Festival season has officially kicked off, so it’s time to start stocking up on the makeup and beauty staples that will ensure no one knows just how late you were up in the dance tent last night.
As a DJ and presenter by day and seasoned festival-goer by nature, during the summer months I have the pleasure of covering the UK’s biggest music events, both behind-the-scenes and onstage. I’d love to say I have a polished, signature look, but honestly, during festival season my go-to face is quite simple. It's all about great coverage and dewy, healthy looking skin (looking tired is so 2005), plus loads of glitter to hide eye bags.
For me, the girls who nail effortless festival beauty looks are those who like to take risks. Mary Charteris always looks great combining grungy barely-there makeup with a geometric-print catsuit. Alison Mosshart from The Kills is the reigning queen of the dishevelled yet tailored rock look and Radio 1’s Clara Amfo always appears effortless with her go to bomber jacket and box fresh Air Max.
My rules? Don’t be shy to don those extra bits that you'd be scared to wear down your local street. Sparkles, leather, hair accessories and bold lipsticks. Pile on the lot because if you cant wear it in a field with fellow music and fashion lovers, where can you?
Here are the key products that help me survive the busy summer months. See you in the field...
The Skin Saviour
This travel size face spritz ensures your makeup stays put and injects some much-needed hydration into your skin. The 30ml size means its perfect to pack in your festival bag and keep with you throughout the day. Despite days of drinking and revelry, you'll be glowing, and your friends will be jealous.
The Hair Enhancer
I have a strict routine when it comes to my festival hair. The first day I’ll always have milk maid braids. Not only does it prevent my hair getting caught in my daily sequin attire but it also prepares it for day two’s go-to hair style, the mermaid perm. I use this spray first when braiding my hair and then again after I’ve brushed them out to achieve a beach babe style with added texture and volume. Daryl Hannah eat your heart out. The sea salt also stops your roots from getting greasy which is essential when camping.
John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt, £5.89, available at Boots
The Pick-Me-Up Potion
This miracle product made with distilled botanicals is the mother of all skin treatments. The non-greasy oil is not only good at prepping your skin before you get to the festival but each night apply just before bed and you wake up looking like you've spent a night at Soho Farmhouse, facial included. No one need ever know the real shenanigans you got up to....
The Best Base
I’ve been a big fan of Garnier’s BB Cream since the day it launched and this updated version does the impossible by going even further. Not only is it light, it also doesn't cake in your pores or laughter lines. This ‘Blur’ version creates a sheer finish with great coverage and it is the perfect antidote to dry, tired and partied out skin.
The Long-Lasting Lip Product
The best tip a makeup artist ever told me was to wear red lipstick whenever I felt tired to distract from the eye bags. This lip stain is perfect because once applied it does not budge. It is sweat proof, cider proof and some would say snog proof. The Cherry Pie shade is the perfect red for all skin tones.
Maybelline SuperStay Bold Matte 24hr LipColor, £8.99, available at Boots
The 6-in-1
The obvious would be the anti chap qualities it has but for me Vaseline is all about aiding glitter application. People always ask me how I apply and keep my glitter on all day and I can’t believe how many people are shocked when I say Vaseline. It's gentle on the skin, also good for any little cuts or grazes you might get, and last but not least, if you can’t find your make up remover wipes at the end of the night Vaseline works a treat at removing even the most stubborn mascara.
Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly, £1.99, available at Boots
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The Instant Glow
Having to pack a whole weekend's worth of clothes to cater for the British weather means packing space becomes sparse. All-in-ones like this Kate Contouring Palette from Rimmel is a perfect space-saving solution. The coral rose colour gives a gorgeous natural flush to cheeks, the bronzing contour sculpts and shapes and the highlighter gives you that “I’ve just come straight from Ibiza” glow.
Rimmel Kate Sculpting Palette by Kate #002, £6.99, available at Boots
The Fun Finishing Touch
Festivals are the perfect excuse to unleash my inner Tinker Bell and after nearly a decade of glitter application I feel like I’ve finally mastered the ultimate glitter look. To make it look amazing it’s all about layering and combining different colours and shapes but if you’re not sure where to start, Go Get Glitter have very cleverly pre-mixed pots to give you a theme of choice in one sweep. Apply with their water based glue or as mentioned, good old fashioned Vaseline. If applied under the eyes it’s a great way to disguise the signs of last night's disco dance off.
The Secret Weapon
An eye mask filled with lavender is the perfect way to help you drift off while the late night ravers keep partying. It might seem a bit much but honestly, having an eye mask at a festival is a god send. When everyone else is moaning that they woke up at 7am with the sun in their bleary eyes, you’ll feel like the cat that got the cream, especially with this House of Hackney leopard print design.
Wild Card Lavender Eye Mask, £35, available at House of Hackney
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