Our top picks to get ready for Edinburgh's Fringe Festival
The world’s largest arts festival is fast approaching, and we’re already thinking about our top ways to prepare for the event. Held every August in Edinburgh, Scotland, this open-access festival spans over three weeks and brings people from all around the world to perform or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Whether you’re on stage or there to enjoy the shows, one thing is for sure: you’ll want to turn up looking and feeling your best, and ideally, without the maintenance. Here’s how to get yourself beauty-ready for the Fringe:
Image via @edfringe
Lock in your appointments early
First things first, any appointments you’re thinking of, there’s a good chance other attendees are thinking the same. Salons, MUAs, barbers and nail technicians are very quickly booked up during Fringe, so securing it earlier rather than later is a great idea.
Pro tip: Consider booking touch-up appointments mid-festival to refresh, especially if you’re partaking the entire time.
Opt low-for maintenance, high-impact hairstyles
Because of the heat and the crowds, you’ll most likely be very warm and a little low on time when it comes to hair maintenance. We suggest opting for long-lasting styles that can handle the sweat, weather, and potential costume changes, such as braids or twists, slick back buns or ponytails, and maybe even considering Keratin treatments or a blowout package so you can leave the maintenance up to the professionals.
Pro tip: Bring travel-sized dry shampoo and a mini hairbrush in your bag. You can thank us later!
Get your stage makeup bag ready
If you’re someone who’s performing, building a kit with the essentials is key. Consider packing up the following so you’re feeling fault-proof before getting on stage:
- Long-wear make up formulas: Think matte finish foundations, waterproof liners and mascaras, and most definitely setting spray
- Bold palettes and lashes: These will ensure everyone sees you on stage
- SFX Basics: If required, don’t forget your SFX gear, like prosthetics, glue, body paint, etc.
- Touch-up must-haves: Blotting papers, mini setting powders, lip liners and other lip products are crucial for refreshing throughout the day
Opt for durable, expressive nails
Again, low maintenance with your nails is a priority, because there is nothing worse than a chipped nail mid-performance or mid-pint. We recommend:
- Gel or BIAB nails: These will stay perfect throughout the 2-3 weeks and require zero maintenance.
- Festival-inspired designs: Think cat-eye shimmers, chrome finishes or bold solid colours.
Don't skip skin prep!
Skin prep is always important. We recommend starting your body hydrating and exfoliating routine 2-3 weeks before the festival, ridding of all dead skin cells and leaving your skin feeling supple and quenched as you dance the day away. SPF is also critical as you’ll be in the sun, and if you want a sun-kissed effect without lazing in the rays, consider a fake tan or glow-enhancing oil.
Build your beauty survival kit
Fringe Festival means you’ll usually be on your feet all day (and night), so packing your beauty survival kit is highly recommended. Here’s what we pack:
- Mini deodorant
- Travel-size dry shampoo
- Hair ties, bobby pins, mini hairbrush
- Compact mirror
- Lip balm
- Setting spray/face mist
- Spare lashes and lash glue
- Micellar wipes
- Blister plasters
- Painkillers
- SPF!
Whether you’re on stage or in the crowds, your beauty prep can help you feel your best, and if you commit to doing the thinking beforehand, it’s one less thing to worry about when the fun starts! With these top tips, all that’s left to do is enjoy the show(s).
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