Festival season is officially up on us and if you’re anything like me, you’re going to want your makeup and hair to look as good as all those outfits you’ve picked out. But being out in the open – exposed to the sun, wind and maybe even a bit of rain (not to mention all that dust) can make that a bit challenging. Which is why I came up with a handy list of beauty essentials that you’re going to need to pack along with your flower crowns and ponchos.
Sunscreen
It’s important to keep your skin protected – even when it’s cloudy. Pack a sunscreen like the Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defence SPF 50/PA++++ that you can use right after your skincare and before your foundation. It protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, is oil-, fragrance- and colourant-free and won’t cause any breakouts.
Since you’re going to need to reapply through the day, also pack a spray on sunscreen like the Biotherm Brume Solaire Dry Touch SPF 50 – alcohol- and oil-free, it leaves a matte finish thanks to mineral silica and nylon that absorb sweat and sebum. Exactly what you need on hot, sweaty days.
Long-wear foundation
You want a foundation that will keep up with you as you move from stage to stage and party late into the night. Two of my favourites, the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup and Illamasqua Skin Base have great staying power. If you prefer something lighter, the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint combines staying power along with absorbing shine, without looking cakey.
Fix Spray
Give your foundation extra longevity with a spritz of the Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. A few spritzes all over your face will ensure you don’t have to worry about touching up your makeup and can concentrate on having fun instead.
Waterproof brow products
There’s no point in having your brows on fleek in the morning if they’re going to get smudged by the afternoon. Make sure you pack a waterproof brow filler like the Benefit’s Ka-Brow that is waterproof for up to 24 hours. You can use the cream gel colour to beef up barely-there brows or define existing arches. Bonus: it comes with a handy brush.
Blotting sheets
Nix any shine that creeps through during the day with blotting papers. You don’t want to look greasy in those selfies or group pictures. Unlike loose powder, blotting sheets are convenient to carry and won’t leave your makeup looking cakey at the end of the day. Try the NYX’s Blemish Control Blotting Paper, which not only soaks up excess sebum, but the salicylic content in them also helps keep zits at bay.
Face mist
Always keep a face mist handy. You never know when you’re going to feel really hot and icky and need a quick pick-me up. A couple of spritzes will have you feeling refreshed and will keep your skin hydrated in the heat. I like the Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Tone Mist that comes with a heftier molecular weight so it doesn’t evaporate as fast as regular mists, keeping skin fresh and hydrated longer.
Waterproof mascara
If you’re going to be misting, you’re going to need a waterproof mascara like the Tarte Lights Camera Splashes. It lengthens, curls, volumises and stays put through rain and tears.
Dry Shampoo
Revive drooping locks and volumize flat hair with Percy and Reed’s Dry Shampoo. It soaks up all the sebum and sweat, cleanses the scalp and restores shine. In short, it’s your hair’s best friend on this trip, especially on days where you don’t have time to wash your hair.
Longwear Lipstick
In keeping with your other long-wear makeup products, it makes sense to pick a lipstick that won’t require to be touched up too. I like the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick that stays put even if you’re eating, drinking or making out.
Smoothing serum
Leaving your hair exposed to the elements for hours on end can leave it dry, frizzy and lacklustre. Replenish moisture, tame unruly locks and add shine with the the Kerastase Fluidissime Complete Anti-Frizz Care. It’s easy to take with you and you can spritz multiple times a day if needed.
Make up removing wipes
Ask any veteran festival goer, what a festival must-have is and they’re likely to tell you it’s wet wipes. The makeup cleansing variety will cleanse the day’s dirt, grime and makeup with just a couple of swipes sparing you an entire cleaning routine. The Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cloths take off makeup, nourish skin with mineral rich spa water and a blend of six essential herbs soothe, refresh and replenish weary skin.
Body wipes
Make sure you pack some body wipes like the Yuni Shower Sheets so you can avoid the horrors of the common showers. Each large sheet is moist, and will swipe away dirt, odour and sweat so you feel clean and fresh in no time.
Deodorant
Last but not the least, don’t forget to pack a deodorant. You don’t want to be that person with the funky BO. The Aesop Deodorant is formulated with eleven essential oils that neutralises underarm odour, plus it’s aluminium-free and scented with 11 essential oils.
Cover image photo by Eva Rinaldi via freeforcommercialuse.org
THE BEAUTY DESK 