The motto for a natural beauty contest is "celebrate your natural beauty". That motto sums it up! Minimal or no make-up is allowed until age 13. Everything is all natural and age appropriate. Pageant directors want to see the kids looking like kids.
In some competitions you are judged on age appropriate dress, personality, poise, facial beauty. You many wear appropriate jewelry, but no rhinestones allowed for children under the age of 10. Almost all types of talent are allowed so be creative.
There is a fee to enter, but there are cash prizes and gifts for the winner. Keep in mind if your entry fee is minimal the main prize will be as well. If your county fair holds a contest the prize might only be a crown and a sash, but it is a good stepping stone.
When purchasing a glitz/glamour outfit it can be as fancy as you would like. In a Glitz pageant the judges are looking for the whole package makeup, nails, tan, hairstyle, poise, overall appearance stage presence and modeling.
Casual wear modeling can have a hip outfit off the rack or homemade. Modeling should have a prissy walk, lots of personality. For this competition you can bring your own music. There is usually a talent competition as well.
Every pageant seems to have different competitions within them. In some you are judged on physical beauty in categories like evening gown, photo etc. Some have interviews or talent competitions. So do your research before hand because they are all different.
There are also pageants that ride the line between the two, making it possible for contestants to find a pageant that is right for them.