Coachella season is upon us, and it's arguably the most hotly anticipated festival of the year. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to California, not only for the epic musical line-up, but to also rock their carefully curated desert-ready ensembles for three whole days, from sunrise to sunset. If you're one of the lucky ones who was able to snag a ticket and are wondering what to pack to keep your face intact, here's your go-to guide for the best beauty products to pack for Coachella 2017 (water bottle not included).
The first time I went to Coachella nearly a decade ago (I'm aging myself), I didn't care much for how I looked. I slapped on some sunscreen, threw on a dirty pair of denim cut-offs, and sashayed across the Indio Polo Fields with reckless abandon. But things are different now in the desert — it's a freaking fashion show out there, with gorgeous models and celebrities putting their best dancing feet forward, which means I have to step up my game this year.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to nailing Coachella beauty is hydration and protection. No matter how cute your unicorn highlighter and colored eyeliner look, neither matter when you are dry as the desert and burned to a crisp. Remember to stay hydrated (other than at the beer garden) and reapply sunscreen generously throughout the day.
Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the fun stuff. Here's what you should pack for your magical trip to the desert.
1. Dry Shampoo
OuaiDesert OUAIsis Festival Kit, $34, Sephora
The last thing you're going to have time for is to clean and style your hair. Style your locks with Ouai's Wave spray and then maintain your 'do with their amazing dry shampoo foam.
2. Waterproof Blush
Perfection Mist Airbrush Blush, $20, Sephora
Keep your rosy cheeks intact all day long with this long-lasting, waterproof blush.
3. Creamy Eyeshadow
Milk Eye Pigment, $24, Sephora
Festival eyeshadow should be easy and effortless. It'll dry quickly, it won't crease, and it'll deliver a fabulous, bold pigment that'll last you all day long.
4. Highlighter
Sephora Pro Dimensional Highlighting Palette, $42, Sephora
This palette is filled with five different buildable highlighters, helping you achieve that dewy, but believable "I woke up like this" glow.
5. Waterproof Eyeliner
Colorful Waterproof Eyeliner, $12, Sephora
Make a statement with a colorful cat eye (that won't budge all day)!
6. Hydrating Lipstick
Sephora Rouge Balm with SPF 20, $13, Sephora
This lipstick will not only color your lip, it'll also hydrate and protect with SPF 20.
7. Foundation
Amore Pacific CC Cushion Compact with SPF 50, $60, Sephora
Add another layer of protection from the desert sun while also adding a bit of coverage with a lightweight CC cream.
8. False Lashes
Dramatic Performance Longwear Lash Kit, $11, Sephora
Achieve eyelash extension-worthy lashes at home with this mess-free kit.
9. Waterproof Brow Pencil
Sephora Retractable Brow Pencil - Waterproof, $12, Sephora
No matter how sweaty you get, these brows won't budge.
10. Sunscreen
Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $19, Amazon
This formula won't leave your face feeling oily or greasy. Don't forget to bring it with you so you can reapply throughout the day!
11. Face Mist
Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Face Mist, $37, Amazon
Spritz this refreshing and hydrating mist on your face every few hours. Not only will your face be thirsty for its coconut water, the mist will also feel incredible in the hot heat.
12. Perfume
Pinrose Wild Child, $65, Sephora
Unleash your inner flower child with this sweet floral scent.
13. Cleansing Wipes
Sephora Cleansing & Exfoliating Wipes, $7.50, Sephora
You'll probably want at least two of these. Trust.
