Published by Programme B
- Be prepared for various types of weather.
This might sound obvious, however, one of the worst things you can do to ruin your festival experience to not take the right clothes. All of the smart girls will probably check the weather forecast ahead of time, but make sure to takes shoes that will not get ruined if it rains, a hoodie, some leggings, and an anorak. This will keep you covered for all types of weather.
Sunscreen is an absolute must. Quite often, days that have breezy, perfect weather can cause the worst sunburns since you don’t feel your skin being roasted by the sun. It is also a good idea to take a wide-brimmed hat, flip flops, and a swimsuit with you.
- Plan to look amazing
Of course, you tend to spend all day (and sometimes all night) outside at festivals. However, I really can’t handle ignoring my appearance and hygiene for four entire days. Here are my top tips for staying fresh while attending a festival:
Bring money for showers. Many campsites offer locker room-style showers that can be used for $5 to $10 per shower. In my opinion, it is definitely worth the money. You also may want to wear your swimsuit and flip flops while you are showing. While financially planning your trip, make the cost of showers part of your budget.
Take along bio-degradable shampoo. There are certain nature-centric shows (for example, Bonnaroo) where you are allowed to wash in the swimming streams but your products must not be toxic to the environment. It might not be ideal, but it can be a great way to freshen up your sweaty, greasy hair as a last resort. Add leave-in conditioner to your hair or scrunch it with some salt spray, and you will be all set.
If you don’t like to go to bed feeling sticky, your new best friends are baby wipes. They are the ideal way to wipe all of the grime from your feet, forehead, underarms, neck, and more. Take a full pack that can be left at the campsite, and then also pack a couple of singles in plastic baggies that you can take with you to use throughout the day.
That might sound crazy, but it worth trying. If you would like to wash your face, but there is no sink around, pour water inside of an upside-down Frisbee and then use that to rinse your face. Brilliant! You could also probably use a water bottle for rinsing when you are brushing your teeth also. You need to think outside the box when at a festival!
Don’t forget your old standbys before leaving home, makeup primer, shampoo. Even really dirty hair can last a couple of more days when you use dry shampoo, and a good makeup primer can prevent the makeup you are wearing from melting. I know some women like to go makeup-free, but I am simply not one of them!
When it comes to makeup, trying leaving as much of it as home as you can. Stick with things that can be applied easily and quickly, and don’t take anything with you that has a high potential for melting. I personally normally try to get through the weekend with eyeliner, waterproof mascara, highlighting powder, and Chapstick, but everyone gets to decide for themselves!
This might sound obvious, but make sure to double-check that you have your medications, contact solution, deodorant, hair ties, and all other essentials that you think you may need.
Make sure you don’t forget your sunscreen. That is probably the most important item that you will pack for your weekend.
And finally the fun part of looking great at a festival, many people like to embrace the mood and wear flowers in their hair and you can never go wrong with light-up rings for every occasion.
I have done lots of research and attended quite a few festivals, but I’m still not an expert on the subject. So if you have some good beauty tips for music festivals that you would like to share please leave them in the comments below. We would love to hear them!
- Pack smart.
This isn’t the time to take your Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote that you got as a graduation present – designer or fancy items will make your campsite and you a target for thieves. Here are some other important things to consider:
Only take clothes with you that you won’t be devastated if they are accidentally ruined or lost.
Make comfort a priority. You want to wear that cute crocheted halter top that you just purchased, but do you really want to spend the entire day having to tug at an uncomfortable strapless bra?
Make sure the tops you will be wearing won’t need to be adjusted constantly, that your shorts are not going to chafe your efs, and that you won’t get blisters from your shoes.
It is also a smart idea to pack your bags with a few extra water bottles, Gatorade, granola bars, aspirin, feminine products, and bandages.
- Always have your essentials on hand.
Take a fanny pack, cross-body purse, or small backpack with you and use it for storing your keys, ID, cash, camera, cell phone, and other important items. Don’t leave behind anything valuable at your campsite. Instead, carry it with you throughout the day.