There are a few things we know for certain about the Miss Universe [1] pageant contestants. For starters, they're kick-ass women with inspiring platforms, diverse backgrounds, and impressive accomplishments. Also, they have a mighty arsenal of legit beauty tips and tricks [2] up their formal gown sleeves. While prepping for the upcoming pageant, we hit them up for the hacks and products they swear by, and are sharing them with you today.
From onion-infused shampoo to advice that any woman can apply to her life, here's what they told us. Oh, and don't forget to tune into the live show on Sunday, Nov. 26, to cheer on and support these incredible women!
Miss Australia: Dry Shampoo After Sea Swimming
“You can't be Australian and not use dry shampoo," said Miss Austrailia, Olivia Waters. "After a day on the beach, you need a good dry shampoo — I like CHI’s Dry Shampoo [3] — to get the sea water out. It saves the day and is a summer essential!" She added that a great tinted moisturizer with built-in SPF is also a must, and her favorite is Natio’s Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 [4] ($19).
Miss Brazil: Coconut Oil For Shine
For her natural hair, Miss Brazil's Monalysa Alcântara reaches for pure, heavenly-scented coconut oil. "I love to use it for its scent and shine," she told POPSUGAR. Try Conscious Coconut Organic Coconut Oil [5] ($17).
Miss Canada: A Regimented Skincare Routine
Though it's fun to experiment with new products or DIY [6] treatments regularly, not everyone's skin can tolerate the inconsistency. That's the case for Lauren Howe, Miss Canada. “It’s important to listen to your body," she told us. "I used to try new products all the time to dry problematic acne spots, but they didn’t work and ended up making things worse. My go-to skincare items are Peter Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer [7] ($58), First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads [8] ($30), and SkinMedica Facial Cleanser [9] ($38)."
Miss Dominican Republic: Onion-Infused Shampoo
“I like to use onions mixed with almond oil and CHI’s Argan Oil Plus Moringa Oil Shampoo [10] ($17). Once they are all mixed together, wash your hair with it for faster growth and luxe, shiny results," said Miss Dominican Republic's Carmen Muñoz. " Also mashed avocado and yogurt — it sounds strange, but try it! Mix both and apply it to the ends of your hair for a half hour to rehydrate your hair and give shiny results for days.”
Miss Ecuador: Avocado + Olive Oil
“I like to mix avocado and olive oil as a way to make my hair stage-ready," said Daniela Cepeda, Miss Ecuador. "Mix both and apply it to your hair for shine and softness. It also acts as a protector from the harsh heat."
Miss Poland: All-Natural Cosmetics
For Katarzyna Włodarek, Miss Poland, the secret to healthy, gorgeous skin lies in cosmetic choices. "A lot of people say that Polish women are some of the most beautiful in the world, but if there's one secret for that, it's that we use healthy and natural cosmetics," she said.
Miss Russia: Emote From the Inside Out
"Russian women are famous for their beauty, and our secret is flaunting our natural beauty, sincerity, and self-confidence, regardless of makeup,” said Miss Russia's Kseniya Aleksandrova.
Miss Sri Lanka: Fresh Aloe and Turmeric
“I use aloe vera directly from the plant, and am a big fan of turmeric — those are my main go-to's," said Miss Sri Lanka's Christina Peiris. "With the turmeric, all you do is mix it with milk — any type — and a half teaspoon of honey and apply it as a face mask.” Turmeric has brightening and healing properties that keep skin balanced and clear. Aloe vera is incredibly soothing, and can also reduce inflammation.
Miss Sweden: Coconut Oil as Makeup Remover
“My best tip is to use coconut oil to remove makeup and the base. It's a great moisturizer that is all natural," said Frida Fornander, Miss Sweden. "I feel like my skin is so much better since I started using coconut oil, so I’d definitely recommend [using it]."
Miss USA: Curl-Enhancing Cream
"It’s very important to me that I continue to wear my hair natural during Miss Universe," said Miss USA's Kára McCullough. "One of the products that I love the most is CHI Luxury Black Seed Oil Curl Defining Cream-Gel [11] (price not available), which keeps my curls intact while providing overall sheen and fighting frizz. All you do is work a dime-sized amount through your hair from scalp to ends with your hands, and you’ll see luxe results for hours."
Miss Venezuela: Keep Confident
“Venezuelan women always show inner beauty to the world," said Miss Venezuela's Keysi Sayago. "When you show how beautiful you are inside, it reflects on your outer appearance. People always think beauty secrets are on the outside, but no matter what happens, if you always stay positive, keep smiling, shining, then what you feel inside will reflect outward all the time.”