The Prettiest Women in the Universe Reveal Their Get-Gorgeous Secrets

They're some of the most stunning women around the world, hand-selected to represent the epitome of beauty — both inside and out — for their respective countries. And somehow, they manage to keep it all together.

We caught up with five Miss Universe 2014 contestants (including our very own Miss USA!) to see what it really means to achieve perfection under pressure. From depuffing (Miss Ecuador cues the crushed aspirin cream) to de-stressing (Miss Great Britain has her own special chant) we learned all about their pageant prep.

Read on for more beauty queen backstage tricks (butt glue is just the beginning!), and then tune in for the big event when the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant airs on NBC this Sunday, Jan. 25, at 8 PM EST.

Miss Thailand: Pimbongkod Chankaew
Miss Universe

Miss Thailand: Pimbongkod Chankaew

Skin-perfecting prep: "I always moisturize and drink a lot of water. When I take off my makeup, I take off everything. I use an oil-based makeup remover for around my eyes and makeup wipes for the rest of my face. Sometimes, I do homemade face masks with my mom and sister. We use tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, or honey to keep our skin clear."

Makeup station must haves: "Something I always have on me is lip gloss. I feel like my lip color is always fading. I like trying out a lot of different brands. I also bring a mirror to check up on myself."

Hair-styling mantra: "I like big hair — big, soft-looking curls. I do a lot of teasing. I always carry a fine-tooth comb with me for teasing because oftentimes my hair will fall flat."

Miss Thailand: Pimbongkod Chankaew
Miss Universe

Miss Thailand: Pimbongkod Chankaew

Favorite backstage beauty trick(s): "I try not to use lights that are colored. I try to use natural light so I can see what I really look like. I also try not to go too heavy on the makeup, especially when it comes to foundation or powder on my skin."

Keep-calm secret: "I tell myself to breathe. I just try to relax. I close my eyes and count. I also think to myself 'I'm pretty brave for being out here.' I give myself a pep talk."

Miss Ecuador: Alejandra Argudo
Miss Universe

Miss Ecuador: Alejandra Argudo

Skin-perfecting prep: "Every night, I wash my face about three times. Afterward, I spray on some thermal water and apply a serum, cream, or gel as a moisturizer. A week and a half or two before a pageant, I like to use a facial, but not too close since it can irritate the skin. A couple days before, I use a collagen mask.

Makeup station must haves: "I love MAC Studio Fix Foundation. It leaves your face looking flawless and fresh. I love Kryolan eye liner and then some big lashes. I [add] nude or light pink lips and a little blush, and then I'm ready."

Hair-styling mantra: "I like to change it up so I don't have the same style every day. And I like to have a lot of volume in my hair — like really full. I usually throw my head upside down and apply a lot of hairspray. I do at-home masks for my hair with eggs, mayo, and avocado once a week to keep it shiny and strong, but that can leave hair stinky. During pageant week, I use Sebastian thermal spray and all the CHI products [provided at the pageant]."

Miss Ecuador: Alejandra Argudo
Miss Universe

Miss Ecuador: Alejandra Argudo

Favorite backstage beauty trick(s): "There's this MAC spray that gives legs a nice tan. It's amazing. I'm about to buy 30 for my stash. I also smash aspirin with a little water or eye cream and put it under my eyes to bring down puffiness. Holding refrigerated tea bags under eyes for 15 minutes also helps."

Keep-calm secret: "I just try to think of the amazing opportunity I have and the big blessing this is. Sometimes that freaks me out even more, but I try to stay calm and remember it all comes down to destiny."

Miss USA: Nia Sanchez
Miss Universe

Miss USA: Nia Sanchez

Skin-perfecting prep: "I did microdermabrasion and that was really good to me. Image Skincare products keep my acne under control, but I'm also using the brand's antiaging line for preventative measures."

Makeup station must haves: "A foundation that doesn't get oily a good matte — and lashes. I love Flutter Lashes. I use MAC eye shadows. Other than that, I kind of mix it up a lot."

Hair-styling mantra: "Go big or go home. I love lots of volume. My hair is naturally straight, but I rediscovered that while being back at the pageant. The curling iron I use is from CHI, and it's perfect for pretty, loose, big curls. I also like the CHI [Miss Universe Style Illuminate] Rock Your Crown [Firm] Hair Spray. Everything is pink, and girlie girls love pink."

Miss USA: Nia Sanchez
Miss Universe

Miss USA: Nia Sanchez

Favorite backstage beauty trick(s): "Butt glue. Here, you need some to keep your bikini in place. We also have this CHI shine spray that I thought was just for hair, but it's great for making the rest of your body shine on stage."

Keep-calm secret: "I pray. I like to find a quiet place and take a deep breath. I roll my shoulders back and it makes me feel good to go."

Miss Kenya: Gaylyne Ayugi
Miss Universe

Miss Kenya: Gaylyne Ayugi

Skin-perfecting prep: "I use Premier Dead Sea products from back in my country. I use the makeup remover, a mask, and night cream. In the morning, I use a day cream."

Makeup station must haves: "I use Sleek products. I really like the foundation powder, and they have my exact [face] color. The eye shadow and eye liner are also really nice."

Hair-styling mantra: "I only get to rock one hairstyle, so [my routine is] just washing, oiling, and paying very close attention to my scalp."

Miss Kenya: Gaylyne Ayugi
Miss Universe

Miss Kenya: Gaylyne Ayugi

Favorite backstage beauty trick(s): "I use Vaseline on my teeth so my lipstick doesn't stick, and it makes them appear more white."

Keep-calm secret: "I listen to a lot of African music because music keeps me calm."

Miss Great Britain: Grace Levy
Miss Universe

Miss Great Britain: Grace Levy

Skin-perfecting prep: "I drink a lot of water and avoid sugary foods – even some fruits. I use a deep cleanser from Image Skincare and an exfoliation mitt every three days to keep skin looking nice and bright."

Makeup station must haves: "I use a lot of MAC. Their lipsticks and shadows are pretty great. I also use Smashbox OP eye shadows. I'll start with one matte shade for day, then upgrade with a layer of shimmer for night."

Hair-styling mantra: "My hair is naturally very straight, so the one thing I always need is dry shampoo to give it more volume at the roots — even when it's clean. I apply a heat styling spray from CHI, curling spray from GHD, and do pin curls, leaving them in as long as possible before taking out. In the evening, I do a bit of back-combing — just at the roots — to give hair more volume."

Miss Great Britain: Grace Levy
Miss Universe

Miss Great Britain: Grace Levy

Favorite backstage beauty trick(s): "Before I put my makeup on, I press teaspoons that have been chilled in the fridge under my eyes to eliminate puffiness. I also always use lip liner to define my lips, even if I'm not wearing lipstick. I'll just use a natural shade."

Keep-calm secret: "I [work with] a lifestyle coach, and he taught me a power stance. I pump my fist in the air and shout 'Yes!' three times. You should see me doing this [laughs]. I look crazy, but it works!"