more of my time for other things for a while. But I was still working on things behind the scenes…

Starting this week I hope to post a new YouTube video at least once a week.  This week we start with a brief “hello again” video–it’s up there already if you want to check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGzA8rm8Dwg .  After that we will post brief videos dealing with how to handle pageant interview questions, and sometimes pageants themselves!

Some of the videos will be information that is a good review or reminder for you in regard to pageant interviewing, but surely some of them will be new information for you—perhaps things you’ve yet to think about.  Each individual is different, of course, based on her experience, but stay tuned as you never know which video will give you the tip YOU need to learn to help you win your crown.

In addition to the weekly or better YouTube videos (channel = PGNTInterviewQueen), I intend to start posting to my Pageant Interview Queen blog once a week again (see here for my previous posts), and get back into Tweeting (PGNTIntrvwQueen) and FaceBooking  (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pageant-To-PhD/197105456997047) on a near daily basis. Step by step I’ll get used to my social media shoes again. :-)

So please subscribe, follow, or check in on whatever channel(s) work for you stay in touch. I’d love to see you have an optimal pageant experience—after all, a pageant is just the beginning and the skills you learn or practice there will translate into other areas of your life. You are all beautiful so how you interview is the key in setting you apart from others.

Let’s build some momentum in helping every pageant contestant shine her brightest!  And remember to watch Miss USA this weekend. :-)

I hope you and yours are well,

Dr. Stephanie Raye

The 2012 Miss USA pageant was televised earlier this week. The lovely Miss Rhode Island, Olivia Culpo, won the crown. She was thoughtful in her on-stage answer, she was beautiful, and she had a spontaneous, sparkly quality way about her.

But the now ex-Miss Pennsylvania, Sheena Monnin, apparently couldn’t see that. (Click here for a news article on the matter.) Instead of crediting that Miss Rhode Island could have actually earned the crown, she complained the pageant was fixed. She’s under the impression that somehow the winner, or at least the finalists, were determined before the pageant.

If indeed she believes that then one must applaud her integrity for raising the question.

But, on the on the other hand, one must wonder if it is sour grapes—if after all her own efforts she just couldn’t cope well with the fact that she didn’t make it even as far as the semi-finals. Just making it to Miss USA is a huge accomplishment, but some folks can’t accept that as “enough.”

Or we could wonder if she saw this as an opportunity to get her own 15 minutes of fame.

Or, to be fair, maybe she just showed bad judgment in how she approached what she felt was a real problem.

We can learn from anything that happens. So here are some things to think about as we consider pageants, pageant criticisms, and ourselves.

• Should we look for trouble? Should we listen to gossip?

Miss Florida allegedly saw a list. It could be anything. It makes one wonder, if the list seemed that “real”, why she isn’t the one bringing this to the attention of the pageant or to the press. And why would Miss Florida be nosing around in folders anyway? That doesn’t seem an appropriate practice. Not very queenly.

So Miss Florida, either accidentally or on purpose, snooped. Then, for whatever reason, she announced some of the results of her snooping out loud. Or, news reports says she made a “throwaway comment…never meant as fact.”

Whatever the case, Miss Pennsylvania ran with it. Is this the kind of behavior we want in titleholders? 

• Can we handle confusion and conflict more productively?

If either Miss Florida or the ex-Miss Pennsylvania were truly concerned, is there a better way to handle it?

If you really love pageantry–which presumably you do to stick with that far, one might consider approaching her state pageant director, someone involved in the national pageant, or Mr. Trump himself directly with serious concerns.

Approach privately first. That’s the classier thing to do. If nothing precludes doing so, that would seem the course of graciousness and wisdom.

Put another way, seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Maybe this was a big misunderstanding, but Miss Pennsylvania did not, it seems, give the pageant any benefit of the doubt or approach it in a way that would allow the doubts to be addressed, if possible. Her way was blunt, asumptive and harmful to the pageant.

By starting off in a more neutral way, by inquiring first rather than accusing, she would not forfeit any of her options to go public with her concerns later.

Think about your own life and how you handle matters. What can we learn, pro or con, from her approach? On what foundation do we want to build our relationships? Our careers? 

• Reality check about big televised pageants.

Every pageant is different, of course, and you should know the rules, expectations, and judging policies for any pageant in which you participate. That’s on you. Don’t assume anything.

But it doesn’t take mega-brains to figure out that, to some degree, aspects of the pageants are determined before the public competition night.  That’s what the preliminary competition days and nights are all about. 

By the final night the judges have already seen the pageant contestants in various ways.  By the televised night there is someone “in the know” about who the SEMI-finalists are for sure.  That’s how they can announce them so quickly after the show begins. We don’t accuse the pageant of being fixed because of that.

Remember, the preliminaries include the all-important personal interview (if the pageant has one). How a beauty queen handles the pageant interview questions can firmly situate a contestant in the judges minds and create a “halo effect” for how everything else is judged.

After all, it only makes sense that when all the women are beautiful it is what you say and how you say it that makes all the difference. A beautiful mind and spirit that shows in personal interview can outshine physical beauty.

So, yes, going into the final competition night of a multi-competition-day pageant, we should assume the semi-finalists are somehow known by someone.

Do they know the finalists?  Presumably they would not, if the parading in pageant evening gown or swimsuit on the final nights is judged fresh and carries enough scoring weight.  But, again, know your pageants judging policies. Some the slate is wiped clean at each stage, some carry some scoring over.

But once you get to FINALS, and answer that final on-stage interview question, that could make or break a contestant.  If she’d come in at the front of the pack and then offered a weak on-stage answer, it could lose her the crown. If she’d come in at the back or middle of the pack and shined brightly with her answer, it could seal the title for her.

• Why are you a contestant in beauty pageants?

Whether or not you place in the semi-finals or finals, whether or not you take home the crown, why do you compete? What is your motivation? What life skills have you learned?

Is it all about the win? Are you building skills at learning how to win and lose with grace? Is what you want to be known for is disrespecting the contestant who won by claiming the pageant was fixed?

I’m all for the empowerment of women. Despite naysayers of beauty pageants, I believe they can be fabulous for personal and professional development. In my own experience and through studying about them, it is clear to me that they are, or at least CAN be depending on the contestant and pageant, an empowering experience in which to practice life skills and learn some more. 

So if the ex-Miss Pennsylvania must explore these allegations to feel in integrity with herself, then, as I said, on some level we must applaud that. To model the behavior we want to see in others, we must allow the space that her motivations may be pure and recognize that life isn’t always black-and-white; there are many gray areas.

I just wish she’d gone about it by starting in a different, less negative way.

Dr. Stephanie Raye writes on matters pertaining to pageantry and is the author of the definitive Pageant Interviewing Success: The Collected Series and the Pageant Interview Queen Blog.

It’s amazing how much we assume we know or take for granted. We might think it is “obvious” what a certain holiday is for, but not appreciate subtle differences or history. Take a minute to be well-prepared.

For instance, today is Memorial Day. If your pageant was any time within a week or two before or after, there’s a chance a pageant judge would ask you a pageant interview question related to the holiday.

Or, if you are making an appearance as a beauty contest titleholder, an audience member or someone from the media might ask you something about it. After all, if you are aiming for a state or national pageant title in the United States of America, it’s only reasonable to believe that you’d know, and care, about our national holidays.

So what do you know?

You should be prepared to answer “easy” pageant interview questions like “Does your family have a Memorial Day tradition? If so, what is it?” That should be pretty straightforward, though be sure to see my post on the hidden power of “simple” questions to be sure you optimize your response.

But what about the holiday itself?   Do you know why we (in the USA) celebrate Memorial Day?  Do you know how it is different from Veteran’s Day?

Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting that you have to be a walking encyclopedia, but some basics would be good.

For instance, it’d be good if you knew that Memorial Day-related celebrations started in response to the U.S. Civil War way back in 1868. Do you have to remember that date? Not unless your pageant paperwork says you are a history major!

But you should have the idea that it started to honor those who died in our sad and bloody Civil War. (May we never have another!)  That’s how it started but after World War I it shifted to being a day that honored U.S. Americans who died in any war. You should know at least that–that it honors those who died.

Veteran’s Day, on the other hand, is to honor both the living and the dead of all veterans. Indeed, we want to be thankful of those who did not die during their military service, or are still working in the military. Veteran’s Day was originally to honor those who served in World War I, as it was started back in 1918 when that war ended. But after World War II it was changed to honor all living or dead military personnel ever onward.

It’s worth the few minutes to any pageant contestant or titleholder to learn about, or refresh the memory on holidays near the competition or appearance dates. Too often we go into automatic pilot and forget to remember what really matters, or, worse yet, we might think holidays are just a day off. Butut most of them started for important historical reasons and deserve our respect and genuine remembrance.

Thus, no matter what your personal stand is on military matters or U.S. Foreign Policy, remembering what these holidays mean, and the sacrifices behind them is important for a thoughtful pageant queen.

Especially if you, or someone you love, has been in, or is aiming to be in, the military, learn about the military-related holidays. Even if you don’t have Armed Forces connections, if you are competing in a United States-based pageant or at the international level representing the U.S.A, you “should” know this stuff. It might never come up as a media or pageant interview question for you. But, really, it isn’t asking too much for you to know about our holidays.

Inspire yourself and others by knowing about our national holidays. And if the opportunity presents itself to weave in appropriate information about it in response to a pageant interview question, then that’s great! Especially if it relates to your platform, of course, but, either way, the judges will likely be impressed that you honor those that served on our behalf.

To be a good pageant queen means being a well-informed titleholder. So know what you can about your unique locale, your state, and our great nation and represent the area with sensitivity and pride!  

There is so much that can assist you in shining your brightest and the concept of smart preparation and optimal attitudes and approaches in my Pageant Interviewing Success Made Easy program. Check it out soon to give yourself that competitive edge. Also find more at http://PageantToPhD.com and at Facebook and Twitter @PGNTIntrvwQueen.

At home face masks are a great way to rejuvenate the skin or simply relax after a long day. There are many different types of masks for each skin type and desired outcome. Masks are a way to create a mini facial at home at a cheaper price and a fraction of the time. Before any formal event such as a pageant, a face mask is a way to prep the skin for makeup and enhance the look of your skin.

Acne Prone/ Oily Skin:

For those women with either acne prone or oily skin, there is a way to combat such obstacles. The best formula for this type of skin is a clay mask that dries after application. Clay masks absorb oil from the skin, minimize pores, and shrink active acne bacteria. A popular clay mask is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay mask, priced at $6.99. You can mix the powder clay with either water or apple cider vinegar, depending on you preference. Your pores will be smaller after applying this mask and creates a matte surface to apply makeup or skin products.

Dry/ Sensitive Skin:

Many women struggle with dry skin or have sensitive skin that reacts easily to certain products. A natural product that can help combat these difficulties is rose water. A mask infused with roses can soothe and tone the skin, preventing redness. A well-known product is the Fresh Rose Face Mask, sold at $62 per container. The rose petals yield nutrients that moisturize the skin and soothe irritation. This mask could be helpful to apply before a pageant in order to soothe the skin and create an even skin tone for the application of makeup.

Dull Skin:

If you simply want to boost the overall appearance of your skin or give it a natural glow, an exfoliating mask is the perfect solution to this problem. By exfoliating, the dead skin cells are removed from the surface, leaving a new layer of skin. A good product for glowing skin is the Olehenriksen Moment of Truth Polishing Sugar Mask. The natural sugar in the mask removes dead skin cells off of the surface of the skin, creating a fresh texture the brightens the skin. Apply this mask before a pageant and you will see the difference it can make when on stage.

There are many face masks that each serve a purpose for different skin types and textures, but finding the one that suits your needs is an easy way to reveal fresh, young skin.

Proper skincare is an absolute must for any girl, but especially for pageant girls whose faces are in the spotlight. And establishing a daily routine helps achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy skin. Without further ado, let's get started!

Removing Your Makeup:

The first step in any skincare routine, before even washing your face, is to remove all of your makeup, so that any traces of various products you use don't seep into your pores overnight and cause breakouts. You can use a makeup-removing cleanser to wash your face while you remove your makeup, makeup wipes for a quick and easy clean, or a makeup-removing solution like Bioderma Crealine H2O which gently removes waterproof makeup or heavy stage makeup for a post-pageant routine. Another makeup removing product that has recently taken over the beauty world is a cleansing balm, which moisturizes the skin as you massage it into your skin to remove makeup.

Cleansing Your Skin:

Next, it's time to use a cleanser. Facial cleansers are meant to remove dirt, grime, sweat, and oil build-up from throughout the day. Even if you use a makeup-removing cleanser, I recommend cleansing once more to ensure your face is absolutely clean. When cleansing, it's always a good idea to use warm water, which opens up the pores and allows the cleanser to penetrate and clear your pores. Cleansers like Cetaphil Daily Cleanser or Simple Foaming Cleanser are great for all skin-types, even sensitive skin. Once you've finished cleansing, gently pat your face with a washcloth or muslin without rubbing it in and irritating the skin.

Face Scrub and Face Masks:

The next step is to exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub. This helps remove dead skin, reduces dullness, cleans your pores. I recommend exfoliating every other day to avoid irritating your skin and causing redness. Once a week, I also recommend using a face mask after completing the above steps to deeply penetrate pores and draw out impurities. There are a large variety of face masks that target a number of different skin problems, such as acne, dry skin, discoloration, etc., so identify what you'd like to focus on before choosing one. Face masks with fresh ingredients, such as the ones found at Lush, are even more healthy for your skin.

Using A Toner:

Next, you'll want to apply a toner to your face. A lot of people aren't aware of the benefits of using a facial toner, but it is an important step in the skincare routine. Toners help to minimize pores, balance the pH level of your skin after cleansing, remove the last traces of cleanser or grime, and generally refresh the face. Dab some toner onto a cotton pad and sweep it all over your face in an upward motion, then allow the toner to absorb and do its job.

Serums and Spot Treatments:
Once you've applied a toner, it's time for your serums and spot treatments. These can vary greatly depending on your skin-type, and are contrentrated products meant to target specific skin problems. This can range from a spot acne treatment such as Clean and Clear's Advantage Spot Acne Treatment to The Body Shop's Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil for dry skin that needs intense moisture. Go ahead and apply your serums, then wait a couple minutes to allow it to sink it to your skin.

Moisturizing Your Face:

Last but not least, the time has come to moisturize. Night creams generally have a heavier formula than a daytime moisturizer and are meant to be absorbed into the skin throughout the night. A personal favorite of mine is Philosophy's Hope in a Jar Night Cream, which locks in moisture and leaves your skin soft and smooth. If you use an eye cream, now is the time to use that under your eyes as well.

It may sound like a lot at first, but once you've established the routine, it's not very time-consuming. This routine can be entirely customized based on whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin. You'll start to see the benefits to regular skincare within days and your skin will be glowing during your pageant!

You’ve done the hard part and prepped for your pageant interview, now its time to focus on the important details that can move you from runner-up to title holder.  Being on stage makes your body look entirely different.  In this post, I will share with you all of the information I gleaned the hard way through my pageant endeavors!

Fingernails- Keep it neutral and light.  You don’t want your nails to distract the judges from the content of your answer when you are speaking.  French tip nails are always a safe bet

Toes- your toenails should look nicely kept.  They need to have a neutral polish color.  If you have a light color on your nails, your toes can be a little darker.  If you choose to have color, make sure it goes nicely with your shoes and all of your looks for the pageant and the pageant interview.  When you are on stage, the judges are very close to your feet and you don’t want to waste any stage time with them looking at your toenail polish.  The goal here is that they never notice your toes.  Keep that in mind and you will be good to go.

Eyebrows- I debated placing these within the “body hair” category but figure they are important enough that they deserve their own section.  Many makeup artists will tell you that your eyebrows frame your face and especially your eyes. Please, for the love of the eyebrow gods, please make sure your eyebrows look kept.  Having unkempt, messy, bushy eyebrows will make you seem more juvenile- something you surely do not want to do once you reach the teen category.  Go to a professional and get them waxed.  I promise you it doesn’t hurt that bad, and when it does hurt, it is only for a second.  And as they say, beauty is pain.  Plus, the pain of having perfect eyebrows is so worth it!  Do it and I promise you will not regret it.

Body Hair- make sure your legs and armpits are shaved.  Not only does this look nicer, but it also helps your tan go on better.  Plus, when your legs are shaved it creates a slimmer look.  Some contestants also choose to shave their arms- that one is up to you.  Also, some girls have their hair waxed.  If you choose to wax, test it a few months before your pageant date to make sure your body reacts with it fine.  If the results are positive, get waxed a few days prior to your pageant and not the day before- you do not need any puffiness nor redness.  When your body is shaved, it makes your tan look better which brings us to the next point… the tan.

Tan- Ah, the infamous tan.  Most contestants will opt for a spray tan.  I’ve learned (the hard way, I might add) that it is much better to have someone spray you rather than going to a booth.  When you go to a booth, it ends up uneven, there is always a streak, and it tends to be darker in places than in others (this normally isn’t noticeable on stage but can be in your pageant interview.  I found a great lady who charges only fifteen dollars and will customize your tan to you.  Unlike the booths which are supposed to make you the same tone from head to toe, having someone tan you gives you the ability to make certain areas darker (like legs!) and leave others light (like your face!).  Personally, I know I feel and perform so much better when I feel confident about how I look.  Ensuring that I have a good tan is one of the best ways to ensure that.

However, if you do not like spray tans, there is always the option to go to tanning beds.  I’ve also gone this route and would advise using an accelerator when you tan.  Also, plan to start tanning a few months before your event to give your skin plenty of time to heal in the process.  I found tanning beds usually end up being a much more expensive route and are certainly less healthy.

Skin- treat your skin right!  Pageant time always brings a lot of stress so ensuring you are drinking enough water and getting plenty of rest is a step in the right direction for healthy skin.  For skincare tips, check out the Pinterest board!

Hair- If you color your hair, get it colored about a week before the pageant.  Similarly, if you are planning on cutting it before pageant day, especially if it is a dramatic change, get it done with plenty of time to spare so you can get accustomed to styling your hair.  Don’t save your haircut for last minute.  Besides, what if something awful happens at your haircut? You will not have the time to fix it!

Keep your hair looking sleek.  There are lots of different types of oils and products that work great for this.  Again, we have some great Pinterest boards so take a look at our one on hair!

Please do not hesitate to comment any questions- especially those pertaining to your look in your interview.  I have competed enough that if I do not have personal experience, I have a good pageant friend who probably does!  Either way, your questions will be answered.

As an Arizona resident, I find myself feeling sad and more serious this week due to the recent death of 19 firefighters from Prescott Arizona who lost their lives fighting one of the awful wildfires. Does it take 19 firefighters dying in one fell swoop for us to stop and appreciate what we have? To stop and think about how others help protect our lives, property, and ways of living? To stop and think how we contribute to (or detract from) our communities?

As a pageant contestant, your success with pageant interview questions will be enhanced if you operate from a position of gratitude and awareness. Most pageant titles include a locale—they are attached to a place. So ask yourself, “What do I know about that place?” and “What do I do for my community?”

What if a judge asked you that “What do you do for your community” question?  Or maybe not a judge, but let’s say you win your crown and someone from the media or an audience member at a public appearance asks you something like that? How would you reply?

Surely most pageant contestants already have this covered as most of you are involved in many exciting ways and/or your pageant requires a platform that has you thinking about such things.

But your pageant may not require community service, you may not need a platform, and volunteering just may not be your thing. If that’s the case, I’m certainly not suggesting that you need to make as big a contribution as the police and firefighters who put their lives on the line for us so often.

But I am suggesting that you start thinking about your role in the grander scheme of things. Start with simply thinking through “What kind of citizen am I? What kind of neighbor?”

Not all of us have the interest, time, talent, or skills to be a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or military service person. But how often do we pause in the busy-ness of our days, our lives to be grateful for what these folks—and countless other public service people from trash collectors, to mail carriers, to traffic light engineers—do for us? Being a good neighbor, a good citizen starts with doing our small part to help the other people who have made a career out of serving the public. What can we do to help make their jobs easier? Complying with rules and requests (or using proper channels to politely challenge them) is the right thing to do and it helps keep the world we love safer, cleaner, and more functional.

But if you are in a pageant, saying “I obey traffic laws, follow the recycling guidelines to the letter, and am careful about campfires and stray matches” may not sound like “enough” or the right kind of answer to give if anyone ever asks you a “What do you do for your community?” kind of question.

It depends on how you handle it, the context (what other kinds of questions have you been asked, etc.), and remember to listen for the question “behind” the question. That is, often when you get a pageant interview question like this it could be because someone is trying to sort out if you are just about evening gowns and pageant dresses, shoes, hairstyles, and cosmetics, or if there is more to you than that. They might be trying to sort out if you are a well-rounded individual, if you care about something other than yourself, and if you are “up” on what’s going on in your area.

So think it through now and you’ll be prepared if something like this ever comes up. What do you care about? What are some of the challenges in your area? You don’t need to be an expert or an activist but you should have a sense of things. If you don’t have a cause or issue you care about, find one. Even if your pageant doesn’t require it, you’ll be a better person (and contestant) if you get involved a little.

But what are some options if you don’t really “do” anything much “in the community” yourself? What if you haven’t had time yet to find what you care about or get involved because you are still very young? Or if it has been awhile since you’ve “done” anything because you have become busy with other things?

Here are a few approaches to pageant interview questions that can help you in many different situations, but today we’ll use them as a way thinking about the topic at hand. These should help you generate your own responses that reflect the real you as, clearly, these are just ideas and you can think of new ideas, or adapt or combine these approaches. In general the ideas is to think about the different versions of “you” that have been, are, or will be:

• Past-you: While I’m not currently volunteering, I certainly have done a lot for my community in the past, like when I was involved with ____ we did ____ and it was really a worthwhile experience.

• Work-you: I’m not currently volunteering in the community but the approach I take to the work I do is something good for the community. I certainly hope my positive attitude and efforts make a difference and people tell me it does. Of course it helps that I’m a teacher and that helping educate the next generation is a huge benefit to the overall community, but I think we all can look for those connections to how our job makes a difference.

• Parent-you: I’m not currently volunteering in the wider community but I have to say that trying to be the best parent I can be to my children is important in the grander scheme. My involvement with them often links in to community service projects, like ____. But, either way, raising kids that are intelligent, compassionate, open-minded people is probably the best thing I’ll ever do for this world.

• Future-you: Doing more in the community is something I hope to do soon. I’ve noticed the need for ____ and that’s something I’d really like to help with. It’s on my to-do list to reach out to the organizations that work in that, or maybe need to start my own!

• Citizen-you: While I’m not currently volunteering, I pride myself on being a good citizen in our community. It’s something many people take for granted, or try to get out of, but the supposedly little things like obeying the laws, voting, treating people with kindness, not littering, recycling with care, watching my water and energy usage, being a good Samaritan, and paying taxes happily all really add up. I appreciate people who are solid citizens day after day as much or more than I do those who volunteer at a soup kitchen once a year and call it good. That IS good, but we know that when individuals or communities start taking shortcuts on these basics that all citizens should do then we all suffer.

• Pageant-you: Doing more in the community is why I got involved in this pageant. I hope as the titleholder I’ll get to meet many more people in the community and learn about the opportunities I can help with now or later. I know this pageant doesn’t require a platform and I’m grateful for that because right now I’m still sorting out which causes I really want to apply my energy and passion to. Once I choose it, though, you can be sure I’ll give it my all.

• Potential-you: There’s so much in the community I’ve considered doing. I find myself interested in ____ and ____. And even _____ , which is something that touches so many lives. But I’ve been so busy with other life events I’ve not pursued the opportunities in these areas. I will one of these days soon, though, and if I’m fortunate enough to be selected for this title I will use it to bring attention to areas of need.

What other “versions” of you can you think of to help generate pageant interview question answers? The older you get the more you will have to work with as your life experiences will mount, but no matter what your age many of the approaches above will work. (For those who desire more or different kind of interview help, please see my pageant interviewing success books on Amazon. There are individual Kindle books if there is something in particular you want to focus on, as well as the whole series collected into a paperback. That’s what I recommend as there will be things in there you didn’t even KNOW you needed to know. :-) Pageant Interviewing Success: The Collected Series as it is a really thorough resource.)

So, to wrap up, I’m writing on community service today because I’m saddened by the loss of so many firefighters in my home state. Few people (and very few pageant contestants) will ever serve or sacrifice the way firefighters, police, military personnel, and other first-responders do who run toward problems while others are running away. I don’t mean to take anything away from that in reminding us that it is healthy to remember that we are served by municipal, county, state, and federal service personnel in so many ways other ways too, every day, and we probably rarely stop to think about it unless something this big makes the news. I’d like us to be grateful daily.

And as ordinary citizens we can help make our world a better place in simple ways. I encourage us all to think about what we take for granted in general, but especially in terms of public services. What our tax dollars go to support often goes unseen, or we have a sense of entitlement to the services that doesn’t include a thankful attitude, but let’s remember that we in the U.S.A. are really blessed with generally excellent public services. And location, politics, and taxes aside, there are individuals–real people–who made the choice to work in jobs that help make our world function.

Whether or not the job is glamorous, dangerous, or mundane, they are all important in some way and most of us couldn’t enjoy our lives without the infrastructure that these folks help provide. And if we don’t work in public service we can still be good citizens on a daily basis and get involved in various causes that touch our hearts. Where can you make a difference?

Yes, it’s fun to see the dresses and root for the beauty from your state, but if you are a pageant contestant keep your eyes open and your thinking cap on as you watch pageants. If you pay attention you’ll learn some potential “do’s and don’ts” to apply to your own pageant choices, especially in regard to pageant interview tips.

Here are just a few things on which to keep your eyes:

• Notice when the pageant evening gown outshines the contestant. The pageant dress, and your off-stage pageant interview suite, should help draw attention to YOU, not be the focus itself.

• Notice if the information that is shared about the contestant (often drawn from pageant application forms and paperwork) seems well-chosen and helpful, or at least neutral, to seeing the contestant as the titleholder.

• Notice how the contestants handle the on-stage pageant interview question.

This last one is the most important. Why? Because unless you made a truly terrible wardrobe choice, if you make it to the finals and don’t place or win, it’s probably something you said.

In other words, when it gets down to choosing between equally beautiful pageant contestants, what you say and how you say it matters. It can be the fraction of a point difference that loses or wins the crown.

So how the pageant contest handled her in-person interview – a behind-the scenes part of the pageant that many viewers forget happens – can come rushing back to the judges’ memories. And, clearly, what is said in the on-stage question can seal the deal.

So as you watch notice if the contestant truly paid attention to what was asked. Did she “get” the spirit of what they were asking, or did she seem to miss the point?  Did she zero in on something key in her response, or did her thoughts wander around leading her to give a rambling, powerless answer?

And sometimes the questions can be a little controversial, or at least have a hint of something that is debated tucked into one or more of the parts of the question.  If that’s the case, did she at least acknowledge that there is a potentially tough issue there?

If she doesn’t want to take a public stand on an issue she doesn’t have to, but did she at least say something diplomatic? Or did she side-step the hard part of the question so completely that you wonder if she heard the question at all?

Did she inspire confidence in you that she’d be a good queen and handle questions from future appearance audiences or the media with intelligence, grace, and ease?  Or not?  Look past her beauty, did she show that she has a good brain? A good heart?

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in fitness and fashion that a contestant forgets to prepare and practice well for personal interview and on-stage questions. Don’t let it happen to you!  At least start by truly paying attention when you are watching local or televised pageants. Make note of the pageant questions. After the pageant, practice answering the same questions you heard. Do so out loud. How do you do?

There’s great support to prepare effectively for interviewing—skills that will serve you well even outside the pageant. After all, a pageant is just the beginning.  Don’t lose out on the crown because you think you’ve got interview preparation and on-stage questions covered. Be SURE you do. If you haven’t done so, check out my individual Kindle books on different angles of pageant interview tips or the collected series called Pageant Interviewing Success: The Collected Series.  These resources are well-developed and will make preparation easier and more effective.

There’s so much useful and easy-to-use information in that resource, including critiques of the answers that Miss America, Miss USA, and Miss Universe hopefuls gave in response to their on-stage pageant interview questions. We must respect them for getting that far in their pageants and realize that we have a lot to learn from what they did well, and not so well, at that last critical step on their way to the crown.

Have fun and shine your brightest on your path. The Pageant Interviewing Success: The Collected Series will help a ton:  And keep reading blogs like this and using other tools to assist you in maintaining your good habits or improve.

Also, check out the YouTube channel and follow us on social media like on Twitter @PGNTIntrvwQueen for practice pageant interview questions, etc., to help you prepare and tips to remain inspired to follow your dreams. :-)

Among celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, and pageant queens alike, eyelash extensions have been the most recent beauty trend. Eyelash extensions are simply what they sound like; extensions for your eyelashes! Whether you want to enhance the natural look of your eyelashes or create a dramatic look similar to strip lashes, extensions make your beauty routine effortless.

Eyelash extensions are perfect for the working woman, busy student, or reigning beauty queen. Having extensions speeds up your beauty routine; you don’t have to fuss with mascara or glue on lashes. If you are a busy student, the lashes are perfect for rushing to an early morning class. The lashes look great alone, or can be enhanced with eye shadow and eyeliner for an even more dramatic look. Or how about if you are a reigning pageant queen and are constantly running from charity event to formal dinner? Having a glamorous look will allow a pageant queen to shine and nail the on stage interview. The lash extensions allow you to skip the glue, false eyelashes, and time!

There are a few things to consider before booking an appointment for your lashes. First of all, have a look in mind. Make sure you know if you want a more dramatic look or a natural eye. Also, know what material you would like your lashes to be. Eyelash extensions are manufactured in either mink or silk. The silk has a shiny look while the mink has a matte look; remember that the mink tends to be more expensive than silk! There are also different lengths that can be chosen from, it simply depends on your preference and the desired look you want.

Cost is another factor to consider. Your first set may cost anywhere from $75 – $120 depending on the studio and beauty consultant. After your first set, your lashes will last around 3 weeks before you need to go back to the studio and get a fill. The end result after your first set is absolutely beautiful, fit for any queen or busy scholar!