Forget complex contouring and multi-step skincare routines, if our faces survive three days of sun, rain biodegradable glitter, cider mist, dust and sleeping bags at Glastonbury we are surely winning?
But with the UK’s biggest (and arguably best) festival around the corner, it’s about time to start editing your beauty bag down to the real ride-or-dies — the things that will keep you going — and glowing when your bathing access is more wet-wipe than waterfall shower.
If time is short, no problem. Here are my picks.
SPF IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
Whether it’s blazing hot. British drizzle or back-to-back clouds, SPF is a must. Opt for those that won’t slide off by 3pm, even if you’re dancing really hard. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF50, (£34, spacenk.com) is one of my faves; super-light, it doesn’t pill under makeup.
Top up as the day goes on with Garnier Vitamin C Over Makeup UV SPF50 Mist, (£12.99, Boots.com) Featherweight, it brightens tired skin.
Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF30, (£35, cultbeauty.co.uk) meanwhile, is a shimmering, hydrating, coconut-infused beauty that delivers supple, gleaming festival-worthy limbs. And remember nothing ruins the fun like burnt lips, so don’t forget your Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF50 (£8, cultbeauty.co.uk).
TAKE A TINTED MOISTURISER THAT MULTI-TASKS
This year I discovered Lisa Eldridge’s Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint, (£37, lisaeldridge.com) a self-proclaimed “ Fresh, luminous and light coverage tint in a feel-good formula made of 78% skincare ingredients.” Not only is it pocket-friendly, but it is also packed with superlative skincare, plus looks and feels like your own skin - but better. Delivering plump-ness but also support, it is supple, but not slippery. I don’t even need to powder . Heaven! Clarin’s Skin Illusion Tinted Moisturiser SPF25, (£45, clarins.co.uk) is another trusty option.
SHIMMER, SHINE & COLOUR THAT LASTS THE LONGHAUL
I’m more than a little captivated by Prada’s Dimension Eyeshadow in Poetry, (£67, boots.com). The payoff is mega and I love the metal foil effect of that pink. If you can’t wear sparkle at Glastonbury, where can you? Charlotte Tilbury’s new Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Sticks, (£30, charlottetilbury.com) are great multitaskers. I wear mine not just on my cheeks, but my lips and eyelids too. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara, ( £12, lookfantastic.com) is a total winner for festivals. Last but not least, makeup artist Francesca Abrahamovitch told me about ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray (£15 at sephora.co.uk) and I have loved it ever since. It holds make up in place like a dream, keeping it looking fresher for longer.
FOR CROWNING GLORY PACK THESE...
We’re not washing our hair at Glasto are we? Typebea G5 3-in-1 Dry Shampoo (£26, Typebea.com) refreshes roots and strands without a whiff of residue, but also incorporates a host of clever scalp-nurturing actives. Hair by Sam Mcknight Lazy Girl Dry Shampoo (£24, sammcknight.com) is another great option, and smells like a dream. When it comes to festival styling, keep things simple. Hershesons Air Dry Spray with UV Protection, (£18.00, hershesons.com) enhances your natural texture without salt, crunch or stickiness and now comes with built-in UV protection to guard against colour fade and sun damage. Just don’t forget your Tangle Teaser! (£15, tangleteaser.com)
SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN
Your thirsty festival skin will love hot new South Korean import Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, (£32, Beautybay.com). With hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it can revitalise even the most lacklustre, dehydrated faces fast.
When it’s 3am and you're in a tent, wet wipes are the way to go. Waterwipes, (£2.99, superdrug.com) are plant-based, plastic free and suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Soak them in Bioderma’s mini Sensibio H2O Cleansing Micellar Water, (£6.50, lookfantastic.com) to remove glitter and waterproof makeup.
THIRSTY?
Between 24/7 dancing, warm pints of lager and queues for the water taps, festival dehydration is real. Hot new Aussie import Swiish Recharge Hydration + Electrolytes, (£20 for 20, swiish.com) is formulated for hydration and recovery, working to replenish lost electrolytes fast. Tip one of these cute little sachets into your water bottle daily and pretend it's wellness, not survival.
