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Source: Getty ImagesVivica Fox is a judge on Miss Universe next week.
Here she is!
Not Miss America. Not Miss Universe.
It's Ms. Vivica A. Fox who will be judging beauty and style on Monday night at the Miss Universe pageant, which will be broadcast from Brazil.
A few days before the big event and Vivica is in serious prep mode. Frocks are flying; facials are scheduled. Dieting and working out is on the agenda.
"I can't wait to see the gowns," she says when I ask what her favorite part of the pageant.
This top model turned actress has some tips for the lovely ladies. "Breathe. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. I don't like to see a Barbie doll. I like to see a beautiful, confident woman."
What is beautiful to Vivica Fox?
"A sense of humor," says the 47-year-old. "So what if you're beautiful on the outside. If you're not beautiful on the inside then who cares?"
VIVICA FOX: HER TIPS FOR YOUR RED CARPET EVENTS
Vivica is an actress who is known for movies like "Independence Day" where she played Will Smith's love interest and "Kill Bill" where she costarred with Uma Thurman. She was voted one of People's Most Beautiful and was on"Dancing with the Stars."
A Hollywood glam staple, she has great tips for the red carpet event in your life – a holiday party, high school reunion, or any other night that requires you (or me) to really take our style up a big notch.
"I must tell you, Cindy, that you have to do a lot of preparing even as a judge. I have to also show up pageant ready," says the Midlifer beauty who is also engaged and planning her upcoming wedding.
Talk about a hectic fall season.
First things first.
"I've got the most beautiful Bagley Mischka gown," says Vivica. "I think that's key. When you have a big event in your life you need to take the time to find just the right thing to wear. You can't rush it. Try on a million dresses or outfits if that's what it takes.
"The right dress can make you feel beautiful all night," she says. "The wrong dress can have just the opposite effect."
"It doesn't matter if you're going to a big event party or getting ready for a wedding," she adds. "Make sure you don't force fashion. Just because something is trendy or it's the 'in' thing doesn't mean you should wear it to an event.
"The right outfit won't fit a trend," she says. "It will fit your body's silhouette and frame. The look you're going for is easy glamour. Don't force it.
"Be honest with yourself," she says. "Ask yourself, 'Do I really feel comfortable wearing this outfit?'"
DIET AND SKIN CARE FOR YOUR BIG EVENTS
Vivica says that you need to do a little pre-planning when it comes to getting your body ready for "game day."
"I've been in Jamaica the last week working on my hair care line," she says. "There's amazing food all around, but I've been dieting. It's easy when you're in a place with so much great natural food."
"I'm also in the gym working on my fitness," she says. "A big event is a great excuse to get out there. Walk. Go back to the gym. Work on your own personal fitness."
"It's also crucial to drink a lot of water," she says.
Her gorgeous skin takes care, too. "Once a month, I do microdermabrasion," she says. "I'm over 40. I love to be in the sun and I workout. So, once a month, I get a micro derm facial that gets rid of the dead cells and rejuvenates."
"Again, I'm hydrating all the time. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to drink water for flushing. It also helps you look refreshed."
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS AS A MODEL
Before she became an actress, Vivica was a top model. That experience taught her how to handle fashion faux pas and snafus in real life.
"I participated in tons of runway shows over the years," she says. "The key there was the motto: Whatever happens, the show must go on.' It's the same thing in life."
Let's say you're at a wedding in high heels and you trip on the stairs.
"If you slip or something falls on you, just put your best face forward and smile. The show must go on!"
Did she ever have an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction?
Vivica laughs.
"One time at a modeling show, they didn't cut off my tags. It was a little embarrassing. The tags were showing," she says. "I was a young model at the time and the commentator said, 'OK, now we know she's modeling for the local stores.'"
VIVICA'S UPCOMING WEDDING: SAYING "I DO" IN STYLE
As for planning her own upcoming wedding to club Omar Slim White, she's not sweating the small stuff.
"It will be around the holidays," she says with a happy sigh. "All I can tell you is the day will definitely be special.
"Got to put that Hollywood touch in there, but nothing over the top," she adds. "But most of all, it will be very romantic and intimate."
How did she know her fiancé was "The One?"
"He is fun," she says. "We are fun. I took the time to get to know him and I didn't feel the pressure as a single woman to be validated in a relationship."
"Everyone is special and you deserve to find someone just as special," she says.
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