13 Style & Beauty Essentials For A Rainy Festival

Floral crowns? Check. Neon makeup? Check. A boozy beverage thrown in for good measure? Double check. Festival season is in full swing. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably already thinking about what fashion and beauty festival essentials you need to take with you to this year’s events, particularly if you’re traveling abroad to a festival in the UK or otherwise rainy climate.

We’re not short on incredible festivals this side of the pond. There’s Isle Of Wight, Bestival, and Reading and Leeds, to name a few. What we tend to lack, however, is the amazing weather to go alongside them. So while you might be able to get away with donning a crochet bralette to Coachella, the chances of you being able to wear one to Glastonbury are slim to none.

Of course, if you are thinking about jetting off and attending a festival in a country or city predisposed to rain, you shouldn’t let the storms, mud, or gray skies put you off. I’ve been to my fair share throughout the years and with the majority of our biggest festivals spanning across three days, they’re heaps of fun. You can easily combat the change in climate when you pack the right gear. From rain macs to Wellington boots, here are 13 essentials for rainy festival survival.

1. Wellington Boots

Hunter Short Wellington Boots, $123, ASOS

The last thing you probably want when watching your favorite bands is to be knee-deep in mud. Wellington boots are a must when it comes to UK festivals in particular. This pair from Hunter will not only protect your feet and clothing, but also ensure that you remain just as stylish at the British "it" girls who have worn them in the past. Hello, Kate Moss.

2. Dry Shampoo

Sephora Express Dry Shampoo, $5, Sephora

If you’re camping for three days or more, you might not have access to showers. Should that be the case, your locks are probably going to get incredibly greasy. Keep your hair looking fresh and feeling clean by packing dry shampoo.

3. Hats

Skater Beanie, $2, Forever21

If you can't be bothered to mess around with dry shampoo in the mornings, just bring a hat. Admittedly, a fedora might raise a few eyebrows in the middle of a summer shower. But there's nothing stopping you from throwing on a beanie.

4. Face Wipes

Sephora Cleansing Wipes, $9, Sephora

It's not just your hair that you're going to want to keep fresh. Cleansing wipes will help you remove your makeup at night. They're also an essential when it comes to scrubbing damp mud off your arms and legs.

5. Tights

Gipsy Splash Of Spots Tights, $14, ASOS

Still want to wear cut-off denim shorts or floaty skater dresses? Tights are one of the easiest ways to layer up at a UK festival. You don't need to opt for boring ones, either. Try out different colors and patterns like this pair from ASOS.

6. Body Paint

Neon Body Paint, $11, ASOS

One way to incorporate a little creativity into your festival outfit is through makeup or body paint. These neon body paints are a staple when it comes to muddy UK fields. If we're not decorating our faces with them in the daytime, we're donning glow-in-the-dark paint at night. It's usually decently water-proof, too.

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7. Button Shirt

Topshop Finds Plaid Shirt, $85, Topshop

Another easy way to layer up when you're visiting a rainy place is with plaid or button-up shirts. Personally, I love their flexibility. If it's chilly, you can throw one over a dress or T-shirt; if it's not, simply tie it around your waist for the evening hours.

8. Waterproof Mac

Plus Size Holographic Rain Coat, $47, Missguided

Umbrellas can be a massive nuisance at festivals. They're a pain to drag through a crowd and are a big annoyance for other attendees. With that in mind, you're going to want to find other ways to stay dry. Alongside Wellington boots, one of the simplest ways to do this is by investing in a waterproof mac or rain trench. They're not all as boring as you'd imagine, either. Missguided has a great selection on offer at the minute including this gorgeous lilac holographic one.

9. Hand Sanitizer

Dr. Bronner Organic Hand Sanitizer, $5, ASOS

Hand sanitizer is an absolute must. You never know what dirt and grime is lingering around festival sites, especially in places like soggy camp toilets. Yuck.

10. Fanny Pack

Western Fanny Pack, $25, ASOS

If you're dancing in a crowd, the last thing you likely want to be doing is clinging onto a bag. Go hands-free by investing in a fanny pack. This one will store all your bits and bobs and fit right in with this season's Western trend.

11. Printed Dresses

Floral Cami Dress, $16, Forever 21

A second look you can easily channel at rainy festivals is printed dresses. From ink blots to florals, there are plenty of bohemian-styled pieces on sale at the minute that will look precious under a rain coat. This dress from Forever21 is one of my favorites.

12. Multi Purpose Makeup

Lollibalm, $18, Benefit Cosmetics

To save room in your bag, take multi-purpose and rain proof makeup with you. You can use Benefit Cosmetic's tinted balm on your lips, cheeks and eyes. Just think: Less room for cosmetics; more room for alcohol.

13. Sunglasses

Lucie Preppy Round Glasses, $30, Topshop

Sure, it might not be sunny outside. But you should still invest in a pair of shades. How else are you going to conceal your hangover?

You now have all you need to survive a UK or otherwise damp festival. You may be dancing in a downpour, but those water-proofs will have your back.

Now, who's packing the beer?

Images: Courtesy Brands