Leila Lopes, 25, from Angola was crowned Miss Universe, beating out 88 competitors. In a brunette-dominated field of flat-stomached, leggy contestants, Lopes' sweet smile and hairstyle (up in topknot, not long cascading curls) set her apart from the start. She's also one of few black women ever to snag the crown, reports AP.
Speaking in a timid voice after the pageant last night in Sao Paolo, Brazil, Lopes said her smile was her biggest weapon. She also told reporters that she has never had cosmetic surgery and that her three tips for beauty were to get a lot of sleep, use sun block even when it's not sunny and to drink lots of water.
When asked about racism, Lopes said that "any racist needs to seek help. It's not normal in the
21st century to think in that way."Lopes also said that "as Miss Angola I've already done a lot to help my people. "I've worked with various social causes. I work with poor kids, I work in the fight against HIV. I work to protect the elderly and I have to do everything that my country needs," she said. "I think now as Miss Universe I will be able to do much more."
Her interview question wasn't particularly tough. She was asked what physical trait she would change if she could. "Thank God I'm very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn't change a thing," Lopes said. "I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life."
The first runner-up was Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and the second runner-up was Priscila Machado of Brazil. Miss Philippines took the third spot and Miss China took the fourth.
Story Credit: USA today
