Between glittery outfits, rooftop selfies, endless dance reels, and open-air concerts, festivals are the perfect playground for memories… and melanin damage.

Let’s be real: most of us forget one thing while curating that flawless festive look—sunscreen.

And if we do remember it, it’s usually an afterthought. A greasy, white-cast-filled afterthought that doesn't blend, melts under makeup, or needs constant reapplication.

But in 2025? Sunscreen has evolved.

Smart innovations are turning sun protection into a glow-boosting, skin-caring, event-friendly experience. From heat-proof gels to UV-detecting sticks, today's formulations are designed for real life—read: sweat, selfies, and 12-hour open-air navratri nights.

Powered by Admigos Sunscreen Analytics, we dove into what’s trending, what’s working, and how brands are optimising sunscreen launches for festival seasons across the globe.

Sunscreen: The First Step to Festival-Ready Skin

Before you even think of your primer or setting spray, your SPF game needs to be tight. Why?

But it’s not about slathering on any SPF. It’s about choosing the right type, in the right texture, with smart filters and finish.

How Much SPF Is Actually Enough?

Most dermatologists recommend SPF 30+ for daily wear, but festivals are a different story. Prolonged sun, sweat, and pollution call for better staying power and higher UVA protection (measured by PA rating or PPD score).

Here’s a quick guide:

SPF Recommendation Guide

Bonus tip: Look for broad-spectrum coverage, which protects against both UVA (ageing rays) and UVB (burning rays).

The New Wave of Festival Sunscreen Innovation

Thanks to beauty-tech advances and consumer feedback, SPF has gone from “necessary evil” to a skincare + lifestyle hybrid. Admigos has tracked over 68% YoY growth in non-sticky, dual-purpose, and smart sunscreen formulations launched during key festival periods like Holi, Navratri, and Diwali.

Here are the SPF MVPs of 2025:

1. Water-Resistant Gels

Perfect for sweaty garba nights or wedding sangeets under the sun. Lightweight, invisible, and cooling.

2. Tinted Sunscreen + Base Hybrid

Skip the foundation—these offer light coverage + full UV protection. Ideal for day-to-night events.

3. Stick and Mist Formulas

Touch-up friendly. Fits in clutches. Reapply without ruining your makeup.

4. Infrared and Blue Light Shields

Protects against not just UV but screen and heat exposure—key during indoor-outdoor fusion events.

How Brands Can Win with Admigos Sunscreen Analytics

With competition heating up, smart beauty brands are turning to Admigos to:

Festival season isn’t just about glam—it’s a strategic retail moment for skincare that protects as much as it performs.

Festival SPF Shopping Checklist: What to Look For

✔️ SPF 50 or higher

✔️ PA+++ or higher for UVA protection

✔️ Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)

✔️ Water/sweat-resistant

✔️ Matte or velvet finish (for long-wear makeup)

✔️ Portable—stick, mist, or mini tubes

✔️ No white cast (especially under event lighting)

✔️ Blue light/pollution protection bonus

SPF Is the Real MVP

Festivals are for radiance—but let it come from joy, not UV-induced inflammation. With smart sunscreen innovations and real-time insights from Admigos, both consumers and brands can level up their festival skincare game.

Your skin deserves to look great now—and age like a fine wine later. 💅🏽

So the next time you’re getting ready for a mehendi brunch, dhol night, or Holi rave, ask yourself: “Did I SPF today?” And if not, reapply. And glow on.