In the magical universe of music festivals, it is easy to forget about this little concept called "reality." It makes sense, after — when you are experiencing your Spotify playlists in the living flesh, you'll tune out the world and everything with it. Deadlines. Bills. Adult obligations. How much your feet hurt. Sunburns. Coachella can be a wonderland — that is, until catastrophe strikes and you are blessed with a brutal sunburn on day two. Repeat after me: never forget to pack sunscreen for music festivals. Remember the letters: S-P-F.
Festival season equals outdoor time, which in turn equals extreme sun exposure. Whether you'll be grooving at Osheaga or camping out in Bonnaroo, sun protection is crucial. Let's be real: if you can haul an infinite amount of high-waisted denim across the country, then you can most definitely make room for a sunscreen — or two. Dare to skip the SPF and you just may find yourself with a (painful) souvenir.
While every festival has different rules, it is generally safe to stick to non-aerosol products, such as sun creams and sticks over the spray can variety. Keep this in mind when sunscreen shopping — it would be a true tragedy to have to bid adieu to your precious $90 sunblock at security.
From all-natural to multifuctional, shop the best festival-approved sunscreens. Time to slather up.
1. Coola
Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Matte Tint, $36, Ulta
Meet your HG face sunscreen — the scorching rays at Lollapalooza won't even stand a chance. Made with organic rose hip oil, radical-fighting vitamin C, evening primrose and shea butter, this lightweight formula delivers UVA/UVB protection minus all the grease.
2. Supergoop!
Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen w/ Celluar Response Technology, $10-$48, Supergoop!
Formulated with avobenzone, this moisturizing sunscreen is especially ideal for those with darker skin tones, as the formula absorbs without leaving a white veil.
3. Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense, $38, Drunk Elephant
Want a iridescent glow with your sunscreen fix? This sunscreen comes packed with antioxidants to fight cell damage, plus raspberry and marula oil for a radiant finish (also, let's discuss that A+ packaging).
4. Dr. Jart+
Dr. Jart+ Air Mesh, $48, Sephora
For an extra measure of security, dust on a coat of this multifunctional BB cream with SPF 30 — it conceals blemishes and offers sun and dust protection without weighing down the skin.
5. colorscience
colorscience Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen, $64, colorscience
If sunscreen tubes are so last year, then get ready for the sunscreen brush. Don't underestimate its size — it offers SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection for convenient on-the-go application.
6. Blue Lizard
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive, $29, Blue Lizard
From down under comes the most water-resistant sunscreen yet — 240 minutes of pure strength (you hear that, concert sweat?) Under sun exposure, the formula transforms from white to blue to repel harmful UV rays.
7. Maui Babe
Maui Babe SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, $15, Amazon
Imported straight from paradise (read: Maui), this sunscreen packs a powerful punch without leaving an oily mess in its wake. Plus, the formula is safe to pair with your favorite tanning lotion — SPF and a sunkissed glow, coming your way.
8. The Honest Company
Honest Mineral Sunscreen Stick, $10, Honest
We've seen sunscreen in a tube, brush and now, a handy stick. Its compact size makes it an excellent addition to your stage-hopping essentials. Don't forget to re-apply!
9. Australian Gold
Australian Gold Lotion Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer, $8, Ulta
If a Coachella-crafted bronze is what you're after this festival season, then look no further. This SPF 30 sunscreen is infused with Kona coffee (!) to quell your tanning desires.
10. Sachajuan
Sachajuan Hair In The Sun, $32, Sephora
Unfortunately, scalp sunburns are one of the many offerings at music festivals. Arm accordingly with a sunscreen just for your tresses — massage into wet or dry hair and you are set.
11. La Roche-Posay
Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Lotion Spray, $36, La Roche-Posay
Lastly, if you really want to take the spray sunscreen route, then La Roche-Posay is the best bet. The formula is grease-free, fast-absorbing and equipped for outdoor use (dear festival security: please don't confiscate).
You: 1, sunburns: 0.
