A
beauty pageant or
beauty contest, is a competition that mainly focuses on the physical
beauty of its contestants, although such contests often incorporate
personality, talent, and answers to judges' questions as judged criteria. The phrase almost invariably refers only to contests for women and girls; similar events for men or boys are called by other names and are more likely to be
bodybuilding contests. Winners of beauty contests are often called beauty queens.
Children's beauty pageants mainly focus on beauty, gowns, sportswear modelling, talent, and personal interviews. Adult and teen pageants focus on makeup, hair and gowns, swimsuit modelling, and personal interviews. Possible awards include titles, tiaras or crowns, sashes, savings bonds, and cash prizes.