8 Cool, Non-Cliché Beauty Trends for Festival Season

This is a flower-crown-free zone.

beauty trend, makeup
(Image credit: Marie Claire)

Music festival beauty poses a conundrum. On one hand, you don't want be that girl. You know the one we're talking about—wearing all the trends, from glitter tears to flower crowns, at once. On the other, you don't want to veer too Plain Jane in a sea of tank tops and denim cut-offs.

What you do want is a little something-something by way of color or shimmer (or both) that doesn't feel tired or annoying. From cool-girl hair to next-level eye makeup, these trends will feel fresh all festival season long.

1. Chrome Liner

chrome liner

(Image credit: Design by Betsy Farrell)

We first spotted this heavy metal look on makeup artist Michael Anthony's Instagram, and since then, we've been inspired to make bold chrome statements. While this particular look is made from a special 3D material, you can get a similar effect by slashing a silver liquid liner on the upper lash line.

Ciate Liquid Chrome Liquid Metal Eyeliner in Sci-Fi, $23; asos.com.

2. Graffiti Hair

graffiti hair

(Image credit: Design by Betsy Farrell)

Hair graffiti artist Daniel Moon, who gave Kanye that pink-and-yellow hair, is pioneering temporary dye jobs inspired by L.A. street art. Typically he'll use high-octane colors to draw on geometric shapes and patterns. Armed with a non-permanent spray paint for hair, you can use the whole head as your canvas or add a pop of color to half-buzzed styles, braids, and slick backs. Check out his Instagram for more inspiration.

Bwild Temporary Hair Color Spray, $5.99; target.com.

3. Neon Lids

neon lids

(Image credit: Dolls Kill)

Enough with the glowsticks—make a neon statement with your lids by smudging on this UV neon shadow (if you're color-shy, make it a light dusting). In the daylight it'll be a bright pop of color—and should you find yourself under a blacklight by night, the florescent pigments will keep the dance floor lit. It comes in every color of the rainbow, to boot.

Stargazer Radiate UV Neon Loose Shadow, $10; dollskill.com.

4. Glitter Gel  

glitter gel

(Image credit: Dolls Kill)

Let me preface this by saying that chunky glitter is best used in moderation, whether you're applying it to your face, body, or hair. Festival-wise, you can't go wrong with a touch of embellishment on the lids or a shimmering slick back.

In Your Dream Iridescent Glitter Gel in Mermaid or Gold Lilith , $20; dollskill.com.

5. Banana Buns

banana buns

(Image credit: Design by Betsy Farrell)

Leave the hair ties at home. Instead, keep a French pin or two in your bag. When it comes time to tie your hair back, twist it into a "banana bun," which is a messier take on a French twist that's kind of boho—but not in an eye-roll-inducing way.

Parcelona French Large Tortoise Shell Celluloid Chignon Pin Stick, $6.95; amazon.com.

6. Tropical Nail Wraps

tropical nail wraps

(Image credit: Dolls Kill)

Palm trees are the chicest and these peel-off, self-adhesive wraps will look amazing wrapped around the draft beer of choice. 'Nuff said.

NCLA Tropicala Nail Wraps, $18; dollskill.com.

7. Face Jewels

face jewels

(Image credit: Dolls Kill)

ICYMI: Sticking things all over your face is the future. These sparkly, self-adhesive little gems can be worn two at a time, daintily accenting your eyes, or as full-on designs along the brows. It's totally up to you, but we'd think twice about going full face à la Givenchy.

In Your Dreams Iridescent Electra Face Jewels, $22; dollskill.com.

8. Foil Lids

foil lids

(Image credit: Design by Betsy Farrell)

Maximum-impact metallic eyes are having a moment—and are inherently festival-ready. Stila's dazzling range of metallic and jewel tone Glitter and Glow Liquid Eye Shadows make application a cinch and can hang out in your cross-body bag all day long. Apply one coat on the lids as desired, then use your finger in a tapping motion to blend out the edges

Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, $24; sephora.com.

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Beauty Editor

Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.