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Let’s set the scene. You’re going to an overnight festival - be that Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, Reading or any event that might involve sleeping in a tent - and need to compile a stash of skincare to take with you that you will actually use. While you’ll likely be having too much fun to even think about doing a full a.m. and p.m. skincare routine, we’ve created this simple guide to help you look after your skin while you’re there.
What do I need to do?
If you have the dedication/levelheadedness, you would ideally do your regular skincare routine but for those who want to keep it simple, focus on the essentials. This includes a cleanser, moisturiser and an SPF for the day.
Know you won’t manage all three? No matter who you are, where you are or what state you’re planning on being in, the absolute bare minimum is:
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Some form of cleanser
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SPF
Make sure you are cleansing your face - one way or another.
If you can, use a cleanser accompanied by running water wherever possible. If this is unlikely, your next best option is a milky cleanser that can be removed with cotton pads or a micellar water. If all else fails use wipes – they're hassle-free and better than nothing.
If you know you won’t end up washing your face both in the morning and at night (or should we say, early hours!), prioritise cleansing in the morning and reserve the wipes/cotton pads for the evenings when you’re too busy dancing the night away or struggling to even find your tent after one too many drinks.
Use an acid, if you can be bothered.
Now, this step won’t be for everyone, and if you think you might forget your SPF the next day or you know you won’t bother – miss it out. If you do want to, however, reserve this for the evening, after cleansing, and follow with an SPF in the morning. Pre-soaked acid pads are an easy and convenient option that will exfoliate the skin for a smoother, more radiant appearance.
If you want to take a serum with you, make it a hydrating formula.
A hydrating serum containing hyaluronic or polyglutamic acid will be your festival BFF. The combination of alcohol and being outside all day in the sun (or wind/rain!) can leave your skin dehydrated. Replenish your skin with a hydrating serum applied to damp skin or spritz with a face mist beforehand if you don’t have access to water. Humectants such as hyaluronic and polyglutamic acid need water to work properly and mists are super easy to use, fuss-free and portable. They can also be great to carry around with you for a refreshing top-up throughout the day.
Remember to moisturise.
Pack your regular moisturiser or, if this is too heavy/too much of a fuss, opt for a travel-size mini or one with lighter packaging. Moisturisers are designed to prevent water loss from your skin which will help to prevent dehydration. Considering that you will be living outside for a few days, your skin will definitely benefit from this protective layer.
SPF is the most important step.
Please take a broad-spectrum SPF with you, no exceptions. This is an essential step of every skincare routine but particularly important when you’re going to be outside all day, so if you’re going to take anything away from this article, let it be this.
Aim to re-apply your SPF every 2 hours – opt for portable options that make it easy to top up while you’re on-the-go. If you know you won’t do so, choose a once-a-day formula (such as the Ultrasun range) for longer-lasting protection, but please keep in mind that re-application offers greater protection.
It’s also essential to protect your body and your lips! Your lips are easily burnt with prolonged sun exposure, and protecting them with an SPF lip product will help to prevent wrinkly lips.
Want a routine of easy-to-carry essentials to protect your skin whilst you party?
Check out The Festival Box.
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