Festival make-up dos and don'ts to avoid a toxic glow up

Festival make-up dos and don'ts to avoid a toxic glow up

Festival season has arrived, and vibrant neon make-up is taking center stage. From striking graphic eyeliner to deep vampy lips and shimmering holographic highlighters, bold beauty looks are trending for those heading to main stage events. However, it is important to be cautious, as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute has issued warnings about some make-up sold through third-party sellers on platforms like TikTok Shop. These products may contain harmful chemicals that could damage your skin.

Make-up artist and BBC Glow Up judge Dominic Skinner shared tips on how to create a festival-ready appearance that is both eye-catching and long-lasting. To make colours stand out, he recommends applying white eye pencil to the skin first, then layering bright eyeshadows on top. This technique intensifies the vibrancy of colours and keeps them intact all night. Skinner also advises steering clear of products that are labeled “not for cosmetic use,” even if marketed for skin application, and to avoid banned colourants such as Solvent Yellow 172 and certain Basic Red and Violet dyes. Products from unknown brands or suspiciously cheap options should be treated with caution, as some UV-reflective, glow-in-the-dark items may actually be labeled as non-cosmetic paints.

When it comes to glitter and gems, Skinner encourages a playful approach. Festival make-up leans heavily into fairycore aesthetics, favoring sparkle and larger embellishments like face gems that can be easily reused. Glitter can be applied to hair partings or shoulders for added impact. Nonetheless, experts like Dr. Emma Wedgeworth from the British Skin Foundation advise avoiding glitter near the eyes to prevent corneal injury and warn against using craft glitter, which is unsafe for skin. Opt for biodegradable, skin-friendly glitters along with safe adhesives such as lash glue to ensure both environmental responsibility and skin safety.

For lip looks, the trend is moving toward juicy, blurred effects that emphasize texture over bold colour. Vogue highlights 2026 as the year for “your-lips-but-better” styles using stains and glosses. On the other hand, InStyle recommends dramatic, vampy dark reds that break away from the typical summer pinks and peaches. Skinner suggests using liquid lipsticks for better longevity, advising to apply lip colour first and save the lip liner for last to avoid emphasizing uneven lines. Additionally, personal hygiene is key—never share lip balms or lipsticks to reduce the risk of spreading infections such as cold sores. Make-up artists sanitize their tools between clients to prevent cross-contamination, a practice everyone should adopt

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More