Thee ultimate checklist for a summer festival morning routine

Summer is here which only means one thing: the festival trip has finally made it out of the girl’s (or boys’) group chat! Booked and ready to be experienced. It’s festival season, and if you planned the ultimate weekend of music, seeing your favorite artist, dancing, ranging, food, friends, drinks, art, and getting some good Instagram pictures for the feed, then this is the guide for a morning routine that will prepare you for a full day or weekend of fun. 

This morning routine will be slightly different than your usual one as you’ll be cutting corners because of the conditions festivals bring. No running water, sleeping in tents, communal bathrooms etc. but it has the same elements.

If you not planning on attending any festivals, then save this because I guarantee you’ll need it for when you do. The ultimate guide to the festival morning routine.

How to prep your skin for that festival makeup look, breakfast to eat to fuel you for a packed day, why it’s essential to increase your water intake this weekend and festival essentials you need to pack.

Staying hydrated is the goal this weekend

I’m a big fan of drinking water first thing in the morning because of its benefits. Incorporate it into your morning routine this weekend. Don’t stop in the morning. Remember to drink water throughout the day. This is because:

  1. You will be outside the whole day, out in the sun. It’s hot, so your body will need to be hydrated to function properly, and keep its energy levels up so you continue enjoying yourself.
  2. If you do drink and choose to drink, know that alcohol does dehydrate your body. Drinking water regularly makes sure that your body is hydrated.

Tip: Instead of buying bottled water throughout your day, buy a reusable water bottle to refill at water refill stations festivals provide.

Eat a protein packed breakfast

After you have drank your water, next up is eating breakfast. It’s going to be a long day so you’ve got to eat something before you go! Try a nutrient-packed breakfast, ideally protein. Eating breakfast will give you a boost, giving you the energy you need for your busy day ahead.

A protein-packed breakfast will:

  1. Keep your energy levels up. This is great as you will be doing a lot of walking, and dancing at the festival
  2. They improve your body’s metabolism
  3. They repair muscles. Your muscles and body will be sore from the whole festival from walking and dancing, maybe you pulled a muscle as crazy incidents can occur, so be sure to eat
  4. Make you fuller for longer. This is a great savings tip as festival food can be very expensive. It can save you some time until you are hungry later in the day

Breakfast options will be different depending on where you staying and what your budget is looking like. I have included different options you can try:

Oats

Oats is a great option because it’s loaded with carbohydrates that will give you a lasting energy. You will also be fuller for longer. What I love about oats is that it’s versatile. You may eat them however you like. Top it with fruit such as berries or bananas. You can add peanut butter or even cocoa powder for chocolate-flavoured oats. Yummy! You may add nuts if you’d like. I’d recommend adding chia seeds as a topping for extra goodness.

Prepping: If you don’t have access to electricity or a kitchen then I’d suggest buying the quick oats. All you need is hot water(get a flask) and stir together.

Greek yoghurt

Great for a festival, because you don’t need to prepare it. On top of that, it’s low in sugar and high in protein so it’s filling.

  • Toppings
  • Berries
  • Oats
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Fruit
  • Chia seeds

Avocado

Packed with healthy fats. You can have it alone with salt and pepper for taste. You may have it with toasted whole wheat bread, or eggs.

Peanut butter

Protein

Try a peanut butter strawberry and banana quesadilla

Going out for breakfast:

If you have money to spare, then going out for breakfast is a great idea. It’s less maintenance and a great way to see the city hosting the festival and trying local breakfast stables.

Shower time

Festivals can bring the non-glamours side to them. Think of the dust, the wind, the dirt, crowds of people. All that can stick to your clothes and skin, so hitting the shower can make you feel and look like a brand-new person. If you are getting accommodated in a hotel or Airbnb, this step is easier for you because you have access to a shower and warm running water. Many people choose to camp when going to festivals to cut costs. If it’s your first time, you probably wondering how will you stay clean. What will you need? The best way to wash is by using the public showers if they are available. The best time to go is around 7 a.m. or late at night. They are usually empty because it’s not crowded with people trying to shower at once. They are also drier, as no one has taken a shower yet. If showers aren’t available, another option is a good ol’ bucket. This option is good if you are keen on queueing in the long shower lines. It’s a simple quick way to wash up. Another option is baby wipes. Wiping yourself with baby wipes will do.

For this shower morning routine, you will need:

  • Flip flops. This is so your feet don’t touch the dirty communal water
  • Shower bag. You can pack all your shower products in one place where they are protected instead of carrying them and putting them on the floor 
  • Towel. To dry yourself
  • Gown. In case the showers are a walking distance from your tent so you have something to cover yourself with
  • Hair tie. Tie your hair up away from your face and body and do not get it wet when showering.
  • Shower products.
  • Exfoliate gloves, loofah or face cloth. You don’t need all three but choose your preference.
  • Baby wipes
  • Bucket and sponge

Summer festival skincare essentials

Whether travelling long hours or recovering from the night before, your skin waking up in the morning is built up of sweat, dirt and oil. Doing your skincare in the morning is needed to remove dirt and impurities.

Here are some steps to take to prep your skin:

Cleanser:

For a cleanser opt for a gel cleanser – they’re refreshing, effective at cleansing your skin, and won’t upset or disrupt your skin’s natural balance. Try the Cerve foaming facial cleanser

If you don’t have access to running water, then wipes or micellar water are your best option. Wipes I love is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Facial Cleansing Wipes. They contain fresh cleansing lotion to instantly remove make-up and impurities. They also have hyaluronic acid leaving your skin hydrated. Micellar water – I mean you can never go wrong with the Garnier micellar water.

Moisturiser

Dry skin

You need to keep up with the moisture levels, so go for a moisturiser that will hydrate your skin, leaving it glowing. This is a bonus as you will put on your makeup later on.

If you have oily skin:

Moisturises that last through sweat are a good option, as you will be dancing the whole festival. The First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream is a great try.

If you have dry skin:

Neutrogena HydroBoost water gel moisturiser.

SPF

I can’t stress enough how important this step is. You cannot skip it. You’ll be spending time outside, so to protect your skin from harmful UV rays you need to put on SPF. It’s recommended you use sunscreen that has SPF30 or more.

Hair and makeup/ getting ready/ festival glam

And finally, what we have been gearing up to throughout this morning routine is actually getting ready for the festival. Your glam: hair and makeup. This part is up to you, depending on your style and inspiration. If you are feeling lost, check out Cosmopolitan 14 festival makeup looks for the summer to help you with makeup and hair festival looks.

The ultimate festival checklist (things you will need)

Use this checklist as a guide so you don’t miss anything.

  • Your ticket!!!
  • ID
  • tent
  • Roll up sleeping bag or tent
  • torch
  • mirror
  • baby wipes
  • Water to stay hydrated
  • reusable water bottle. Save money on buying bottled water
  • Sunscreen. to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays you’ll be exposed to
  • flip flops
  • portable charger/power bank
  • blanket
  • changing clothes
  • toiletries
  • alcohol – only if you drink. this can save you some money, as alcohol can be very expensive inside the festival. check out the festival guidelines on if you are allowed to bring your own, how to pack it, and which kind. some festivals don’t allow glass bottles
  • drink protector cover – prevents unwanted substances from getting into your drink
  • durable and comfortable shoes
  • groceries, especially snacks
  • cash
  • mosquito repellent
  • first aid kit
  • toilet paper
  • camping chair