Although Festival season currently on hold, that doesn't have to stop you from dreaming up the killer makeup looks you’ll be rocking once festivals are back in action, or looking for some makeup inspiration.
Whether you’re the creative type or not, there are some basics to rave makeup that apply no matter what you’re festival fashion is or where you’re going. Obviously, you’ll want your festival makeup to last all day and all night - after all, you’ll be dancing your festival face off at a music festival to EDM, but hopefully not literally - but you also want to make sure to protect your skin from the sun, dirt, sweat, and those seemingly inevitable post-festival breakouts with a great skin care routine. So, what’s a rave girl (or guy) to do when it comes to crafting the best rave makeup look for your summer shows? We’ve created the ultimate guide to rave makeup that will not only help you decide what to wear, but also explain how to make your look last all night.
The Essentials
Rave makeup ideas are all about color, pop, and sparkle, but underneath all that glitz and glam is what we like to call the essentials. These are the critical elements of any makeup look that go on before you start applying all the fun stuff. Start your rave makeup routine here with this makeup tutorial and makeup tips so you can look like you had a makeup artist before the big day.
1. Waterproof Sunscreen:
Raves aren’t just a nighttime affair, so if you’re hitting the festival grounds during the day time (and who isn’t?), make sure to load up with waterproof sunscreen first. Sunscreen, preferably with an SPF of at least 30, should be the first thing on your face and body, and waterproof and sweatproof formulas are definitely the way to go. Sunscreen needs to be the first layer on your skin so that it can absorb into your skin, protecting you from the sun’s damaging rays. After all, nothing kills a cute rave that looks quite like a sunburn, so make sure you protect your skin first and foremost.
2. Perfect Primer:
Whether you’re planning on a more natural look or you’re ready to really glam it up, the next step is to add the perfect makeup primer. There are tons of great options no matter what your budget, but we like color-correcting primers that help even out your skin tone. Your primer will be key to making sure your makeup doesn’t run, cake, or crease throughout the day, so don’t skip this important step! Next, we recommend applying a light dusting of translucent setting powder to your skin to set the primer in place. Follow it up with a few spritzes of your favorite setting spray, and now you’ve got the perfect canvas to work with! You might be wondering why you’re putting setting spray and setting powder on before your makeup, since it usually goes on after. While this isn’t necessary for everyday makeup like you’d wear to work or school, applying your setting products before your makeup helps to really even out your skin and make sure that your primer stays put all day.
3. The Right Coverage:
The next step will all depend on how much makeup you like to wear while you rave, and the answer might vary depending on whether you’re hitting a nighttime or daytime show. Some people opt for the full coverage offered by a foundation and concealer, while others prefer to go for the lighter coverage offered by a BB cream or tinted moisturizer. Regardless of which option you choose, make sure that you’re using a shade that matches your skin tone. We recommend hitting up your local beauty supply store and asking an associate to help you find the perfect foundation match if you haven’t figured yours out already. Then, blend like your life depends on it! If you’re using a concealer, don’t just dab it under your eyes and call it a day. You’ll get more of the light, lifted look you’re going for when you apply and blend concealer in a triangle shape that starts under your eye next to your nose, goes out to the corner of your face in line with your eye, and then connects to the bottom corner of your nose along the cheekbone.
4. Winged Eyeliner:
Look, we didn’t make the rules for rave eye makeup, but the reality is that thick winged eyeliner is the reigning champ when it comes to your eyes. Of course, you’ll want to use your eyeshadow palette for your eyeshadow, too, but that thick winged eyeliner is the real MVP. If you’re going the traditional route, you can opt for black, but choose a colored eyeliner like iHeartRaves’ Moon Glow Neon UV Eyeliner if you really want to stand out from the crowd.
Photo Credit: @sunflowerraver
5. Bake Your Powder: After you’ve applied all of your basics, apply the same translucent setting powder and let it “bake” into your face. After about 15 minutes, brush off any excess with a small makeup brush. This will keep your makeup looking matte all day, even if you’re sweating (and you will be).
6. Set it and Forget it: If you’re sticking to the basics, this is the time to apply that all-important setting spray to really make sure your makeup doesn’t move all night. If you’re planning to add some body glitter or other pieces like stickers, sequins, or body gems, you can hold off on applying setting spray until after you’re done. Either way, this is a step you don’t want to forget, because it can be the make-or-break difference between looking awesome in your pictures at 1 am or looking like a hot mess (literally).
The Fun Stuff
You’ve got the essentials down, and now it’s time to glam it up! There are a ton of ways that you can make your rave makeup look your own. Here are just a few of our favorites.
1. Glitter Glam:
Your festival go-to glam is most likely to be glitter and shimmer, so make sure you get something that is cosmetic grade. This is not the time to mess around with whatever you find in your mom’s arts and crafts closet! You can use glitter eyeshadow or body glitter For festival glitter we love this Lunautics Angel Aura Glitter, which you can apply with aloe vera gel, primer, vaseline, or glitter glue.
2. Face and Body Gems:
Looking to add a little extra sparkle to your rave look? Try body and/or face gems! If you’re new to this trend, start out by using a simple look that accents your eyes and cheekbones, check out this set of Lunautics Success Jewels. They're made from high-quality rhinestones, and backed with hypoallergenic, long wear adhesive, so you don't have to worry about them falling off at night.
3. Fabulous Falsies:
If you’re considering rocking fake eyelashes, why not go big? Companies sell everything from glitter lined eyelashes to those covered in rhinestones, so you can make an even bigger statement with those baby blues, browns, or greens! All you need is some eyelash glue and your favorite mascara to set it.
4. Whimsical Nails:
Who says your face has to have all the fun? Killer nails are just one more way to spice up your look. It’s going to be hot this summer, so why not choose nails that echo the temps and your look? We love this set with unique flames on every nail!
5. Go Long:
Let’s face it - your hair is likely to be a frizzy mess by the end of the night, so it’s best to keep your hairstyle simple. The best part about hair extensions (besides the hot colors)? They don’t react to the heat and humidity, so you’ll look cool even when you’re hot. Always wanted neon blue hair? Now’s your chance without the commitment.
You can also style your hair with some rave braids and add in some trendy hair accessories, like these rhinestone clips!
Don’t Forget
No matter what makeup you're wearing or how much of your body is covered with glitter makeup, there are a few things you don’t want to forget when it comes to crafting your festival season look.
1. Stop the Shine:
You’re going to get sweaty, but that doesn’t have to ruin your look. Remember, you’re all out there in the same heat - the question is how you deal with it! Keep a stash of oil blotting sheets handy so you can soak up oily or sweaty patches throughout the day, and bring a little highlighter. Once you’ve blotted the excess moisture and added a little more pop to those cheekbones, you’ll be back to your gorgeous, glowy self in no time.
2. Tailor Your Look:
Not every festival has the same vibe, so it doesn’t make sense to wear the same thing to every event. If you’re not sure exactly where to start, consider tailoring your look to the vibe of the festival. For example, if you’re heading to Coachella, you’ll probably want to aim for a boho-chic vibe. Whereas if you’re hitting up Ultra, bring out your inner raver babe street style!
3. Be Yourself: You don’t have to look like everyone else in order to look amazing. The rave community is incredibly welcoming and accepting, and the most important thing is that you have a blast while you’re out there! Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and good about yourself, and the rest of the fun will follow. After all, the most beautiful rave babe is a confident and happy one!
