It’s that time again…COACHELLA is just around the corner and I couldn’t be more excited. Sure, sure, this year’s lineup is going to be epic, but for many of us it’s all about the beauty and fashion that will be on display at the festival. Don’t get me wrong, I die for a good concert, but there’s nothing like preparing the perfect beauty routine to gear up for days of non-stop outdoor activity.

For those who don’t know, Coachella is three days of music (and partying) on multiple stages set in the middle of the desert. To look your best, you need to pack strategically. Since you’ll be outside 24/7, it’s all about practicality, simplicity and comfort, so it’s best to think ahead. You’ll be getting lots of sun, so sunscreen will be important, just like your flats. Thank god there is no humidity.

Now just because you’re thinking practically doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Try going crazy with the details. Nails, for example, are a great way to spice things up. Go bananas and do something epic, like rock a bold and bright color or pattern. Last year I got palm tree shellac. It was so fun.  Keep your makeup simple, dewy, young and fresh. Try a cream blush and fun lips, whether it’s a bright matte or a moisturizing neutral.

Although things will get crazy, don’t skip on skincare. The last thing you want is bad skin while you’re with your friends day and night for three days straight. Give yourself a little glow and mix a luminizer in with your body moisturizer and apply to your legs, chest and arms. Oh, and sunglasses. You need these. I know I will be bringing my round Miu Miu Tort Round Sunnies and my Illesteva leopards.

So to help you get inspired, I’ve compiled a list of my Coachella beauty essentials.

Skincare

Face Wipes – The perfect (and easiest) way to quickly remove makeup and dirt from the day. I like to carry a travel size package in my purse for mid-day refreshments. Just buy multiple travel sizes, it’s much easier.  Simple Radiance Face Wipes are perfect (I spotted them everywhere backstage during F/W Fashion Week. Cheap too. I like the exfoliating ones.

Tanning Mask – Why not hydrate AND tan while you sleep? James Read Sleep Tan Mask does it all. Could you think of anything better? Use this after Day 1 to give to your skin a subtle glow. Its nothing aggressively dark or that will leave you waking up greasy or streaky.

Moisturizing Mask – You’ll be spending all day in the desert sun, so your skin is going to look and feel parched. Reverse the damage every night by using a gentle and glow-inducing mask, again while you sleep. Dr. Jart Premium Firming Sleep Mask is my latest love. Use this on nights 2 and 3, because why not? Just use your Simple wipes to remove makeup and slather this on.

Eye Mask – I love the SK-II Eye Mask because they’re perfect for travel, and we know that both Cate and Kate swear by them too. Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask is fabulous as well. Put them on right after you get out of the shower, and leave them on for as long as possible for best results.

Body Lotion – I’m loving Sunday Riley Disrobe Body Lotion. It smells wonderful, and keeps my skin soft. Mix it with a little Nars Illuminator in Adelaide, a pretty pink, to get a nice glow.

SPF – Lather your face with Chantecaille Just Skin, a tinted moisturizer that contains SPF 15, and doesn’t leave you looking greasy. Drunk Elephant makes an amazing sheer body SPF, that isn’t greasy.

Fragrance

Roll On Fragrance – I’m all about smelling amazing on-the-go these days. Keep your scent by your side, using my newest fave, Byredo Roll-On Oil. My favorite scent for Coachella will be Gypsy Water, but why not mix it up every day with something new? Fortunately, Byredo just launched Roll-On Oils in their top seven scents, on Net-A-Porter.

Beauty

Nails – Unless you’ve already got crazy plans to go with nail art (like I did last year, below), go for something electric and bright – like a cool update to the classic French manicure. Make sure you get a fresh manicure and pedicure before the weekend. It makes all the difference in the world, trust me. YLS’s spring La Laque Collection is beautiful. I would suggest using Rose Scabiosa (pretty doll pink) or Rouge Pablo (berry/ cherry red) as a base with Butter London Titchy (multi sparkles) at the tips. A cool update to the classic French manicure. Also checkout TenOverTen colors, they are beautiful and high quality. I love Ludlow (bright red), Delancey (bright pink).

Glow – Nars Illuminators are perfect for a festival. You can mix them into your lotions for an all-over radiant effect, or apply a little in certain areas to highlight. My favorite colors are Adelaïde (shimmering lavender pink) and Copacabana (glistening pearl). Laguna will make you tanner.

Cheeks – For punchy pink cheeks I am DIGGING YSL Babydoll Kiss & Blush. They are dual functioning, giving you color for both your pout your cheeks. I like the Fuchsia Desinvolte. I also like By Terry Cellularose Blush Glace 1. This provides an uper quenching flush of watercolor and super long lasting glow.

Concealer – You know you need it. I like to carry this in my purse wherever I go. My favorite is Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla. It doesn’t give you those under eye creases. I also love Lorac Double Feature Concealer & Highlighter! Both sides are equally amazing, and great for on-the-go. EVERYONE needs this. I use .5 Fair. I dab the highlighter on the brim of my nose, the “C” shape outside my eyes, Cupid’s bow and collar bones.

Highlighter – Only highlight a little because you don’t want to look too greasy. Try Lorac (above) or RMS Beauty Living Luminizer (duh), a classic.

Mascara – Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara gives you larger than life lashes. I say skip the eye shadow and liner, and let your lashes do the talking.

Lips – Go crazy! I’ll keep 3 or 4 different glosses/ lipsticks in my bag. Prep your lips with , which come in a variety of yummy flavors. My favorite glosses that I am SO excited to take with me are as follows: YSL Volupté Sheer Candy Succulent Pomegranate, Bite Beauty Matte Cream Lip Color Sweetie (all colors in fact), Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 Rose, Nars Matte Lip Pencil Roman Holiday and Tarte Positive Energy Lip & Cheek Set.

Hair

Dry Shampoo – Skip washing your hair and go for that lived-in look. To get this look, make sure you bring dry shampoo! I’ll bring a mini size in my bag for on-the-go touchups. I love Klorane (Non-Aerosol) Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. Oldie but a goodie! Dirty hair will also braid easier, a classic music festival look.

Hair Minis – You don’t want to stuck with someone else’s shampoo and conditioner. Bumble and Bumble The Surf Set is all your need for perfect festival hair. Shampoo, conditioner and that salt water based Surf Spray is the secret to that effortless boho texture.

With these products in your suitcase, you’ll be all set for the craziness that is Coachella (and all the pictures that will be taken and the drinks that will be consumed). Kate Bosworth, Diane K…here we come.