From hair care must-haves to hygiene staples, here’s everything you need for your next festival…
Whether you’re gracing the hallowed fields of the UK’s most iconic festivals, or jetting off to the dance tents of Europe, festival season is very much upon us. You might be ready to party the days away, but knowing what to pack for the occasion can often be a little overwhelming.
There’s no need to panic though. No matter if you’re a seasoned pro or a festival first-timer, we’ve put together our ultimate festival packing list, so you’ll be fully prepared – whatever the weather.
What skincare should I take?
Your daily skincare routine might be the last thing on your mind as you strap on your wellies ready for a big weekend of music. But, trust us, keeping your skin feeling fresh is going to be vital for keeping yourself feeling great.
So, even with minimal running water, wash that face, use make-up remover and prioritise hydration. Alongside your usual moisturiser, we’re talking face mists, face masks and eye gels. Plus, pop in your favourite lip balm to keep those lips looking luscious all weekend long!
Remember too, space is going to be minimal amongst all your fun festival attire, so we recommend going for travel-size versions of your favourite products.
Our top skincare picks
What make-up should I take?
How out-there you want to go with your festival make-up will differ from person to person. Some people like to go for full-blown disco, while others stick to their usual glam – just with a touch more twinkle.
First things first, what would a summer festival be without a little (or a lot) of glitter? Whether you go for body glitter, face gems or just a bit of shine in your eyeshadow, make sure you’ve got some sort of sparkle on your packing list.
When it comes to festival make-up, the more colour the better we say, so whether you’re trying out a blue mascara or going bold with a pink eyeliner, have fun with it!
As much as we hope it won’t, all that time spent in a field can catch up with the skin – so pop a concealer in to keep things covered should any pesky spots or redness arise.
And as with skincare, you don’t want your beauty products to take up too much room, so think about picking up some 2-in-1 products. You could also go for mini versions of your favourite powders and palettes instead.
Our top make-up picks
What wellbeing products should I take?
Hand gels and first aid kits might not be the sexiest part of festival packing, but looking after yourself throughout the weekend is super important.
Between walking from stage to stage or dancing the night away, one thing you can guarantee is that you’re bound to get plenty of steps in at a festival. While comfy shoes are definitely a staple, so too are blister plasters – you really won’t want to get caught short without them.
Whether you get lucky with a whole lot of sun or the skies stay a little cloudy, hydration is also key. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle as you’ll be able to refill this at stations throughout the festival.
It's also a good idea to pack a first aid kit in case of any minor emergencies – think plasters, tweezers and instant ice packs.
Sexual health is also really important at festivals, so whether you’re going with a partner or thinking you might meet someone new, make sure to practice safe sex with condoms and proper contraception. For more information on the different types of contraception available to you, have a read of our helpful guide.
Our top wellbeing picks
What sun protection should I take?
Hopefully you’re treated to glorious sunshine all weekend long, but whatever the weather, make sure to slap on lots of sunscreen throughout the festival.
In terms of the essentials, pack a broad spectrum sunscreen. You’ll want an SPF of at least 30 and look out for a UVA protection rating of 4 stars and above. If you’re bringing your little ones along, grab a specific kids sun protection too. Lips often get missed when it comes to sunscreen so a lip balm with sun protection is also a great idea to avoid any painful pouts.
Pop on a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses, and make sure to pack some aftersun, just in case your skin needs a little bit of post-sun soothing.
Our top sun protection picks
What hair care should I take?
Between the minimal washing and the multiple nights of camping, keeping hair fresh can be a challenge. But not to worry, this is where your trusty hair care essentials come in.
Forget your bestie in the tent next door, dry shampoo is going to be your number one friend for the weekend. Spritz your roots each morning, and you’ll be feeling (almost) as good as new.
Fun hairstyles are a must at festivals, so whether you go for space buns, French braids, or beachy waves, be sure to pack enough hair accessories to last all weekend long. Hair spray and styling products are going to come in handy too.
You might want to give in to the grease, but most festivals will have showers available, so a cheeky hair wash isn’t completely out of the question. Add a hair mask for extra hydration, and don’t forget a quick-dry towel!
Our top hair picks
What hygiene products should I take?
It can be tricky to actually feel clean when you’ve been sleeping in a field for a few days on the trot. But a few hygiene essentials can really work wonders.
Amidst all that walking, dancing or just downright good-timing, deodorant is a must. There’s also nothing like a great smelling shower gel to leave you feeling rejuvenated if you do get the chance to shower.
Tissues, wipes and sanitisers will be your saviour for a quick refresh, and whatever you do, don’t forget your teeth. Pack a transportable toothbrush –we’d suggest leaving the electrical one at home. You don’t want to get to day three and suddenly lose charge with no plugs in sight. A mini mouthwash and toothpaste are also integral for keeping that breath fresh all weekend long!
Our top hygiene picks
So, whether you’re heading to a one-day extravaganza or a five-day music marathon, stick to our festival checklist and you’ll be ready to hit those fields with all the essentials this summer. Oh, and one final thing, don’t forget to pop in a disposable camera to snap up all your favourite memories!
