Music festivals. You can feel it before you step onto the field: the pulse of the bass and that extra layer of setting spray on your cheekbones marking the start of festival season. However you spend the weekend, your makeup plays a role in how it all feels. This month, Bonnaroo and the Electric Daisy Carnival are two prime examples of how much the setting can shape your makeup. Before you start packing products, it helps to know what each event demands.

Festival Makeup for Two Worlds

Bonnaroo takes place in wide, grassy fields where the heat builds early and sticks around well into the evening. Meanwhile, EDC happens at night in the desert, where dry air makes skin feel tight and bright lights amplify every detail of your makeup. What works at one festival won’t always hold up at the other, so let’s break down exactly how to get your look right for each event.

The Earth Angel: Bonnaroo’s Boho Glow-Up

Bonnaroo is a four-day music and camping festival in Tennessee. You’ll be dealing with direct sun exposure during the day and dusty terrain underfoot. Throughout the events, you won’t have access to air conditioning or even a full bathroom. This makes low-maintenance, sweat-resistant makeup products more practical.

Start with a hydrating primer that grips makeup but won’t feel sticky. Look for one with glycerin or aloe. Use a skin tint with SPF 30 or higher to even out your complexion. Avoid thick foundations because these can break apart in the heat. Spot-conceal with a lightweight cream concealer only where needed like around the nose or under the eyes.

For cheeks, use a cream blush in a warm tone like terracotta, which blends well with sunlit skin and gives a natural-looking flush. A stick formula makes it easier to apply without brushes. Tap it onto your cheeks and blend toward your temples for a lifted look. For eyes, use a copper cream shadow with subtle gold shimmer, which reflects light without looking overly metallic in daylight. A shade like burnt sienna gives definition without appearing too bold in outdoor settings. Finish with waterproof brown mascara and brushed-up brows.

For lips, a tinted balm in rosewood gives you a hint of color while keeping your lips moisturized throughout the day. Finally, lock everything in with a dewy setting spray and bring blotting sheets to manage shine mid-day.

The Neon Queen: EDC’s Cyber Babe Fantasy

EDC Las Vegas is a massive electronic music festival that takes place in the Nevada desert. It’s dry and hot throughout. There’ll also be flashing lights throughout and a dancing crowd that will keep you on your feet for hours. You’ll be moving non-stop under bright lights that make every detail of your makeup stand out. This is the place to wear bold, statement makeup that doesn’t move.

Start with a mattifying primer that contains silica or clay to absorb oil. Use a long-wear foundation or matte skin tint and blend with a sponge. Then, set your base with a translucent powder that blurs shine but won’t add texture. Use a setting spray with a strong hold to keep everything in place before you start your eyes.

For your eye look, try a gel liner in electric pink to create sharp, colorful lines that hold up through long nights. Apply a white base or primer first to make the color pop. Then, add a silver shimmer shadow to the inner corners of your eyes to make them appear more open in low-light settings. Use waterproof mascara and secure any falsies with a clear, strong lash glue. Face decals or stick-on gems hold up better than loose glitter. Place them above your brows or along your cheekbones.

For lips, choose a matte liquid lipstick in fire-engine red, which photographs well and resists fading. Avoid glosses as they fade quickly in heat. Finish with a long-lasting setting spray meant for 12-hour wear.

Your Makeup, Your Rules

Festival makeup works best when it feels right for you. Use products that suit your skin and make you feel comfortable in the crowd. And most importantly, go with a look you’ll enjoy wearing from the first set to the last. What kind of makeup would make you want to dance longer?

FAQs: Festival Makeup

1. What kind of makeup should I wear to Bonnaroo?

Stick to lightweight, sweat-resistant products like cream blush, tinted SPF, and waterproof mascara.

2. How do I make my festival makeup last in heat?

Use a gripping primer, minimal base layers, and a strong setting spray to lock everything in.

3. What makeup holds up best at EDC?

Matte finishes, waterproof formulas, and neon pigments are ideal for dry desert nights.

4. Is full glam too much for Bonnaroo?

Yes—opt for breathable, soft glam looks that won’t melt in the sun.

5. Can I wear glitter to a music festival?

Absolutely—stick to biodegradable or gel-based glitter for easy application and better hold.

Festival season is here, and that means two things: dancing under the sun and ensuring your makeup lasts despite the sweat, heat, and long hours of standing. The key? A festival makeup kit that contains smudge-proof and long-lasting beauty products, so you’ll look flawless from sunrise to after-party. Here’s everything you need for Instagram-worthy festival makeup that survives the crowd, the weather, and the confetti explosion.

1. A Bulletproof Base: Long-Wear Primer & Setting Spray

A smooth, oil-free primer is non-negotiable. It grips your foundation, controls shine and keeps everything in place. Look for a hydrating primer if you have dry skin or a mattifying formula for oily skin.

Once your makeup is on, lock it in with a heavy-duty setting spray. A few spritzes will seal everything and prevent melting, fading, or smudging. For extra staying power, spray between makeup layers.

Pro Tip: Choose a setting spray with a waterproof or sweat-resistant formula. Bonus points if it has a sun protection factor (SPF)!

2. Sweatproof, Full-Coverage Foundation

A festival foundation should last through heat, humidity, and long hours of dancing. Stick to lightweight, full-coverage, and transfer-resistant formulas. Avoid thick, cakey products—they won’t survive.

If foundation feels too heavy, go for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF. These products even out skin tone and feel breathable.

Application Tip: Use a damp beauty sponge to blend and melt foundation into the skin.

3. Smudge-Proof Eye Makeup: Waterproof Everything

Waterproof formulas keep your look intact from midday sun to surprise rain. No one wants raccoon eyes before sunset.

• Eyebrows: A waterproof brow gel keeps them on even if you sweat.
• Eyeliner: A long-wear gel or liquid liner stays crisp, even after hours.
• Mascara: Choose a waterproof mascara that resists smudging but won’t leave lashes feeling crunchy.

For a bolder festival look, try colorful liners or glitter toppers to make your eyes pop.

4. Vibrant, Long-Lasting Eyeshadow

A festival is the perfect excuse to go all out. We’re talking about bold colors, shimmering metallics, and glitter.

• Cream eyeshadows last longer than powders.
• Eyeshadow primers prevent creasing and fading.
• Glitter gels add instant drama without fallout.

For an easy festival look, swipe a single shimmery shade across your lids and finish with mascara.

5. Kiss-Proof Lipstick

A festival lip needs to last through snacks, drinks, and selfies. Matte liquid lipsticks are a great choice as they stay put the longest, but if you prefer comfort, go for a tinted lip stain.

Want dewy lips without constant lippie reapplication? Use a long-wear lip liner as a base before applying your lipstick to boost longevity and prevent feathering.

Shade Tip: Bold reds, bright pinks, and neon oranges stand out in festival lighting and look stunning in photos.

6. A Glow That Lasts: Sweat-Resistant Blush & Highlighter

Blush and highlighter fade fast, especially in the heat. Go for:

• Liquid or cream blushes that stain the cheeks for long-lasting color.
• Gel-based highlighters that melt into the skin and don’t turn patchy.

Avoid powdery formulas as they tend to fade after a few hours.

Application Hack: Tap cream blush onto cheeks with your fingers for a fresh, natural look.

7. Oil-Control Must-Haves: Blotting Papers & Powder

Shine is inevitable, but greasy skin is preventable. Keep these in your bag:

• Blotting papers absorb oil without ruining makeup.
• Translucent powder mattifies instantly.

Pressed powders with a sponge applicator are easier to carry than loose powders.

Quick Fix: If you’re out of blotting papers, a clean tissue works in a pinch!

8. Festival-Proof Glitter & Face Gems

Glitter and gems take any look from basic to full-on festival glam…until they start slipping off. Here are long-lasting options:

• Glitter gels stay put without needing glue.
• Face gems with adhesive backs are easy to apply and remove.
• Glitter glue or mixing medium keeps loose glitter locked in place.

Safety Note: Avoid craft glitter—it’s not safe for the eyes or skin. Always use cosmetic-grade glitter.

9. A Tiny Touch-Up Kit for Emergencies

You don’t need to carry your whole vanity. A small essentials bag will save you from any makeup mishaps.

Pack these must-haves:
Mini setting spray
Blotting papers
Lipstick for touch-ups
Travel-size deodorant
Hair ties and bobby pins
Band-aids (because blisters happen)

This kit fits in any bag and keeps you fresh all day.

Be Bold, Have Fun, and Stay Fresh!

Festival makeup should be fun and fade-resistant. With the right products, your makeup will survive the sun, sweat, and sing-along sessions. Pack smart, prep well, and don’t forget SPF!

Ready to glow up and dance all day? Tag your festival makeup looks with #FestivalGlam #MakeupThatLasts and share your must-haves!

FAQs: Festival Makeup Survival 101

Q: How do I keep my makeup from melting in the heat?
A: Use an oil-free primer, waterproof formulas, and lock everything with a setting spray.

Q: What’s the best foundation for festivals?
A: A lightweight, long-wear, sweat-proof foundation or tinted moisturizer with SPF.

Q: How do I remove waterproof makeup after a festival?
A: Use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water for easy removal.

Q: Is glitter safe for the eyes?
A: Only cosmetic-grade glitter is safe. Avoid craft glitter.

Q: How can I make my eyeshadow last longer?
A: Always use an eyeshadow primer before applying.

Festival Looks: Glitter Roots Hairstyle Tutorial

This is a look we know you’ve seen before! Glitter Roots is the hottest trend to take this year’s festival season by storm. It’s no wonder that this hairstyle — which is easy to recreate and even easier to personalize — has been seen in every Coachella post of the year and, with festival season officially starting, will be one we’ll seen over and over again.

If you’re going to a festival this year, or are looking to switch up your look to something drastic, colorful, and bold, this step-by-step tutorial will teach you how to master the adorably quirky glitter roots.

What You’ll Need

Styling Gel

Glitter

Mixing Bowl & Brush

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1

Add styling gel to the mixing bowl.

Step 2

Then, add your glitter of choice to the gel.

Step 3

Mix both together with your mixing brush.

Step 4

Brush hair to remove tangles.

Step 5

Part your hair down the center.

Step 6

Separate your bangs from the rest of your hair. This step is optional.

Step 7

Create two buns on top of your head.

Step 8

Apply the glitter gel you prepared on your roots with the mixing brush. Make sure your roots are covered.

Feel free to get creative with embellishments such as twisting your hair, braids, etc. In this tutorial, Tasha applied the glitter gel in the front of her hair too. Ultimately, it’s up to you, but remember to have fun with it!

Now you’re ready for Festival Season!

Watch the full tutorial below.

Let’s see your glitter roots! Tag us @makeuptutorialsofficial on Instagram and show us your glitter roots! We may just feature them on our site, so get yourself known, ladies!

If you’re worried about how to do that, let me take care of the dose of inspiration you need to create your own Cinco de Mayo makeup looks! Check out these five Cinco de Mayo fiesta-ready makeup work.

RELATED: 19 Fun Beauty Trends For Festival Season

Bring in the Cinco de Mayo Festival Feel With These Looks

1. Festival Glam

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Bring your glam on with this beautifully created Cinco de Mayo inspired makeup look by Nikkii_Makeup, the colors used — definitely inspired by the Mexican flag, and the detailed flower work lent this look a subdued festival feel.

2. Beauty and Pride

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Peach Gonzalez really nailed this one! She is definitely one gifted artist. She wore her pride in an unconventional way by creating a face paint of not the flag of Mexico but the map! This right here is not just makeup skills, it’s artistry at its finest.

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Meanwhile, Andrea Lee Adauto shows how to distinctly celebrate pride and heritage with her Mexican makeup look. What better way to show your nationalistic pride by using the Mexican flag design as your Cinco de Mayo eye look? Viva Mexico!

3. Cinco de Mayo Skull Beauty

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How about a Cinco de Mayo skull makeup look for a creative twist to celebrate the festivities? I love how unconventional this skull makeup look is and how the use of the colors of the Mexican flag made it a definite Cinco de Mayo look in a very subtle way.

RELATED: 9 Fun Colorful Eyeshadow Tutorials For Makeup Lovers

4. Beauty Story

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You also will not go wrong with keeping it clean and beautiful. I love that Daniela Amezcua used a green eyeshadow under her eye because if you flipped those two colors, the red eyeshadow on the undereye would have made her eyes look tired. Using green on that part kept the look fresh and youthful.

5. Sarape Inspired

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You can also keep the look interesting by picking inspiration from other distinctly Mexican designs just like this mask-like Cinco de Mayo fiesta look inspired by the Mexican sarape. This garment is often worn by men but who’s to say women can’t wear it too? I think this makeup look by Jessica A.M. Kalil is an absolute work of art.

Meanwhile, Sinai Ruelas shows us a more wearable rendition of a sarape-inspired makeup look. Here, she manages to match her eye makeup with her outfit. This one’s definitely glowing with boldness!

I hope you enjoyed this list of Cinco de Mayo makeup looks and may it help you fuel your own creative pursuits in celebrating this much-loved Mexican festival. Remember social distancing is still in effect, despite the fact that we are celebrating in our homes instead of partying outside, let us celebrate Cinco de Mayo with beauty and colors!

Which look is your favorite on the list? Will you be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with your family at home? Let us know your thoughts! Share them in the comments section below.

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