Rave Makeup Inspo

Rave Makeup Inspo: Your Guide to Festival-Ready Glam

By Bonnie (ig: @koretha)

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There are so many things to love about going to a festival or rave. For some it can be music, dressing up, doing makeup, meeting people, spending time with friends, or all of the above. But since most people don't do crazy rave makeup every day, it's hard to decide what makeup to do when rave day comes—so here's a couple rave inspo looks that can be paired with some festival accessories to spice up any outfit!

The beauty of festival makeup is that there are no rules. Whether you're planning your look for EDC, Coachella, or your local underground, your makeup is part of your rave outfit—another form of self-expression that helps you become the best version of yourself under those festival lights. Add a variety of colors to any simple look to make it stand out. Instagram is a great way to look for makeup inspiration. Type up #ravemakeup in the search bar or save any makeup photos that come across your timeline that you like for later inspiration.

Essential Glitter Safety: What You Need to Know Before You Glow

Before we get started, it's important to know that cheap glitter is usually not best suited for the face and cosmetic grade glitter is best—and even better yet is biodegradable glitter. Not only is biodegradable glitter safer for your skin, but it's also kinder to the festival grounds we all love. It is recommended to test your glitter out before the occasion to make sure it doesn't stain your skin and stays put the way you want it to.

Loose glitter can be applied with aloe vera, a primer, vaseline, or glitter glue. Be careful when applying glitter near the eyes—you want to sparkle, not suffer! Face gems can be reused if taken care of properly and cleaned thoroughly after each use. Typically most face gems come with adhesive on the back already, but if you know you are going to sweat a ton (and let's be real, you will), apply eyelash glue to the back of the face gems for maximum security. Nothing kills your vibe faster than losing your gems three songs into your favorite set.

Where to Find Your Glitter

Face gems can be found on FRW, Amazon, and other sites. Some cosmetic grade glitter brands are: FRW, Theglittertwins, Lunatics, Squad Goals Beauty, Eco Glimmer, and MAC.

How to Apply Loose Glitter Like a Pro

If using loose glitter, follow these steps for maximum sparkle with minimum fallout:

First, apply the glitter bonder of your choice to the desired area (vaseline, aloe, glitter glue, etc.)
Pour some glitter out onto the lid to prevent contaminating the jar of glitter
Dip into the glitter with a face brush and apply it to the primer
If using multiple colors, start with the lightest one, making it easier to blend out like eyeshadow

Glitter Removal Tips

Most glitter bonds should dissolve once warm water and soap are used, but for the tougher glitters, use clear packaging tape to get rid of the remaining stubborn sparkles. Pro tip: do this over a trash can or sink—glitter has a way of ending up everywhere, and your roommates will thank you.

Look 1: Face Gems and Glitter Combo

This look is festival-tested and rave fam approved. Pair up any face gems with a "c" shaped moon crescent around the eyes on the side of the face. This is usually in the area that people would typically put their highlight on. The eyes are framed by the makeup and gems and become the focal point—perfect for those moments when you lock eyes with someone across the crowd and share that unspoken connection.

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Glitter or highlight added into the inner corner of the eyes can make them pop as well. This look pairs beautifully with holographic rave bodysuits or any outfit where you want your face to be the statement piece. Picture yourself under the blacklights, the gems catching every laser beam, transforming you into a walking kaleidoscope.

Look 2: Glitter Tears and Glitter Lips

Go bold with glitter lips! There's something about glitter lips and tears that are so captivating yet simple—the perfect balance of ethereal and edgy. This look screams "I'm here to feel something" without saying a word. Glitter gels can be used to create glitter lips as well as using liquid lipsticks and setting loose glitter on before it dries.

For the glitter tears effect, draw straight lines with glitter gel or your glitter bonder. Not good at making straight lines? Don't worry—glitter does not dry very fast, so use a straight edge to push the extra glitter back in place. This look is incredibly versatile and works with everything from festival tops to full cosplay-level outfits.

The glitter tear trend has become iconic in rave culture, symbolizing the emotional release and vulnerability we experience when the music hits just right. It's okay to feel everything—that's what we're here for.

Look 3: Geometric Shapes

What's easier: cutting shapes on the dance floor or drawing them on your face? These geometric looks are so satisfying because they're so clearly laid out—structured chaos that somehow makes perfect sense, much like the experience of dancing to bass music at 2 AM.

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A tip on getting sharp lines is to use tape and q-tips to clean off the excess. Using any straight edge to push the excess back in place also works as well. In everyday makeup, most of us are used to blending everything together so we don't see any harsh shapes or lines. In this case, it's the opposite. Creating shapes purposefully makes it interesting and creative—it shows intention, artistry, and that you're not afraid to be bold.

Geometric makeup looks stunning when paired with rave shorts and structured pieces that echo the angular aesthetic. Think of your entire look as a cohesive art piece, from your face to your feet.

Look 4: Asymmetrical Magic

There's something about asymmetry that is very eye-catching. Whether it's asymmetric placement or different colors on each side, it adds to a unique look that screams individuality. In a sea of festival-goers, asymmetrical makeup makes you unforgettable—the person everyone wants to ask, "Who did your makeup?"

If the asymmetric look is starting to drift apart as a look, try integrating similar shapes or colors on both sides to tie the look together. Think of it as controlled chaos—one side might be glitter tears while the other features geometric shapes, but they share a color palette that creates harmony. This approach works especially well with matching rave outfits where you and your rave partner can mirror or complement each other's asymmetry.

Putting It All Together: Your Festival Makeup Journey

Don't get discouraged if it doesn't turn out the way you want on your first try. You are beautiful with or without makeup! The most important thing is to have fun and remember that makeup is just another tool for self-expression—no different than choosing the perfect outfit or creating kandi bracelets to trade.

There are countless looks and they're all so magical looking. I hope this creates some inspo for your future events! Whether you're heading to EDC, a warehouse rave, or a forest festival, your makeup is part of your transformation into your festival self.

Don't be scared to give out compliments to others on their makeup and fits—that's what PLUR is all about. The rave community thrives on lifting each other up, celebrating creativity, and making genuine connections. Keep it plur and have fun! Your makeup look might inspire someone else to be brave enough to try something new.

Pro tip: Take photos of your makeup in different lighting before you leave—natural light, indoor light, and if possible, blacklight. This helps you see how your look will translate on the dancefloor and gives you reference photos for recreating looks you love.