Festival Beauty: 7 Essentials

Flicking through the thousands of Coachella photos that hit the internet last month, everyone seems to look polished at all times. Models and actresses looked as photo-ready as the actual performers while they milled through the crowds and endless backstage parties. But what about the rest of us, who don’t have access to VIP areas or showers while we’re at Glastonbury or Secret Garden Party? We have to make do with compact mirrors, dry shampoo and make-up that’s been hastily applied as we were clambering out of the tent. But there are a few little things you can take with you, that make a big difference when you’re out there. And it’s definitely worth planning ahead, because you just know your friends will be snapping photos all weekend long.

Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Wipes

It’s an obvious one, but an absolute essential. The chances of you washing your face properly at a festival are pretty much zero, so you’re going to need cleansing wipes. These ones from Burt’s Bees are infused with white tea extract, cucumber and aloe leaf juice. That’s a lot of skin-loving ingredients, that’ll pamper your complexion at the same time as removing any pore-clogging make up.

Sunscreen

Don’t even think about going to a festival without a travel-sized sunscreen. You’re going to be exposed to the sun for hours on end, and the last thing you want is aviator-shaped burn. Garnier Ambre Solaire is one of our favourite brands thanks to its non-greasy feel and long-lasting protection, and this mini version is only £3 in the Boots sale.

Stila One Step Bronze

You want your skin to look great, obviously, but that’s not going to be helped by too much drinking and hardly any sleep. This clever bronzer from Stila primes, bronzes and illuminates in one, meaning you don’t have to carry around three separate products.

Gel Effect Polish in Soho Place, Nails Inc

This is one to do before you go: thanks to Nails Inc's gel formula, you shouldn’t need to take it with you for top-ups. And if you can’t get away with bright aqua nails at a festival, when can you?

Aztec Print Headscarf, ASOS

You’ll definitely need dry shampoo to counteract the no-shower situation (James Brown is our favourite), but bring a headscarf too. It’ll cover up greasy roots without being as obvious, or as hot, as a hat. This Aztec print version is from ASOS and will be far less annoying to pack than a floppy hat which could get crushed.

Glitter Pot in Hero, Topshop

Loose glitter looks surprisingly sophisticated in this gold tone from Topshop. Apply it around your eyes or décolletage for a boho take on festival beauty.