Summer festivals promise unforgettable memories, live music, and a little wild freedom. But whether it’s blazing sunshine or classic British drizzle (hello, Glastonbury), your skin, hair and health can take a bit of a battering. A few smart preparations before you go, simple tweaks while you’re there, and the right recovery routine can make all the difference. Here’s your no-nonsense beauty and health guide to surviving the fields in style.
Before the Festival: Prime Your Skin, Pack Wisely
Think of your skin like a tent the better you prep it, the longer it holds up in the elements. In the week before the festival, switch to a gentle exfoliating cleanser and layer on hydration. This isn’t the time for a brand-new retinol or aggressive treatment; focus on barrier support. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
If you plan on wearing makeup in the fields, think multipurpose. A tinted moisturiser with SPF, a cream blush that doubles as lip colour, and a brow gel can do a lot with little space.
What you pack matters just as much. Miniature versions of your skincare essentials (cleanser, moisturiser, SPF, face mist) are a must. But don’t forget the backstage heroes: dry shampoo, deodorant wipes, antibacterial gel, and blister plasters. Even if you won’t see a mirror for three days, you’ll be glad for the SPF50.
At the Festival: Survival Mode, Beauty Edition
You’re sleeping in a tent, probably not showering, and possibly dancing for 12 hours straight. It’s not going to be a Vogue shoot. But you can still protect your skin and feel halfway human.
In hot weather, reapplying sunscreen every few hours isn’t negotiable. Choose a lightweight SPF that won’t clog pores. A hat and sunglasses do more for your skin than any concealer could. In rainy, muddy weather, resist the temptation to pile on foundation. Rain and festival grime are a recipe for breakouts. A simple tinted SPF and blotting paper will do.
Night-time skincare can be as minimal as a swipe of micellar water, moisturiser and lip balm. Your skin doesn’t need perfection, it needs kindness. If you can keep a silk pillowcase in your sleeping bag, it’s a luxury that feels like a miracle.
Don’t Let Alcohol Dehydrate You
It’s easy to underestimate the effect of alcohol in the open air. Pints in the sun may feel harmless, but the combination of dancing, sweating, and irregular eating can lead to serious dehydration fast. Signs include headaches, fatigue, dry skin, and dizziness. Worse still, dehydration amplifies the negative effects of alcohol, increasing your risk of heat exhaustion, poor sleep and even injury.
To stay safe, follow the golden rule: alternate every alcoholic drink with water. Carry a refillable bottle and sip throughout the day, especially in the heat. Add an electrolyte tablet to one of your water bottles to replace lost salts. Limit sugary mixers and opt for lighter drinks, avoiding binge-style drinking on an empty stomach.
Make a point of eating proper meals even if it’s festival food and take breaks in the shade when you can. Your liver, skin and future self will all be grateful.
After the Festival: Repair and Rehydrate
The moment you return, it’s all about repair. Your skin might be dehydrated, congested or sun-exposed. Start with a double cleanse oil cleanser followed by your usual one to break down days of SPF, sweat and environmental buildup.
Follow with a calming, hydrating mask. Anything with aloe vera, chamomile or oat extract will help. Avoid strong acids or peels for at least a few days.
Hydration is the theme of the week. Up your water intake, reintroduce a gentle exfoliant, and keep skincare fuss-free. Look out for post-festival breakouts and don’t overreact a spot treatment and time usually do the trick.
Hair-wise, go easy. A hydrating mask and a clarifying shampoo can help revive festival-weary strands. Skip the heat styling for a few days.
Health Essentials While You’re There
Take a small first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, antihistamines, painkillers and rehydration sachets. Probiotics or digestive enzymes can help if you’re not used to festival food. Bring sanitary items even if you’re not due, festivals don’t run on your cycle.
And don’t underestimate the psychological lift of feeling a little bit clean. Wet wipes, biodegradable face cloths, and even a small spritz of face mist can make a difference between fatigue and feeling ready for the next headline act.
