15 of the Most Memorable Hair and Makeup Moments in Miss USA History

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When you hear the term "pageant ready," you usually imagine superlong hair, perfect curls, and subdued makeup, right? Not anymore! As our standards of beauty are constantly expanding and diversifying, so are the hair and makeup styles sported by Miss USA pageant contestants each year. From short and choppy hairstyles to daringly dark lips to playful updos, each year brings a whole new crop of contestants who push the envelope on pageant-ready looks, and we couldn't be more excited to see what this year's Miss USA contestants will bring to the stage. While we wait for the new winner to be crowned on May 2, let's take a look back at some of the most memorable looks we've seen on stage over the past few years.

01
Chhavi Verg
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Chhavi Verg

As well as winning first runner-up in the 2017 pageant and giving the most accurate definition of feminism ever, Chhavi Verg also taught us that "baking" your face is a thing, and it's incredibly effective. What it means: letting translucent powder sit on your face for five to 10 minutes (which allows the heat from your face to set your base), then dusting it off, leaving you with a flawless finish. Just look at her glow!

02
Renee Bull
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Renee Bull

Renee Bull landed in the top 11 in 2015 (the first Delaware representative to make it into the top 15!) with her slick and stylish updo, which allowed her to better showcase her stunning face. Bonus: she also pulls off a bold smoky eye better than we could ever hope to ourselves.

03
Alex Carlson-Helo
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Alex Carlson-Helo

As the owner of Glitter and Gloss Beauty, it's no wonder Miss Washington USA 2017 Alex Carlson-Helo inspired a thousand haircuts with this chin-length wavy bob. Alex was a standout with this bold and trendy cut, especially in a sea of superlong curls.

04
Baylee Jensen
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Baylee Jensen

The only person who has ever come close to rocking a slicked-back ponytail as well as Ariana Grande is Baylee Jensen, who was also the first daughter of a former Miss USA to compete in the pageant. Ditching the classic updo for a fresh and modern pony, Miss Utah USA 2017 gave us a look we can replicate way more easily than barrel curls.

05
Mia Jones
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Mia Jones

Miss Delaware USA 2017 Mia Jones flaunted a curly bob as spunky as her personality. Rather than the traditional bob middle part, Mia changed it up with a deep side part that gave her curls even more volume, and we are here for it.

06
Emma Wo
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Emma Wo

Miss Hawaii USA 2015 Emma Wo looked like a beautiful modern bride in her eveningwear when she showed off this romantic updo with a slicked-back pony and soft, over-the-shoulder curls. What really caught our eye, however, was her daring makeup — can someone teach us how to do a smoky cat eye, please?

07
Emanii Davis
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Emanii Davis

Emanii Davis landed in the top three in 2016 with her gorgeous, shoulder-length bob, which flipped out at the ends for extra volume. We've never been more inspired to chop off our hair!

08
Kára McCullough
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Kára McCullough

The 2017 pageant winner, Kára McCullough, made history when she appeared on stage with her natural curls, knowing that her natural hair is what makes her feel her most beautiful and confident. Her hair product of choice? Chi Miss Universe Style Illuminate Spotlight Shine Spray, which enhances her hair's natural shine.

09
Madison McKeown
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Madison McKeown

Miss South Dakota USA 2016 Madison McKeown appeared on the stage with this modern lob, complete with ombré highlights and a daring middle part. Madison has said she was pressured to grow her hair longer for the pageant, but she resisted conforming to the typical pageant look, and following her instincts made her a total standout.

10
Leah Lawson
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Leah Lawson

Former American Idol contestant and Miss South Carolina USA 2016 Leah Lawson redefined the side part with this superdeep part that gave her hair extra volume, despite wearing it straight. We also love her barely there makeup, which made her look fresh and natural on stage.

11
Tiffany Teixeira
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Tiffany Teixeira

First-generation American and Miss Connecticut USA 2016 Tiffany Teixeira eschewed classic barrel curls for soft waves and a deep side part that perfectly framed her face. We still can't figure out how she rocked that lip gloss without getting hair stuck on her mouth.

12
Kyle Hornback
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Kyle Hornback

We're obsessed with Miss Kentucky USA 2016 Kyle Hornback's center part and sleek, pin-straight hair, which she gave a soft curl on the ends. Her dark hair was also perfectly complemented by her bright pink lip color, thick brows, and smoky eye shadow.

13
Olivia Jordan
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Olivia Jordan

Miss USA 2015 winner Olivia Jordan gave us major Old Hollywood vibes with her soft, vintage waves and deep side part. To create her full, bouncy look, she used Chi Magnified Volume Hairspray and a Chi Lava Ceramic Hairstyling Iron for gorgeously voluminous curls.

14
Nadia Mejia
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Nadia Mejia

Miss California USA 2016 Nadia Mejia (whose mother was a Miss USA contestant in 1989) completely owned her balayage highlights and textured, choppy waves like a real Cali girl. Her bold lip color and gorgeous brows helped bring the whole look together.

15
Hope Stephens
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Hope Stephens

Whoever said a part was even necessary? Miss Tennessee USA 2016 rocked a slicked-back style that somehow looked effortless while staying perfectly in place. We're going to need some Chi Enviro 54 Natural Hold Hairspray to pull off this look.