From lip balm to anti-humidity spray, here are theproducts to see you through a festival
This article is sponsored by Mitchum, Lee Stafford, Klorane, Cetaphil, Tampax, FemFresh, Gillette & Phizz
Packing. You either love it or hate it! And whether you’re a seasoned festival goer or a first-timer, we could all use a little help knowing what to take with us.
You might have packed your lineup of festival essentials and planned your headliner outfits and make-up looks but have you thought about a festival SOS kit? AKA the products that are going to help you out in a pinch – the ones to reach for when you need that extra bit of support – and the ones you might not always remember to pack.
Here’s our round-up of products to call upon in any festival dilemma. Why not pop them all in a clear travel pouch so you can easily find them inside your luggage? Trust us, you’ll really be thanking yourself later!
Our top festival packing tip: Don’t forget to check individual festival guidelines for what you can and can’t take in with you, as some festivals vary on item and size restrictions.
For beating the sweat
There’s no two ways about it, festivals are sweaty places! From the lack of (or limited) shower access, to the hot and sticky crowds, you’re probably not going to feel as fresh as usual. So, when it’s getting sweaty in the pit, it’s time to bring out the heavy-duty antiperspirant…
Try: Mitchum Women Triple Odor Defense Powder Fresh
• Size: 200ml
• Up to 48-hour sweat and odour control
• Invisible finish
• Fruity floral fragrance
• Quick-drying
Expertly formulated for ultra-powerful sweat and odour control for up to 48 hours, this anti-perspirant features Mitchum Triple Odor Defense Technology which shields against odour from heat, motion and stress. Plus, it goes on invisible with no white residue on skin, so you can feel confident dancing all festival-long.
For fighting the frizz
With the sun, rain and humidity to contend with, we doubt your hair will be as smooth and sleek as usual, even if you’ve had the most amazing blow-dry before the festival. Here’s an ultimate styling spray to the rescue…
Try: Lee Stafford Anti-Humidity Spray
• Size: 200ml
• Weightless
• Quick and easy to apply
Like a liquid umbrella for your hair, this anti-humidity spray is a hair smoothing hero that helps keep your locks sleek when the humid air wants it to go wild. With a simple spritz, your style can defy flyaways and stay smooth from day to night.
For getting rid of grease
Never underestimate how much dry shampoo you and your besties are going to get through at a festival. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have an emergency spare on hand, safely stored away in your festival SOS kit. Whip it out in a greasy hair crisis and you’ll be the friend that saves the day…
Try: Klorane Extra-Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat & Ceramideᴸᴵᴷᴱ
• Size: 150ml
• Plant-based
• Lightweight
• 100% invisible finish
Made with 99% natural-origin ingredients and ultra-absorbing powders, this plant-based dry shampoo is enriched with oat and ceramide which cleanses, protects and restores the hair and scalp without leaving any residue. The lightweight and invisible formula revitalises locks for up to 12 hours while adding natural volume.
For saving your skin
When you’re out in the elements, your skin is going to need some extra TLC, meaning your regular moisturiser might not cut it. Instead, turn to a hard-working, multi-tasking option to help support your skin barrier and keep your complexion feeling happy…
Try: Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ for Sensitive Skin
• Size: 50g
• Absorbs easily
• With SPF 50+
• Suitable for sensitive skin
With hydrating glycerin and skin-loving vitamin E, this day cream delivers nourishing moisture while helping your skin maintain its natural protective barrier. Plus, it boasts SPF 50+ and provides very high broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, helping to defend skin against the sun’s UV rays.
For when Aunt Flo calls
If your period is due to start during the festival or it arrives unexpectedly, don’t be caught out. Remember to take a trusty supply of tampons (if that’s your period productof choice) for secure protection…
Try: Tampax Pearl Compak Regular Tampons With Applicator x16
• 16 per pack
• Rounded tip for comfortable insertion
• LeakGuard Braid
• FormFit technology
• Anti-Slip Grip
For comfort, protection and discretion, look no further than Tampax Pearl Compak Tampons. The smooth applicator features a contoured Anti-Slip Grip to make it easy to hold and position. Plus, FormFit technology helps the tampon gently expand to fit your body's unique shape. There’s also an innovative LeakGuard Braid that helps stop leaks before they happen.
For feeling fresh down there
You might have already packed wet wipes, but did you know the skin in your intimate area needs more gentle ingredients that won’t upset the pH balance of your intimate skin? Pop a pack of intimate hygiene wipes in your travel bag to help you stay super fresh…
Try: Femfresh wipes 25s
• Biodegradable and flushable
• pH and microbiome-balanced*
• The UK's No.1 intimate hygiene brand**
• Dermatalogically tested & gynecologically tested
Keep your intimate skin clean, refreshed and pH-balanced* on-the-go with Femfresh Daily Intimate Wipes. Made with aloe vera extract and calendula extract, these wipes will clean your intimate area, providing long-lasting freshness when you don’t have access to water.
For when stubble strikes
If you like to remove hair, then we’re guessing you’ll be doing your usual hair removal routine before the festival. But depending on how long you’re going for, a touch up or two might be needed. Pack a reliable razor in your SOS kit so you’re not caught short.
Top tip: If you haven’t got access to a shower, use a cup of water to wet your razor and swill it around to clean in between strokes. And don’t forget to pair with a shaving cream or gel to take care of your skin…
Try: Gillette Venus ComfortGlide 5 Sensitive, Razor + 1 Razor Blade Refill
• Includes one razor handle and one razor head
• 5-blade head for lasting smoothness
• Olay moisture bar
• Adaptive pivoting design
• Platinum metal handle
Bring a seamless glide to every stroke with this Gillette Venus razor. The razor head features five blades for a close shave and lasting smoothness. It’s also enriched with an Olay Moisture Bar that releases a rich body butter lather to help fight dryness and protect your skin. Not to mention there’s an adaptive pivoting design that adjusts to your body’s contours for extra comfort. No more awkwardly angling your razor!
For hydration support
It goes without saying that you should be drinking plenty of water each day. (The recommended amount is six to eight glasses of water or non-alcoholic fluids). Since you’re going to be on your feet a lot at the festival, dancing away, you should aim to drink more than this regularly throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated.
Sometimes you might feel you need some extra support and may want to consider a hydration tablet. Whilst supplements should never be used as a replacement for a varied and balanced diet, it may be a helpful option for you.^
Consider: Phizz Orange 3-in-1 Hydration, Electrolytes and Vitamins Effervescent Tablets – 20 Tablets
• With 18 vitamins and minerals
• Suitable for vegans^^
• Suitable for vegetarians
• Halal
• Dairy, soy and gluten free
• No artificial colours and flavours
• No caffeine
• Orange flavour
These effervescent tablets contain the four main electrolytes lost in sweat (sodium, potassium, chloride and magnesium) and are designed to help you hydrate. They’re also packed with a range of other vitamins and minerals including A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, E, zinc, manganese and copper.
Need more festival packing inspiration? Head to our festival hub for all your hair styling heroes and make-up must-haves.
