KATELYN PERRY (@itsmekatelyn13) is the reigning Miss Gulf Coast and Miss Biloxi 2023, and she will compete in Vicksburg for the Miss Mississippi title next summer after placing third runner-up in the contest earlier this year. Her organization, Crowns for a Cause, teaches girls about service. Katelyn also runs a Gulf Coast food and attraction TikTok account called Just Coast Things (@ justcoastthings).
Here are some of her must-haves:
HAIR CARE ‘GAME CHANGER’
I have a lot of hair, and Revlon One- Step Volumizer keeps me from spending hours drying it. Plus, I always look like I just got a blowout in the salon. This has been a game-changer for hair-washing nights!
‘A MUST FOR DARK CIRCLES’
I know I’ve seen Tarte Shape Tape Concealer on a few lists before, and that’s because it’s the best! I own multiple shades and use them for all my concealing, sculpting and highlighting needs. Especially for busy weeks when I’m not getting enough sleep, this is a must for dark circles.
‘BLENDS LIKE A DREAM’
On stage or off, I love a good contour, and Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Stick and Shape Tape are the secrets to my two-minute sculpting routine. I feel like most contour sticks are hard to work with, but this one blends like a dream.
‘BEST TINTED MOISTURIZER I’VE EVER USED’
I haven’t worn foundation in years thanks to SeneGence Color-Correcting Tinted Moisturizer. It’s the best tinted moisturizer I’ve ever used, hands down. It’s got color-matching technology in the formula, which makes it match seamlessly three shades up or down, so you never have to worry about a line or changing your shade if you’ve got a tan. It also has an airless pump, which I love because that means I can use every single drop.
THE SELF-TANNER I ALWAYS GO BACK TO
Does anyone else instantly feel prettier, skinner, funnier and nicer when they’re tan?!? Just me?! I’ve used many self-tanner brands in my time, but St Tropez Self Tanner is the one I always go back to. It applies with a green tint that acts as a guide, so you never have to worry about missing a spot (don’t worry, the green disappears), and it doesn’t leave you orange or sticky. It’s easy enough that there’s never a reason to not be fake-tanned.
‘BEST HAIRSPRAY IN EXISTENCE’
Freeze It Hairspray is my holy grail. If you know me, you know that I always have a can of it with me. You will not convince me that this isn’t the best hairspray in existence.
‘THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS’
LipSense is truly the secret of my success. If you’re busy like me, you don’t have time to stop and reapply your lipstick. Plus, I never have to worry about getting it on my teeth, clothes or coffee cup. My favorite shades are Nude Honey and Kiss My Sass.
‘ADD A LITTLE BLING’
Fabulous earrings are my favorite accessory, and it’s a bonus if they add a little bling to the day. My favorites come from Bridal and Formal Boutique in Gulfport. They keep me stocked on fun pieces and big, glam ones for the stage.
BIG HAIR MADE EASY
I’m always asked how I get my hair so big and how to do the signature pageant “swoop.” The secrets are a teasing comb, Rock On Teasing Powder, and alligator clips. All these tools are available at Sally’s Beauty, and you can go to my TikTok for a tutorial on how I use them (@itsmekatelyn1313). The bigger the hair, the closer to Jesus.