The Prettiest Women in America Share Their Best Beauty Secrets

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There has been major controversy surrounding the Miss USA pageant, but that doesn't mean that the stunning women competing should go unrecognized. The 51 contestants have dedicated many years of their lives to volunteer work, perfecting their ability to speak publicly, and staying in impeccable shape — and, of course, honing their hair and beauty skills — in pursuit of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

We were lucky enough to chat with some of these women, who were eager to divulge their beauty secrets with us. We learned some major tricks, including how to style your false lashes, get white teeth without the bleach, and many more. Snag some tips for your next big appearance (it doesn't have to be televised!), then tune in to Reelz at 8 p.m. this Sunday to see who wins the coveted Miss USA title.

Miss Maryland: Mame Adjei

Miss Maryland: Mame Adjei

"I use coconut oil for everything — my hair, my skin, and even for teeth
cleaning and bleaching. The proprieties of coconut can pull and extract dirt from your teeth, including stains. I swish it in my mouth for 20 minutes. It's also good for makeup removal — it moisturizes your skin while wiping off everything."

Miss Wisconsin: Haley Laundrie

Miss Wisconsin: Haley Laundrie

"If you have an oily t-zone, put a little Milk of Magnesia on there with a cotton ball before your makeup. It really does keep your makeup from melting off!"

Miss Pennsylvania: Elizabeth Cardillo

Miss Pennsylvania: Elizabeth Cardillo

"I have two words for you — dry shampoo. I will use dry shampoo at all
times for everything. It really holds my hair, it smells good, it makes the volume stay, it makes the curls stay. I just truly swear by it. I've tried a lot of them, and I just think Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo ($22) has gotten it right."

Miss Alaska: Kimberly Agron

Miss Alaska: Kimberly Agron

"If your cream makeup tends to get dry or crack, soften it back up again, with a little drop of vitamin E oil. It's very good for your face and gives moisture back to the dried-out makeup."

Miss Tennessee: Kiara Young

Miss Tennessee: Kiara Young

"My little secret is aspirin paste. If you take just a plain aspirin, grind it up, and add a little water, you can dab it — not smear it! — right on a pimple. The aspirin is a steroid so it dries it right up."

Miss District of Columbia: Lizzy Olsen

Miss District of Columbia: Lizzy Olsen

"I use Visine Redness Relief Eye Drops ($7) when I have blemishes. If they're irritated and bright red, just take a drop and dab it on each one of them. Within a few minutes to an hour, the red reduces dramatically, and then you can apply your makeup over it."

Miss New York: Thatiana Diaz

Miss New York: Thatiana Diaz

"Take care of your skin while you're traveling, especially when you're on a plane. Your skin dries up when you're in the air. Take off your makeup right before you board and then put on a good serum or mask. If you want, put your makeup on right before you get off the plane. I love Egyptian Magic ($37) and Orlane Absolute Skin Recovery Anti-Fatigue Masque ($90) — they work miracles!"

Miss New Mexico: Alexis Duprey

Miss New Mexico: Alexis Duprey

"Take nail scissors and trim the edges and the tops [of your false lashes] — almost like you're texturizing hair — to make them look more natural. Your eyelashes are not naturally the same length and perfectly spaced, so just do some trimming so they don't look too perfect."

Miss Alabama: Madison Guthrie

Miss Alabama: Madison Guthrie

"When you're applying fake lashes, once they're stuck on pretty good, put the round, curved part of a spoon behind the lashes. Brush your lashes up against the spoon to blend your real lashes with the fake ones — then they look natural. You don't really need any mascara after that!"

Miss Minnesota: Jessica Scheu

Miss Minnesota: Jessica Scheu

"The best beauty secret I have is just drinking water. It keeps you hydrated and your skin glowing. It keeps your skin clear and helps with acne."