For a girl that is rarely separated from her hairdryer and straighteners, it probably won’t surprise you that I am no fan of spending a night under canvas… The lack of mattress, silk pillow cases, and ensuite facilities bothers me – as does the thought of the toilet being a few minutes walk away (and, no doubt, another 10 minutes wait in the queue).

But despite all this, I’ve always wanted to go to a festival. I love the thought of getting together a group of friends, setting up our tents in the same area, and spending the days and nights dancing to the likes of U2, Coldplay and Beyonce (this year’s headliners at Glastonbury – oh I wish I had tickets!)

Next year, I vow to do it… I will be grabbing a group of friends, picking a festival (with no Glasto next year, it will probably be V), and packing a well-planned beauty kit to get over my camping dread. And if you are lucky enough to be heading to a festival in 2011, why not give my festival beauty selection a go?

ESSENTIAL 1 – DRY SHAMPOO
The shower facilities may not be up to scratch (or even existent), but that is no excuse for greasy, lacklustre hair. Dry shampoos have come a long way in the last few years, transforming locks in an instant. One of my favourites is Tigi Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo, £6.10, which absorbs oil, whilst also boosting volume.

ESSENTIAL 2 – CLEANSING WIPES
I’d never usually advocate using cleansing wipes, as they just aren’t as effective as bottled cleansers – but for festivals, they are a far better alternative than sleeping in a face full of makeup, suncream, and grime. They are quick, incredibly easy to use, and lightweight to pack.  Try Bare Escentuals bareMinerals i.d. Take Off Facial Wipes, from £7.65.

ESSENTIAL 3 – SCENTED DEODORANT
If I’m going to forego my morning shower and luxury products, I need something to bring a little glamour to my day.  I love the idea of packing a decadent perfumed deodorant, such as Narciso Rodriguez For Her Deodorant Spray, £17.97. It would keep me fresh, dry, and sweet-scented throughout the day – far more attractive an option than a stick of boring roll-on.

ESSENTIAL 4 – BLOTTING POWDER
It’s not surprising that the combination of dancing, fast food, late nights, and warm weather (fingers crossed) tends to leave festival complexions looking a little shiny – so a blotting powder is an essential addition to any bag or pocket. I hate powders that dry the skin, so am a big fan of Daniel Sandler Blotting Powder, £19.50, which leaves skin matte, supple and hydrated.

ESSENTIAL 5 – BRIGHT LIPSTICK
I don’t think I’d have the time, patience, or packing space to bother with my usual makeup routine – so I’d limit it to a quick swipe of lipstick. It’s amazing how a bright lipstick can transform a look in seconds – and the brighter the hue, the bigger the impact. Dior Addict High Shine Spectacular Shine Translucent Lipcolor in Sketch Pink, £19.91 is the perfect colour for making a style statement.

ESSENTIAL 6 – SUNBLOCK
Finally, I would prepare for every weather possibility by packing a high factor sunblock. There are better things to be doing at festivals than reapplying messy sun cream throughout the day, so a SPF stick in a high factor is the perfect tool for quick, effortless applications. Vichy Capital Soleil Stick SPF50, £8.50 is perfect for the job.

If you are heading off to a festival this summer, have an amazing time!