This year’s search for the Pantene girl saw over 200 girls participate and turn up to the auditions that were held last month at The MINT in Sliema. The girls literally stopped traffic as they milled around the venue across from the Sliema promenade waiting for their turn to audition in front of the panel of judges which included a foreign judge this year.

The search was announced earlier this year through a multi faceted media campaign which for the first time included online media and using tools such as Facebook. For six weeks local model scouts Carina and Ben Camilleri scouted for potential Pantene women at parties, in supermarkets and even on the beaches. The scouts were looking for certain qualities that set participants apart from the rest, a quality that undeniably made them shine. Naturally great shiny hair was a must and all the finalists certainly had that! Whether straight or curly blonde or brunette all had hair that enabled their inner self to shine through!

The girls were judged first on their hair and then on their smile and general appearance. After much deliberation and a second set of auditions the following day, the 12 finalists were chosen. “This year’s auditions were fantastic and it just goes to show what a lot of talent this small island has to offer, it was very hard indeed to narrow down the talent to 12 girls.” said model scout Carina Camilleri. The chosen 12 are currently taking part in a photo shoot with Alexandra Pace that will culminate in the production of a 2010 calendar which will be distributed locally in December.