Bright graphic eyeliner, vampy lips and holographic highlighter are some of this year's biggest beauty trends for the main stage. But some of these make-up products, which are being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces such as TikTok Shop, can contain a host of toxic chemicals, warns the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, external. So here's what to look out for – and how to stay safe while serving festival glam.
How to get the look: Dominic Skinner, make-up artist and judge on the hit BBC show Glow Up, came into the BBC's London offices to show us how to achieve the perfect festival look and make it dance and party-proof. If you want colours to "pop", he says use a white eye pencil on the skin first and then press bright eyeshadows on top. "It will make bold colours more intense, and last all night." What to be aware of: Banned ingredients can cause bad rashes and allergic reactions, so check the label and avoid products that say they're "not for cosmetic use" - even if they say they're for the skin.
Also look out for banned colourants, like Solvent Yellow 172, CI 45161 (Basic Red 1:1) and CI 45174 (Basic Violet 11:1). Be cautious of cheap products or sellers you've never heard of, says Skinner. "There are some items that are UV reflective, glow-in-the-dark or neon that are made by cosmetics brands but are quietly labelled as a 'non-cosmetic paint'," he adds.
How to get the look: Fairycore-inspired make-up is in, which means sparkles, face gems and glitter. Don't go for subtle, says Skinner. "The 'no make-up look' is gone.
Clean girl is out!" There's a child-like quality to festival make-up, he says, so embrace it - think playful colour and crystals. To stand out, he suggests using glitter in hair partings or your shoulders. "Personally, I say use gems as they're bigger and more impactful, plus you can peel them off at the end of night and reuse them in the morning." What to be aware of: Skip near the eyes to avoid nasty scratches on your cornea, says the British Skin Foundation's Dr Emma Wedgeworth, and never use craft glitter.
Use biodegradable, eco-friendly products that are better for the environment and softer on the skin. Safe adhesives, like lash glue, will keep it in place. How to get the look: Vogue says 2026 is all about juicy and blurred lips, external that play with texture more than colour.
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