I really discovered all the uses for olive oil last year while living in Spain (where olive trees are EVERYWHERE!!). It is believed that the use of olive oil for health and beauty goes back to Bible times; many scholars believe that when Queen Esther underwent six months of intensive beauty treatments, olive oil would have been a main ingredient in the whole process. Personally, if it was good enough for the people of the Bible, it's good enough for me! I love that olive oil is all natural- no harsh chemicals, fragrances, animal cruelty, and it's usually a pretty safe item for fair-trade shopping. Here are some of my favorite ways to integrate olive oil into my beauty regime:
1. As a moisturizer! I have mentioned in several previous blogs that I suffer from dry skin, but even some oily-skin users have testified to the benefits of olive oil. My personal preference is to mix some olive oil with just a few drops of tea-tree oil before applying it like I would any other lotion. The catch is that your skin will be a bit oily afterwards- I usually like to wait until just before bed to apply it so it doesn't stain my clothes, and so it has time to soak into my skin overnight while I'm in bed under a warm blanket!
2. As a scar/stretch mark fader! It's a slow process, but olive oil has a great track record of fading old and new scars and stretch marks. I've definitely noticed an improvement since I started using it- it's like a moisturizer and a fader all mixed into one! The best part is that olive oil is FAR less expensive than fancy storebought faders (or surgeries!!) AND it doesn't cause further breakouts or rashes which could result in more scarring.
3. As a hair masque! I usually do this treatment every other week or so during the winter months, when my hair and scalp are parched! I take about two teaspoons and apply it right to my scalp, and then massage it for about ten minutes straight (yes, your arms get tired!) and then wrap my hair in a towel for another 10-20 minutes before washing it in hot water (sometimes it takes two shampoos to get all the oil out). Some other women have told me they cover all their hair, from root to tip, in oil, but with my thick hair it's just too much of a pain to work it all in and then try to wash it out! But it really soothes my scalp and brings the frizzies and split ends under control!
4. As a styling serum! This is one that I personally haven't tried, but some women with coarser or curlier hair might enjoy it. Just rub a few drops of olive oil between your palms and then work your hands through your hair to smooth it and eliminate static build up!
5. As a primer! I normally use Arbonne makeup primer and love it, but on days when my face feels dry and I don't plan to do a full makeover, I like to apply just a bit of olive oil to my face and lightly blot it with a tissue before I apply my foundation- it moisturizes, helps my acne scars fade, and it sets the makeup and gives it a more even tone! This might not be a good idea for those who deal with oily skin, but if you deal with dry skin it works great!!
As a fair warning, olive oil can be messy and it STAINS- be careful not to use it when you already have your best dress on or you're standing on a nice carpet. That being said, experiment a bit on your own with olive oil and see what it does for you!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Caring for Dry Skin
When I was about 13, I started dealing with cystic acne- large, lumpy blemishes that could be the size of a quarter and take weeks to heal. My mom told me that this was part of being a teenager and it would probably clear once I reached adulthood. However, I graduated high school and then college, and my skin only seemed to get worse. No remedy -storebought, homemade, or purchased from a fancy infomercial- seemed to help.
Finally, when I was 23, my Amway upline, Erin, performed an Artistry Skincare Analysis on me and informed me that my skin was dry- like, really, really dry. I was shocked- I had dry skin as a child, but wasn't all acne caused by excessive oil in the skin? No, explained Erin, dry skin could be just as much of a culprit as oily skin when it came to acne, and could be the cause of other issues as well: itchiness and stretch marks to name a few. Erin helped me switch to the Artistry Essentials Hydrating skin care system, and also encouraged me to use the Artistry Moisturizing Masque once a week. This isn't the only step I've taken towards treating my acne (more blogs on that to follow, I promise!) but it was a major step! For the first time in ten years, I knew what it felt like to NOT have huge, painful lumps on my face and body!
On top of my face-cleansing routine, there have been multiple steps I have taken to help deal with my dry skin. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, which means I must make a 20-minute one-way walk to my classes each day with icy winds blowing over me and sucking the moisture right out of my skin, and then sit in my classrooms or on-campus apartment with old-school heating systems that pump hot, dry air into the room. Here are the steps I take to minimize the effects of dry skin:
1. HYDRATION!!! Drinking enough fluids is vital to maintaining healthy skin. Fitness experts will tell you that the important thing is to drink 64 oz. of SOME TYPE OF FLUID, and this is true- if you can't stand the taste of water or for some reason can't drink it, drink some other fluid- milk, juice, soda, coffee, wine. Even if the fluid is a diuretic, it will still hydrate you far better than going without any fluids! That being said, WATER raises your metabolism and flushes out toxins, and is probably much easier on your budget! Add a few drops of lemon juice or a slice of cucumber if the flavor really bothers you.
2. Dry Brushing: Purchase a natural-fiber brush from a drugstore or health/beauty store and rub it over your skin in a circular motion to exfoliate dead skin cells and improve circulation. Start at your feet or hands and work inwards towards your heart. Just do it lightly- your skin shouldn't turn red or start to burn!
3. Go easy on showering: Go ahead and call me disgusting, but you do NOT need to shower everyday, especially if you have dry skin! Every other day (or even every three days, if your skin is really dry) is fine- no one will notice! If you find you absolutely need to rinse off after sweating or being in a stinky atmosphere, just rinse off using water and skip the soap! Your skin and hair may go through a bit of an adjustment period if you're used to showering daily, but they will thank you in the end! When you do shower, keep it quick and avoid overly-hot water, which will send your natural skin-oils right down the drain!
4. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers: Soaps designed for oily skin, soaps with lots of fragrances or other chemicals, and even cheap or overly-scented moisturizers are all bad news for dry skin. The chemicals will strip your skin of precious natural oils. Cheap mosturizers will leave your skin feeling moist for a few minutes, but will eventually pull more natural oils out of your skin and leave it drier. Gentle soaps and moisturizers, such as Dove, Burts Bee's, or Aveeno are better fit for dry skin- or, if your dry skin is extreme, your doctor may be able to recommend something stronger. I actually started using olive oil as a moisturizer just recently and love it- my skin soaks it right up and it doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts!
5. Moisturize Immediately! After showering, before toweling off, apply moisturizer to your wet skin and rub it in well. Your pores will be open from the shower and the lotion will seal in extra water, making your skin extra-hydrated!
Finally, when I was 23, my Amway upline, Erin, performed an Artistry Skincare Analysis on me and informed me that my skin was dry- like, really, really dry. I was shocked- I had dry skin as a child, but wasn't all acne caused by excessive oil in the skin? No, explained Erin, dry skin could be just as much of a culprit as oily skin when it came to acne, and could be the cause of other issues as well: itchiness and stretch marks to name a few. Erin helped me switch to the Artistry Essentials Hydrating skin care system, and also encouraged me to use the Artistry Moisturizing Masque once a week. This isn't the only step I've taken towards treating my acne (more blogs on that to follow, I promise!) but it was a major step! For the first time in ten years, I knew what it felt like to NOT have huge, painful lumps on my face and body!
On top of my face-cleansing routine, there have been multiple steps I have taken to help deal with my dry skin. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, which means I must make a 20-minute one-way walk to my classes each day with icy winds blowing over me and sucking the moisture right out of my skin, and then sit in my classrooms or on-campus apartment with old-school heating systems that pump hot, dry air into the room. Here are the steps I take to minimize the effects of dry skin:
1. HYDRATION!!! Drinking enough fluids is vital to maintaining healthy skin. Fitness experts will tell you that the important thing is to drink 64 oz. of SOME TYPE OF FLUID, and this is true- if you can't stand the taste of water or for some reason can't drink it, drink some other fluid- milk, juice, soda, coffee, wine. Even if the fluid is a diuretic, it will still hydrate you far better than going without any fluids! That being said, WATER raises your metabolism and flushes out toxins, and is probably much easier on your budget! Add a few drops of lemon juice or a slice of cucumber if the flavor really bothers you.
2. Dry Brushing: Purchase a natural-fiber brush from a drugstore or health/beauty store and rub it over your skin in a circular motion to exfoliate dead skin cells and improve circulation. Start at your feet or hands and work inwards towards your heart. Just do it lightly- your skin shouldn't turn red or start to burn!
3. Go easy on showering: Go ahead and call me disgusting, but you do NOT need to shower everyday, especially if you have dry skin! Every other day (or even every three days, if your skin is really dry) is fine- no one will notice! If you find you absolutely need to rinse off after sweating or being in a stinky atmosphere, just rinse off using water and skip the soap! Your skin and hair may go through a bit of an adjustment period if you're used to showering daily, but they will thank you in the end! When you do shower, keep it quick and avoid overly-hot water, which will send your natural skin-oils right down the drain!
4. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers: Soaps designed for oily skin, soaps with lots of fragrances or other chemicals, and even cheap or overly-scented moisturizers are all bad news for dry skin. The chemicals will strip your skin of precious natural oils. Cheap mosturizers will leave your skin feeling moist for a few minutes, but will eventually pull more natural oils out of your skin and leave it drier. Gentle soaps and moisturizers, such as Dove, Burts Bee's, or Aveeno are better fit for dry skin- or, if your dry skin is extreme, your doctor may be able to recommend something stronger. I actually started using olive oil as a moisturizer just recently and love it- my skin soaks it right up and it doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts!
5. Moisturize Immediately! After showering, before toweling off, apply moisturizer to your wet skin and rub it in well. Your pores will be open from the shower and the lotion will seal in extra water, making your skin extra-hydrated!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Easy Nail Polish Trend: Mismatched Manicure
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Beauty Tip: Winter Hair Care
Winter Hair Care (Taken from my writing.com account)
If you live in an area where the winters are long and cold, you are probably familiar with the bad hair days that come with the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Many men and women complain of flaky scalps, split ends, and enough static electricity to light up New York City in their hair!
Many factors play into dry winter hair. People who naturally experience dry skin are vulnerable to begin with. Freezing temperatures cause the amount natural moisture in the air to drop, and we often combat the cold with old-school heating systems that pump out dry, dusty air! Our bodies might think we are on a frozen tundra, but it’s no wonder our hair acts like we are living in a desert!
In the battle of elements vs. hair, moisture is our greatest defense. Here are some important steps we can take to make sure we are giving our hair the moisture and TLC it needs during the harsh winter months:
1. Cut back on shampooing!
Unless you have extremely oily hair (the roots look greasy and hair feels slimy 12-24 hours after shampooing), hair should NEVER be shampooed daily! Shampoo gets your hair clean, but it will also strip your hair and scalp of nature’s best moisturizer: your own natural oils! Only shampoo if your hair and scalp are starting to look oily, or if your hair has been exposed to something that needs to be washed out right away (such as excessive hairspray or cigarette smoke). Some people may need to shampoo every 48 hours, others might only need to wash once or twice a week. You may be able to hold off shampooing an extra day by applying translucent face powder to your roots if they look just a touch oily.
2. Crank up the conditioning!
Condition your hair every time you shower, even if you don’t shampoo! For an extra-deep conditioning, rinse hair with warm water, apply conditioner from roots to tips, and then wrap a towel around your head for 30 minutes. The warm water will open your scalp pores, and the towel will hold in your body heat so the conditioner can really sink in! When time is up, remove the towel and rinse your hair in water as cold as you can stand it to close up your pores and lock in the conditioning treatment!
*Extra tip: if you are a swimmer, shampoo your hair and apply conditioner before swimming and cover it with a swim cap. Rinse the conditioner out after your workout to avoid washing away your natural oils and protect your tresses from pool chemicals.
3. Give your hair a monthly protein treatment!
You can shop around your local salons to have this done professionally, or you can do it yourself! Just blend three eggs with a teaspoon of lemon juice, and apply after washing your hair from root to tip. Wrap hair in a towel for 15-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Wash the towel IMMEDIATELY and disinfect any surfaces that raw eggs have touched.
4. Choose low-maintenance hairstyles!
Hairdryers and heated styling tools can accelerate dryness, and buildup of hairspray and other products can make frequent shampooing more necessary. Try to stick with hairstyles that require a minimum amount of effort, and when you do use heat on your hair, make sure to spray it with a heat-protectant, first!
5. Carry the dryer sheet!
The old classic “rub your comb over a dryer sheet and comb your hair with it” really makes a huge difference! Use the dryer sheet to fend off static in your hair.
Above all else, remember that everyone has bad hair days, especially in the winter months! Use these tips to help minimize those periods, and, when all else fails, throw on a cute hat to stay warm!
*This is from my own personal writing.com account- I AM the author and have all the rights to this article!
If you live in an area where the winters are long and cold, you are probably familiar with the bad hair days that come with the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Many men and women complain of flaky scalps, split ends, and enough static electricity to light up New York City in their hair!
Many factors play into dry winter hair. People who naturally experience dry skin are vulnerable to begin with. Freezing temperatures cause the amount natural moisture in the air to drop, and we often combat the cold with old-school heating systems that pump out dry, dusty air! Our bodies might think we are on a frozen tundra, but it’s no wonder our hair acts like we are living in a desert!
In the battle of elements vs. hair, moisture is our greatest defense. Here are some important steps we can take to make sure we are giving our hair the moisture and TLC it needs during the harsh winter months:
1. Cut back on shampooing!
Unless you have extremely oily hair (the roots look greasy and hair feels slimy 12-24 hours after shampooing), hair should NEVER be shampooed daily! Shampoo gets your hair clean, but it will also strip your hair and scalp of nature’s best moisturizer: your own natural oils! Only shampoo if your hair and scalp are starting to look oily, or if your hair has been exposed to something that needs to be washed out right away (such as excessive hairspray or cigarette smoke). Some people may need to shampoo every 48 hours, others might only need to wash once or twice a week. You may be able to hold off shampooing an extra day by applying translucent face powder to your roots if they look just a touch oily.
2. Crank up the conditioning!
Condition your hair every time you shower, even if you don’t shampoo! For an extra-deep conditioning, rinse hair with warm water, apply conditioner from roots to tips, and then wrap a towel around your head for 30 minutes. The warm water will open your scalp pores, and the towel will hold in your body heat so the conditioner can really sink in! When time is up, remove the towel and rinse your hair in water as cold as you can stand it to close up your pores and lock in the conditioning treatment!
*Extra tip: if you are a swimmer, shampoo your hair and apply conditioner before swimming and cover it with a swim cap. Rinse the conditioner out after your workout to avoid washing away your natural oils and protect your tresses from pool chemicals.
3. Give your hair a monthly protein treatment!
You can shop around your local salons to have this done professionally, or you can do it yourself! Just blend three eggs with a teaspoon of lemon juice, and apply after washing your hair from root to tip. Wrap hair in a towel for 15-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Wash the towel IMMEDIATELY and disinfect any surfaces that raw eggs have touched.
4. Choose low-maintenance hairstyles!
Hairdryers and heated styling tools can accelerate dryness, and buildup of hairspray and other products can make frequent shampooing more necessary. Try to stick with hairstyles that require a minimum amount of effort, and when you do use heat on your hair, make sure to spray it with a heat-protectant, first!
5. Carry the dryer sheet!
The old classic “rub your comb over a dryer sheet and comb your hair with it” really makes a huge difference! Use the dryer sheet to fend off static in your hair.
Above all else, remember that everyone has bad hair days, especially in the winter months! Use these tips to help minimize those periods, and, when all else fails, throw on a cute hat to stay warm!
*This is from my own personal writing.com account- I AM the author and have all the rights to this article!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Secret to Confidence...?
Recently, I read an interview with a popular actress in a magazine. The cover of the mag advertised the interview under the headline: "Steal the secret to her confidence!" Of course, the interview went on to yammer about what she was wearing, who she was dating, and all the stuff that we feel the need to know about celebrities. Then, finally the promised secret: "It's her I-don't-give-a-[expletive]-what-anyone-thinks-of-me attitude," the mag proclaimed.
Uh.......okaaaay....
Yeah, I know, people who are all hung up on what others think usually wind up with pretty low-self esteems. We all know that you can't please everybody. You can be as genuine as possible or you can wear a thousand masks, but there's always that someone who can't find anything better to do than hate on you. No, you can't become consumed with what others think of you.
But, then, have you ever met someone who decided they didn't care what others think...and just stopped there? I mean, people who REALLY don't care what others think- they don't care if their waitress, cashier, or customer service representative think that they are the rudest customer they've ever had. They don't care if their teachers or classmates think they are distracting or obnoxious. They don't care if their friends and families are embarrassed by them. You can't discuss anything with unless you want to feel belittled or attacked. Confident? Maybe...but "cocky," or even just plain "rude" might be a better word.
So, there has to be more to confidence than just not caring what people think of you. Think about some of the most "confident" people you know- the ones that you wish you were like. I'm picturing a few people, most of whom I know from church or work. These are the people who, when I walk into a room, come rushing over to me to ask how I am. Sometimes, if they have a detailed-enough memory, they ask me about some important-to-me event that took place recently (like a job interview or going to visit a cousin). They aren't trying to get something from me; they just want to make me feel valued. Their concern isn't what I think of them; their concern is what I think of myself!
It really is more blessed to give than to receive, and this is the perfect example- when you focus on giving confidence to others, you'll naturally find yourself becoming more confident, because you will like who you are and other people will like having you around!
Two examples:
A few years ago when I was in school, I walked over to the girl who I claimed as my best friend at the time, and greeted her, "Hey, what's up?"
She turned to me and replied, "Those jeans are ugly."
Well, excuse me, this was school, not the Miss USA pageant! I was looking for comfort that day, not a fashion statement. "I don't care," I told her.
"Well, I do!" she told me. (I walked away at that point. She and I aren't really friends anymore...in fact, I don't think she has many friends anymore.)
Obviously, this acquaintance of mine didn't care what other people thought...even if it meant no one was going to like her. Maybe she insinuated confidence at the time, but I'd like to know how she felt after she realized no one wanted to be around her and listen to her thoughtless put-downs.
Example two: I was visiting a church (I now attend there regularly) for the second time- my first time there had been six months ago when I was home from college for Christmas. As I seated myself, I made eye-contact with a woman who I had met the last time I'd visited- and, much to my surprise, she waved enthusiastically to me, then rushed over to give me a hug and ask how school was, how long I was home for, etc. She was taking a risk- some people don't know how to accept friendliness, and I could have acted awkward or given her a cold shoulder. But she wasn't worried about what I thought of her (if I had been rude, it was my problem, not hers!), she was concerned about what I thought of myself- she wanted to make sure I felt welcomed in the church and valued by her!
So, maybe there's something to be said about "I don't care what others think of me,"....but, only if it's followed by, "I care what others think of themselves!"
Uh.......okaaaay....
Yeah, I know, people who are all hung up on what others think usually wind up with pretty low-self esteems. We all know that you can't please everybody. You can be as genuine as possible or you can wear a thousand masks, but there's always that someone who can't find anything better to do than hate on you. No, you can't become consumed with what others think of you.
But, then, have you ever met someone who decided they didn't care what others think...and just stopped there? I mean, people who REALLY don't care what others think- they don't care if their waitress, cashier, or customer service representative think that they are the rudest customer they've ever had. They don't care if their teachers or classmates think they are distracting or obnoxious. They don't care if their friends and families are embarrassed by them. You can't discuss anything with unless you want to feel belittled or attacked. Confident? Maybe...but "cocky," or even just plain "rude" might be a better word.
So, there has to be more to confidence than just not caring what people think of you. Think about some of the most "confident" people you know- the ones that you wish you were like. I'm picturing a few people, most of whom I know from church or work. These are the people who, when I walk into a room, come rushing over to me to ask how I am. Sometimes, if they have a detailed-enough memory, they ask me about some important-to-me event that took place recently (like a job interview or going to visit a cousin). They aren't trying to get something from me; they just want to make me feel valued. Their concern isn't what I think of them; their concern is what I think of myself!
It really is more blessed to give than to receive, and this is the perfect example- when you focus on giving confidence to others, you'll naturally find yourself becoming more confident, because you will like who you are and other people will like having you around!
Two examples:
A few years ago when I was in school, I walked over to the girl who I claimed as my best friend at the time, and greeted her, "Hey, what's up?"
She turned to me and replied, "Those jeans are ugly."
Well, excuse me, this was school, not the Miss USA pageant! I was looking for comfort that day, not a fashion statement. "I don't care," I told her.
"Well, I do!" she told me. (I walked away at that point. She and I aren't really friends anymore...in fact, I don't think she has many friends anymore.)
Obviously, this acquaintance of mine didn't care what other people thought...even if it meant no one was going to like her. Maybe she insinuated confidence at the time, but I'd like to know how she felt after she realized no one wanted to be around her and listen to her thoughtless put-downs.
Example two: I was visiting a church (I now attend there regularly) for the second time- my first time there had been six months ago when I was home from college for Christmas. As I seated myself, I made eye-contact with a woman who I had met the last time I'd visited- and, much to my surprise, she waved enthusiastically to me, then rushed over to give me a hug and ask how school was, how long I was home for, etc. She was taking a risk- some people don't know how to accept friendliness, and I could have acted awkward or given her a cold shoulder. But she wasn't worried about what I thought of her (if I had been rude, it was my problem, not hers!), she was concerned about what I thought of myself- she wanted to make sure I felt welcomed in the church and valued by her!
So, maybe there's something to be said about "I don't care what others think of me,"....but, only if it's followed by, "I care what others think of themselves!"
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Pageants: How to get started
How many women can honestly say they've ever watched the Miss America or Miss USA pageant on TV and dreamed of their own "crowning moment"? For some of us, that might just be a fleeting daydream, but for others, pageants might be a great venture...if we just knew where to get started.
The first thing to consider is whether you want to do "Glitz" or "Natural" pageants. Miss America would be an example of a natural pageant- judges are looking for a polished version of a real woman. Although Miss USA is a bit more intense, it would also be considered a natural pageant. Glitz pageants are a different story- if you've ever watched the reality show, "Toddlers and Tiaras," you're seeing glitz in action. Think gobs of makeup, hair extensions, expensive nail and tanning packages, and a wardrobe that you'll wear once and then never have use for again. Okay, I admit, I am waaaaaay biased towards natural pageants over glitz. In my humble opinion, natural pageants can help a woman learn important life skills (poise, public speaking, etc), whereas glitz pageants are just a chance to play dress up and spend big money doing it. I won't come out and say glitz pageants are bad, but I will say that if that's the route you're looking to go, you'll want to go somewhere else for advice. I'm talking about natural pageants!
Next thing to consider: what is it you're wanting to get out of pageantry? Scholarships for college? Cash prizes? A chance at a modeling contract or a scholarship to acting school? Different pageants offer different things in their prize packages.
Finally, ask yourself if you can really handle pageants. Pageantry is no Cinderella story- no fairy godmother is going to appear before you and make a crown appear on your head. Pageant winners work hard on community service, physical fitness, knowledge of current events, opinions on politics, selecting a wardrobe, and practicing their talent. And, the magic crowning moment isn't just a happily-ever after. Holding even a local title may mean several appearances and appointments every week. Make sure you know what you are committing yourself to if you do win! Of course, if you don't win, can you handle it with maturity? Many girls enter the pageant to have fun and make friends- no one wants to listen to you gripe about how the winner didn't deserve the crown as much as you did. Enter a pageant with the understanding that there is only one crown, but there are plenty of other opportunities to have fun, make friends, and learn!
That said, here are a few great pageant systems with some information:
Miss America: www.missamerica.org
Ages 17-24
Main Prize: Educational Scholarships
Cost to Enter: No pageant entry fee, but contestants must raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network to be eligible to compete ($100 for local pageant, $250 for state pageant, $500 for national pageant)
Areas of Competition: Private Interview (25%), Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit (10%), Talent (35%), Poise and Presence in Eveningwear (15%), and Onstage Question (5%).
What else you should know: Miss America contestants start at the local level- if you don't see a pageant for your city or region, check for other pageants in your state that are "Open"- meaning anyone who lives in, attends school in, or works full-time in that state can enter, even if they don't live in the city the pageant represents. The national platform of Miss America is The Children's Miracle Network, plus every contestant chooses their own individual platform, which can be any topic the contestant is passionate about and wants to stand for during her reign. Be prepared for a busy year if you do win a title, and know that if you capture a state or national crown, you will be expected to take a year off of school in order to fulfill your obligations! There is LOTS of scholarship money available, even if you never take home a crown!
Miss USA and Miss Universe: www.missuniverse.com
Ages: 17-26
Main Prize: Some scholarship money to specific schools, including New York Film Academy. As a general rule, Miss USA and Miss Universe are seen as gateways to careers in modeling and acting.
Cost to Enter: $800 for state pageant....??
Areas of Competition: Interview, Swimwear, Eveningwear
What you should know: Miss USA contestants start at the state level- applications for state pageants are available online. Miss USA is NOT the same as Miss America, contrary to popular belief. The platform of the Miss USA pageant is Breast/Ovarian Cancer Awarness
Miss America's Outstanding Teen: www.maoteen.org
Ages: 13-17
This is the official "Little Sister" pageant to Miss America, so expect similarities (except that the teen pageant has a lifestyle and fitness in sportswear- shorts and a tank top- instead of swimwear). Also, you are NOT expected to take time off of school at any level, but winners are in for a busy year nonetheless!
Miss Teen USA: www.missuniverse.com/missteenusa
Ages: 14-18...??
This is the official little sister to Miss USA and Miss Universe, basically the same structure.
Miss International: www.miss-international.us
Ages: 19-29
Cost to Enter: State pageant $350
Areas of Competition: Interview (40%), Evening Gown (20%), Fitnesswear (20%) and Fun Fashion Wear (20%)
What you should know: Miss International contestants all choose their own platform to promote during their reign. This system also includes the little sister Miss Teen International and the Mrs. International pageant for married women.
National American Miss: www.namiss.com
Ages: Princess 4-6; Junior Pre-Teen 7-9; Pre-teen 10-12; Junior Teen 13-15; Teen 16-18, Miss 19-20
Prizes: Scholarships, Cash prizes, trophy
Entry Fee: $440 for state fee
Areas of Competition: Formal wear (30%), Personal Introduction (30%), Interview (30%), Community Involvement (10%)
What you should know: One of my favorite parts of NAM is that each area is judged by different people- you don't have to worry about the judges being so charmed by one contestant's opening act that they favor her for the rest of the pageant. It's also great that you can start in this system at a young age if you want to.
Miss American Co-Ed Pageants: www.gocoed.com
Ages: 3-22, various divisions
Okay, so I can't find a whole lot of information on the website, but I do know girls who have competed in this system and said it was great. Go ahead and apply if it interests you!
America's Perfect: www.americasperfectteen.com
Ages: Little Miss Perfect (Birth-11 years); Junior Teen (12-15 years); Teen (16-19 years); Miss (20-29 years); Woman (30 and beyond)
Main Prizes: Cash and modeling opportunities
Entry Fee: $895
Areas of Competition: Swimwear, Evening Gown, Interview- all equally scored.
The first thing to consider is whether you want to do "Glitz" or "Natural" pageants. Miss America would be an example of a natural pageant- judges are looking for a polished version of a real woman. Although Miss USA is a bit more intense, it would also be considered a natural pageant. Glitz pageants are a different story- if you've ever watched the reality show, "Toddlers and Tiaras," you're seeing glitz in action. Think gobs of makeup, hair extensions, expensive nail and tanning packages, and a wardrobe that you'll wear once and then never have use for again. Okay, I admit, I am waaaaaay biased towards natural pageants over glitz. In my humble opinion, natural pageants can help a woman learn important life skills (poise, public speaking, etc), whereas glitz pageants are just a chance to play dress up and spend big money doing it. I won't come out and say glitz pageants are bad, but I will say that if that's the route you're looking to go, you'll want to go somewhere else for advice. I'm talking about natural pageants!
Next thing to consider: what is it you're wanting to get out of pageantry? Scholarships for college? Cash prizes? A chance at a modeling contract or a scholarship to acting school? Different pageants offer different things in their prize packages.
Finally, ask yourself if you can really handle pageants. Pageantry is no Cinderella story- no fairy godmother is going to appear before you and make a crown appear on your head. Pageant winners work hard on community service, physical fitness, knowledge of current events, opinions on politics, selecting a wardrobe, and practicing their talent. And, the magic crowning moment isn't just a happily-ever after. Holding even a local title may mean several appearances and appointments every week. Make sure you know what you are committing yourself to if you do win! Of course, if you don't win, can you handle it with maturity? Many girls enter the pageant to have fun and make friends- no one wants to listen to you gripe about how the winner didn't deserve the crown as much as you did. Enter a pageant with the understanding that there is only one crown, but there are plenty of other opportunities to have fun, make friends, and learn!
That said, here are a few great pageant systems with some information:
Miss America: www.missamerica.org
Ages 17-24
Main Prize: Educational Scholarships
Cost to Enter: No pageant entry fee, but contestants must raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network to be eligible to compete ($100 for local pageant, $250 for state pageant, $500 for national pageant)
Areas of Competition: Private Interview (25%), Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit (10%), Talent (35%), Poise and Presence in Eveningwear (15%), and Onstage Question (5%).
What else you should know: Miss America contestants start at the local level- if you don't see a pageant for your city or region, check for other pageants in your state that are "Open"- meaning anyone who lives in, attends school in, or works full-time in that state can enter, even if they don't live in the city the pageant represents. The national platform of Miss America is The Children's Miracle Network, plus every contestant chooses their own individual platform, which can be any topic the contestant is passionate about and wants to stand for during her reign. Be prepared for a busy year if you do win a title, and know that if you capture a state or national crown, you will be expected to take a year off of school in order to fulfill your obligations! There is LOTS of scholarship money available, even if you never take home a crown!
Miss USA and Miss Universe: www.missuniverse.com
Ages: 17-26
Main Prize: Some scholarship money to specific schools, including New York Film Academy. As a general rule, Miss USA and Miss Universe are seen as gateways to careers in modeling and acting.
Cost to Enter: $800 for state pageant....??
Areas of Competition: Interview, Swimwear, Eveningwear
What you should know: Miss USA contestants start at the state level- applications for state pageants are available online. Miss USA is NOT the same as Miss America, contrary to popular belief. The platform of the Miss USA pageant is Breast/Ovarian Cancer Awarness
Miss America's Outstanding Teen: www.maoteen.org
Ages: 13-17
This is the official "Little Sister" pageant to Miss America, so expect similarities (except that the teen pageant has a lifestyle and fitness in sportswear- shorts and a tank top- instead of swimwear). Also, you are NOT expected to take time off of school at any level, but winners are in for a busy year nonetheless!
Miss Teen USA: www.missuniverse.com/missteenusa
Ages: 14-18...??
This is the official little sister to Miss USA and Miss Universe, basically the same structure.
Miss International: www.miss-international.us
Ages: 19-29
Cost to Enter: State pageant $350
Areas of Competition: Interview (40%), Evening Gown (20%), Fitnesswear (20%) and Fun Fashion Wear (20%)
What you should know: Miss International contestants all choose their own platform to promote during their reign. This system also includes the little sister Miss Teen International and the Mrs. International pageant for married women.
National American Miss: www.namiss.com
Ages: Princess 4-6; Junior Pre-Teen 7-9; Pre-teen 10-12; Junior Teen 13-15; Teen 16-18, Miss 19-20
Prizes: Scholarships, Cash prizes, trophy
Entry Fee: $440 for state fee
Areas of Competition: Formal wear (30%), Personal Introduction (30%), Interview (30%), Community Involvement (10%)
What you should know: One of my favorite parts of NAM is that each area is judged by different people- you don't have to worry about the judges being so charmed by one contestant's opening act that they favor her for the rest of the pageant. It's also great that you can start in this system at a young age if you want to.
Miss American Co-Ed Pageants: www.gocoed.com
Ages: 3-22, various divisions
Okay, so I can't find a whole lot of information on the website, but I do know girls who have competed in this system and said it was great. Go ahead and apply if it interests you!
America's Perfect: www.americasperfectteen.com
Ages: Little Miss Perfect (Birth-11 years); Junior Teen (12-15 years); Teen (16-19 years); Miss (20-29 years); Woman (30 and beyond)
Main Prizes: Cash and modeling opportunities
Entry Fee: $895
Areas of Competition: Swimwear, Evening Gown, Interview- all equally scored.
Friday, July 1, 2011
How To: Easy Homemade Hair Protein Treatment
Protein treatments are a great way to maintain healthy, shiny hair, and you can do them yourself in the comfort of your home! I learned this method from a fellow pageant-contestant; people notice the improvement in my hair whenever I do it!
Step 1) Mix three eggs and one tsp. of lemon juice together in a bowl. Use a fork or a whisk to mix well.
Step 2) Shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Once it is rinsed, apply the egg mixture generously from roots to tips of your hair. (I find the easiest way to do this is to just tilt your head back and pour the mixture directly from the bowl). Be sure to rinse any egg-spatters off of your skin. Wrap your hair in a towel and wait 30 minutes. (Start disinfecting any surfaces the raw eggs have touched while you are waiting! Don't let it sit!)
Step 3) Remove the towel, rinse your hair (make sure to get ALL of the egg mixture out!), and dry and style your hair as usual. Put the towel in the wash IMMEDIATELY- throwing it somewhere will guarentee a permanent rotten egg smell to it and anything else it touches.
I usually did this treatment once a month- depending on your hairtype and lifestyle, you might need to do it more or less often. Experiment and see what works best for you!
A few quick warnings: 1) NEVER try a new beauty treatment the day before or of a big event; everyone has different beauty needs, and we all make mistakes! Do a practice run well in advance to make sure you know what results you'll get. 2) Make sure to wash everything that the raw eggs touch with soap and hot water- 1 in every 20,000 eggs contains salmonella poisoning, and, once eggs rot, the smell can quickly become so bad that professional cleaning is required and 3) Warn your roommates or family that the bathroom might not smell so great for a few hours after this process. Try to do it in a well-ventilated bathroom. If you live in a dormitory setting, don't attempt this process in a community- bathroom!
Have fun!!
Step 1) Mix three eggs and one tsp. of lemon juice together in a bowl. Use a fork or a whisk to mix well.
Step 2) Shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Once it is rinsed, apply the egg mixture generously from roots to tips of your hair. (I find the easiest way to do this is to just tilt your head back and pour the mixture directly from the bowl). Be sure to rinse any egg-spatters off of your skin. Wrap your hair in a towel and wait 30 minutes. (Start disinfecting any surfaces the raw eggs have touched while you are waiting! Don't let it sit!)
Step 3) Remove the towel, rinse your hair (make sure to get ALL of the egg mixture out!), and dry and style your hair as usual. Put the towel in the wash IMMEDIATELY- throwing it somewhere will guarentee a permanent rotten egg smell to it and anything else it touches.
I usually did this treatment once a month- depending on your hairtype and lifestyle, you might need to do it more or less often. Experiment and see what works best for you!
A few quick warnings: 1) NEVER try a new beauty treatment the day before or of a big event; everyone has different beauty needs, and we all make mistakes! Do a practice run well in advance to make sure you know what results you'll get. 2) Make sure to wash everything that the raw eggs touch with soap and hot water- 1 in every 20,000 eggs contains salmonella poisoning, and, once eggs rot, the smell can quickly become so bad that professional cleaning is required and 3) Warn your roommates or family that the bathroom might not smell so great for a few hours after this process. Try to do it in a well-ventilated bathroom. If you live in a dormitory setting, don't attempt this process in a community- bathroom!
Have fun!!
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