What It's Like to Go Glamping at Firefly Music Festival

hair

(Image credit: Harper Smith)

published 16 June 2017

For Montreal-based beauty blogger Alex Centomo, festival season isn't just about indie bands and non-stop dancing. It's a months-long marathon of moments to show off her signature boho style and envy-inducing mermaid waves. To help us get some of that this summer, we trailed the 26-year-old YouTube star as she put her styling skills to the test in the great outdoors: glamping at Firefly Music Festival.

The whole doing-your-hair-in-the-wilderness and embracing-your-natural-texture thing? So cool for festival season, says Alex. "A blowout is so not worth it in the summer—I say, play up whatever natural texture you've got!" Good thing, since primping in a tent means finding a cute wet hairstyle that dries to perfection. But to get there, you need VIP products like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner to help fight the day's frizz and keep hair looking shiny—plus an on-trend basket-bag to tote them to and from the remote shower house (woo glamping!)

After shampooing, Alex blots her hair with a towel and applies Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream to get out tangles. But "avoid your scalp," she warns. Otherwise, "it'll look greasy after a few hours of dancing." To get rid of knots without mussing up the texture, Alex finger-combs her hair from root to tip.

You could just air-dry and go. Or you could opt for a loose crown-braid-side-braid hybrid like Alex's that's kind of everything you want in festival hair: a little boho, a little tousled, and so easy to DIY. Plus, braiding your hair when it's wet dries to be the perfect beachy style when you take it down. To recreate, run a few drops of smoothing oil like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum on damp hair to boost shine. Next, part your hair in the center and create two Dutch pigtail braids starting at the nape of your neck; secure each with a clear elastic. Now, "pull the braids apart with your fingers, so they look really thick," she says. "The bigger and messier, the better." Wrap one pigtail over the crown of your head and pin in place, and leave the second dangling over one shoulder. Floral headpiece: optional, but totally encouraged.

It's her simple trick for next-level, weatherproof makeup. Bedazzled eyes are "high-impact, but won't get all messed up in the heat like liners and shadows do," she says. To pull them off at home, dip Swarovski crystals in eyelash glue and stick a few on the outer corners of your eyes or along the tops of your eyebrows like Alex, here. The only rule to remember? Let your eyes shine by keeping the rest of your face minimal. That means a bit of long-wear foundation applied only where you need it, groomed brows, a flick of liquid liner, and a swipe of matte liquid lipstick.

Looking to invest in one new thing for festival season? Make it a pair of flowy, wear-with-everything high-waisted shorts, says Alex. "They're versatile, comfortable, and make going to the bathroom way easier than a romper." Word. Don't be afraid to mix and match textures and patterns, she says. "If you're vibing on the look and really own it, you can't go wrong."

"It's all about being prepared for whatever the day—or night—might bring," says Alex, who stashes a tube of liquid lipstick ("regular lipstick tends to come off, especially if you're eating and drinking all day"), small sunnies, and hair-smoothing saviors like Garnier Fructis Style Frizz Guard Anti-Frizz Dry Spray and Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment in a cross-body bag, "you can keep so much stuff in it, and you don't have to worry about anyone stealing your shit."

"In my book, more is definitely more in the jewelry department," says Alex, who likes to pile on an eclectic blend of mixed-metal chokers, body chains, bangles, anklets, rings, and a flower crown. Also a must: chic shades. Small, wired-rimmed frames are the perfect complement to those sexy eye jewels and total festival gold!

The beauty of wearing a wet braided style all day: It dries to gorgeous, sleek waves when you take it out later. Once down, refresh your hair with a glossing spray like Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray, which keeps strands manageable and shiny. Boho dreams made.

Wardrobe: Paisley Cold Shoulder Romper Swim Cover-Up, $88, SURF GYPSY; Boho Bralette + Mesh, $26.95, AERIE; Phoebe Basket, $38, DOEN; Seed Bead Charm Necklace, $28, MADEWELL; Courtney Hat, $345, EUGENIA KIM; Hacienda Braided Ribbon Sandals, $40, TOPSHOP; Embroidered Crop Top, $49.90, ZARA; Multicolored Shorts, $35.90, ZARA