Health
Festival make-up guide for Reading or Leeds, avoiding toxins
Neon trends are popular, but some make-up products pose health risks; this guide explains what to check and how to create dazzling looks safely.
Published 27 Aug, 07:09 · Pearl Hundred newsroom
Planning to attend the Reading or Leeds festival? This guide offers advice on achieving a festival make-up look free from harmful substances.
As the Reading and Leeds festivals commence this weekend, it's the ideal moment to master vibrant neon make-up techniques.
Among the prominent beauty trends for stages this year are striking graphic eyeliner, dramatic lips, and shimmering holographic highlighter.
However, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute has issued a warning that some of these cosmetic items, sold by external vendors on digital marketplaces such as TikTok Shop, might contain numerous harmful chemicals.
Therefore, here's guidance on what to watch for and how to stay protected while sporting your festival glamour.
Regarding how to achieve this appearance: renowned make-up artist Dominic Skinner, a judge on the popular BBC series Glow Up, visited the BBC's London offices to demonstrate creating the ideal festival look that can endure dancing and partying.
He advises that to make hues truly stand out, one should first apply a white eye pencil to the skin before pressing bright eyeshadows over it.
Skinner explained that this method will intensify bold colours and ensure their longevity throughout the entire evening.
It is crucial to be aware that prohibited ingredients can trigger severe rashes and allergic responses; consequently, always inspect product labels and avoid items marked as 'not for cosmetic use,' even if they claim to be suitable for skin application.
Additionally, be vigilant for banned dyes such as Solvent Yellow 172, CI 45161 (Basic Red 1:1), and CI 45174 (Basic Violet 11:1).
Skinner encourages embracing the enjoyment of festival make-up, which involves styles you might not typically wear during your professional working hours.
Skinner recommends exercising caution with inexpensive products or vendors you are unfamiliar with.
He further mentioned that certain items, which are UV reflective, glow-in-the-dark, or neon, are manufactured by cosmetics companies but are discreetly labeled as 'non-cosmetic paint'.
Skinner suggests incorporating gems because they are larger and create a more impactful impression.
To achieve the desired aesthetic: the 'fairycore' make-up style, featuring sparkles, face gems, and glitter, is currently fashionable.
According to Skinner, subtle make-up is not the current trend, as he stated that the 'no make-up look' has passed and the 'clean girl' aesthetic is outdated.
He noted that festival make-up often has a childlike quality, encouraging attendees to embrace it with playful colours and crystals.
To ensure you stand out, he proposes applying glitter to your hair partings or shoulders.
Written and edited by the Pearl Hundred newsroom.