Tis’ the season to don the wellies, spread the glitter and dust off (reality, hose off last year’s mud from) the tent as this year’s festivals are well underway.

I love festivals. So much so, I asked my now husband if our wedding could take that theme. I have had work featured twice by one of my favourite blog’s Festival Brides and I am thrilled to be working on another photo shoot later this week which will once again take that style.

If however, you don’t like the idea of mud, the great unwashed and sleeping in the most modest of accommodation then there are other ways you can bring the festival vibe to your occasion, whether that be wedding, party or corporate event.

Today’s blog features expert hair and make up artist Alison Martin who I quizzed for tips as a bride, host or lover of real festival’s, that you can recreate.

I had the pleasure of working with Alison back in January on a shoot which has just been featured by Magpie Weddings and she absolutely nailed the brief I gave her, so if you’re looking to book someone for your big event, definitely give her a call.

 

Alison’s ‘light’ look for our styled shoot
Alison’s ‘dark look’ for our styled shoot

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a festival goer and a pro HMUA what are your must haves to pack in your make up bag?
Waterproof mascara – no one wants mascara running down their face if its a washout!
Dry Shampoo – Whoever invented dry shampoo needs a knighthood! Not only great for dealing with unwashed hair but it gives volume and texture too.
Vaseline – I use Vaseline for many things: lip balm, keeping brows in shape and dabbing on cheekbones for a dewy highlight. Also you can use it as an eye make-up remover.
As amazing as festivals are, they are a breeding ground for germs (I had my only but severe case of tonsillitis after Glastonbury 97’) How do you ensue you look after your skin when you’re camping in the middle of fields without proper facilities?
Make sure your hands are clean before applying make-up, a little bottle of hand sanitizer is perfect for these moments. Also you can pick up packs of bottles/pots from various shops to decant make-up into for travelling. These are good for festivals as you only take the amount of product you need and then can throw them away afterwards or wash and keep for when you next need them!
Also Avené Thermal spring water is a face mist that that’s great for soothing and refreshing tired skin, it has anti inflammatory benefits too to help keep your skin in good condition.
Wet wipes also used to be a big festival saviour but in everyone’s bid to be more eco conscious they are moving away from using them. Do you have any other tips or tricks that replace their use?
Use your moisturiser to tissue off your make-up.
What’s your personal style for in the fields? Does it differ each year like fashion or is there a specific look you always stick to?
I’m a big fan of the boho vibe at festivals, I love using plaits to make my hair have style. You can mix it up if you’re going for a few days: fishtail, boxer braids, plaits twisted into an updo. I always tend to go for a pop of colour on my lips…. a bright coral colour is my festival favourite, nice and summery!
Finally any quick look our followers could recreate that would look amazing for a festival lover?
Glitter is a great festival must have, I like to use a swatch of glitter across my eyelids, with a flick of eyeliner and mascara. If you aren’t wanting to weigh your bag down with products think of products that can double up- many brands do a cream blush that works for cheeks and lips (my fave is Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge).
If you want to go full on festival chic many high street stores now sell stick on face gems!
Alison Martin in action
If this has whetted your appetite for buying the must haves for festival season, then Space NK are also highlighting a festival edit and if you would like your event to take a festival direction, then please do not hesitate to get in touch!