Festival season is officially in full swing, and whether you’ve been counting down the days for months or you’ve only just realised your event is this weekend, packing the right essentials can make or break the experience. While your tent, wellies and portable charger are obvious additions to your bag, it’s often the smaller, easy-to-forget items that end up being the real heroes. Think hydrating skincare, a tinted moisturiser that makes you look fresh in seconds, SPF to protect against long days in the sun, and clever beauty buys that take up minimal space but make a big difference.
If, like us, you’ve left it until the last minute to get organised, don’t panic; we’ve done the hard work for you. Whether you’re heading to a weekend camping festival, dancing from midday until midnight at a one-day event, or simply want to look and feel your best without lugging your entire bathroom cabinet around, we’ve rounded up the products you’ll want to pack. From budget-friendly beauty buys, including a £7 tinted moisturiser, to hygiene hacks and practical must-haves you’ll thank yourself for bringing, consider this your ultimate festival survival kit.
Hair and skincare saviours
Batiste Dry Shampoo Fresh Vanilla – A dry shampoo is always a girl's (and some men's) best friend at festivals. Hair rarely survives beyond day one of dancing, but a trusty dry shampoo can work wonders. A few quick sprays will absorb excess oil, add a little volume back into the roots and leave your hair smelling fresh. Buy Now for £3.25
Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Spray – The best sunscreens are those that will withstand a day outside, so you don't have to worry about constantly topping up while squeezed into a crowd. This lightweight invisible spray is easy to apply, won't leave a white cast and protects against UVA and UVB rays, making it a no-brainer for long days spent outdoors. Buy Now for £12
Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Over Make-Up UV Mist – One application of SPF in the morning isn't enough to last all day, especially if you're dancing in the sunshine. This clever mist can be sprayed straight over your makeup without disturbing it, making it one of the easiest ways to stay protected while giving your skin an instant refresh. It’s also infused with Vitamin C to brighten and give you a healthy glow. Buy Now for £10.49 (was £13.99)
Makeup and hygiene must-haves
Benefit Bad Gal Bang Black Mascara Mini – There's no need to lug your full-sized makeup bag around when minis exist. Benefit Bad Gal Bang delivers volume and length that lasts through long days and even longer nights, while the travel-friendly size slots neatly into even the smallest crossbody bag for easy touch-ups. Buy Now for £15
Garnier Micellar Water – At the end of a long day, taking your makeup off is the last thing you'll want to do, but your skin will thank you for it. A bottle of micellar water and a few reusable cotton pads make removing makeup, sunscreen and festival grime quick and fuss-free, even if there's no sink in sight. Buy Now for £3.49
Fussy Day & Night Trip Mini Pack – Hot weather, packed crowds, and plenty of dancing mean deodorant is non-negotiable. These travel-sized natural deodorants are the perfect size for your bag, while the scents, including Wavy Days and Sun Drunk, will keep you smelling fresh from the first act to the end. Buy Now for £10
Styling and oral care
got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray – Whether you're styling slicked-back buns, playful braids or glitter-covered curls, you'll want a hairspray that actually holds. We swear by got2b's cult favourite, which keeps every strand firmly in place, so your hairstyle looks just as good at the headline act as it did when you left the tent. Buy Now
Collection Skin Tint – Leave your expensive makeup at home and snap up a more affordable option that will still do all that you need to give you that glam look. Collection’s Skin Tint is a brilliant buildable option to give your face that effortless glow, covering dark spots and imperfections (or signs of tiredness from the previous night) for up to 24 hours. Buy Now for £6.99
Curapox Travel Dental Kit – A fresh mouth can make all the difference after a long day of enjoying yourself and a night of camping. This compact travel kit includes a foldable toothbrush, toothpaste and interdental brushes in one handy case, making it easy to keep on top of your oral hygiene without taking up valuable packing space. Buy Now for £11.50
Glitter, hydration and freshness
Half Magic Eyeshadow Single – From the makeup designer of HBO Max’s Euphoria, get yourself an eyeshadow that will pack on the glitter in just one swipe. It’s small and compact, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up any extra space, but it’s perfect for any midday top-ups. The singles come in 13 variations, so you can easily match them to your looks and sparkle the night away. Buy Now for £14
Wellthy By Boots Daily Hydration+ Energy & Focus 12 Sachets – Staying hydrated is just as important as remembering your SPF. These handy sachets are packed with electrolytes, vitamins and minerals to support hydration while helping with energy and focus, making them ideal after a late night or before another full day of dancing. Simply mix one into your water bottle, and you're good to go. Buy Now for £7
WaterWipes – There’s no excuse for poor hygiene, even if you are camping for a few nights. Throw in a pack of these sensitive water wipes to give your body, mostly your pits, a refresh so you’re ready to go again the next day. Buy Now for £3.25
Bodycology Hawaiian Beach Radiant Body Mist – When a proper shower isn't on the cards, a body mist is the next best thing. This tropical fragrance blends coconut, tropical florals and warm vanilla to leave you smelling fresh all day long, while the lightweight bottle is easy to stash in your festival bag for a quick spritz whenever you need it. Buy Now for £6
