By Jemma Walker
Coachella is no longer just about music. It’s the queen of festival fashion events and with celebrities, muses and street-style gurus heading to California for six days of floral headbands, facial jewellery and bohemian style – it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Make sure your make-up stands the test of time (and the heat) with our top 20 products that will make sure you’re challenging Poppy Delevingne and Alexa Chung for the beauty crown.
Last year, an incredible 579,000 people attended the event running over two consecutive weekends and, with legendary Aussie rockers AC/DC welcoming the sartorially-skilled attendees and Canadian rapper Drake bidding farewell to the sun-scorched audience, even more are expected this year. You can feel the confidence emanating from the people who flock to this uber-cool festival, from the daring facial jewellery that Riccardo Tisci would be proud of to the oversized flower-crowns surrounding the Empire Polo Club’s stages – embracing the fun side of fashion is what Coachella is all about after all. So, whether you’re en route or simply looking to achieve a little Californian-creativity here in the Middle East, we’re helping you recreate the look from some of beauty’s best.
Poppy Delevingne’s Flower Power
The newly-wed style icon gave the iconic Coachella flower-crown a Delevingne twist last year by teaming it with an all-black bikini and fringed black jacket, making sure all attention was on her flawless skin – and can you blame her? A smooth, clear complexion after days of dancing, teamed with bronzed cheekbones and a pop of lipstick awakens her dark ensemble with vibrant summertime shades. After your staple sunblock (it’s going to be 25 degrees Celsius) apply Gucci’s Lustrous Glow Foundation, it’s long lasting and the thick coverage instantly hides blemishes and blends seamlessly. Next, dress your cheekbones with Laura Mercier’s Baked Body Bronzer, not forgetting to gently dust over your neck, collarbone and chest for a natural glow. No one does colour like Dolce & Gabbana, so use Dolce & Gabbana’s Classic Cream Lipstick in 610 to get Poppy’s colourful pout; it’s a long lasting formula that hydrates your lips, so there’s no need to reapply or risking loosing it on Coachella’s Ferris wheel.
Alexa Chung’s Laidback Look
Ever topping the style charts, Alexa Chung embodies relaxed, understated beauty and now you can conquer the ‘I woke up like this’ look. Firstly, add dry shampoo to your locks for added volume and texture – it’s the only way to maintain bangs during festival season. Next, rejuvenate your sun-kissed skin with Lancôme’s La Base Pro Hydra Glow, instantly brightening your skin and helping to hide dark circles from long nights listening to Florence + the Machine. Add a soft layer of Armani Beauty Lasting Silk UV Compact for light coverage and an extra layer of protection from the rays – remember to make sure you can see your skin shining through for Alexa-like natural beauty. Lastly, draw a smooth feline flick with the NARS Eyeliner Stylo, the easy-to-use pen doesn’t smudge, making lining your eyes quick and stress free – never has getting ready in a teepee been so simple.
Dancing the days away in the Californian sunshine and spending your evenings at the host of poolside soirees will leave you exhausted – but with these saviour beauty products your skin won’t give you away:
