Fusion Hack: Mane Secrets Glam Don'ts with Ashley Jenelle
Welcome back, Fit Body Lifestyle family!
In this Fusion Hack episode, Jami and Greg sit down with beauty expert Ashley Jenelle of Mane Secrets Beauty to discuss the often-overlooked mistakes competitors and fitness enthusiasts make when preparing for the stage. Following up on their previous conversation about the “do’s,” this episode focuses on the critical “don’ts” that can make or break your final look on show day.
Ashley shares practical, experience-driven advice about competition makeup, tanning, and hair preparation. One of the biggest mistakes she sees is competitors tanning their faces before makeup application, which can lead to oxidation, uneven coloring, and makeup that doesn’t perform properly under stage lights. She also emphasizes avoiding freshly washed hair right before styling, as a little natural texture helps curls hold and creates the volume judges and photographers love.
The conversation also dives into the importance of realistic expectations when bringing makeup inspiration photos. Ashley reminds listeners that inspiration photos are meant to guide an artist—not serve as a guarantee of an identical result. Every face, skin texture, eye shape, and hair type is unique, and professional artists customize their work to enhance each individual’s natural features.
What shines throughout the episode is a powerful reminder that preparation, communication, and trust in your beauty professionals are just as important as your training and nutrition. Success on stage comes from understanding the process and allowing experts to help bring out your best look.
5 Key Takeaways
1. Don't Tan Your Face Before Stage Makeup
Ashley strongly advises competitors not to apply tanning product to their face before makeup application. Facial tanning can cause makeup to oxidize, spread unevenly, and appear much darker than intended.
2. Avoid Washing Your Hair the Night Before
Freshly washed hair is often harder to style and less likely to hold curls and volume. A little natural texture helps hairstylists create a fuller, longer-lasting look.
3. Inspiration Photos Are Guides, Not Guarantees
Bringing makeup inspiration photos is helpful, but competitors should understand that artists use them for direction. Different facial features, skin textures, and eye shapes mean results will naturally vary.
4. Social Media Images Can Create Unrealistic Expectations
Many beauty photos online are filtered, edited, or enhanced with apps and AI. Comparing yourself directly to those images can lead to disappointment and unrealistic expectations.
5. Trust Your Beauty Team's Expertise
Professional makeup artists and hairstylists know how to adapt techniques to your individual features. Trusting their expertise allows them to create the best possible look for your unique face and stage presentation.
