Beauties of 2010

Interested in the 2011 list? Have a look here Beauties of 2011.
And now fresh off the oven my 2012 list! Beauties of 2012.

This year has been a fantastic year for pageantry. There were a lot of memorable delegates this year and even though we might have differing opinions on the 4 who became the Grand Slam beauty queens of 2010 I have to say all 4 are beautiful. I must say whilst this year was dominated by Venezuela, in all but one pageant, the Asian continent did remarkably well and produced women of the calibre of Honey Lee and Zhang Zilin. In memory of the amazing year that was 2010 I have my 50 favourite delegates of 2010 for you. I'm not saying this list is exhaustive of the delegates I liked nor are the girls on this list ranked on facial beauty alone, this list was made celebrating the delegates that left an impression on me. It's my own opinion so I know not everybody will agree. Feel free to comment and tell me if I've missed anybody you think was a great candidate because it's likely I've missed one or two in this list. Just a word of warning, there's an eastern European delegate that everybody loved but I haven't put her in my list because I don't see "it". She participated in Miss Universe btw.

Now here's the list starting at No.50

50. Yeidy Bosques

Miss Puerto Rico Earth (3rd Runner Up/Miss Earth Fire)

To be honest I wasn't a huge fan of Yeidy at Miss Earth. First of all I didn't really pay much attention to Miss Earth as it was so long and secondly I focused on particular delegates at Miss Earth. But when reviewing the four pageants Yeidy popped out as a sexy women with a beautiful body, I love her skin tone too! Facially Yeidy doesn't always do it for me but the photo above is testament to what Yeidy can be like at her best.

49. Diamanto Gasteratou

Miss Greece World (Unplaced)

Something about Diamantou makes me think about her every time I make this list. I remember one day whilst looking through the Miss World photos I landed on Miss Greece. Of course I knew Greece was participating but I hadn't seen Diamantou in Miss World before that, I couldn't believe she wasn't even considered for a spot in the Top 25. Yes she was a bit raw but she was undeniably beautiful. I just wished she had more press so that I could have seen a bit more of her.

48. Melinda Elvenes

Miss Norway Universe (Unplaced)

When I was looking back at the opening routine for Miss Universe 2010, which I loved, I saw Melinda. Melinda didn't really stand out in Miss Universe but whilst making this list I reviewed all 4 of the pageants and Melinda was one of those girls that I knew could make my Top 50. I do have to admit many girls that feature around the 35 and below mark are sometimes delegates I didn't really notice in the pageant but when reviewing them I just found them captivating, Melinda is one of them.

47. Johanna Acs

Miss Germany International (Top 15)

Johanna has some great photos out there, like the one above, but she also has some not so great photos too. Photos like these were what made her one of my Top 15 for Miss International but I just want to see her photos in the pageant. For now Johanna makes my Top 50 because I remember her as a beautiful European girl who left an impression on me.

46. Marina Kishira

Miss Japan Earth (Top 7 Finalist)

I admit I'm biased towards Asian delegates but when a girl comes out with personality like Marina's it's hard to forget her. Marina isn't the prettiest Japanese delegate I've seen but what Marina possesses is that edge which made her a stand out in Miss Earth and a favourite to make the Top 4. I myself didn't really notice her at the start of the pageant but slowly I warmed to her, her personality is infectious.

45. Joo Ri Kim

Miss Korea Universe (Unplaced)

There hasn't been a Korean delegate that has impressed me since Honey Lee, whilst Joo Ri Kim's performance in Miss Universe disappointed me she is the first Korean delegate I have liked since Honey. I love Korea and its' culture so I may be slightly biased in my view but Joo Ri is undeniably pretty and elegant that's why she makes my Top 50.

44. Braneka Bassett

Miss Bahamas Universe & World (Unplaced and Top 25 Semifinalist)

Braneka was once on a reality TV show - Janice Dickinson's Modelling Agency - so I've seen her before, I didn't recognise her though, but I liked her because she had a beautiful smile. Whilst I agree she may not have been a top contender at Miss Universe I think she deserved to be placed at Miss World.

43. Jennifer Pazmino

Miss Ecuador Earth (1st Runner Up/Miss Earth Air)

Personally I think Jennifer is a bit up and down. At times she has awesome photos, like the one above, but on other occasions she just looks a bit plain. However with photos like the one above and a huge fan base I couldn't ignore her, especially considering I haven't seen as much of her as other pageant fans have. However to win 1st Runner Up in Miss Earth beating several other strong contestants must mean something so she features on this list.

42. Maria Nowakowska

Miss Poland Universe (Unplaced)

Maria was one of a bunch of girls that were fighting for a spot in my Top 15 when I was following Miss Universe. I liked her fresh look but it wasn't until now that I considered her one of the best this year. There was one point when I thought she was going to Miss Earth but when I realised she wasn't I was quite disappointed, she had paved herself into my memory without me even realising it!

41. Dani Karlsson

Miss Sweden World (Unplaced)

For a long time I told myself I didn't like Dani, she was too "plastic surgery victim" for me to consider. But when I saw her in the final of Miss World everything changed. Suddenly I saw how beautiful Dani could be and I began to appreciate her outspoken personality. Whilst she represents a very different kind of delegate I think she made Miss World 2010 more interesting and that's why she features in this list.

40. Giuliana Zevallos

Miss Peru Universe (Unplaced)

Why has Giuliana placed? Because when I was going through the Miss Universe delegates she was one of the girls I chose immediately simply because I remember her. To not feature in the Top 15 but still leave an impression on me must mean something. She was a sexy diva and knew how to make her catwalk stand out. She also won Miss Continente Americano btw.

39. Davia Chambers

Miss Trinidad and Tobago World (Unplaced)

I have featured some obscure girls in my Top 50 list but Davia is probably one of the most obscure delegates to feature here. Many of you will probably be scratching your heads trying to remember her, well that's why Miss World shouldn't have 115 delegates! I saw little of her but from what I saw she looked beautiful. I wish I just saw more of her.

38. La Toya Woods

Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe (Unplaced)

I remember looking at the Miss Universe delegates pre arrival and LaToya was one of those girls that stood out. She just seemed to have that air of elegance and authority that made her a one to watch. Whilst she didn't make a splash in Miss Universe she still leaves a deep impression on me as a "Queen of the Caribbean".

37. Anabel Solis Sosa

Miss Mexico World (Unplaced)

The 6th unplaced girl in a row, do I like unplaced girls? Well the next one will be a big jump from that. Anyway Anabel was an underdog to me at Miss World. I remember seeing photos of her and she looked beautiful but she never really gained any momentum in the pageant. It's hard to stand out in a group of 115 girls and sadly Anabel was one of those beautiful girls that didn't really make an impression but she definitely has a beautiful look.

36. Alexandria Mills

Miss USA World (Winner)

The first winner to feature on my list! Alexandria is a pretty girl and she seems perfect for Miss World, pretty, sweet, elegant and pure. Whilst she may not have been my choice for Miss World she was a better choice than Mariann Birkedal.

35. Nondyebo Dzingwa

South Africa Earth (Top 7 Finalist)

Due to my lack of attention to Miss Earth 2010 Nondyebo was another girl I didn't really consider. However when looking back at the list Nondyebo was obviously one of the best delegates in Miss Earth 2010 because of her sweet smile and gorgeous complexion. It's testament to her beauty that I had rarely even seen her before making this list but she still places as high as 35.

34. Maria Tsagaraki

Miss Greece International (Unplaced)

I admit I am one of many to say Maria was disappointing at Miss International but you just have to look at the many screencaps out there of her at Miss Star Hellas to realise she could have been a huge contender for the crown. I don't know what happened to her but Maria just didn't stand out at Miss Earth. Pre arrival many had her as a threat to Nicole Faria (Miss India) but as we reached the final stages of the pageant nobody even considered Maria. It's a shame because she had so much potential.

33. Emma Wareus

Miss Botswana World (1st Runner Up)

Personally I didn't like her that much before the finals night but when I saw her in that yellow dress I just couldn't keep my eyes off her - she was stunning. Emma has an elegance to her which very few other girls have, she was definitely the Queen of Africa at that moment. Her performance on that night was enough to put her at 33 on my list.

32. Marina Georgievova

Miss Slovakia World (Unplaced)

Marina was one of the few frontrunners excluded from the generous offering by Miss World of 25 semifinalists. Marina looked beautiful in Miss World and it was a shame she didn't place. Whilst looking at her pre arrival photos I'm amazed how much she improved in Miss World because she looks fresher and prettier at Miss World compared to at her national pageant.

31. Aideliz Hidalgo

Puerto Rico International (Top 15)

Aideliz is like a barbie doll, she looks so prim and gorgeous. She was a frontrunner at Miss International but she lost some steam. I really liked her throughout the pageant her height and her look really made her stand out from the crowd but Miss International 2010 was a very strong year and she had Elizabeth Mosquera to compete with who she can be categorised with.

30. Irina Sharipova

Miss Russia World (Top 25 Semifinalists)

Irina was an awkward one. Her flat and wide face and trout mouth made her quite awkward looking on some angles but on others she looked beautiful. Irina was a contender at the start, whilst some may dislike her look I found it quite refreshing and something that made her who she was.

29. Kateryna Zakharchenko

Miss Ukraine World (Unplaced)

I totally missed this stunner at Miss World, that's why 115 is too many for a pageant! To place 29th despite me having no memory of her at Miss World whatsoever you must understand that she really impressed me when I searched for her on google.

28. Fonthip Watcharatrakul

Miss Thailand Universe (Unplaced)

I loved Fonthip at Miss Universe. She had the style, the personality and the performer's spirit in her which made her one of my favourite Asian delegates in the bunch. Before Miss Universe Fonthip didn't stand out to me but that drastic change really made her a hot contender and her portrait above is one of my favourites in the competition.

27. Piyaporn Deejing

Miss Thailand International (1st Runner Up)

I love Piyaporn and was so happy for her at Miss International but I must say I liked her more at Miss Earth 2008. I didn't like how she looked on the finals night to be honest but Piyaporn is a beautiful girl and that's why I was so happy for her to place at Miss International over other contestants.

26. Manasvi Mamgai

Miss India World (Unplaced)

Manasvi is a beautiful girl, it's easy to see why Femina chose her for Miss World because she is elegant, classy and beautiful, what you expect from a Miss India and a Miss World. However Manasvi failed to shine as she did in Femina, whilst I argue she still looked pretty in many of her photos she evidently didn't look as stunning as in Femina. I still remember the photos where she was wearing her yellow dress which looked gorgeous on her, if only she had kept that up throughout the competition.

25. Bat-el Jobi

Miss Israel Universe (Unplaced)

Bat-el Jobi was one of those haunting and mesmerising faces you don't expect to see in a beauty pageant. She looked stunning in many of the photos I had seen of her but she just didn't stand out at Miss Universe. I don't know if it was the inexperience from her side or her sash that left her overlooked but it was definitely a shame not to see Bat-el make the cut.

24. Mariana Vicente

Miss Puerto Rico Universe (Top 10)

Mariana looked like a beautiful barbie doll and she was a hot fan favourite for the Top 5. Sadly I think her frizzy hair didn't work for the judges, nor did it work for me. I think it detracted from her look and made her a bit ditzy looking. Anyway she was definitely a great delegate.

23. Malika Menard

Miss France Universe (Top 15)

I wasn't a huge fan of her before the pageant but when I saw her looking sleek at Roland Garros she converted me. She has this look that is sweet and stunning but at times she can look a bit messy and undone. I think she wasn't ready for a pageant to be honest because her walk was disastrous but she was definitely one of the stunners of Miss Universe 2010.

22. Natalia Navarro

Miss Colombia Universe (Top 15)

Natalia was a standout at Miss Universe but she was harshly underscored in the swimsuit segment, thus she didn't make it any further. I think two huge problems in her quest to make the Top 10 were how harsh she looked with her make-up on the night, it put centre attention on her angular nose and how much Natalie Morales looked like her! Honestly.

21. Krista Kleiner

Miss Philippines International (Top 15)

Oh it was so amusing when I heard Krista Kleiner had not made the Top 3 at Miss International. It's so great when you see an over-hyped contestant lose out. Sorry to the Filipino fans. But, I admit, if Krista had made the Top 3 I wouldn't have mind because she is indeed a fantastic contestant. She has a beautiful smile and charisma but her nose really does irk me. Nonetheless I put her this high because she was one of the best at Miss International and did make the pageant very interesting.

20. Lucie Smatanova

Miss Czech Republic International (Unplaced)

Lucie was one of those girls that I had seen little of but from what I saw I loved. Lucie was beautiful and fresh looking in many of her photos and I was disappointed she didn't make the cut. Yet again I wish I had seen more of Lucie because she should have been a contender at Miss International.

19. Ximena Navarrete

Miss Mexico Universe (Winner)

The second winner out of the 4. Where will Elizabeth and Nicole place, or will they even place! Ximena is a beautiful girl but something just didn't feel right for me. She was a steady contender but she never really stood out for me, she is good looking but there were many lookers of Miss Universe 2010. Nonetheless I have placed her higher than my early favourites Puerto Rico and Colombia because both had ailing weak points whilst Ximena didn't really besides her personality which wasn't as dynamic as previous winners.

18. Venus Raj

Miss Philippines Universe (4th Runner Up)

In direct contrast to Ximena is Venus Raj. Venus isn't conventionally beautiful, she does have gorgeous angles but more often she her face looks square and her features small in comparison but what Venus had was great stage presence and charisma. What many Asian delegates fail to do is strike the right balance between fierce and elegant which delegates like Honey Lee, Riyo Mori, Kurara Chibana and Venus Raj had. Many say that Venus' final "major major" answer caused her to lose the crown, I won't go into that now but all Asian delegates should learn from this mistake which was probably caused by nervousness and joy to be in the Final 5 for an Asian country.

17. Nicola Mimnagh

Miss Scotland World (Top 25 Semifinalist)

Flying the flag for the UK is Nicola. Some bias may have been in this to lead to Nicola's placement but I think Nicola was a decent candidate at Miss World. She did look a bit drained towards the end of the pageant but Nicola was truly a great delegate and did us proud. Her high placement led her to win the title of Miss UK and now she will go to Miss International where I'm sure she'll do well.

16. Mariela Aparicio

Miss Costa Rica International (Top 15)

Mariela looked gorgeous throughout Miss International 2010 it was a shame she wasn't considered a huge frontrunner like Krista Kleiner was. She always seemed poised and elegant and facially she is one of the strongest out of any girl in this list.

15. Luu Thi Diem Huong

Miss Vietnam Earth (Semifinalist)

It was difficult not to notice her as she was the poster girl of the pageant, everywhere you went you'd be sure to see her because she was in her home country. But Luu Thi Diem Huong is a fantastic delegate in her own right. Her cute smile and lovely complexion made her a frontrunner at Miss Earth and she melted my heart with her sweet look. Whilst if she was competing in another pageant I may not have placed her so highly I think in Miss Earth she had everything going for her.

14. Irina Antonenko

Miss Russia Universe (Top 15)

What frustrated me so much with Irina is her wasted potential. She is absolutely gorgeous but she's just not right for Miss Universe. She doesn't have that personality or the walk to back her up at a pageant like Miss Universe and that's why I'd much rather have seen her at Miss World. If she had that bubbly personality you wouldn't be seeing Irina at 14th place you'd see her straight at No.1.

13. Nicole Flint

Miss South Africa Universe and World (Top 10 and Top 25)

Nicole carries on the line of successful Miss South Africa's in both Miss Universe and Miss World. It's amazing how well Tansey, Tatum and Nicole have all done at both MU and MW. Nicole isn't the best looking girl in photos but on stage she shines. She has that alluring charm which makes her stand out every time she walks on a runway. It would be interesting to see the next Miss South Africa as she'll have a huge task to fulfil.

12. Mariangela Bonanni

Miss Venezuela Earth (Top 7 Finalist)

This early frontrunner was just barred from a crown at Miss Earth (similarly at Miss Venezuela), I wonder how she feels to be so close both times. Mariangela is a gorgeous girl but I think she lost some steam at Miss Earth compared to some other girls. She was a true contender for the crown and a beautiful girl also.

11. Yara Lasanta

Miss Puerto Rico World (Top 25)

I remember the first time I saw her photo I thought she looked a bit like Rima Fakih, I think it was because of her skin tone. I don't really see it now, thank god! Yara is a gorgeous girl, one of the best at Miss World. But sadly she got shut out from the Top. Her smile is infectious and her body deserves that beach beauty title. Would have been interesting to see whether she'd place higher than Mariana Vicente if she was in Miss Universe.

10. Marelisa Gibson

Miss Venezuela Universe (Unplaced)

I hear a few haters screaming at me from afar! Marelisa was like marmite to many pageant fans, you ever loved her or hated her. I loved her for her personality and infectious smile. She may have been styled badly but she managed to make the most of it. Osmel worked wonders for many of his previous delegates but to me he sabotaged Marelisa. It is rare for me to think a Venezuelan looked better at Miss Venezuela than at Miss Universe. Her obvious nose job sealed the deal and it's a shame to see a great looking girl being destroyed like that.

9. Emma Waldron

Miss Ireland World (3rd Runner Up)

Emma Waldron was beautiful, elegant and talented, that's why she placed so highly at Miss World. On the night Emma looked beautiful and truly deserved her place in the Top 5. Even though she's Irish and not part of  Great Britain I still feel a sense of patriotism for her. Emma proved that even though you're a Miss Talent doesn't mean you're not a worthy contender!

8. Rozanna Purcell

Miss Ireland Universe (Top 10)

Personally before the show I found Rozanna a hit or a miss. Her lips just looked too much for me on certain photos but on the finals night I was won over. She looked amazing in both rounds, I was left screaming at my computer screen when Rozanna scored so lowly on the evening gown segment when to me she was one of the best. Rozanna will be remembered as one of the best delegates ever at Miss Universe.

7. Elizabeth Mosquera

Miss Venezuela International (Winner)

Our 3rd winner and 3rd Miss Venezuela plops in at No.7. Elizabeth's win was met with utter shock by the die hard Krista Kleiner fans but once all the shock had subsided I think most would agree Elizabeth was a worthy winner and it wasn't her fault Krista didn't place and there was somebody less worthy in the Top 3 (cough China cough). Elizabeth was a beautiful delegate who was overlooked by most because everybody was focused on Krista but Elizabeth was definitely a great winner for Miss International.

6. Watsaporn Wattanakoon

Miss Thailand Earth (2nd Runner Up/Miss Earth Water)

Watsaporn was gorgeous, bubbly, infectious, sweet, elegant and everything else you'd want from a delegate. It's rare to see an Asian girl be liked by both pageant fans (asian and non asians) as well as the organisers, Watsaporn managed both. Her placement was deserved and it's great to see Thailand doing so well this year as they have sent 4 great delegates this year, lets hope there's more to come.

5. Adriana Vasnini

Miss Venezuela World (2nd Runner Up)

What made Adriana's placement so fantastic was that I didn't think she'd make the Top 7. Adriana is gorgeous but whilst I wouldn't have had it any other way at Miss Venezuela with Marelisa winning I definitely think Adriana performed the best out of any of the Miss Venezuela's this year. She has that beauty which can look both demure and sexy. It was lovely seeing her place after the shock exclusion of Marelisa at Miss Universe.

4. Nicole Faria

Miss India Earth (Winner)

Our last winner, that means 3 none winners made it above her! What makes Nicole so endearing is that she's so unconventional for an Indian delegate, just look at Neha Hinge and Manasvi Mamgai this year. Nicole was stunning throughout Miss Earth and she did us Asians proud, that's why I love her and placed her at 4th place. Will India be coming back?

3. Yuwaret Sirirat Rueangsri

Miss Thailand World (Top 25 Semifinalist)

I had noticed Yuwaret since the day of her crowning and at Miss World she was as good as I had hoped. She isn't the prettiest delegate I have featured on this list but she has personality, charisma, vibe, elegance and sexiness all mixed up into one which makes her utterly desirable. Miss World probably wasn't ready for somebody like Yuwaret, I wonder if Miss Universe would have considered her. But Yuwaret will always be one of my favourite delegates.

2. Etsuko Kanagae

Miss Japan International (Top 15)

Etsuko is stunning! She is as good as Honey Lee - now that's a HUGE compliment. I have waited so long for a Japanese delegate to both stun me and do well at an international pageant and she comes in the form of Etsuko Kanagae. She is sweet, elegant, beautiful, funny, endearing and charismatic. She just has everything likeable packed into one. I would have loved to see her in the Top 3 of Miss International but that wasn't ever going to happen if the pageant was hosted in China with Chinese judges.

1. Yendi Phillipps

Miss Jamaica Universe (1st Runner Up)

Yes Yendi is my favourite delegate of 2010. I am the first to admit there are prettier delegates in this years bunch but I hate it when pageant fans just say her personality and presence won them over, she isn't ugly you know! Yendi was just sizzling on Miss Universe and her performance was powerful. I rewatch the opening of Miss Universe 2010 over and over again just to see Yendi dance to "Commander by Kelly Rowland". Yendi's placement at Miss Universe was deserved, it was a shame she didn't win because she'll fit in perfectly with the likes of Dayana, Stefania, Riyo - girls with personality and presence but she did well to be considered by Miss Universe despite being Miss Jamaica.

So there you go My 50 favourite delegates of this year. There are a handful of others I liked but I didn't want to make an odd number for a list so I stuck to these 50.

I did a little tally Greece, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago all had 2 delegates in the Top 50. 3 countries managed the seemingly impossible task of having all 4 of their delegates make the Top 50 which are Puerto Rico, Thailand and Venezuela. The four Puerto Ricans were a strong bunch who all featured heavily in their respective pageants, it was a great year for Puerto Rico. The 4 Thai delegates were all beautiful and some of the best ever sent by Asia. Thailand really usurped itself as the Best in Asia this year with India at 2nd and Philippines at 3rd (for me). Whilst Venezuela continues the streak as being the best country at pageantry with 3 girls making my Top 10! and the 4th making my Top 15. I have to say imo this has been the best 4 sent by Venezuela despite all the people who think otherwise.

My Top 50 was obviously biased towards Miss Universe because I had focused the most attention on it and watched the actual pageant. Therefore 18 of my Top 15 come from MU. Then Miss World with a very close 15 then Miss International with 9 and Miss Earth with 8 - a very high score considering I didn't really pay attention to it.

Hopefully next year will be as good as this year!