We've all been there, haven't we? Hiding under a soggy tent from the driving rain, whilst trying desperately to apply a fake eyelash with a pair of streaky tanned hands.
Well, we've learnt our lesson the hard way and this year we're more than prepared. So forget the miniature dry shampoo, instant tan and baby wipes and do all your prep before you go. Follow our smart girl's guide to festival beauty for the simplest way to look great all weekend.
The Tan
We always turn to tanning experts St Tropez, who haven’t once failed us. Brand ambassador and perennial festival-goer Kate Moss always uses the St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, £9.99 for 50ML, at home before the event. It normally lasts between 4-7 days (depending on the individual). Regular moisturising will make it last longer but tanning expert Nichola Joss advises: 'Avoid moisturizers containing oil as these will make your tan fade unevenly and more quickly. Aloe vera based moisturiser works best.'
St Tropez Bronzing Mousse, £9.99 for 50ML, available nationwide. If you struggle applying fake tan yourself, book in for a professional treatment. Visit www.st-tropez.com.
The Eyes
Don’t be that girl at the end of the night with one eyelash half way down her cheek. Sort yourself out with some extensions the week before to give yourself time to get used to them. They are an investment at £120 but well worth the money. Lasting 2-3 weeks, and properly tailored to your lashes, they not only look much more natural than fakes, but are really comfortable to wear. We recommend Shavata 5D lashes.
To find your nearest Shavata studio, or to book, visit www.shavata.co.uk.
The Hair
By the end of a festival, hair has so much dry shampoo, beer and rain in it, it looks like lank straw. Pay a visit to your local salon the day before you leave for a three-day blow dry treatment to see you through the weekend. Or try a fuss-free style instead. Although you will need a spritz of dry shampoo at the roots, the bulk of the work is already done. Marie Claire recommends:
London: Hari’s Hair Aromatherapy, £125 Coming in four alternatives we recommend the Repair treatment. The ylang ylang balances the scalp’s oil production, which prevents roots becoming greasy quickly. Sealed in with a blow dry, hair looks fresh for up to 3-5 days.
Appointments are available at all three London salons located at 233 King’s Road, SW3; 305 Brompton Road, SW3 2DY and 183 New Kings Road, SW6 4SW. www.harissalon.com.
Nationwide: Toni & Guy Fashion Fix Service, £25 The braided styles are perfect for festival season. Once done, you won’t need to fuss with your hair for a few days so it will last the whole weekend. We are particularly love the Glam Garland.
To book an appointment visit your local salon or www.toniandguy.com.
The Manicure
We have no time for cheap manicures that chip before you've even left the salon, let alone having trekked three miles across a field carrying a tent. So this year, bite the extra expense and book in for some gels. We recommend Biosculpture, which lasts for up to three weeks. The pre-treatment polish acts as a vitamin shot to feed your nails before the gel is applied. The gel then lasts longer and nails aren’t brittle and breaking when you take it off. Just make sure you have your make-up and outfits planned first so that your shade matches.
Biosculpture Manicure, Nationwide, from £25. www.biosculpture.co.uk.