They knew they risked sounding like conservative parents, but could not resist giving advice after seeing the first group of aspiring models at Dunedin's Kingsgate Hotel yesterday.
"There is too much hair colour, too much make-up.
They're beautiful girls but it's a bit like Cirque du Soleil," judging panel member Colin Mathura-Jeffree said.
Series producer Anna Lynch agreed, saying: "One was a stunning natural beauty but looked about 40 when she walked in".
They were looking for fresh faces in their nationwide search, sometimes asking the would-be models to remove their make-up.
While Otago Girls' High School pupil Jacqueline Legros was told she was "gorgeous", she was also offered guidance.
"You're wearing quite a bit of make-up for a 16-year-old," Ms Lynch said.
Similar counsel was given to Marina Buckley, who was there because she wanted to be a model and loved fashion.
"Don't wear so much make-up - you have beautiful skin," Mr Mathura-Jeffree said.
Despite the criticism, he said there were "some hot bodies" in the South.
Those who tried out for the show had to be taller than 170cm and aged between 16 and 25.
Of the 41 who auditioned, 16 received "maybes" and the rest "no's".
Dunedin twins Eliza and Nellie Jenkins each received a "maybe" and will move to the next stage of the selection process.
Mr Mathura-Jeffree described Eliza's look as "super villain", warning it would have to be pulled back for the TV show.
Eliza said she was "really stoked" to get that far and found the judges really nice and positive.
Marina and Jacqueline both failed to progress.
The panel will continue its search in Queenstown today.
