Off to Reading or Leeds? Here's your guide to festival make-up (without the toxins)

So now's the time to perfect neon make-up.Bright graphic eyeliner, vampy lips and holographic highlighter are some of this year's biggest beauty trends for the main stage.But some of these make-up products, which are being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces such as TikTok Shop, can contain a host of toxic chemicals, warns the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, external.So here's what to look out for – and how to….

"The 'no make-up look' is gone.

Clean girl is out!"There's a child-like quality to festival make-up, he says, so embrace it – think playful colour and crystals.To stand out, he suggests using glitter in hair partings or your shoulders."Personally, I say use gems as they're bigger and more impactful, plus you can peel them off at the end of night and reuse them in the morning."What to be aware of: Skip near the eyes to avoid….

Safe adhesives, like lash glue, will keep it in place.How to get the look: Vogue says 2026 is all about juicy and blurred lips, external that play with texture more than colour.

Think "your-lips-but-better", using stains and glosses.InStyle magazine recommends dramatic, dark red vampy lips, external as a breakaway from summer-friendly pinks and peaches.Use a liquid lip product, Skinner says, because it won't budge."You can do some drinking, you can do some snogging."And he says leave that lip liner until last – it'll just "highlight how wonky your drawing skills are".

Colour first, liner later.What to be aware of: Whatever your look, don't share your balm or lipstick.

That can spread nasty infections like cold sores.Cross-contamination is real, and why make-up artists sanitise everything in between clients.Before and after application is crucial – sunburn is not on trendUse high-protection sunscreen – at least SPF 30 – as a base before the make-up and let it soak in like any primer, says Wedgeworth.Skinner recommends matte or sweat-proof SPF to help your make-up last longer.Reapply throughout the day, at least….

Don't forget your hairline and any partings to protect your scalp.Sprays let you layer over make-up, but can be difficult to apply thickly enough, so take shade breaks and bring a big hat for extra protection, says Wedgeworth.How to get the look: Who, What, Wear, external says think about accessories – scarfs, crochet beanie caps or eye-catching hair clips, charms or cuffs.InStyle, external suggests Mermaid waves or thin Baby Braids….

Here's what to check for, and how to dazzle.