ÁMEZING NEWS #29: Festival Season Favorites & More
Skipping Coachella / Stagecoach? Still worth reading!
Howdy all and happy spring 🌻
Spring feels extra joyous this time around, even though it always is. Flowers these days stop me in my tracks. I literally have to stop to take photos of every flower I see. Beauty!
AN ÁMEZING PACKING LIST
It's that time of year, FESTIVAL season is upon us! Some of you are probably already on your way to the desert, while others might still be prepping for your Coachella and or Stagecoach experiences. Maybe you’re not going to either, but have other festival-style events coming up in the summer months.
This guide is made with the Empire Polo Club in mind (the equestrian venue where Coachella and Stagecoach are both held), but the advice totally applies for any outdoor party excursion (especially those that require endurance).
Have fun and be safe if you find yourself out there these next few weeks 🧡
Sun protection: I’m repeating myself, but just drawing your attention to how important it is to reapply sunscreen throughout your day (which most of us, including myself don’t always do).
Plus if you’re a fan of lil things, it’s an excuse to carry a cute mini-spf in your bag. You probably already have a favorite SPF, so I’ll just name a few….If you’re looking for a new one, you can always browse my ShopMy list. This list also has some wonderful after-sun products for those of you who accidentally get a little crispy out there.
Mini Supergoop Unseen spf, the classic formula. If you have full beat on, consider the mini (re-setting) mist SPF 40.
SPF Sticks are a great option for festival going too, easy for reapplication like hands, neck and décolleté. I like the Beauty of Joseon and Skin1004 sun stick.
Sun hats, bucket hats…literally please any hat.
Dust: Coachella dust does not play at all. It will absolutely get in your nose, no question. Especially if (more like when) the winds hit. Here are a few tips:
Bring KN95 masks, especially for those of you who have respiratory sensitivities. A lot of people bring bandanas or scarves that wrap around their head. It’s nice to have a barrier. Any smoking you may do is harsh enough on the lungs, you don’t need to breathe in dust on top of that!
Sunglasses: Obvious but major! Think of these as dust protection as much as they act as sun protection. Anything to help keep wind and dust out of the eyes!
Nasal Sprays: Dark brown dust that makes its way up ours noses? At the end of the night, it’s actually scary to see what your tissue looks like. I personally don’t have a ton of experience with nasal sprays, but I would definitely pack them in my bag now. Here are two options that look hydrating and effective:
Quinton Medical Nasal Spray and Beekeeper’s Naturals Kids Saline Spray (I recommend the saline-kids based formulas, but they also carry two other ones, check them out here.
Last things for dust inhalation and spring allergies in general…lozenges and eye drops! Hydrating eye drops will keep your eyes feeling comfortable amid the sun, dust, and dirt. And tiny bottle of contact solution wouldn’t hurt if you wear them! Lozenges are good for your throat and can give you some added vitamins too. Plus sucking on them is a good way to smoke and drink less :)
Protective and hydrating skin and body care:
Megababe Thigh rescue anti friction stick (mini): this was one of those products that caught my attention immediately. I remember the conversations Tierney and I had about it. We were obsessed with how it de-stigmatized a common dermatological issue and created its own category of product at once. Made with high quality emollients and packaged like a stick deodorant, you just swipe and go! And this mini size is perfect for travel and festivals (although reapplication is rarely needed).
By the end of a Coachella day you’ve most likely walked thousands of steps, a few miles in total. For many of us, this means some “chub rub” occurs between our thighs or other areas where skin makes contact.
Is there anything worse than irritation between your thighs? Yes, irritation between your thighs while walking miles back to the parking lot.
This product is preventative and we LOVE it. I recommend checking out the entire range for some integral products and formulations that no one else is doing.
Ursa Major wipes: These are wipes that I’ve sworn by for years. I have these in my purse and gym bag, and I stash extra ones in my studio bathroom for clients. Since they’re individually wrapped, they’re a perfection addition to your bag. You can use them on you face, body, and even as a fancy hand wipe.
Burt's Bees wipes: Easy to grab at any CVS, Target, or standard grocery store. The eucalyptus body wipes are refreshing, clean and super affordable.
Vitamin C Serum: ESSENTIAL for the desert. Ensures protection from the elements (sun, wind and dust). If you don’t already have one, take a look at some of my favorites on ShopMy. Remember sensitive people, you want to focus on tetra formulated vitamin c’s as they’re the most stable forms on the market. Options like Medik8 and Major Fade Active Seal Moisturizer are two great tetra formulas.
Dr. Loretta’s Intense Replenishing Serum: My love for this serum runs so deep and I think it’s so perfect for desert wether. This serum is a velvety- hydration hug and is just a perfect fit for all including sensitive types. If you do treatments with me I’ve most likely talked about it and used it on you! You’re welcome ;)
Avene or Evian facial toning spray (mini of course): Based on my past Coachellas, this was always something I wish I had on deck. At some point, an herbal mist or toner is necessary after walking those vast grounds. Great for the skin and also a mini-reset. These are always available at Target, Ulta and Sephora near the checkout area. You can check out some other toning options here.
Sheet masks and hydrating masks: Hydrate, hydrate, Hydrate! After a late night out drinking, lots of dust, lots of wind, don’t be afraid to end your night with a hydrating mask or sheet mask. If you don’t do it at the end of each festival day, do it the next morning after cleansing! Check out some of my favorites here. I’ve been loving the BioDance sheet masks, which can be found in this list!
Overall immunity: Post-drinking & more…
Cymbiotica Vitamin C: Out of all the bio available vitamin c products, this one is my favorite by far. I take these just about every single day anyway, so I definitely would at Coachella. Deep crowds= lots of germs! Vitamin C is definitely a priority both internally and topically for a weekend out in the desert.
Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Throat Spray: I’m a huge fan of this product range. I am not exaggerating when I say that this throat spray has saved my life multiple times. Feel a tickle in your throat? Feel like you’re coming down with something? I will use this throughout the day If I’m feeling a little icky. Sore throats are common out there due to the dust and winds, so I highly advise picking one of these up. They’re at most health food stores and lots of grocery stores.
Dr. Bronner's Spray Hand Sanitizer: Absolute given. I will be very concerned if you don’t have a hand sanitizer in your bag. I really enjoy Jao Refresher too, for something a little more herbaceous. Peep the cutie 2oz perfect for your tiny bag, clutch or pouch.
LMNT: This is my favorite electrolyte. Because of the salty taste, I find it a lot like Gatorade (which I love) and genuinely look forward to drinking these. This could be that extra care that helps you turn a horrendous hangover into a manageable one. They’re a must even if you’re not drinking, because the desert will dehydrate you.
Pique BT Fountain Electroylte: These are my second favorite electrolytes. Not too sweet and marketed as a “beauty” electrolyte, loaded with cermaides and hyaluronic acid for some added skin benefits.
If electrolytes aren’t your thing, focus on coconut water, alkaline water and high-water content fruit like watermelon or cucumber for natural electrolytes.
Healthycell REM Sleep: Need help coming down? You know what I mean. Hope these help :)
Throat Coat: I always travel with tea, it’s a comfort thing for me, but I think it’s a great idea to bring tea before bed. Great way to tackle immunity, hydrate, and have a healthy, grounding night cap at the end of the day. For Coachella, specifically, Throat Coat seems like the obvious choice!
ENJOY!!! & WHEN YOU COME PREPARED, REMEMBER TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS!
ÁMEZING QUESTION:
OOPS I BURNT. DO I NEED TO ADJUST MY SKINCARE / MAKEUP ROUTINE TOMORROW / THE REST OF THE WEEKEND? WHAT SERUMS SHOULD I SKIP WHEN MY SKINS BEEN EXPOSED TO TOO MUCH SUN?
Oh no, not to worry! If you’ve gone the point of no return, then there are a few things one can do. First things first, I would avoid makeup. Honestly putting makeup on some crispy skin doesn’t sit quite right, and in this case, we want to keep things simple to make sure the barrier function doesn’t get disrupted. I recommend using a really simple toner that has a nice glycerin base, or even a milky toner (Rhode glazing milk comes to mind or Cocokind’s ceramide barrier serum), but any product that is loaded with ceramides is going to feel soothing and protective here. You can of use straight aloe (put it in the fridge for extra cooling relief). Lastly, I’d seal the skin with a simple but hydrating moisturizer (Avene Cicalfate would be my first choice or La Roche Posay Cicaplast). Both of these cool and soothe while also creating a nice protective layer. I would top this off with a bit of SPF (however I do think SPF on crispy slightly sunburned skin can feel a bit uncomfortable). Wearing a hat and letting the skin breathe may feel slightly better, and of course staying out of the sun, but that’s not realistic at a festival. I’d be mindful of sun exposure up to four days post initial burn/irritation, so wait that long to resume your regular routine (maybe even an extra day or two when it comes to actives and strong exfoliants!)
Tierney's first Coachella! 2009 lol
COACHELLA MAKEUP!
You know Tierney wasn’t going to let us do a whole festival guide with no mention of makeup. We’ll keep this quick and defer to videos by makeup artist Emily Wood, who is not only known for her bold and unexpected color combinations, but also for her unpretentious and irreverent style of application. Case in point? Her favorite place to do her makeup is on her boyfriend’s fire escape. She’ll do a full beat on a train, in a car, in line somewhere…Let her be your muse! Have fun! Beauty shouldn’t be so serious! Perfect isn’t sexy! Slap some color on while walking from the Sahara tent to the main stage! Use your lipstick as blush and your eyeliner as contour. Apply your glitter from the top of the ferris wheel, and if it falls down your cheeks, it’s a vibe.
We’ve followed Emily forever, but she’s also Amy Lou Wood’s sister, if you’ve been watching her on White Lotus :) Chelsea forever!
NEW ÁMEZING COLLAB
So excited to work with the esteemed dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss! I’ve been following for Dr. Idriss for years and I just really align with her approach to skin care—not over complicated and straight to the point! This system is easy and it works. I highly recommend this for people who suffer from stubborn pigmentation issues including PIH (Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
Start with the Flash mask, leave on for about 10 mins and rinse off. Work your way up to using 2-3x a week maximum, at night only. Then, follow with the serum and seal it all in with the gel moisturizer. I adore the feel of this moisturizer, the density is so nice and it’s a great option as we transition into hotter months. Plus, the vitamin c will provide another layer of protection from the sun.
SAVE THE DATE! 4/27!
Tierney is curating a reading event and fundraiser at Murmurs Gallery called L.A. STORIES, featuring ten amazing writers. The event will be in the late afternoon on Sunday, April 27th, with a DJ on the garden patio to follow. All proceeds will go to the organization Altadena Girls and they continue their fire relief and restoration efforts. Tickets will be available at a sliding scale from $5-$55 starting next week, so please keep an eye out for that!
<3 Thanks for reading!