If there’s one thing we love about festival season, it’s that it gives you full license to get creative, and not just on the fashion-front.
With sweaty tents and lipstick-rimmed cups of cider comes the opportunity to pretend you’re a qualified MUA as you trade in your classic cat flick for foiled lids and graphic liner.
But what’s the point in putting in all of that effort if it’s all going to have slowly made its way down your face come 8pm? Swerve the sweaty boogie-induced shine and keep those eye gems firmly in place with our failsafe guide to festival make-up longevity.
1. Budge-Proof Your Base
When you're waking up early thanks to your see-through tent and dancing long past midnight (because, festivals), it's all too tempting to 'touch up' your foundation every time you take a portaloo-based time out. Instead of piling on more product, switch tinted moisturisers and sheer formulas for a long-wearing foundation with serious staying power. Then, pack a handy little BeautyBlender Blotterazzi sponge in your bag to mop up oil while leaving your base perfectly in tact.
2. Make Your Glitter Stick
If bejewelling your 'brows and drowning your cheeks in glitter is very much your thing, don't simply rely on that pot of Vaseline you found at the bottom of your make-up bag to keep you shining like a glitter ball all night long. Stop those gemstones from slipping with a strong-hold face glue like Glitter Fix Gel, which is also vegan. And while you're at it, spare a thought for the planet.
"If you're using glitter, make sure it's environmentally friendly," says celebrity make-up artist Florrie White. "I'm a big fan of Projekt Glitter Pure Ocean Mixed Chunky Glitter - each set comes in a variety of colours and the glitter is plant-based so it's completely biodegradable."
3. Power Up Your Primer
The perks of using a primer to act as a magnet for your foundation are universally-known, but have you ever considered where else you could put it? To keep your brow game on-point, add a little bit of primer to a spoolie brush and comb through your brows before applying your favourite pencil or pomade. Trust us - those babies aren't going anywhere.
4. Lay The Groundwork
Your make-up's shelf life most definitely starts with your washbag. "How you prep your skin has a dramatic effect on how long products will stay on your face," says Florrie. "Dehydrated skin will drink up your foundation, while oily skin will cause it to slip right off." To give your make-up a fighting chance, after cleansing use an AHA or BHA liquid exfoliant to schlep off any dead skin and follow up with a lightweight gel moisturiser or a face oil to leave skin perfectly hydrated and prepped for foundation.
5. Bow Down To The Bucket Hat
The number one culprit behind your make-up looking patchy? Sweat. If you're lucky enough to be at a festival where the sun is shining, keeping your face out of direct sunlight will increase your make-up's longevity as well as helping to shield you from sun damage. Try a bucket hat (2019's retro comeback), a sporty visor (we dare you) or a classic straw number. Also excellent for disguising three-day-old festival hair.
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6. Double The Fun
Whether you're trialling yellow eyeshadow, toying with rose-tinted cheeks or committing to a bright coral lip, give your rainbow make-up some back-up by layering like a pro. Start with a cream formula - we're talking eyeshadows, blushers and lipsticks - and set by dusting a powder version of the same product in the same colour over the top. Double the pigment, double the chance of it staying put. If it's good enough for Beyoncé's MUA...
7. Seal With A Spritz
It goes without saying that one of the most effective ways of securing your finished look is with a decent setting spray. Florrie's recommendation? "Kate Somerville UnCompliKated SPF Soft Focus Make-up Setting Spray," she says. "I've tried and tested this on models in 40 degree heat and miraculously, no touch-ups were needed. It's a miracle-worker."
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