Off to Reading or Leeds? Here's your guide to festival make-up (without the toxins)

Festival season is in full swing, with the Reading and Leeds events drawing to a close this weekend. As crowds prepare to showcase their neon make-up looks on stage, beauty experts warn that some products sold by third-party sellers on platforms like TikTok Shop may contain toxic chemicals. Here's what you need to know to stay safe while achieving festival-ready glam.

To create the perfect festival look, start by using a white eye pencil on your skin, then layer on bright eyeshadows. This technique intensifies bold colours and ensures they last throughout the night. Dominic Skinner, a make-up artist and judge on BBC's Glow Up, advises against using products labeled "not for cosmetic use" and cautions consumers about banned colorants such as Solvent Yellow 172, CI 45161, and CI 45174.

Fairycore-inspired looks, complete with sparkles, face gems, and glitter, are trending this year. Embrace a child-like quality with playful colours and crystals. For standout accessories, consider using glitter in hair partings or shoulders, and opt for biodegradable, eco-friendly products to minimize environmental impact. When it comes to lips, Vogue suggests experimenting with juicy and blurred hues, while InStyle recommends dramatic, dark red vampy lips.

Remember to avoid sharing lip products to prevent the spread of infections and always use high-protection sunscreen as a base for your makeup.

Accessories play a crucial role in completing your festival look. Scarves, crochet beanies, eye-catching hair clips, charms, or cuffs are all in style. If you're considering a colour change with spray or dye, perform a patch test before proceeding to avoid allergic reactions. With these tips, you'll be well-equipped to rock the festival scene while keeping your skin safe and healthy.