It’s an open secret that the festival season unofficially kicks off with Coachella. Year on year, droves of festival-goers find themselves travelling to the heart of one of the biggest bashes around the globe—as the Colorado Desert transforms into one of the hottest destinations for all of two weekends. For many, it’s akin to a journey of a lifetime, as they crave for the opportunity to witness some of their favourite industry acts in their element, but for some others, it’s simply about soaking in the ebullient mood of it all. And with Coachella set to kick off soon, so begins the feverish high that comes with the multitude of summer blowouts that will soon follow in succession.
At a site where we allow all our inhibitions to be let loose, there’s no denying that it should only be rewarded with our utmost best looks, from a judiciously-planned outfit to the most elaborate beauty efforts on our part. For the latter, that might translate to stupendously high-octane lids—bathed in pours of glitter and gold—or the addition of 3D embellishments to one’s mien or décolletage. Yet any seasoned festival goer can attest to the fact that time is of the essence, and often enough, even the best of us might falter in pulling ourselves out of bed in time just to get ready for the fun-soaked day. To that end? There’s nothing a stroke of abstract liner or some body glitter can’t fix—and you’d be happy to note that some of these dizzying looks can actually be achieved in under an hour.
So if you’ve got a summer bash on the horizon, consider approaching your festival hair and make-up with these attitudinal array of beauty hacks, including some top tips from make-up artist Rolana Lim—all guaranteed to have you looking at the top of your game whilst saving time in the process. As the adage goes: work smarter, not harder.
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Skincare, skincare, skincare
First things first, prep your skin well the week before. A hydrated mien is a happy one—and nothing works like a charm more than good skin. “Make-up looks its best when the skin is properly nourished and primed to ensure lasting and glowing results,” reminds make-up artist Rolana Lim. Whilst Lim recommends getting started on exfoliating the skin at least one week before, the night before is equally important. Masks should be par for the course and she recommends Laneige’s Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask and the brand’s Lip Sleeping Mask too—to nourish and hydrate your skin and lips to supple effect by morning.
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The multi-purpose hack
When it comes to picking up the pace on your make-up routine, nothing is quite as efficient as a multi-purpose beauty tool. This might manifest in two types: one, make-up sticks that allow you to swathe your entire mien in colour with just one tool, or two, a fuss-free product—like your trusty eyeshadow stick—that would facilitate seamless, pigment-packed application, even when you’re on the go. Emphasis on on the go.
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Small but subtle
When you’re hacking your way to success, it’s important to opt for make-up looks that are both easy and yet striking. One of the easiest ways to do that might be to go for an abstract, graphic liner—one that amplifies your peepers and steers clear of the everyday liner flicks. Think bold, visually-arresting placements, preferably in an electrifying colour way. “If you want to add intensity to your make-up look with eyeliner, then KVD’s Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-wear Gel Eyeliner is a must-try,” adds Lim. Doesn’t hurt that it comes in an array of hues from chartreuse to a vivacious orange.
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Crank up the shine
When in doubt, a luminous sheen all across your décolletage would draw eyes from all. If you prefer something that instantly zhuzhes up your look without any greasy residue, Lim recommends Tom Ford’s Shimmering Body Oil.
“Alternatively, for a more subdued radiance, consider moisturising the skin with your preferred daily body lotion and then follow up with a modest amount of Fenty Beauty’s Liquid Killawatt Fluid Freestyle Highlighter around the desired regions. This approach imparts a subtle yet captivating luminosity, accentuating natural beauty with grace,” offers Lim.
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Take cues from the reigning coquettecore season
Not all of us have the freedom nor time of day to work out an impossibly slick-do. But we do have coquettecore to thank—for the instant transformation that a giant, vivacious bow would allow for. To keep it extra secure, use a couple of bobby pins to pin it down to a segmented section of your hair.
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Ensuring it all stays down splat
Ultimately, the summer bash calls for lots of sun, and likewise, lots of perspiration. So the most long-lasting of make-up looks are constantly demanded—for which would be impossible to achieve without a primer nor a setting spray. Consider using a serum before you apply your primer, just so your skin is well-hydrated and revitalised ahead of your make-up application. “Whilst Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer provides the perfect, hydrating canvas for a flawless makeup application that maintains its freshness from morning until night, the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray from Charlotte Tilbury is the one that truly works wonders in ensuring your make-up will last the whole day,” adds Lim.
