All the toiletries you need to survive a festival (2024)

Nothing is worse than getting to a festival and realising you've forgotten a crucial piece of your toiletry bag. This often means either having to borrow said product from your friend, or hoping the on-site shop is selling it (albeit for an exortionate amount).

No matter what festival you're heading to, whether it's in the UK or abroad, with your friends or family, and if you're a first-time festival goer or an old hand, here are all the essentials you should definitely be taking.

FOR YOUR HAIR

  • Hairbrush - preferably one that specifically detangles, and is compact enough it doesn't take up too much room.
    We packed: Tangle Teezer Original, £7.95, escentual.com
  • Dry shampoo - If you're not planning on washing your hair for the duration, this is a great way to keep it clean, and smelling nice.
    We packed: Label.M dry shampoo, £10.60, lookfantastic.com

MORE: GHI REVIEWS DRY SHAMPOO

TO KEEP CLEAN

  • Eco-friendly shampoo/conditioner/body wash - If you are ready to use the camp showers, try and take a 2-in-1 sort of product to save on space. A lot of campsites like Glastonbury Festival only allow you to use eco-friendly body washes and shampoos.
    We packed: Earth Friendly Baby Calming Lavender Shampoo & Bodywash, £4.49, boots.com
  • A microfibre mini travel towel - Great for post-washing as they're quick-drying and easy to store.
    We packed: Hi Gear Microfibre Body Towel, £9.99, gooutdoors.co.uk
  • Baby wipes - A multitude of uses including wiping mud off you, removing make-up/face paint and staying fresh. A definite must-pack.
    We packed: Johnsons Baby Gentle Cleansing Wipes, £1.10, boots.com and JOHNSON'S® TOP-TO-TOE® Baby Washcloths, £2.49, boots.com
  • Deodorant - This one doesn't need a lot of explaining... but some prefer a stick rather than spray as it's easier to apply inside a tent without getting a coughing fit.
    We packed: Dove Compressed Anti-Perspirant Deodorant​, £2.20, sainsburys.co.uk

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FOR YOUR TEETH

  • Toothbrush - We'd recommend taking a couple in case you lose one/drop it in the mud, and a portable one that can be folded and stored.
    We packed: Portable Soft Toothbrush, £1.50, superdrug.com
  • Toothpaste - Again, try to save on space by packing a miniature one, and definitely remove it from its box so you're not carrying around excess rubbish.
    We packed: Colgate Max White One Optic Toothpaste, £2.00, superdrug.com
  • Mouthwash - A great way to get fresh breath first thing. A miniature bottle is also recommended.
    We packed: Colgate soft mint mouthwash, £1.75, boots.com

MORE: HOW NOT TO GET FOOD POISONING AT A FESTIVAL

TO STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY

  • Sunscreen - SPF is a definite must, regardless of what the weather is like. Try and take a higher factor for your face and/or a smaller bottle to carry around with you in the day too.
    We packed: Ultrasun SPF 30 Tinted Body Sun Cream, £26.00, johnlewis.co.uk
  • SPF lip balm - A good double-duty product that keeps your lips protected and moisturised.
    We packed: Ultrasun Ultralip SPF 30, £6.00, marksandspencer.com
  • Insect repellent - Night-time does unfortunately mean annoying critters around the campfire. Insect repellent should keep them at bay. Take bite and sting relief cream too in case you aren't so lucky.
    We packed: Boots Repel Original Insect Repellent Spray, £6.99, boots.com
  • First aid kit - Although all festivals will have their own on-site medical tent, it's always good to carry round a basic first aid of plasters and antiseptic wipes just in case you need them.
    We packed: Boots Essential First Aid Kit, £6.99, boots.com
  • Hayfever tablets - Being surrounded by grass and pollen can cause allergies to rear their ugly heads. Don't forget to pack the non-drowsy kind too.
  • Contraception - A no-brainer. Whether it's the contraceptive Pill or condoms, make sure you bring some along.
  • Paracetamol - Great for headaches and any other ailments, but remember to use responsibily and follow the instructions.
  • Blister plasters - Not just for high heels; trainers and wellies can also cause irritating blisters.
    We packed: Compeed Blister plasters, £3.99, superdrug.com
  • Vitamin C tablets - If you're not feeling your brightest in the morning, dissolve a Vitamin C tablet in some water and drink to get some needed refreshment.
  • Hand sanitiser - Keep a bigger one in your tent, and carry a pocket-sized one around with you. Great for when you're going to the toilet or eating food.
    We packed: Carex Complete Original Hand Gel, 99p, superdrug.com
  • Other tablets - Other over-the-counter medication we'd recommend taking for precaution is heartburn relief lozenges, anti-diarrheoa relief, constipation tablets and hydration sachets if you're feeling dehydrated. These can all be picked up at your local pharmacy.

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MORE: 7 WAYS TO SURVIVE FESTIVAL TOILETS

OTHER ESSENTIALS

  • Pocket tissues - Although toilet roll is fine, we recommend packets of tissues instead that can be discreetly carried around in a bag for when they're needed.
    We packed: Kleenex Balsam Tissues, pocket pack, £2.00, waitrose.com
  • Aloe Vera after sun - If you have got a bit of sunburn, a soothing aftersun will do just the trick.
    We packed: Solait After Sun Aloe Vera Gel, £2.99, superdrug.com
  • Travel mirror - Preferably one with lights around it. Life saving when you're trying to do your make-up/brush your teeth in a pop-up tent.
    We packed: Illuminating Travel Mirror, £16.95, lakeland.co.uk
  • Moisturising lotion - Great for keeping dry skin at bay. Take a tinted lotion if you're after a bit of fake tan.
    We packed: Dove Derma Spa Goodness Body Lotion, £5.00, waitrose.com

MORE: TOP 10 TIPS FOR SURVIVING A FESTIVAL

All the toiletries you need to survive a festival (2024)

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