15 Essential Beauty Secrets from Miss Dominican Republic U.S. Contestants
Real contestants reveal their cherished beauty rituals—from natural skincare hacks to self-care routines—that help them shine on and off the pageant stage.
Category: Beauty
Each year, the Miss Dominican Republic U.S. pageant celebrates the poise, culture, and beauty expertise of American-born Dominican contestants. Representing various provinces, these young women not only compete for a chance at the Miss Dominican Republic title but also share personal rituals and beauty wisdom that drive their confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we uncover 15 beauty hacks and wellness secrets directly from the dazzling finalists for radiant skin, self-assurance, and timeless style.
Inside the World of Miss Dominican Republic U.S.
The Miss Dominican Republic U.S. pageant is more than a beauty contest; it is a showcase of tradition, individuality, and cultural pride. Contestants represent cities and provinces across the Dominican diaspora, coming together with unique backgrounds and approaches to looking and feeling their best. Ahead of the recent event in New York City, Cosmopolitan interviewed each finalist backstage for an honest look into their can’t-live-without beauty rituals—including natural treatments, family wisdom, and modern hacks passed down through generations.
15 Beauty Tips from the Contestants
Below, discover each contestant’s favorite tip, why it works, and how you can apply these game-changing secrets to your own self-care routine.
1. Kassandra Fernández (Miss Santiago): The Ice-Water Trick for Pore Perfection
Beauty tip: “Every time I wash my face, I use warm water to open my pores, then I take a piece of ice and rub it all over. The ice closes the pores and leaves my skin looking and feeling tighter.”
How it works: Warm water softens and opens pores for deep cleansing, while a finishing ice rub instantly tightens the skin and reduces puffiness, creating a smoother canvas for makeup or moisturizer.
2. Fadua Villar (Miss San José de Ocoa): Aloe Vera Cleansing Ritual
Beauty tip: “I use aloe vera as a cleanser every morning and night.”
How it works: Natural aloe vera contains soothing, antibacterial properties. Used raw or in gentle gels, it helps calm sensitive or acne-prone skin and preserves its moisture barrier.
3. Mariela Durán (Miss La Vega): Turmeric & Cinnamon Mask and Confidence in Heels
Beauty tip: “A turmeric and cinnamon mask won’t leave you orange—mix it with milk and apply for beautiful skin. Also, never take off your heels!”
How it works: Turmeric brightens and evens skin tone, cinnamon offers antibacterial effects, and the milk base soothes and hydrates. Keeping on heels, for Mariela, is a confidence boost on stage and in life.
4. Génesis Ruiz (Miss Monte Plata): Frozen Aloe for Tired Eyes
Beauty tip: “I freeze sábila (aloe vera) in little cubes and put them under my eyes to get rid of bags and dark circles.”
How it works: The cooling effect of ice reduces inflammation, while aloe nourishes and heals delicate under-eye skin, minimizing dark circles and puffiness.
5. Tatiana Mercedes (Miss Puerto Plata): Conditioner as Shaving Cream
Beauty tip: “I keep my skin super moisturized by using conditioner to shave my legs.”
How it works: Conditioner is creamy and often contains softening agents that create a slick surface for shaving, helping to prevent nicks and leaving legs impressively soft and conditioned.
6. Yohanna Burgos (Miss Valverde): Cocoa Butter Glow
Beauty tip: “After I wash my face, I take a piece of manetca de cacao (natural cocoa butter) and rub it all over to keep my skin radiant.”
How it works: Cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, sealing in moisture and giving the skin a natural, luminous glow. It’s especially effective for dry or textured skin.
7. Nicole Sabino (Miss San Pedro): Coffee and Coconut Oil Moisturizer
Beauty tip: “A Brazilian friend taught me to put coffee and coconut oil on my skin to moisturize. I have super dry skin, so it’s been a huge help.”
How it works: Coffee exfoliates gently, minimizing the appearance of cellulite, while coconut oil deeply moisturizes and repairs the skin barrier, leaving skin soft and lightly scented.
8. Nayade Paulino (Miss La Romana): Music Therapy & At-Home Facials
Beauty tip: “I relax by listening to music—especially K-pop—when I get stressed. I’m also addicted to facials at home, especially with Mary Kay masks.”
How it works: Stress management through music helps prevent stress-related skin issues, while regular facials keep the complexion refreshed and clear.
9. Jessika Ortiz (Miss San Juan): Coconut Oil Hair Smoother
Beauty tip: “I use coconut oil to keep my hair under control.”
How it works: Coconut oil is a traditional Dominican beauty staple, taming frizz, adding shine, and nourishing hair damaged by heat or styling.
10. Marggiori Salas (Miss Santiago Rodriguez): Morning Meditation for Beauty
Beauty tip: “Ten minutes of meditation every morning—if I don’t do it, I don’t feel beautiful.”
How it works: Mindfulness practices help lower stress hormone levels, improve sleep, and create an inner sense of calm that’s reflected in a glowing face.
11. Paola Rojas (Miss El Seibo): The Power of Sleep
Beauty tip: “I sleep eight hours every day.”
How it works: Consistent, restorative sleep supports cell rejuvenation, slows signs of aging, and keeps skin refreshed—a must for any beauty routine.
12. Noelia Baez (Miss Peravia): Clean Skin and Sleep Routine
Beauty tip: “To me, it’s all about sleeping well, taking care of my skin, and always making sure I wipe my makeup off at the end of the day.”
How it works: Good sleep and makeup removal prevent clogged pores, acne flare-ups, and premature aging.
13. Angie Guro (Miss La Altagracia): Cactus Under-Eye Soother
Beauty tip: “I take pieces of peeled cacti, freeze them, and then put them on my eyes.”
How it works: Similar to aloe, cactus is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. The frozen compress reduces swelling, while the natural plant gel soothes and hydrates the sensitive eye area.
14. Giselle Ramirez (Miss Distrito Nacional): Hydration Is Key
Beauty tip: “Drink tons of water.”
How it works: Staying hydrated flushes toxins, supports skin elasticity, and maintains a natural glow from within.
15. Michelle Ovalles (Miss Epaillat): Coconut Oil as Makeup Remover
Beauty tip: “I use coconut oil as a makeup remover. I don’t use anything else—it takes everything off and leaves your face looking and feeling fresh.”
How it works: Coconut oil dissolves makeup gently, even waterproof products, while preserving natural oils for a clean, soft finish.
Emerging Themes in Pageant Beauty
- Natural Ingredients Reign: From cocoa butter and aloe vera to cactus and coconut oil, contestants prefer resourceful, minimal-ingredient routines inspired by Caribbean traditions.
- Holistic Beauty: Meditation, music, and adequate rest are seen as essential for true radiance and confidence—not just topical treatments.
- Hydration & Cleansing: The focus on staying hydrated, removing makeup religiously, and embracing sleep as beauty’s foundation is consistent among contestants.
- DIY Treatments: Freezing natural products (aloe, cactus) and using humble kitchen staples (turmeric, coffee) show ingenuity in personal care.
DIY Beauty Remedies: At-a-Glance
| Contestant | DIY Beauty Hack | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Kassandra Fernández | Ice after washing face | Pore minimization & skin tightness |
| Fadua Villar | Aloe vera cleanser | Soothes irritation, retains moisture |
| Mariela Durán | Turmeric/cinnamon mask | Brightens complexion |
| Génesis Ruiz | Frozen aloe under eyes | Reduces circles & puffiness |
| Tatiana Mercedes | Conditioner for shaving | Softer, moisturized legs |
| Yohanna Burgos | Cocoa butter moisturizer | Radiant skin |
| Nicole Sabino | Coffee/coconut oil scrub | Silky, hydrated skin |
| Nayade Paulino | At-home facials | Rejuvenated complexion |
| Jessika Ortiz | Coconut oil for hair | Sleeker, shinier hair |
| Marggiori Salas | Morning meditation | Reduced stress, inner glow |
| Paola Rojas | Eight hours’ sleep | Rested, healthy skin |
| Noelia Baez | Consistent makeup removal | Prevent breakouts, clearer skin |
| Angie Guro | Frozen cactus for eyes | Calm, de-puffed under-eyes |
| Giselle Ramirez | Hydration | Plump, glowing skin |
| Michelle Ovalles | Coconut oil makeup remover | Gentle, effective cleansing |
Why Natural Ingredients Are a Pageant Favorite
Many contestants prefer plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and cactus because they are gentle, versatile, and carry a cultural legacy passed down by mothers and grandmothers. These remedies offer:
- Fewer harsh chemicals—ideal for sensitive or high-maintenance skin.
- Accessibility and cost-effectiveness—most can be found in the kitchen or garden.
- Tradition and trust—testament to their effectiveness across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most popular natural remedies among Miss Dominican Republic U.S. contestants?
Coconut oil, aloe vera, and cocoa butter are perennial favorites, praised for their moisturizing, soothing, and healing properties. These are used on skin, hair, and even as makeup removers.
Are these beauty tips suitable for all skin types?
What others are reading
Most tips involve gentle, natural ingredients appropriate for sensitive and dry skin. However, it’s smart to patch test new products, especially those containing active botanicals like cinnamon or turmeric.
How often should I use homemade masks or treatments?
Once or twice weekly is sufficient for masks. Daily rituals—like hydration, meditation, and gentle cleansing—can be safely done more frequently.
Why do contestants place so much emphasis on sleep and stress relief?
Sleep and stress management regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and allow the body time to repair, all of which are crucial for skin health and lasting beauty.
Is it necessary to spend a lot of money to follow these routines?
Not at all. Many featured remedies use affordable, readily available ingredients. The true secret is consistency and discovering what makes you feel your best.
Shine from Within
For the contestants of Miss Dominican Republic U.S., beauty is a ritual that blends tradition, nature, and self-love. Whether it’s a home facial with ingredients you trust or nightly meditation to center the spirit, each tip reflects a universal truth: Confidence and self-care are at the heart of true radiance. Try incorporating some of these tips—and celebrate your unique beauty, every day.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/news/a45919/beauty-tips-miss-dominican-republic-usa-contestants/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uys7D32an4
- http://www.dulcitalieggi.com/blog/tag/miss+dominican+republic
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MALNuifPDVI
- https://www.pageantplanet.com/pageant/miss-dominican-republic
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
