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Every detail counts when it comes to entering a beauty pageant. Right down to your rhinestones. Make up and jewelry can make or break your overall appearance onstage. So let's find out how to polish your self to pageant perfection.

With base and powder, match your skin color. You'll feel confident with an even skin tone under the lights. Use a lighter color foundation below the eyes to accentuate your eye color.

On to the eyes. Color can be tricky. Remember that harsh lighting can make you look washed out. Use a few shades darker than normal, daytime wear. This will make your eyes shine from a distance. Gotta wow those judges. False lashes can emphasize the eyes, but make sure they stay in place. Mascara, liner--of course.

Blush should be in the same color family as your skin. If you're super dark, don't wear light pink blush. Bleh. Apply directly on the cheekbone, beginning at the ear and working toward the nose. Dab a little on the forehead and nose. Think about wear the sun hits your face--that's wear blush belongs.

Choose a lip color that isn't too bright so not to make your lips appear thinner. Don't try to match your dress if you're wearing pink or red. No one's filling you in with magic marker here. Lip gloss, and you're set!

Jewelry should be minimal. No necklace needed in most cases. This keeps the attention on your eyes and draws a smooth, flowing line down to your dress. Nobody will count the karats in your rocks. Fake crystal and rhinestones work just fine. Basic, elegant stud earrings will do with an elaborate dress. Keep in mind jewelry should never outshine your smile.

Now that you've entered the perfect pageant, let's start from the top and make sure everything is picture perfect. Beginning with your crowning glory--your hair.

First, when choosing a style, remember that appearance is the first things the judges read. So what do you want your hair to say before you speak? You want to choose a hairstyle that you're comfortable with. Length is important. Too long hair is hard to deal with between rounds and won't hold shape easily. For flowing, perfectly bouncy locks, keep it medium to medium-long in length. If your face shape allows, you can go chin-length. But keep in mind more attention will be drawn to your frame.

Keep your hair out of your face. This is vital. You want everyone to see your smile. Also, keep your dress in mind. Your hairstyle can accentuate or easily class with the shape and overall attitude of your dress. Discuss this with your stylist. Try different styles with your dress on. Take pictures from all angles--portrait and full-length. Lay them out on a table to thoroughly examine which style best fits your frame, face, color, and dress.

If you plan on dying your hair, keep your skin in mind. Don't go overboard on the blonde if you're super tan. No one is Malibu Barbie. If your hair is naturally dark, don't try for platinum. You'll look orange and fake. Play up your natural shades.

Warm/yellow/gold skin: try deep, dark browns and auburns. Highlight with copper or red.

Cool/Blue-red skin: Try intense browns, reds or blondes. Highlight with wheat or honey hues that will warm up your skin.

For red skin: Avoid red dye. Highlight with beige, honey brown or light coffee colors.

Be prepared. A cordless curling iron can whip those crazy curls back in shape when you can't find a plug backstage. Make sure to have a handheld mirror and hairspray handy, as well. You never know how crowded the dressing area will be.

Get a winning style with these hair do's and don'ts and you're sure to hit the stage with confidence.

Seems obvious, but when trying on dresses, many forget to ask a key question: can you walk in your dress? No need to tug at or trip over that fabulous fabric. Your evening plans could determine what kind of dress would be best for how you'll be moving and shaking.

For pageants, the more glam the merrier. You'll have tons of time to practice walking in your gown, so bring on the layers and long trains. But for prom, a dress that lets you let loose is the best choice.

A long, tight dress will obviously inhibit movement, so consider a slit to give your self some leg room. Otherwise, save the jumping jacks for the after party.

If you're wearing a short dress, make sure it doesn't ride up when you walk. You'll want your arms free for flailing on the dance floor. Your legs will be free to move about as they please, but consider dress length when bending over. That's something you'll want to check on in the safety of your bathroom mirror.

Long trains needs lots of love. Of course you don't want a dirty dress, so be prepared to carry your train everywhere you go. For an active evening like prom, a long train runs the risk of getting trampled on and may not be the best dress choice for a lively occasion.

Remember, if you're not comfortable, you won't have a good time, no matter how hot you look standing still.

When ordering online, remember to give yourself time for alterations just in case a few inches need to be trimmed away to let you glide in your gown and dazzle beneath those disco balls. Or chandeliers--wherever the night may take you.