When it comes to rave and festival makeup, you want something that’s not only bold but dreamy, otherworldly, and utterly magical. Ethereal makeup is all about creating a glowing, radiant look that makes you feel like you just stepped out of a mystical dream. Think soft glows, holographic highlights, and shimmering colors that catch the light in every movement. If you're ready to create a look that's straight out of a fantasy, keep reading! We’ve got the ultimate guide to help you master the ethereal rave and festival makeup look.
1. Start with Glowy Skin
The foundation of any ethereal look is glowing skin. You want to create a base that radiates light from within, and it starts with skincare.
Prep your skin with a hydrating moisturizer or primer that will give you that dewy, healthy glow. Look for products with added illuminators, like liquid highlighters or dewy finishes, to make your skin look lit from the inside.
Next, apply a lightweight foundation or BB cream to even out your complexion. If you want a more natural, skin-like finish, skip the heavy coverage and let your natural beauty shine through.
For that soft glow, use a liquid highlighter on your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and along your cupid's bow. This will ensure that every light you encounter at the festival reflects beautifully off your skin.
2. Embrace Sparkle with Eye Makeup
When it comes to ethereal makeup, your eyes are where the magic happens. You want eyes that pop with shimmery shadows, sparkling liners, and unique accents.
Start by using shimmery eyeshadows in soft, pastel hues like lavender, peach, or soft pink. These tones instantly add a dreamy feel to your eyes. Apply a wash of color all over your eyelids, and then layer on more shimmer for extra dimension.
Next, use glitter eyeliner to outline your eyes and create a bold, eye-catching effect. For extra sparkle, go for a holographic eyeliner in silver or iridescent shades that reflect different colors depending on the light.
To complete the eye look, pop on some falsies or apply mascara for extra volume. Ethereal lashes that flutter are key to making your eyes look bigger and more magical.
3. Highlight and Contour to Add Dimension
No ethereal look is complete without the perfect balance of highlight and contour. This adds dimension to your face while still keeping that soft, glowing finish.
Use a cream or liquid highlighter for a natural glow—skip the powder for a more ethereal, skin-like effect. Apply it to your cheekbones, brow bones, and the high points of your face.
If you want a more sculpted look, use a light contour under your cheekbones, jawline, and nose. But remember, subtlety is key. Ethereal makeup isn’t about harsh lines—it’s all about soft, blended radiance.
4. Add Fun, Festival-Ready Details
What sets festival makeup apart from everyday looks is the creativity and playfulness. Add a little extra to your ethereal makeup with fun accents like face gems, rhinestones, or glitter freckles. These details are perfect for raves and festivals, adding sparkle and personality to your look.
Try placing rhinestones along your temples, near your eyes, or even across your cheekbones. These add a magical touch that will have you glimmering under the lights. We love the Lunautics Stargazer Rhinestone Face Jewels and other glitters and accessories available at iHR.
Glitter freckles are another fun way to add some whimsy. Lightly dab a liquid glitter product with a brush or your fingers across your nose and cheeks to create a fresh, playful vibe.
If you're feeling bold, add some temporary face tattoos or holographic designs to complete the celestial theme. Just make sure they’re festival-friendly and won’t budge after a long night of dancing.
5. Finish with Lips That Shine
For lips, the ethereal look is all about glossy finishes and soft, muted colors. Choose a glossy lip balm or iridescent lip gloss that adds a subtle sheen and plumps your lips without looking too bold. Soft pinks, lilacs, and peachy hues work perfectly with this vibe, but you can also go for a clear gloss for maximum shine.
For a more dramatic statement, try a glittery lip topper over your gloss. It’s an easy way to elevate your lip look without any fuss.
6. Lock It All In with Setting Spray
To make sure your ethereal makeup stays in place all night (or day) long, finish with a dewy setting spray. This will not only lock your makeup in place but also give your skin that fresh, hydrated look.
