Dilruba Pandey, proves that multi tasking is absolutely a woman’s cup of tea. Being a model, emcee, singer, fashion image consultant, your favourite anchor in Rosebowl she has excelled the limits of being the best.  She lives by the quote, “Don’t strive to be perfect. Strive for excellence.”

As a fashion image consultant she has certain tips for the Miss Kerala 2011 aspirants. Thus before you hit the stage, keep these expert suggestions in your mind.

Could you please tell our Miss Kerala 2011 aspiring contestants what are the key factors that they should take care with regard to make – up?

According to me the factors that a beauty pageant contestant has to take care when it comes to make – up are;

• First and foremost is the brand she uses. Make sure that you opt for a good brand. I personally use MAC but as it is quite expensive, you can choose Krylon, Maybelline etc. But it has to be water proof.

• Secondly the colour of foundation she uses is very important. Thus before choosing a foundation, ensure that you test it on you. Using a particular foundation can either make or break your look.

• Take care of your eye make – up. Opt for Smokey eye make – up as this will help your eyes stand out.

• Keep your look fresh, happy and glowing.

What are the best hair styles for a beauty pageant contestant?

Always go for an updo hair style. As this symbolizes the confidence that you are prepared to get the crown up your head. Even when it comes to Indian attire; for eg: Kerala sari, the hair can be tied neatly and then left open at the bottom. Updo hair can save you from having your hair flow all over your face and disturbing you and the judges.

Please share some quick skin – care tips to the pageant candidates.

Best skin care tip is to get real good sleep. Intake of vitamin E is must. Exercise in the form of walking is good for healthy skin. Later you can think of the facials or clean up. A solid advice I would give the pageant contestants is to not bleach their face a day before the D-day. Get your facial, bleach, waxing etc done a week before. I recommend this because incase if there is some reaction on your face, you have a week’s time to heal.

What are the things that a beauty pageant contest should remember while carrying an outfit?

First and foremost rule is to feel comfortable in what you wear. Important thing while you pick a particular garment – may be; your pageant gown, sari or cocktail dress is to go for colours that suit you. Also the fit should go well with your body structure. Keep these small things in your mind, when it comes to beauty pageant clothing:

• Stay away from too many frills.

• Sophistication, is what I aim for a pageant.

• Avoid faded colours, go for bright or deep shades.

• Don’t pick bold prints on stage.

• Keep wearing your dresses everyday to check its fit. Even on the pageant day wear it in the morning and check the fit, as some may lose or gain weight and you won’t look bad wearing either a loose fitted or tight fitted garment.

How can a pageant aspirant avoid bad hair day?

Trust me, every participant will have a bad hair day on the D-day. Keep your hair washed, clean and oil-free. Keep your hair – sprays, pins, gels ready to save you from your hair sorrows. These days you have hairstylist for pageants and they are well equipped.

What kind of jewelry should she pick for the contest?

I love the glitter on the jewelry. Wear bold earnings. I would advice to avoid a chunky necklace with an evening gown. A nice bracelet will add to the highlight of the outfit. Don’t spoil the look by adding hair accessories, if you want put small and delicate ones.

What is your message to Miss Kerala 2011 aspirants?

Don’t fake your persona. Never try to imitate a slang tone or too much of accent when you answer the questions on stage. Be prepared with a good introduction. Stay away from long and complicated introductions, trust me people start yawning listening to that. Thus keep it short and simple. Keep smiling on the stage, I know it is funny, but remember you are in a competition. So you are there to win. Get competitive and don’t try to prove that you are Mother Teresa.

Do you have any message for Kochivibe readers?

I miss living in Cochin. I wish Kochivibe readers all the very best and keep the positive vibes on and chill in life.