Festival season is upon us, which means neon makeup is everywhere - bright graphic eyeliner, vampy lips, and holographic highlighter are apparently this year's must-haves for the main stage. But before you go full rave butterfly, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute warns that some of these products, particularly those sold by third-party sellers on TikTok Shop, can contain a host of toxic chemicals. So here's how to serve festival glam without your skin filing a formal complaint.

Dominic Skinner, makeup artist and judge on the BBC's Glow Up, dropped by the BBC's London offices to demonstrate how to achieve a party-proof look. For colours that truly "pop," he recommends starting with a white eye pencil, then pressing bright eyeshadows on top. This, he claims, will make bold colours more intense and last all night - presumably longer than your tent's waterproofing.

What to watch out for: Banned ingredients can cause nasty rashes and allergic reactions, so check labels and avoid anything that says "not for cosmetic use," even if it claims to be for skin. Specific banned colourants to avoid include Solvent Yellow 172, CI 45161 (Basic Red 1:1), and CI 45174 (Basic Violet 11:1). Skinner also advises being cautious of cheap products or unknown sellers. "Some UV-reflective, glow-in-the-dark, or neon items are quietly labelled as 'non-cosmetic paint,'" he adds. Because nothing says festival fun like a chemical burn.

Fairycore-inspired makeup is trending - sparkles, face gems, and glitter. Skinner says subtlety is out: "The 'no-makeup look' is gone. Clean girl is out!" Instead, embrace childlike playfulness with bold colour and crystals. He suggests glitter in hair partings or on shoulders, but personally prefers gems: "They're bigger and more impactful, plus you can peel them off at the end of the night and reuse them in the morning." Dr. Emma Wedgeworth of the British Skin Foundation warns to skip glitter near the eyes to avoid corneal scratches, and never use craft glitter. Use biodegradable, eco-friendly products and safe adhesives like lash glue.

For lips, Vogue says 2026 is all about "juicy and blurred lips" that play with texture - think "your-lips-but-better" using stains and glosses. InStyle recommends dramatic dark red vampy lips as a break from summer-friendly pinks and peaches. Skinner advises a liquid lip product because it won't budge: "You can do some drinking, you can do some snogging." And leave lip liner for last, he says, because it'll only "highlight how wonky your drawing skills are." Colour first, liner later.

Whatever your look, don't share balm or lipstick - that's how cold sores spread. Cross-contamination is real, which is why makeup artists sanitise everything between clients. Use high-protection sunscreen (at least SPF 30) as a base and let it soak in like any primer. Skinner recommends matte or sweat-proof SPF to help makeup last. Reapply every two hours, and don't forget your hairline and partings. Sprays allow layering over makeup but can be tough to apply thickly enough, so take shade breaks and bring a big hat.

For hair, Who What Wear suggests accessories like scarves, crochet beanies, or eye-catching clips. InStyle recommends mermaid waves or thin baby braids if your hair is long enough. If using spray or dye for a colour change, do a patch test first - put a small amount behind your ear or on your arm and wait 24 to 48 hours for a reaction. Skinner says you probably already own products that can give you a festival look: "You just have to think creatively about how to play with it."