The Perfect Face

One of my first appearances as Miss New York International at a very public blood drive gave me a real wake-up call.  It went well enough. I mixed and mingled, took photos with fans and attendees, manned my assigned stations to make donors feel at ease, and spoke in great lengths about the International Pageant System and Volunteerism.

As it was time for me to leave I was shaking hands and thanking the staff and one of the coordinators, a man, said to me “I didn’t think you looked the part when you walked in, but seeing you in action and hearing you speak I can tell you are very deserving of your crown”.  While it is a compliment that I proved myself with substance, it was a lesson to me – never take your role as a “beauty queen” lightly.  Since that day my mission has always been to be the most glamorous woman in the room with the warmest heart.

While every aspect of a make-up routine is important there are three things I find most essential to elevate my look from a nice Saturday evening dinner out to titleholder appearance that I now NEVER skip: Lip Liner, Eyelashes, Eyebrow Definition.  The eyes and lips are the focal points of every face so it’s important that they are emphasized (but not exaggerated… save that for the stage).

Lips: With all the smiling, talking, and laughing titleholders do, a soft yet defined lip is a beautiful thing.  If this is a new trick to you, play it safe and draw your line right where your lip meets your skin.  I usually blend my liner inward for a more seamless look when I add my lip color.  My two favorite Clay Spann combinations are: Whisper liner and Nude Beach color or Paradise liner and Bubble Gum color for brighter looks.  Finish off with a clear lip glass.

Eyes: Eyelashes are not always fun and they take lots of practice (at least they did for me).  I typically use lashes that will build up my volume as opposed to my length to keep the look as natural as possible, but again giving that amped up glam that will make your eyes pop.

I was amazed the difference that defining my eyebrows made for my overall appearance.  The adjective that comes to mind most is “polished”.  It just pulls everything together. I use a brow gel and Clay Spann Brow Definer in “Soft Brown” to ensure they always look neat and sleek.

All ready for the camera – decked out in my Clay Spann cosmetics!

Practice, practice, practice!

Seek Happiness,

Jesse Ladoue
Miss International 2013

My Visit to the Competitive Image

Two weeks after winning the Miss International 2012 title, I was flown to Dothan, Alabama for my first official photo shoot with Clay Spann!I was excited, but nervous. I knew Clay was a phenomenal photographer from what I had seen on his website and from friends of mine, but would I be pretty enough? Mary Richardson and I headed over to the Competitive Image studio first thing in the morning.

It was pageant heaven! Racks of beautiful gowns and jewelry! Then, further into the store was Clay's studio area. There were pictures of beautiful women Clay had photographed plastered all over the walls.This was going to be a challenge keeping up with all the stunning, elegant and beautiful women.

Joey had picked out a few options for me to try on, but I’m keeping the details of each outfit a secret! Needless to say, each dress they had picked for me was more gorgeous than the next. Somehow, they had chosen pieces that reflected my style even though this was our first time meeting.  After the wardrobe was chosen, Clay and Terri started beautifying me!

Clay just looked at my face for a second and then poof! It seemed like magic. He picked colors and shades that looked great and he did my make up in a way that reflected my own personal make up style, but better! Now, I must tell you, I am pretty particular when it comes to my make up. I don’t use a lot of eyeliner - especially on the bottom. I must pencil in my brows, I need big lashes and big lips, and lots of contouring because I have a very round face and big cheeks! He did all those things without even having to ask! Every time I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I got more and more giddy.

Terri followed along as Clay chose colors, wrote them all down for me, made notes of products I still need to buy, and put together my make-up kit. She’s a doll! They both helped explain where and how each product and color is applied. They also introduced me to rollers. I have never used them before because in the past, they never hold the curl or they are falling out constantly. So frustrating! They showed me how to put the rollers in, what product and size to buy, and wala! After a half hour in the rollers, my hair was soft, wavy, and touchable. No hair spray helmet here! Clay lightly spritzed some flyways and gave the crown a tiny bit of backcombing and we were ready to go!

Clay's work area is awesome! You can tell that this is his calling. It just seems to come so naturally for him. He has different levels of props to sit or stand on, and big reflectors. Every once and awhile he would turn the camera around so I could get a look and the shot we just took and WOW! It was like looking at a glamorized movie star – but it was me!! I cannot wait to see the final photos. The shot for the website should be up soon so make sure you check it every few days.

Oh, I forgot to mention how awful my skin is. I have lots of break outs and nothing seems to help, I have red rosy cheeks,and I am oily and dry at the same time so I am of course, very picky about the type of make up I wear. But, I have been using Clay's make up almost every day since I got it and I love it! It lasts all day and keeps a dewy fresh look. It matches my skin perfectly, and I always get compliments about it. Sending a huge hug and big THANK YOU to Clay, Joey, Terri and Mary! I had a wonderful couple of days working with you and getting to know you. They really are the nicest people ever! I am so excited to see the final photos!

Krista Wanous

The one and only Clay Spann!

One of the best perks about being Miss Teen International is getting my photos taken by the amazing Clay Spann! His work has been made known all around the world and girls flood into his studio to be photographed by him!

Getting my hair and makeup done for the official Miss Teen International photos taken by Clay after I won!

I got to catch up with Clay at the Sherri Hill Trunk Show in Dothan, Alabama! He was super busy photographing contestants all day, but he and I still had lots of fun!

There I am on Clay Spann’s wall of photos!

Having fun with Clay!

Picking out some of Clay’s FACE makeup!

Clay also has his own line of makeup, called FACE. I have been using his makeup all year long! Some of my favorites include the Taklon Slant Liner brush and the Cotton Candy lip gloss! Check out some of his other show stopping makeup at: http://www.clayspann.com/pages/cosmetics.html

A huge thank you to Clay for sharing his talents and for always making me feel fabulous!

Jurnee Carr