Glow for Pride: The Essentials

Source: Wikimedia

Get your rainbow colours on because it is that time of year again! Brighton Pride is just around the corner and the whole city is super excited to get out there and celebrate in style. It promises to be bigger and better every year, and my, does it deliver. Eccentric floats and extreme outfits make Brighton Pride the highlight of my Summer, not to mention it’s right on my doorstep! This joyous occasion does brilliantly in bringing everyone together to celebrate equality and diversity. As a spectator, you aren’t required to dress up however, it is the perfect time of year to splash on some colour and be confident in your skin.

This is our ultimate Guide to Pride 2017!

Photo by Andrew Robles on Unsplash

Beauty

The key to avoiding beauty disasters is to have a good base to work with. Not your foundation base – but the skin beneath it. It is important to look after your skin all year round, however for special occasions you can up the ante a little to get that extra glow. Using the correct skin care products for your skin type can revolutionize the way the makeup sets on your face. Pride is all about being your best self with confidence and what better way than to show off with a confident summer glow.

Highlighters and radiance cremes have been massive this year, they are perfect products to help you get luminous skin when you need a little pick me up. Unicorn and, of course, rainbow highlighters are a hot favourite for this year. The rainbow metallic style colours are just beautiful and will have you lighting up at the parade like a disco ball!

Once you have that smooth, naturally glowing base…time to get creative!

Scouring Pinterest, it is almost obvious that rainbow eyes are the classic favourite. From rainbow eyeliner to colourful brows, there is no stopping the force of the rainbow! If you are wanting something a little less bright, but still a showstopper, confetti or glitter liner is a great way to go. Layer on the glitter and light up the room, like the true star you are.

Clothing

The weather will play a huge part in what you choose to wear but my advice to you is, be prepared. The UK is famous for its irrational weather, especially with Brighton being so close to the sea. Saying that, the past few years have been bright and sunny so I am hopeful that this trend will continue.

If the weather is a temperamental, don’t be caught out! You will likely be dancing and drinking well into the night too, so ensure you wear more than one layer. A light cardigan or jacket can easily be tied around your bag to free your hands up for dancing.

Standing and watching the amazing floats can take its toll so well fitted, comfortable shoes are an essential. Clothing-wise, leave the dark colours at home and dress in bright colours – loud and proud. The rainbow flag is the iconic symbol of the LGBTQ+ community and during the parade there will be a sea of rainbow colours, so get involved. Usually there are people who walk along the parade route before the event starts selling rainbow flags and accessories, a perfect chance to add some more colour to your outfit.

Bag

No one wants to carry a bag around Pride, however you’ll likely need one to pop your essentials in. Aside from the basics like your purse, phone and keys, here are three things that you may not have considered taking:

• Portable Chargers, these will be your lifesaver. Unlike us humans, phones do not have the party-lasting power. The last thing you want is to lose your friends and have a dead battery. To avoid any loss of communication, bring a charged up portable charger so your phone can last as long as you!
• Sun cream, if the weather is good bear in mind that most pubs and clubs will be jammed encouraging you to take the party to the streets. In all the fun, you may forget to apply sun cream. Don’t risk waking up the next morning with a hangover and Reapply factor 30+ every two hours to protect your skin.
• Identification, most people carry this key to pubs and clubs any way. However, some don’t – double check you have this little card with you before you leave the house otherwise you will not be getting in anywhere!

Transport

The parade as fun as it is, makes getting from A to B near enough impossible. Make sure you plan your route in and out of there. Check the Brighton and Hove Buses social media and website for updates, even the app will have news and information regarding bus times and delays. Book a taxi in advance and beware that the fares may be a little higher than expected as it can take longer to get into town. Returning to your home or hotel, it is best to book a taxi before in advance – trust me, you do not want to be waiting in a long queue at two in the morning.

Along with those awesome tips do remember the safety basics as you would whenever you go out. Have a confirmed meeting point with your friends if you lose each other, never put down your drink and trust your instincts. With all that in mind, have a wonderful, safe and glowing Brighton Pride!