Things You Should Bring to a Music Festival
19 Celebrity-Favorite Essentials to Pack If You're Headed to a Music Festival
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Music festivals are filled with fun celebrity sightings and electrifying stage performances from some of music's biggest stars. Festival season offers plenty of beauty and fashion inspiration too, from festival-ready makeup ideas to street style outfit inspiration that goes beyond the concert dates. But you can miss all the fun (or at least not fully enjoy it) if you aren't properly prepared. When thinking of things you should bring to the music festival, there's so much to keep in mind. Most festivals occur outdoors, in the desert or in open fields, and require a lot of walking, so comfort is key. Dressing in layers will pay off, too, as temperatures can change drastically from the morning to afternoon to evening. Also, standing in the sun can lead to exhaustion and even dehydration, so items like cooling spray or a portable fan will come in handy.
Imagine being on your feet all day in large crowds without water or sunscreen. Or experiencing the chillier weather near the end of the evening concert without a leather jacket or zippable hoodie on hand. You can end up going home to get the items and missing out on all the action or, even worse, getting dehydrated or seriously injured. That's why it's absolutely essential to bring all the right items before leaving your house or hotel. If you aren't sure what to pack for a music festival, look no further than the influencers who frequent the events, from Coachella to Lollapalooza.
From portable chargers to ensure you can always capture memories to Fenty Beauty lip gloss, this packing list includes everything you'll want to bring to a daytime music festival.
Rachel Recchia, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
POPSUGAR: What are you most excited about experiencing at Coachella this year?
Rachel Recchia: A few of our other friends will also be attending this year, so we're looking forward to reconnecting with them while enjoying performances from some of our favorite artists. Coachella 2023 is all about friendships and sips thanks to Absolut bringing people together.
PS: Which artists are you excited to see perform?
RR: So many incredible artists to look forward to but definitely Frank Ocean. I've had "Lost" on repeat since we found out we were going.
PS: What festival fashion trend are you looking forward to seeing and/or wearing this year?
RR: I suspect we'll see a lot of Y2K remixed fashion, and I'm kinda here for it.
Dry Shampoo
Batiste Dry Shampoo ($12)
Dry shampoo is the ultimate hair hack when you're on the go at music festivals, and this option targets excess oil and grease while leaving your hair with a clean, citrusy scent.
Celebrity Quote: "I've tried so many different dry shampoos, but I keep running back to this one over and over." — Rachel Recchia, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
Belt Bag
Dagne Dover Ace Water Resistant Belt Bag ($95)
A belt bag is an absolute must while you're walking through crowds. Dagne Dover's chic neutral style is water-resistant and comes with four pockets for all your must haves.
Celebrity Quote: "Keeping track of a traditional purse is not happening, so a cute belt bag that you can even wear crossbody is key to holding all the basics: phone, keys, sunglasses, and wallet. I love that this one comes in a bunch of cute colors and can be easily styled no matter my look each day." — Rachel Recchia, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
Absolut Festival Lemonade
Absolut Festival Lemonade ($163 for two kits)
If you want to enjoy a delicious cocktail before heading out to the festival, try this at-home kit inspired by Recchia and her best friend Genevieve Parisi. It includes Absolut Vodka's signature festival lemonade with wild berries and is super easy to make. Plus, it comes with two friendship bracelets from Little Words Project that will look so cool with your festival wristbands.
Celebrity Quote: "Gen[evieve Parisi] and I helped curate this kit with Absolut. It has everything you need to make the Absolut Festival Lemonade. Perfect for an easy cocktail after a long day at a festival. And because it's sold in sets of two, I can bring one with me and send another to a friend to share a taste of festival fun." — Rachel Recchia, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
Brow Gel
Got2B Glued for Brows & Edges Gel ($7, originally $9)
To keep your brows and edges in place during the chaos of a music festival, try Got2B Glued's brow and edge gel. It dries fast without residue and holds up for an impressive 72 hours through sweat, heat, and the like.
Celebrity Quote: "This is a must for brows. With the heat in the desert, I know this will stand up and hold all day." — Rachel Recchia, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
Cuff Earring Set
All Saints Bijou Gold-Tone Ear Cuff Earring Set ($55)
Festival season presents a fun opportunity to accessorize, and this ear-cuff earring manages to be trendy and effortless at the same time.
Celebrity Quote: "I love this set. It's easy to pack and creates a bold yet understated look that's just super simple and seamless to style." — Rachel Recchia, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
Lip Gloss
Tower 28 ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly in Almond ($16, originally $20)
With the desert's dry heat, a moisturizing lip jelly is a must to keep in your bag at all times. This find includes apricot and raspberry seed oil to nourish your lips while offering nude and soft-pink tints for the perfect pout.
Celebrity Quote: "Genevieve [Parisi] turned me on to these, and I've never looked back! Super hydrating which is a must for the desert and the perfect touch of semimatte color." — Rachel Recchia, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
Cleansing Oil
Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil ($10, originally $14)
After a day in the dust and pollen — in full makeup nonetheless — you'll definitely want to grab a cleansing oil. It will remove all your makeup gently and quickly, making your nighttime skin-care routine a breeze.
Celebrity Quote: "This has been my go-to for years. I love a good cleansing oil to get all the makeup and dirt off before a cleanser." — Rachel Recchia, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
Zolee Griggs, Actress
POPSUGAR: What are you most excited about experiencing at Coachella this year?
Zolee Griggs: I'm most excited about experiencing the festival with friends and seeing the artists on the main stage and at Heineken House. I've heard that's the place to be to catch some shade, a crisp and refreshing Heineken Silver, and great music, obviously.
PS: Which artists are you excited to see perform?
ZG: I'm excited for so much. I can't wait to see Frank Ocean. I've been a fan of him since I was 14 years old and back then, I couldn't afford a concert ticket. I'm also stoked to see Hiatus Kaiyote, Metro Boomin, Domi & JD Beck, and Method Man & Redman.
PS: What festival fashion trend are you looking forward to seeing and/or wearing this year?
ZG: I'm always looking forward to seeing people's personal style. I love colorful hair and outfits so I'm excited to see the variation of colors. I've noticed a lot of fur boots and moon boots this year (shout-out Aaliyah-core) so maybe those looks will take over the festival grounds.
Portable Charger
iWalk Portable Charger ($25, originally $35)
The iWalk portable charger is convenient in so many ways: it's the size of a lipstick, it doesn't need a cord, and it can charge your iPhone at least one full time. Each feature comes in handy when you're at a festival from morning to evening.
Celebrity Quote: "I can't forget a portable charger. Gotta have my phone ready for capturing content and to record memories at a moment's notice." — Zolee Griggs, Actress
Moisturizing Lip Gloss
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($21)
In the dry heat, moisturizing your lips is a must. The Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb is a cult favorite for its nourishing ingredients including shea butter and its universal shades that look good on a wide range of skin complexions.
Celebrity Quote: "[I pack] Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb because chapped lips are a no-no and the shade looks good on everyone." — Zolee Griggs, Actress
Designer Sunglasses
Gucci Oval Frame Sunglasses ($225)
With the sun beating down on the festival stage, a good pair of sunglasses come in handy. These Gucci shades feature a sleek, trendy shape and gold logo detailing that sets them apart.
Celebrity Quote: "I [have to] have my favorite pair of sunglasses. They're the vintage oval Gucci 2419s, but the 1912s are the newer renditions and work just the same." — Zolee Griggs, Actress
Sunscreen
Supergoop Play Everyday Sunscreen Lotion ($35)
SPF is a must, especially in the desert heat. Supergoop's famous Play sunscreen is water- and sweat-resistant and has SPF 50 to protect your face and body from the sun's powerful rays.
Celebrity Quote: "I can't go all weekend in the sun without Supergoop Play sunscreen so I can have fun and tan safely. Taking care of my skin comes first." — Zolee Griggs, Actress
Fragrance Spray
Diptyque Tuberose Fragrance Room Spray ($72)
With a base note of tuberose, Diptyque fragrance spray is perfect for adding a finishing touch to your festival look. Mist it over your clothes (and your hotel room) for a scent that lasts all day.
Celebrity Quote: "Diptyque Tuberose is one of my must haves, and I bring it with me wherever I go. I have to stay smelling good especially when we're going all weekend long." — Zolee Griggs, Actress
Genevieve Parisi, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
POPSUGAR: What are you most excited about experiencing at Coachella this year?
Genevieve Parisi: This is actually our first time going to Coachella, so it's all really exciting for us! We can't wait to spend this time together and meet new friends at the Absolut tent, which I've heard is very fun and vibrant with great drinks and music, plus have a first taste of the new Absolut Wild Berri flavor in a cocktail.
PS: Which artists are you excited to see perform?
GP: I'm a huge Frank Ocean fan so I'm super excited to see him. Also very excited to see Latto perform.
PS: What festival fashion trend are you looking forward to seeing and/or wearing this year?
GP: Honestly, I'm just excited to see it all! People serve looks during Coachella. The creativity and boldness is so cool to see. I'm looking forward to being inspired and seeing some new trends emerge.
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Quay Australia Cat Eye Sunglasses ($85)
Sunglasses do double duty at music festivals, shielding your eyes from both the sun and the airborne dust. Do it in style with Quay's cat-eye shades with lenses that offer UV protection.
Celebrity Quote: "Super-cute styles and great price points." — Genevieve Parisi, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
CC Cream
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Foundation ($23, originally $44)
This CC+ cream will be the hardest-working item in your festival makeup bag: the full-coverage foundation is hydrating and wrinkle-reducing, plus it will protect your skin from the sun's rays.
Celebrity Quote: "It's very light and doesn't feel like you have much on your skin, but it does a great job of evening out the skin tone. My sister, mom, and I have been using this product for years. 10/10 recommend." — Genevieve Parisi, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
3 Band Rings
Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Set of 3 Band Rings ($98)
Music festivals are an opportune time to pile on the jewelry. This three-band ring set is sterling silver/14k-gold plated and complements everything from cutout dresses to denim.
Celebrity Quote: "I love a good stacked-ring look and these are simple and classic so they work with any outfit." — Genevieve Parisi, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara ($8, originally $12)
A fanfavorite, Maybelline's Lash Sensational mascara masters the art of elongating and volumizing your lashes, while avoiding clumps. The brush is formulated to lengthen and separate, making your eyes pop no matter your makeup look.
Celebrity Quote: "I've been using it forever and it's still one of my favorite products to use. Also, it's under $10." — Genevieve Parisi, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
Makeup-Removing Cloths
Erase Your Face Makeup Removing Cloths ($10)
You can't beat the convenience of these makeup remover clothes, that only need warm water to effectively remove makeup and clean the skin. They're especially helpful when you're traveling as they eliminate the need for a separate makeup remover.
Celebrity Quote: "I just discovered these. You just put water on it and it takes all your makeup off — it's pretty incredible." — Genevieve Parisi, Influencer and Bachelor Nation Contestant
Ponytail Holder
France Luxe Elodie Cuff Ponytail Holder ($18)
If you're always on the hunt for a ponytail holder, invest in this chic, bold design that will give your look added flair while keeping your hair off your face and neck.
Celebrity Quote: "It's going to be hot and days will be long. For times when I'm just over my hair, this is a glow-up from the usual hair tie giving a polished final look." — Genevieve Parisi, Influencer and "Bachelor Nation" Contestant
Mineral Powder
Supergoop (Re)setting Mineral Powder ($35)
It's hard to avoid shine at music festivals as the sun and heat inevitably lead to sweating. Pack mineral powder in your bag to avoid it, and the best part is this version contains SPF 35.
Celebrity Quote: "I love this because it has sunscreen in it and it also has a brush attached to the product so it's great for on-the-go touch ups." — Genevieve Parisi, Influencer and "Bachelor Nation" Contestant
