Beauty Essentials for Festival Survival

Products | 18 June 2024 | 5 minute read.

Any legendary music festival is where music lovers unite to party non-stop for a couple of days, dance like no one is watching and embrace the chaos of music, mud and magical moments. However, as you embark on your summer of festival fun, remember that taking care of your skin is an essential part of the experience.

Prolonged time in the sun, glittery makeup, and limited access to sinks or showering facilities can play havoc with your skin. You have to embrace the joy of the festival season but with confidence, knowing that our skincare routine is keeping your skin beautiful and nurtured throughout.

Below is what I recommend to be in your skincare stash…

I’d like to recommend just taking wipes and SPF (and tell you to have a fabulous time without getting sunburned) for simplicity and to deal with the carnage when you get home, which includes visiting me for a revitalising bespoke facial treatment, but that just won’t do- sorry…

Sun protection, wipes (that I don’t hate), travel-size products, and eco-friendly alternatives are just some of the fundamentals of festival skincare.

Below are the few products I recommend as beauty essentials for festival survival but I guess you are wondering where to do it all in a routine…

Please do the festival in a (fairly) controlled manner by getting up and getting a shower:

Cleanse with your milk cleanser and a soft (organic if possible) face cloth or reusable cleansing pads – please ensure your skin is as clean as possible.
Apply your active / serum
Moisturise
SPF

If the morning is your only cleanse that involves water for the day please ensure in the evenings you at least manage to wipe your face (with a – clean- wet Cloud Cloth) a few times and apply some moisturiser- even if you get back to your tent half-cut. Do your best…

I am here to help you fix the damage when you return.

Oh, and, keep hydrated…

Make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water throughout the day- keep a decent-sized reusable water bottle with you.

Hydrating facial mists are also a great way to give your skin a refreshing boost whenever needed.- Dermaviduals Face Tonic is one of my favs.

Onto the beauty essentials now…

Face Cleanser / Wipes (that I don’t hate)
Active / Serum
Skin Repair Balm / Moisturiser
Sun Protection

Face Cleanser / Wipes (that I don’t hate)

I’m not going to pretend you’re going to be doing a four- five- six, or seven + step skincare routine in a tent, but maintaining a clean and fresh face is essential during the festival season- though not always easy… still… no excuses…

You have to try to keep on top of your skincare – it will help prevent breakouts and keep your skin feeling refreshed.

Please listen to me when I write wet wipes are not the one. They only F- up your skin. If you are insistent on packing wipes (and bear in mind not all are created equal), now is your time but opt for eco- friendly and biodegradable ones wherever possible – wipes are admittedly the most convenient way to remove makeup, sweat, and impurities from your face but be sure to choose these alternatives, as standard varieties are notoriously bad for the environment and can block the drains. A decent face wipe can also be used as disposable face cloths to use with your cleansing milk:

Traditional cleansing milk is the way to go- one that can be washed off in the shower or removed with cotton pads.

Going back to wipes – even better than them is Investing in a set of reusable face cloths or cleansing pads as a more sustainable option, which will save you from buying endless packs of wipes ( or cotton pads) over the long term… Take the reusable cloth (or pads) in your festival bag to use with your favourite milk cleanser… rinse them off in the sinks… and take them home to wash with your clothes at the end of the week.

Another tip…

Rather than re-buying your whole skincare collection in smaller travel sizes, invest in a set of reusable tubs and bottles that you can decant your standard-size products into.

It will save lots of valuable space in your backpack and an also prevent the costly mistake of losing or damaging your favourite full-sized products.

I now carry limited edition reusable 60ml and 80ml tubes (made from Silicone/polypropylen) which all can be filled and posted with whatever you need – i.e. cleanser, prescriptive serum etc. Simply email your request to info@ingridraphael.com with the product you need and I can send custom pricing.

Recommended product: DMS Cleansing Milk

Active / Serum

A super hydrating hyaluronic acid-based serum is a must (not your anti-aging serum)…

Booze, the weather, sun or wind or rain, will all take its toll on your hydration levels, so the easiest way to keep it topped up is with a dose of your active / serum.

Skin Repair Balm / Moisturiser

Ensure to nourish, and rejuvenate your skin, maintain moisture, and protect you from daily damage by using a good moisturiser or water-free balm, daily and overnight.

Look out for options that are:

Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and provides intense nourishment.
Restores the skin’s moisture barrier.
Soothing for sensitive skin.

Recommended products: Dermaviduals’ Oleogel S, Dermaviduals® Moisturiser Plus and 5 Flower Cream

Sun Protection

It is vital to protect your skin from powerful UV rays. Ensure to have on hand a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF is an absolute must (whatever the weather, you’re going to be outside all day with minimal shade (aside from spending time in a dance tent or catching shelter/ shade under a tree), every day so please wear it) when attending outdoor festivals.

Recommended products: The Sunscreen Company

A couple of don’t forgets:

sun protection generously to all exposed areas of your body and don’t forget to reapply every few hours- especially if you’re getting sweaty from all the dancing.
to include a wide-brimmed hat (or a big, floppy one to bring some movie-star glamour to the festival fields) and sunglasses in your festival wardrobe for additional protection from harmful UV rays.
SPF on lips (and a lip sleeping mask)