Meet Miss Teen Long Island

Natalia Suaza learned the beauty of giving back at a young age.

*Photo credit: Aaron King,* *@kingaaronphotography*

Natalia Suaza and I had something in common at the Miss Long Island pageant in November 2022: We were both first-timers. I was there covering the event for LI Beauty Scene—my first pageant in my 20 years of beauty reporting. Suaza was competing for the title of Miss Teen Long Island. The 19-year-old Hofstra student wore an eye-catching, hot pink gown that matched her vibrant personality. She quickly became a fan favorite.

During the speaking portion of the event, I learned Suaza and I had something else in common: We both lost our fathers during childhood. She later told me that her father, who passed away of cancer when she was nine years old, was the reason she was up on stage that day. “He taught me to live every day like it’s my last. And so, the mantra I live by is ‘you never know unless you try,’” says the Valley Stream resident. With no formal training, Suaza signed up for the pageant. “I went into it thinking I’m trying something outside my comfort zone, and I stayed very genuine to who I am.”

Suaza’s platform is cancer awareness. “It’s not only for the person diagnosed but also for the families affected by cancer across Long Island,” she says. “I think about all the small things when my dad was sick—from getting meals to having someone pick us up at school,” she says. Suaza also wanted to work with some of the organizations that helped her navigate grief as a child, including the Center for Hope at Northwell Health and Calvary Hospital.

She also spoke about her “life-changing experience” running the New York City marathon at age 18, just two weeks before the pageant. “Running has always been there for me, whether I’m feeling sad, happy, or just need to get out my energy,” Suaza says. “I was able to tell the judges my running story and how it’s helped me in an anxiety-ridden world.” Clearly, her message and her platform resonated. Suaza was awarded the crown and has the chance to compete for Miss New York Teen USA this summer.

So, what does a teen queen keep in her makeup bag? And where does she go for services on Long Island? Of course, I had to know!

Go-to hair spot:

“I go to Armando’s Hair Design in Franklin Square whenever I need my hair done for a special occasion. I have curly hair, and he knows how to handle my hair really well.”

Lash love:

“I don’t wear a lot of makeup on an everyday basis. But I do get my lashes done sometimes at ReLash in Garden City, @relash_ny. It just makes me feel good!”

Skin services:

“I don’t get regular facials yet, but I’m going to start soon. SkinNV by Victoria in East Northport, @skin.nvbyvictoria, gave me some ice rollers for my face and moisturizers, and I’ve been using them.”

Must-have makeup products:

“Now that I’m going to events, I’ve been exploring makeup a little more. I’ll wear a tint to even out my skin tone. My favorite is Morphe 2 Hint Skin Tint. It's very light; you blend it into your skin, almost like a moisturizer. I also love Rare Beauty products. I use the Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Sticks as a contour. The Positive Light Liquid Luminizer makes me glow. And the Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer is one of my favorites to wear, especially when I don’t wear other makeup.

If I don’t have lash extensions, I wear Too-Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing & Lengthening Waterproof Mascara. I’ve been using it since middle school. I recently tried magnetic lashes from Whipped Lash [a Long Island-based brand] for an event. I was very proud of myself! I like that I’m getting out of my comfort zone with makeup and trying new things.

I’m not really a lipstick person, but I do love lip oils. Lately, I’ve been wearing Haus Labs by Lady Gaga PhD Hybrid Lip Oil in Sheer Pink. It just adds a little something. ”

Curly hair saviors: “Any Cantu Beauty curly hair products! I’ve been using the Leave-In Conditioning Cream with Shea Butter since I’m 5-years-old. I use it after a shower instead of gel, scrunching it into my hair with a tee shirt instead of a towel. It makes my curls softer and more defined.”