I Only Travel With a Carry-on, and This Is the 1 Product That Always Makes the Cut on My Packing List (2024)

I'm a beauty writer, of course I’m always trying out new products. In fact, I'm actually a beauty and travel writer, so, it's quite literally my job to review the latest in makeup, skincare, and hair care and jet-set across the globe. But, it's also, quite clearly, a passion. Another passion? Flying carry-on only. I’m a big stickler for not having a lot of baggage (literally) and flying through airports to get to my destination or home as fast as possible. And anybody who knows me knows that I'm not one to turn down a good beach vacation (I also, unsurprisingly, live 10 minutes from the beach as well).

Taking all of that into consideration, there’s one product that has consistently made the cut in spite of the little travel space that I have — and that’s the Elta MD Daily UV Tinted Sunscreen, a two-in-one SPF that I actually use in place of foundation when I’m on trips (thus freeing up space in my makeup bag). It’s lightly tinted but layerable, and creates a super pretty, smooth, and even tone that protects my face from the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays with micronized zinc oxide. It's SPF 40, but there are also other tinted versions with varying levels of SPF protection (as well as a non-tinted version if that's more your vibe).

Elta MD Daily UV Tinted Sunscreen

I Only Travel With a Carry-on, and This Is the 1 Product That Always Makes the Cut on My Packing List (1)

Buy on Amazon$41

It’s ideal for normal, dry, and combination skin (it goes on a bit dewy, which is why I wouldn't wholeheartedly recommend it to those with oily skin, but my friend who leans on the oilier side loves it as well — so do with that information what you will). It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, which helps disguise (and plump up) the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid products are great generally for all skin types, but even more so for mature skin as the powerful ingredient helps skin stretch and flex while fortifying the skin barrier to lock in moisture (goodbye, dryness!).

This tinted sunscreen is also intensely hydrating on its own as well, and it’s non-comedogenic, which is a fancy way of saying that it won’t clog your pores. This combined with its lightweight but buildable formula means that you can wear it underneath actual foundation or powder should you want more coverage. But if you’re like me, it works just on its own. What's more, it’s dye-free, paraben-free, and dermatologically tested.

Elta MD Daily UV Tinted Sunscreen

I Only Travel With a Carry-on, and This Is the 1 Product That Always Makes the Cut on My Packing List (2)

Buy on Amazon$41

As I've mentioned before, this is my go-to SPF and complexion product when I'm on the beach or traveling to a tropical setting where you can really feel the sun. It simplifies my getting ready routine, ensuring that I don't waste any precious sunbathing time, and it's compact enough to carry in any tote bag or wristlet for easy reapplying access. In fact, I love that I only need this product on hand to protect my skin from the sun and make it look perfect; I can go from the beach to lunch and out for the night without any real makeup.

I’ve gotten many compliments on looking “glowy” when wearing it, and other reviewers note that it gives them a “nice healthy glow” as well. My favorite trick is mixing it with a liquid illuminator or highlighter like Saie’s glowy multipurpose illuminator for an even dewier and brighter finish (Ijust rub both products together in my hands and use my fingers to apply). That’s the other thing that I love about this “foundation” hack — you don’t need to pack makeup brushes; clean fingers work just fine. It’s truly a face- and space-saving product.

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Beyond the beach, you can catch me wearing the EltaMD Tinted Sunscreen in cold-weather conditions (yes, you need sunscreen then too, especially if the sun is being reflected off of the snow), on a plane (hello, windows), and everywhere in between. And, when I'm home and don't feel like doing full glam, it comes in handy as an easy-to-apply, everyday foundation to get my skin where I want it with minimal effort.

Summer travel season is upon us, so don't let a bulky toiletry bag slow you down. Simplify your travel beauty routine with the Elta MD Daily UV Tinted Sunscreen. Fan of the concept but still want to keep your options open? Scroll on to explore the other top-rated tinted SPFs at Amazon that make excellent additions to any Dopp kit.