No Makeup for the Summer

These past Miss Universe titleholders show us they aren’t afraid to bare it all.

With the amount of makeup tutorials out there in this day and age it’s hard to not want to try every tip and trick to make you look flawless. Dewy eyelids, rosy lips, perfectly contoured jaw line and that extra highlight on the cheek bones might be the all the rage but these past and current Miss Universe titleholders show us that the best way to shine really is by wearing nothing at all.

We love makeup more than the next girl, after all, we are the queens of beauty, but being able to rock a stunning makeup creation and also a completely bare face is what #MissUniverse is all about. Nothing shows more confidence than embracing YOUR natural beauty.

 

Aren’t ready to bare it all just yet?

Miss Universe, Iris Mittenaere shows us how to rock the “Barely-There Bare.”

Try the “Barely-There Bare” with 3 simple products:

Step 1: Tinted lip balm to your cheeks and lips. **Yes, to your cheeks too

Step 2: A swipe of lengthening/strengthening mascara

Step 3: Bronzer to give you that summer glow

And YOU’RE golden!

Will you dare to bare? Tag us with #DareToBareMissUniverse to show us your beauty.

 

diy project

Here’s a fun DIY project created by Miss Teen Wisconsin USA 2017 Abby Bryson

Favorite Instagram Moments: Halima Aden

Halima is a overall boss, whether she is in front of the camera or not.

 

Natural Beauty

 

 

Talk about a talent in smizing, Tyra would be proud.

 

Friendships

 

 

 

Halima’s humbleness is shown in her IG and it is clear she cherishes her close friends and family.

 

Magazine Covers

 

 

Allure has got it right. Halima is the definition of an American beauty.

 

Voice

 

 

As a Somali-American who was born in a refugee camp in Kenya, Halima now breaking barriers and hopes people will look up to her and do the same. She’s not afraid to voice her opinion on IG to start a healthy conversation.

 

 

4 Quotes I Hope All Teen Girls Hear and Believe

Written by Miss Iowa Teen USA 2017 Carley Arnold 

Hi readers! My name is Carley Arnold and I am your Miss Iowa Teen USA. It has been a wild, crazy, fun, amazing, challenging, breath-taking…  (the list could go on and on) year so far! I will NEVER get tired of wearing those four bold and empowering words across my chest. I have had the opportunity to experience so many once-in-a-lifetime things over these last 250 days. Through all of my opportunities and experiences, not only as Miss Iowa Teen USA, but also in my 18 years of life, I feel that I have learned a lot and want to share a few very important and powerful quotes that I hope will touch and stick with you. These quotes are a part of who I am and I carry them with me every day. I hope to pass them on to everyone I can.

 

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” –Neale Donald Walsch

I must start with this quote because I can honestly tell you I would not be here, writing this blog for all of you, without it. My wonderful mom has always given me this advice throughout my whole life, and I could not be more thankful for her, or it. When I was younger I was very shy. My mom had to push me to go to new friends’ birthday parties, to get up on stage and perform at my dance recitals, and to get out on the field at my tee ball games. I hated it at the time, but I began to realize I always had fun; soon enough I was pushing myself out of my comfort zone any chance I got. Going into middle school and high school, I was always up for a new challenge and wanted to be involved in everything I could be because of this advice. I have always lived and breathed sports, so I was a four sport athlete, year-round. With each club or sport I was involved in came new challenges. Luckily I have a nice little necklace with this quote on it to remind me that being outside of my comfort zone is a great thing!

Going into my state pageant in October, there was no doubt I felt a little bit out of my comfort zone. My comfort zone was in a gym or in my softball cleats, not in heels on a stage. This was my first pageant EVER, but I was prepared and ready to face it head-on! I looked at every challenge as a new way to put myself out there, try something new, learn more than I knew before, and most importantly – I had FUN! Winning was the cherry on top! I worked hard, made amazing new friends, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and my dream came true!

When you feel like you’re getting close to that fine line at the end of your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to take that last step. If you have something you’ve always wanted to do – DO IT! You will only regret the chances you don’t take. Leap over the end of your comfort zone with your eyes wide open, because you really don’t know what you are missing or what kind of opportunities will come your way. It could just change your life…

 

“It doesn’t matter where you are coming from. All that matters is where you are going.” –Brian Tracy

To everyone out there reading this… please remember this quote! This is extremely important and can apply to SO many situations in life.

For me, I apply this quote to two main parts of my life. The first way that I relate to this quote is the fact that I come from a very small town. I am from Chariton, Iowa; population 4,227. My graduating class in high school was around 100 students. We grew up together and went through every little thing in our lives together. There are wonderful things about a small town – like being able to go all the way through school with your best friends, or driving around town and swapping friendly waves with everyone you pass by.  I wouldn’t change my hometown for anything, but there are some things to overcome growing up in a small town.  The main one is having to work hard to not have a “small town” mentality. It is easy to feel stuck in your small town, or to feel like you are looked at differently because you are from a small town.  I am very thankful to have grown up in Chariton with such a loving and supportive community behind me; I am just excited to see and do anything and everything I can in this world! I will go whichever way the wind takes me – working hard all the way.

The second way that I really apply this quote to my life is through one of my biggest struggles. When I was thirteen years old, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which basically means that the body attacks itself. When I was diagnosed I was shocked. I was thinking, “This is the disease that I hear people’s grandparents always have. How is this possible?” But it is real, and I had to learn to live with it. I’m not going to lie, it was hard trying to manage this disease on top of all of my sports, but I am competitive and there was no way I was sitting out.  So, as time passed on, I had my good days and my bad days, but overall I am thankful for this disease in a weird way. It made me stronger and pushed me to work even harder to live a healthy lifestyle.

So, when you read this quote, just remember you can achieve anything you set your mind on. It does not matter where you are from, or what you have been through. Work hard for your goals and never look back. Set your sights high and be resilient in your journey for your dreams. You really can accomplish anything that you truly believe you can, no matter where you start.

 

“Happy girls are the prettiest girls.” –Audrey Hepburn

 

I am often asked, “Are you ever not smiling?”, and quite frankly – my answer is no. I am so thankful to have a million reasons to smile in my life. I am where I want to be, I have been blessed to represent the wonderful state of Iowa at Miss Teen USA, and I am surrounded by the greatest supporters and people I love. What more could I possibly need?

It is not that I haven’t ever had reasons to frown thrown my way. I just choose to overcome these obstacles and rise above. The teenage years can be hard. We are trying to figure out who we are, others are trying to tell us who we should be, and some peers try to tear us down because they think it will make themselves feel bigger. You just cannot listen! Stay happy, stay hopeful, and stay positive. Everything works itself out in the end and you are meant to be where you are at this exact second for a purpose; you just may not know what that is yet. Always be the bigger person and wear a smile across your face.

We attract those with similar goals and attributes. Surround yourself with uplifting people and those that make you happy. There is no way you will not succeed when you encompass yourself in a group of friends and family who push you to be the best version of yourself that you can be.

Happy girls really are the prettiest. Let your light shine and never forget to put on your greatest accessory – a smile.

 

“I always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect – they are much more interesting.” –Marc Jacobs

 

I am odd, I am imperfect, and I am proud of it. Perfection is overrated. I am 100%, unapologetically myself. I have flaws, I mess up sometimes, I am clumsy, I occasionally (always – lol) spill food on myself when I eat, and I’m a little goofy, but that is ok. I am me and I am confidently beautiful.

Girls, please do not let anyone else’s opinion define you. Other people are going to have opinions on the way you dress, how you do your hair, what you find interesting, what you look like, where you come from, what size you are, even what you like to eat or what you enjoy watching on TV. These opinions do not matter!

It is so easy to get caught up in the little things in life. With so many outside influences, like social media, around us today, you can get wrapped up in it all pretty quickly.  Stay true to who you are. I will be the first to tell you that yes, I like to dress up, but there is nothing better than a nice pair of sweatpants. My hair is messy and in a bun the majority of my day-to-day life. I like to geek out to Harry Potter movies, or vicariously live in a fairytale when watching Disney princess movies with my best friends. I am not a size 0 or 2 and I never will be. I am built athletically, I have muscles, and I am proud of them!

All of these things make up who I truly am. I have come to love my body, my personality, and all of the little quirks that make me, me. So stay true to you. There is no one else in the world that can be you. Love yourself for all of your flaws and everything that makes you unique. Be proud to be odd and imperfect, it really is more interesting! Never apologize for being who you are and always stay confidently beautiful.

 

 

Be Happy. Be Confident. Be Kind. Be Brave. Be Courageous. But most importantly – Be You! This is Carley Arnold, Miss Iowa Teen USA, signing off… Stay imperfectly perfect.

Best Buddies Highlights with Kára McCullough & Karlie Hay

Kára McCullough was the first to arrive at the Best Buddies event that took place in Boston and Cape Cod. From the airport to Davio’s Restaurant, Kára got a glimpse of the opportunities that Best Buddies offers to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Hard at work, the buddy provided the highest quality of customer service and spoke on his love for the job. His energy and passion for his work truly showed the importance of Best Buddies and the impact it can have on not only the buddy, but the rest of the employees as well.

“Such a humbling experience visiting this guy (in the middle) at work. He provided the highest quality of customer service I’ve had in a while. The best part was listening to him express how much he enjoyed his job at @daviosrestaurant. And I made it a point to tell him, thank you for sharing his energy and happiness. @bestbuddies is the best; they focus on friendships, jobs & leadership development. Everyone deserves to feel responsible for something!! Thank you @bestbuddies for an amazing weekend in Boston!!”

“Kára enjoyed the Best Buddies job tour with Jason Lewis, Liz Godwin, and Charlotte McKinney”

Following the lunch, Karlie joined Kára at the first public event: The Tom Brady Football Challenge and Guy Cooking With Best Buddies, Celebrity Chef Food and Wine Festival. The buddies had the opportunity to play football with some of the most notable football players on the New England Patriots team, including Tom Brady. Kára and Karlie cheered on the teams with the rest of the buddies by their side. It was a night full of fun, laughs, and great food.

Kára even shed a “happy tear” as a buddy beautifully sang the National Anthem before the game.

Kára taking a photo with the buddy who sang the National Anthem

“Miss Maine USA, Miss Massachusetts USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss New Hampshire USA, Miss Virginia USA, and Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, Miss USA”

The next morning, Kára and Karlie led the countdown at the Best Buddies Bike Challenge starting line, where cyclist lined up to bike 100, 50 or 20 miles from Boston to Cape Cod. Bikers included supporters, buddies, and even cyclists who competed in Le Tour de France.

After the cyclists took off, the girls headed to the finish line at Cape Cod to await the first to cross the finish line. With plenty of time to pass, Kára and Karlie participated in the Best Buddies 5K at Cape Cod where the girls had the opportunity to meet more buddies and continue to support the organization.

Three miles, mingling, and some delicious fish n’ chips later, the cyclists finally began to cross the finish line. Times ranged from 3-9 hours of biking, and Kára and Karlie cheered them on as they arrived at their final destination.

With two challenges down, there was still one to go. The tandem bike race was up next, and Karlie decided to hop on the bike with one of the buddies. With a couple of tips and trips later, the two managed to hop back on the bike while finishing strong. They were able to make three laps around the track with smiles that could be seen from miles away.

Bring in the dancing lobsters! A celebration lobster festival followed the tandem bike race where Kára and Karlie were able to enjoy hanging out with the buddies, fresh food and great music by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Before heading to the Shriver Home for a culmination reception, the girls wanted to take a peek at the beach one last time. They enjoyed taking it all in and reminiscing on how fast the amazing weekend had gone by.

The last event brought everyone together at the Shriver Home for a celebration on the weekend events. Kára and Karlie enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, advice from Guy Fieri, and shared wonderful memories with the buddies.

Kára and Karlie were so thankful go to another Best Buddies event to continue to see first hand opportunities that the organization have given people with IDD. The girls are looking forward to the next event and will continue to hold onto the friendships and memories made.

Bold

5 Gifs to Get You Excited for Miss Universe

The MISS UNIVERSE Preliminary show might be over, but we can still appreciate some of the moments that scream Confidently Beautiful.

1. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s entrance

2. Miss Peru Valeria Piazza twirling like the emoji 💃

 

3. This entrance that screams #SquadGoals

4. This walk and pose by Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina

5. This sashay by Miss Universe Curacao Chanelle De Lau

 

Tune in to the MISS UNIVERSE Competition LIVE on FOX January 29th at 7/6c

5 Feelings You Get While Voting

Do you want to have a say in who wins this year’s title of Miss Universe? You can. Fan pre-voting on the Miss U app and MissUniverse.com starts today, Jan. 23!

Your vote will determine the final spot in the top 12. So, if you want your voice to be heard, you have to VOTE! Here are five feelings you might get while voting for your favorite contestant…

1. Excited

YOU have a say in who wins the coveted title of Miss Universe! How cool is that?! You’ll likely be super excited.

2. Proud

If your favorite contestant also happens to be someone from your country, you might feel proud to vote for someone who represents where you’re from!

3. Overwhelmed

This is a BIG deal. You know how hard your favorite contestant worked to get to this point and now the power to help her secure that top 12 spot is in YOUR hands. You might feell overwhelmed by all the responsibility!

4. Anxious

You’re probably anxious to see who gets that final spot! It could be YOUR favorite contestant. You can hardly stand waiting until Sunday to find out who it is!

5. Ecstatic 

You can’t wait to watch Miss Universe and see who makes it into the top 12! See it for yourself when Miss Universe airs LIVE on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 7/6c.

 

 

Workout Moves You Can Do Anywhere

Despite their busy schedules, Miss Universe contestants are still finding time to workout while in the Philippines for the competition. Check out some of their workout moves that you can replicate in the gym or at home!

Workout Moves You Can Do Anywhere!

Try Adding Steps

Increase the Intensity: Add Weights!

Have Access to Workout Machines? Even Better!