Celebrates her new title and reveals some of her style secrets as she prepares to compete in Miss World.

Tiffany Brien has recently been crowned Open+Direct Miss Northern Ireland  2012 at a glittering final hosted by ex-Miss NI and TV presenter Zoe Salmon and UTV’s news broadcaster Marc Mallet on Monday 14th May in the Europa Hotel, Belfast. Up against 25 other competitors, Tiffany shone through as a clear winner and she now goes on to represent Northern Ireland in the Miss World beauty pageant taking place in China this Summer. Tiffany, a 21-year old student from Holywood walked away with this year’s crown plus thousands of pounds worth of prizes including an all-expenses paid trip to Miss World in China, a KIA car from Downey’s sponsored by Open+Direct, shoes from Armani Collections at The Outlet in Banbridge and a wardrobe of outfits for Miss World from Beverly Hills in Belfast. To keep her looking fabulous for her year-long contract with Alison Clarke’s ACA model agency, there are also hair and beauty prizes galore from Michele International, Beauty Culture, a membership at The Culloden Spa and designer glasses from Jonathan Keys. Runners-up this year were Meagan Green who came second and Sarah Ennis who came in third place. IN! caught up with Tiffany to congratulate her on her win and to find out more about this NI beauty.
 
Congratulations Tiffany, how does it feel to have won the title of Open+Direct Miss Northern Ireland?
I still can’t believe it! On the night my name was called out I immediately burst into tears I was so shocked. I had already been awarded Best Dressed on the night so I felt that this was my prize and I wasn’t expecting to go on and win the overall title.  

You’re final dress was amazing had you put a lot of effort into choosing what you were wearing?
Yes. I had my final dress for about a year - I got it a week after last year’s final! I actually entered Open+Direct Miss Northern Ireland for the first time in 2011 but I was better prepared this year.

How would you describe your style?
I have learnt so much over the last 12 months about the difference between being fashionable and glamorous. I would say that I leant more towards fashionable the first year, but my style has totally changed and is more sophisticated now. I’ve listened to all of the advice that I have been given and taken it onboard. There is definitely a difference between fashion and beauty queen style.

Has your beauty regime changed as well?
To be honest, not really. I’m not that high maintenance. I do look after my skin, cleansing, toning and moisturising, but I lead an active lifestyle and don’t spend more time than is necessary on pampering. Luckily, I have won loads of great beauty prizes which will keep me in tip-top condition throughout the next 12 months. It’s every girl’s dream to be able to be have a year’s hair styling, tanning and skin care treatments available to them. I’m going to love it!

Have you picked up any beauty tips?
I’ve learnt quite a lot of hair and make-up tips over the past year from the stylists and make-up artists at the modelling jobs I’ve been on. I now swear by Stila foundation and Laura Mercier finishing powder.

Do you watch what you eat?
I don’t diet. I am conscious of the food I eat because of my active lifestyle. I need to fuel my body with the right foods, and I still love to eat chocolate! Actually all we seemed to do throughout the rehearsal weekend was eat! With dinners and lunches to attend you were constantly munching, but at the same time you were burning it all off with the adrenalin in the run up to the Monday night final, as well as all of the dance rehearsals. I also love cooking and baking - one of my favourite programmes is “Come Dine With Me”.

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