Pageant Beauty Favorites
It is that time of the year when pageant preparation is in full swing, and all of us girls are trying our best to look our best on stage! As I prepare to compete in Miss New York, I have been thinking about all the makeup hacks I've learned throughout my years competing, and I decided to share all my favorite beauty products that help my skin stay happy and healthy throughout prep and competition!
Face Exfoliant
When I competed in my first pageant, I had my hair and makeup artist tell me the number one secret for seamless application: exfoliation. You don't want to exfoliate your face every night, but when you're in a pageant and wearing makeup for twelve hours a day, exfoliating is a must! I am obsessed with the Tula scrub as it's gentle and removes makeup and excess oils.
Face Razors
Another major tip for creating a seamless makeup look is face razors! I always do this a couple of days before I leave for a competition, just in case my skin gets irritated. You can always get your face shaved at a spa, but if you're trying to save money, this is such an easy thing you can do at home!
Face Mask
Right before any competition weekend, I prioritize having a self-care night to reward myself for all my hard work preparing for the pageant. I typically treat myself to a face mask, and my go-to is always Cryo Rubber. Their masks are so soothing and help calm my skin down from any irritation!
Moisturizer
If you're a girl with oily skin, you NEED this moisturizer! I use this moisturizer every single day, and it gives my makeup a flawless application and has become a staple in both my pageant and everyday makeup routines. It's light, nourishing, and makes my skin feel and look beautiful!
Primer
Whenever I get my makeup done, I always ask the makeup artist what their favorite products are because the products to use for everyday looks and stage looks are so different. Last year, someone recommended this Dior primer for my stage makeup, and once I bought it, I never looked back! It makes my skin look FLAWLESS and is absolutely perfect.
Concealer
One of the top questions I get is what concealer I use on stage, and the answer is the amazing concealer from NARS! Their concealer has a thick formula that is perfect for under eyes and blemishes. I blend the product out with a damp beauty blender to create a seamless blend with the rest of my makeup!
Setting Powder
If you're looking for the perfect setting powder for your entire face, you need to buy Dermablend loose setting powder. I have very oily skin, and I love how smooth the application of this product is without feeling heavy on my skin. Trust me when I say a little goes a LONG way, as I've had the same container for a year and it looks like I've never touched it.
Lip Plumper
I am SUPER picky about the lip plumpers I use, and my favorite of all time is the plumper from Dr. Dennis Gross. I apply the product all throughout the weekend, and it gives my lips a little plump with more color than other plumpers on the market. Here's a LN tip: apply the lip plumper when you put on your moisturizer and primer to let it sit while you do your makeup. By the time you've completed your look, your lips will be perfectly plump!
Setting Spray
ONE/SIZE setting spray feels and smells like hairspray in the best way possible! This is my HOLY GRAIL products if I don't want my makeup to sweat off (and let's be honest, between late night rehearsals and bright stage lights, we need all the help we can get to look glowy and not sweaty!).
Cleansing Balm
After I prep my skin, apply my makeup, and finish competing for the day, I run to remove my makeup with my ELEMIS cleansing balm. We've all been there when our lashes left glue on our eyelid, liner is smudged under our eyes, and somehow that pesky foundation is still on our neck, and this product removes it ALL. While this is pricey, it's worth the investment, and is a product I always make sure I am stocked up on!
Whether you've been competing in pageants for years or are preparing for your first time on stage, I hope you find this blog post helpful! If you're interested in seeing my Miss New York journey, follow my Instagram, where I am sharing everything I am doing to prepare!
