8 Cool, Non-Cliché Beauty Trends for Festival Season
This is a flower-crown-free zone.
Music festival beauty poses a conundrum. On one hand, you don't want be that girl. You know the one we're talking about—wearing all the trends, from glitter tears to flower crowns, at once. On the other, you don't want to veer too Plain Jane in a sea of tank tops and denim cut-offs.
What you do want is a little something-something by way of color or shimmer (or both) that doesn't feel tired or annoying. From cool-girl hair to next-level eye makeup, these trends will feel fresh all festival season long.
1. Chrome Liner
We first spotted this heavy metal look on makeup artist Michael Anthony's Instagram, and since then, we've been inspired to make bold chrome statements. While this particular look is made from a special 3D material, you can get a similar effect by slashing a silver liquid liner on the upper lash line.
Ciate Liquid Chrome Liquid Metal Eyeliner in Sci-Fi, $23; asos.com.
2. Graffiti Hair
Hair graffiti artist Daniel Moon, who gave Kanye that pink-and-yellow hair, is pioneering temporary dye jobs inspired by L.A. street art. Typically he'll use high-octane colors to draw on geometric shapes and patterns. Armed with a non-permanent spray paint for hair, you can use the whole head as your canvas or add a pop of color to half-buzzed styles, braids, and slick backs. Check out his Instagram for more inspiration.
Bwild Temporary Hair Color Spray, $5.99; target.com.
3. Neon Lids
Enough with the glowsticks—make a neon statement with your lids by smudging on this UV neon shadow (if you're color-shy, make it a light dusting). In the daylight it'll be a bright pop of color—and should you find yourself under a blacklight by night, the florescent pigments will keep the dance floor lit. It comes in every color of the rainbow, to boot.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Stargazer Radiate UV Neon Loose Shadow, $10; dollskill.com.
4. Glitter Gel
Let me preface this by saying that chunky glitter is best used in moderation, whether you're applying it to your face, body, or hair. Festival-wise, you can't go wrong with a touch of embellishment on the lids or a shimmering slick back.
In Your Dream Iridescent Glitter Gel in Mermaid or Gold Lilith , $20; dollskill.com.
5. Banana Buns
Leave the hair ties at home. Instead, keep a French pin or two in your bag. When it comes time to tie your hair back, twist it into a "banana bun," which is a messier take on a French twist that's kind of boho—but not in an eye-roll-inducing way.
Parcelona French Large Tortoise Shell Celluloid Chignon Pin Stick, $6.95; amazon.com.
6. Tropical Nail Wraps
Palm trees are the chicest and these peel-off, self-adhesive wraps will look amazing wrapped around the draft beer of choice. 'Nuff said.
NCLA Tropicala Nail Wraps, $18; dollskill.com.
7. Face Jewels
ICYMI: Sticking things all over your face is the future. These sparkly, self-adhesive little gems can be worn two at a time, daintily accenting your eyes, or as full-on designs along the brows. It's totally up to you, but we'd think twice about going full face à la Givenchy.
In Your Dreams Iridescent Electra Face Jewels, $22; dollskill.com.
8. Foil Lids
Maximum-impact metallic eyes are having a moment—and are inherently festival-ready. Stila's dazzling range of metallic and jewel tone Glitter and Glow Liquid Eye Shadows make application a cinch and can hang out in your cross-body bag all day long. Apply one coat on the lids as desired, then use your finger in a tapping motion to blend out the edges
Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, $24; sephora.com.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Do Your Stressed Winter Skin a Favor and Invest In Barrier Repair
14 expert-approved products for soothed, glowy skin, ahead.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
20 On-Sale Beauty Finds to Conquer the Winter Season
It's time to add some hydration to your routine.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV Series
Could this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Gray Hair Was the Hottest Accessory at the 2025 Golden Globes
Gray hair is chic, period.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
25 Brown Nail Designs To Instantly Elevate Winter's Hottest Polish Trend
Luxury at your fingertips.
By Emma Aerin Becker Published
-
Billie EIlish’s Makeup Routine Is Surprisingly Wearable and Lasts for Hours
Her makeup routine is full of drugstore staples.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
20 Beauty Stocking Stuffers Guaranteed to Please Your Pickiest Family Members
Beauty editor-tested and approved.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
24 Luxury Beauty and Wellness Gifts for Your Pickiest Self-Care Obsessed Friends
Guaranteed to please even your pickiest friends and family.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
10 Winter Hair Color Trends Fashionable Women Love This Season
The season's top hair color trends are painfully chic.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
10 Winter Haircut Trends Stylish Women Are Wearing in 2024
It's time to get a little scissor happy.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy
"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."
By Hanna Lustig Published