Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Help Cleft Patients Get Runway Ready
There is confidence and beauty in every smile.
Miss USA Elle Smith and Miss Teen USA Breanna Myles recently visited 14 teenage girls at Smile Train partner Centro SUMA in Mexico City. Each patient had already had her initial cleft surgery and was now receiving vital continuing care, including speech therapy, orthodontics, psychosocial support, and today… a makeover!
Aside from difficulties eating, breathing, and speaking, children with clefts are often viciously bullied for their appearance, even after surgery. This can cause lasting psychological trauma and low self-esteem. Elle and Breanna used their trip to SUMA to help these young women see the truth — they are as beautiful outside as in.
“We’re testing out our makeup skills, but it will be a great time talking about confidence and making everyone feel beautiful,” Elle said.
The titleholders also taught the girls their secrets for sashaying down the runway and facing the paparazzi with grace.
The makeup was provided by SeneGence, who teamed up with Elle last month to generously donate $50,000 from the sales of their Legacy Lips LipSense and Runway Ready Gloss lipsticks to support Smile Train.