Eras tour makeup: Making glitter last, covering patchy tan and more top tips

Kate Demolder asks KASH Beauty founder Keilidh Cashell for her top tips on how to ensure maximum returns on minimal effort

Whether you're heading to a festival or Taylor Swift's Era's gigs, Kate Demolder has everything you need to know

Whether it’s a festival or Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at the Aviva next weekend, when it comes to events we’ve been waiting all year for, the urge to go all out on makeup is very real. 

For some, this might translate to high-octane lips, for others, 3D embellishments.

Yet, as any seasoned festival attendee will know, time is of the essence amid a three-day tenting weekend and no one wants to drag a full kit to your chosen perch in the middle of a field. 

To that end? You’ll be happy to note that maximum returns can be achieved in minimal time – you’ve just got to know how. As the adage goes: Work smarter, not harder.

Today, I offer my top tips and ask seasoned festival makeup artist Keilidh Cashell, founder of KASH Beauty, for her best advice too.

Keilidh Cashell of KASH Beauty 

1. Prep the week before

Prep your skin well the week before. A hydrated face will mean makeup is a lot easier. 

Stick to your usual routine here, however; no one wants reactive, tight skin the weekend of your big event. 

If you’re looking to up your game, consider something gentle but effective such as Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant (€19.50 for 13g, Arnotts) to buff away dry patches around the nose and chin. 

Masks, too, should be par for the course. Guinot’s Masque Essentiel Nutri Confort (€42, skincarehairspa.ie) is filled with essential oils, which will help to relax you ahead of a hectic few days.

Guinot’s Masque Essentiel Nutri Confort (€42, the skincarehairspa.ie)

2. Make use of multi-use

“The big thing when going to a festival is to keep everything to a minimum,” says beauty influencer Cashell. 

“So bring products that can do multiple things. For example, a cream blush stick can be used on the cheeks but also on the lips.” 

The KASH Beauty Colour Trip Palette (€44.95) is the ultimate festival product as it has eyeshadows of every colour and liners.

Bare By Vogue’s Liquid Body Illuminator (€25, Bare By Vogue)

3. Get your glow on

When in doubt, a luminous sheen across your face and body – not dissimilar to the kind the sun would provide if we lived in a country with sunny weather – is a simple go-to. 

Bare By Vogue’s Liquid Body Illuminator (€25) allows for a subdued radiance that accentuates a natural glow with ease.

Anam Biodegradeable Glitter Eyeshadow

4. Glitter is your best friend

Anam Cosmetics is a biodegradable glitter brand based in Ireland that is the answer to all of your sustainable festival beauty problems. 

It comes in taupe, gold and teal (€15.50 for one, €40 for three, faerly.ie). “Glitter covers everything,” Cashell says. 

“If your makeup is not going the right way or you have a patchy tan starting to fade, apply glitter to distract. My tip for making glitter last longer is to apply a thin layer of lash glue to the area and apply glitter on top. You can apply a layer of hairspray on top of the glitter to give even more hold.”

Max Factor’s Miracle Pure Cream Blushes (€12.99, Boots)

5. Make like Sabrina

OTT blush is making a comeback thanks to singer Sabrina Carpenter. Layer those pinks, reds and purples to create a bespoke flush. 

Doing this is easy with Max Factor’s Miracle Pure Cream Blushes (€12.99, Boots), which contain hyaluronic acid and squalane to ensure moisture while adding a buildable glow.

Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray from Charlotte Tilbury (€36, Space NK)

6. Set throughout

Keeping your look in place all day calls for either a serum, primer or setting spray – or perhaps all three.

You know what works with your skin best but, if you’re looking for inspiration, most makeup artists swear on setting sprays as their desert island product.

And they aren’t just for that finishing touch.

“Setting spray is essential when wearing makeup all day and night at a festival,” Cashell says. 

“I would recommend applying before your makeup to give it something to grip onto and a couple of times throughout your makeup routine before finalising the look with a final spray. This will help your makeup to withstand the weather and dancing.” 

My personal ride-or-die is the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray from Charlotte Tilbury (€36, Space NK). This will ensure your contour doesn’t shift even after hours of dancing.