Hello, young Padawan
That’s an excellent question, isn’t it? What makeup can withstand festivals, concerts, long, hot days in the blazing sun, where you’re sweating, getting water, beer, and all sorts of liquids (come back, young Padawan, don’t get lost, lol), on days when you can’t bring a thousand products with you for touch-ups? Besides, aside from a bit of lipstick or lip gloss, who wants to bring their makeup bag with them to these kinds of events? This article will also be suitable for guests at weddings, the children’s fair, days at amusement parks—in short, all extreme situations, lol.
These products were tested during my four annual days at Hellfest, an extreme metal music festival, in scorching temperatures of 37°C, for dozens (and dozens!) of hours under a blazing sun, under the fire hose (for those who aren’t used to it, they generously spray you when you’re baking in the pit, and it’s very funny, editor’s note), and even under beer jets. So, needless to say, these products took a real beating, and yet, everything was intact when I removed my makeup in the evening. I said intact! Yes!
Okay, enough chit-chat, let’s get started.
What makeup survives festivals?
On the eyes, liquid eyeshadows, of course!
Once they’re dry, the only thing that can remove them is grease, namely an oil or a cleansing balm. Among my favorites are those from Glossier, and those from KVD Beauty. Glossier’s are more natural, KVD’s are more glittery, both are magnificent. I’ve already discussed them several times on the blog, but I insist on their beauty, their ease of application with fingers or a brush, and, above all, their very long wear.
Long-lasting pencils. I love the Miss Beckham ones, but also the Urban Decay 24/7 ones. The colors in both brands are sublime, whether glittery or matte, and once dry, the pencil doesn’t budge. Amazing.
Waterproof, yes, but not if it disintegrates!
Two options. Waterproof or not. Waterproof mascaras tend to leave residue after a few hours, resembling small crumbs on the cheeks, primarily due to fluttering the upper lashes. Conventional mascaras transfer and smudge with heat and perspiration. Either you choose your side, or you do both!
My problem is that mascara can migrate to the bottom (from smiling or laughing) and sometimes transfer to the top, from the tips of the lashes being in constant contact with the eyelid.
So here’s my solution: using a good waterproof mascara on the migrating area of the lower lashes, I apply my Clinique waterproof mascara. Then, I use a classic volume mascara on the upper lashes, such as Maybelline, which is fantastic and comes in black or colored versions, like this one in a beautiful pine green. Alternatively, I love Victoria Beckham’s volume mascara. And to finish it all off, I apply a little waterproof mascara only to the tips of the dry lashes at the top, over my classic mascara, to prevent it from transferring onto the eyelids.
A little waterproof mascara on the bottom, a little on the top, no transfer, nothing smudges, and I don’t have mascara crumbs on my cheeks at the end of the evening. Perfect!
All powders are allowed if there is a setting spray.
As much as I love cream products for everyday use, blushes, and cream bronzers, for these extreme conditions in terms of temperature, duration, and beer drops, I have to admit that the best option remains powder formulas paired with a setting spray. I use MUF’s Mist & Fix Matte Spray, and it’s fantastic; it sets beautifully.
As for powders, many formulas are excellent, but I’d like to share with you my favorite this summer: the Clarins bronzer. It’s lovely, smells fresh, and the formula is superb. It blends wonderfully, has excellent staying power, and is a beautiful color that’s neither too warm nor too gray for most people. It’s fantastic.
And besides, when you say sunshine and a day outside, you say SPF, Corsican egg! And if we’re talking about a tinted product that also acts as sunscreen, I obviously recommend Madara’s SPF 30, along with a cap, hat, or umbrella, because no SPF protects as much as clothing—never forget, dear Padawan.
It’s a sunscreen, first and foremost, of course, but it’s slightly tinted. While not a true tinted product, it provides light, natural, and imperceptible coverage. What’s more, it has excellent staying power, both in terms of light coverage and SPF effectiveness. Without pushing the envelope too far, once again, a hat or an umbrella is the real savior of festivals.
Here are some little festival makeup tips. Oh, I forgot, I found an SPF 50 gloss. It smells good and is very nice to use. It’s this one from Ultra-Violette. I’ve been using it every day since the beginning of June, and can’t live without it.
All that’s left for me to do is wish you a good weekend, and we’ll see you next Friday for new adventures!
XO ✨
