Pageant Essentials
If you've seen my latest pageant vlogs on my channel, you would know I just competed at Miss New York USA! Something that was SO important for my preparation process was making sure I had all the items necessary to make my weekend as smooth as possible. As pageant nationals are right around the corner, I created a pageant essentials list to help make your competition fabulous and easy!
Rolling Makeup Case
A rolling makeup case has been my best purchase of 2024! For my past pageant, I did my own hair and makeup, which was a big stressor going into pageant weekend. To help ease my nerves, I got a makeup case to keep my products organized and help make it easier when I was getting ready in the dressing room. This makeup case had enough room to hold my mirror, hair products/tools, makeup brushes, and all my makeup!
Hulken Bag
I don't know how I did pageants without a Hulken bag! I noticed it was popular in the dancer community, but I didn't understand the hype until I bought my own. The bag was perfect for holding my bottled water, steamer, shoe boxes, and anything else very clunky and awkward to pack in a typical bag. I purchased the largest size, and it fit perfectly in the backseat of our rental car. I will never attend a pageant without this now!
Body Bronzer
I tried out a ton of new products for this pageant, and this body bronzer was one of them. I competed in a swimsuit for Miss New York USA, and I noticed that girls had bronzed, glowy skin in past competitions. To replicate that look, I put this bronzer on before competing, and it made my skin SO glowy onstage! I applied it with a brush in 2 layers: one layer in the morning and another about thirty minutes before showtime.
Adhesive Thong
Y'all. This is something that I didn't know existed, but I am so happy I found out about it. This is the second time I've competed in an adhesive thong, which attaches to the front of your body and the rear. These thongs are perfect if you are wearing a mesh outfit where you would typically see your undergarments. Even if I don't think I'll need it, I pack one in my suitcase throughout pageant weekend.
Body Glue
Competing in a swimsuit onstage can be very daunting! I chose to glue my bikini bottoms to keep them in place and give me peace of mind. This glue worked super fast, which was perfect for the quick change during finals! I applied the glue to my skin and then laid the material right on top. I recommend keeping baby wipes backstage so you can wipe the stickiness off after.
Self-Tanner
I personally choose to self-tan myself for pageant competitions. I have had too many bad spray tans in the past, so I trust myself to handle this preparation step. My favorite brand and shade is the Loving Tan Platinum. When competing, I bring the 2-hour express and normal tanner for necessary retouches. Use code LAURENN for a free deluxe applicator mitt with your purchase!
Vanity Mirror
If you are thinking of depending on hotel bathroom lighting or natural lighting for your makeup, DO NOT! During pageant weekend, it was pouring down rain and was completely overcast, which meant my idea of natural lighting was ruined. I was SO glad to have a makeup mirror with lights that ensured my makeup application was even and flawless!
Snackle Box
I have seen snackle boxes all over TikTok, and I'm so happy I brought one for my pageant! All meals were catered by the pageant, but because of my food restrictions and allergies, I opted to bring my own snacks for the weekend to be safe. I filled my box with mixed nuts, freeze-dried strawberries, beef jerky, and other small snacks. It was great for an energy boost before and after competing onstage.
Garment Bags
When competing, pageants often have many different outfits you need to wear during the weekend. For this competition alone, I had to pack an opening number outfit, rehearsal outfits, swimsuits, gowns, and more. I bought these inexpensive dress bags on Amazon to keep everything clean and organized for the weekend. The pink bags also make it easier to find your wardrobe when it's hanging backstage!
Powder Puff
So... Our AC broke in the hotel during the competition, which meant during finals we were pouring down sweat. I kept this velour puff in my makeup bag (with no makeup on it) to blot my face during those sweaty moments. I typically keep one of these in my purse when going out, so it was a must-have for being backstage and applying light touch ups!
Slippers
If there is one thing my feet hate, it's being in heels for multiple hours a day. Pageant rehearsals can be long, and standing on your feet for a while can be super uncomfortable. I love carrying some cozy slippers around with me to slip on to give my feet a break while I get ready, walk to the rehearsal space, and finish competing. Give your feet some rest!
Robe
Wearing a robe is my go-to for getting ready backstage. Whether I’m going to the hair and makeup room or getting myself ready, a lightweight robe is essential for pageants. I prefer a lighter robe because I don't want to start sweating if I'm wearing thick material. Wearing a robe can also help apply makeup or bronzer on your neck/chest without it rubbing off.
Jacket
Pageant rehearsals can get COLD! Depending on the pageant, you may already have a titleholder jacket to wear, but if you don't, make sure a light jacket is packed in your tote bag. I recommend staying away from hoodies and sweatshirts so you lessen the risk of ruining your makeup or hair while pulling it over your head.
Sewing Kit
When I say you need a sewing kit, I'm basically saying you need a ton of safety pins! There have been many times when my dress accidentally gets stepped on, something is too long, or a slight alteration needs to be made last minute, and my sewing kit has always come to the rescue. This is a very small sewing kit that easily fits in your cosmetic bag!
Setting Spray
As I mentioned before, the AC broke during pageant weekend, which made keeping my makeup on a top priority. Even throughout my national pageants in the humid Florida weather, a good setting spray will keep your makeup in place no matter what. I've become obsessed with the One Size setting spray, and I love that it comes in a travel size!
Devotion
Pageants can be very mentally exhausting, so one way I relax after a long day of rehearsals or competitions is by reading my devotions. I prefer to read and reflect using nighttime devotions, as many pageants have very early start times. Reading my devotion before I go to bed helps me relax and calm my mind before heading into another big day and allows any nerves or negative thoughts to go away when I share quiet time with God.
Tote Bag
Having a small tote bag to hold a lot of the pageant essentials you've seen on this list is a lifesaver. I love carrying around my heels, granola bars, water, mints, jacket, and more to have everything I need for practice in one place. I recommend placing a ribbon or tag on your bag to help easily identify it in a crowd!
I had THE best time competing at Miss New York USA, and my competition process ran smoothly because of the pageant essentials on this list. I wish you all good luck as the national season approaches, and know I am cheering for you wherever you are!
