Music Festival Essentials: 6 Items You Need That No One Tells You To Bring
If you think all you need to bring to a music festival is your most Instagram-worthy outfit and a flower crown, think again. I’ve attended Coachella four years in a row, have made a few appearances at Governor’s Ball in NYC, and even made it to the Firefly Music Festival, so I’ve rounded up the essentials I wish I had the first time I headed to the desert.
Music festivals are obviously a lot of fun, but you can totally put a damper on your trip if you aren’t prepared. Getting to dance around to your favorite artists, feast on amazing food, attend cool parties and maybe even run into a few celebs can actually be exhausting. The biggest struggle is setting out for a long day and ensuring you’re equipped with everything you may need while also trying to carry as little as possible. Honestly, the way I packed for my first festival couldn’t be more different than how I pack now.
While everyone told me to pack a comfortable pair of shoes, there were a slew of other essentials I didn’t even know I needed until I was there — and if you aren’t prepared it can totally impact your experience. Read on for my tips if you want to avoid making these amateur mistakes and SHOP these Coachella essentials.
Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear™ Micro Makeup Remover Pads
A long day at the festival, especially in the sun, can often leave you feeling like your face is melting off -- but there's no reason some smudged eyeliner should stop you from having fun. I especially love these pads because one or two individually packaged pads can fit in even the tiniest of purses, which make them a major win-win -- you don't want to waste valuable real estate in your bag! Available at Sephora.
Mophie Juice Pack Reserve For iPhone 6/6s
Regardless of how diligent you are when it comes to charging your phone, it will 100% die at a festival -- and that's where a charging case comes in! Honestly, I would even bring a portable charger in your bag and always have a wire on you to charge on-the-go -- once you start posting on social media in large crowds your battery will quickly drain, and being left with a dead phone is a nightmare amateur move. Free two-day shipping for Amazon Prime members.
Rebecca Minkoff RAPTURE BUCKET BAG
While it would be great not to have to carry anything, the truth of the matter is that a long day and night means you must be armed with the essentials -- and you need a place to store them! While waist bags and backpacks are all great ideas, I really love carrying a bucket bag because it's roomy enough to fit a sweater or denim jacket and all my essentials and it isn't too big where I'll get bogged down by a heavy bag. It's the best of both worlds!
SPACE.NK.apothecary EVE LOM Daily Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
It goes without saying that you definitely need to apply sunscreen before a day at any music festival, but what's even better is when you can also work in brightening, nourishing and firming, which seems even more necessary after you make it through day one and especially after day two. Free shipping and gift with purchase at Nordstrom.
Quay Australia #QUAYXJASMINE Santa Fe Sunglasses
Not only have Quay Australia sunnies been spotted on everyone from Kylie Jenner to Beyonce, but the brand is seriously stylish without an inflated price tag -- and you don't want to spend your day crying over a lost pair of pricey sunglasses! That's why I recommend finding a seriously stellar pair under $100, like the amazing shades from their cool #QUAYXJASMINE Festival collection collab with Golden Barbie, AKA Jasmine Sanders.
Forever 21 Oversized Denim Jacket
I don't care if it is 100 degrees during the day, you will NEED layers. You WILL get cold at night -- don't be that whining girl. Whether you opt for a long cardigan, (love these cause they'll keep your legs warm!), an oversized denim jacket or a leather bomber, whatever you do, make sure you bring your outerwear with you -- tie it around your waist, shove it in your bag, do whatever you have to do to ensure you don't let the weather derail your fun.
