Traveling light is always a good thing, and especially for only a four-day weekend. Use your carry-on luggage to hold travel-sized toiletries or small containers with your favorite beauty products.
Between the daytime Empowerment Experience seminars and nightime concerts at the Superdome, it'll be a struggle to get proper rest. For those days when you've had less than eight hours of sleep, dab on a bit of eye cream to awaken tired eyes. Our pick: Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($46, available at Kiehl's).
Apply a light face moisturizer (with SPF) before delving into your makeup routine. Even in warm climates like that of New Orleans, your face needs to feel hydrated. Our pick: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 30 ($9.49, available at Neutrogena).
With the hot weather that's typical of New Orleans, there's no need to pile on makeup for the ESSENCE Festival. Go for a more natural look that won't melt away in the heat. Tinted moisturizers and BB creams are ideal for lightweight coverage. Our pick: Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($43, available at Laura Mercier).
Summer's the best time to use bronzer to give your face a sunkissed, golden glow. Our pick: IMAN Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder ($16, available at Ulta).
Give your look that extra dose of pretty with a high-shine lip gloss in a mouthwatering shade. Go for the glam in bright pinks, glistening golds or crave-worthy corals.
Make your lashes pop with mascara, and consider opting for a waterproof version just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. Our pick: Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara, available in both regular and waterproof formulas ($15, available at Mary Kay).
Your feet are sure to get sho' nuff sore. Each night when you get back to your hotel, you'll want to slather on something rich and creamy to soothe sore heels. Our pick: Me & The Girls Foot Softening Creme ($26, available at Me & The Girls).
Keep your manicure in tip-top shape during the Festival by applying a top coat to your nails at least every other day.
Ladies, the humidity in New Orleans is no joke. If you're thinking about straightening your hair for the weekend, don't. Opt for textured styles such as twist-outs, updos or topknots. All three can be dressed up or down and will ensure a frizz-free festival experience.
Sometimes you just need to pull your hair away from your face when the temperature rises. Bring along a few hair ties to tame your locks on the go.
Headbands are a great way to keep your hair off your face and slick down any frizz that may pop up due to the NOLA heat. Stock up on head gear a your local beauty supply store and the website Etsy. You're sure to grab a great find.
Perfume instantly makes you feel luxurious, especially during an event like the ESSENCE Festival. Pack your favorite scent for the trip and spritz away all weekend.
Many brands make travel-size hand sanitizers that can be carried in your purse without any hassle. They're perfect for keeping germs at bay while you're out and about all weekend long.
Tuck a few baby wipes in your bag. Whenever traveling, these wipes are good for, well, everything! They're great for cleaning up small spills on the go and wiping off your hands before eating out.
