Summer is here and that means we’ll soon be lost in that collective mood of frivolous fun which usually involves all manner of outside activities.
Many of us are hitting the beaches for that perfect sunkissed tan or jetting off to soak up history and tantalize those taste buds while pounding pavements in the search for the perfect place to take selfies.
Whether you park yourself next to crystal blue waters or find yourself wandering around an architectural wonder in Italy, one thing remains constant: the sun.
It’s more crucial than ever to apply a good broad spectrum SPF throughout the day, especially now when there’s a record number of heat waves affecting the USA and many parts of Europe.
It can be hard enough to coordinate the perfect outfits for your trip, let alone to wrangle your makeup AND skin collection into your suitcase.
That’s why you need the perfect pocket sized, travel friendly sunscreen that fits perfectly into your shoulder bag and makes re-applying your sunscreen throughout the day a lot less of a hassle.
We look at some of our favorite travel friendly sunscreens:
1. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen – 36 USD
Unseen Sunscreen
What Is It: A very lightweight, scentless and “invisible” chemical sunscreen with a silicone-like texture, that leaves your skin looking glowy while providing SPF 40 protection against the sun’s rays.
Ingredients Spotlight: The active ingredients that we liked best are meadowfoam seed oil and frankincense which help to hydrate and soothe your skin respectively.
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Fragrance: No
Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types
What We Love: The sunscreen is a dream to apply on your face and has a velvet finish on your skin – this makes it a great primer for your makeup. If you’d like to go barefaced, the sunscreen has zero white cast and gives your face that natural dewy, sunkissed look.
Who We’d Recommend This To: Those who want a great sunscreen that pairs well with their makeup. People with slightly dry and dehydrated skin also particularly love the hydrating effect of this sunscreen.
2. Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35 – 22 USD
Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen
What Is It: A tinted mineral sunscreen with a creamy texture that leaves your face looking hydrated with a matte finish. Besides protecting you from the usual UVA and UVB rays, this mineral sunscreen also gives you ample protection against environmental and blue light damage.
Ingredients Spotlight: This SPF contains zinc oxide which is a primary ingredient in most mineral sunscreens to help deflect the sun’s rays along with moringa seed extract which has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to prevent breakouts.
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Fragrance: No
Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types
What We Love: Don’t be deceived by the tint – it might look darker than your complexion but after application, the creamy product will absorb well into your skin and blend into your skin tone.
Who We’d Recommend This To: This lightweight sunscreen with gentle ingredients is a particularly good choice for those who have acne-prone skin. It’s usually recommended to try a mineral sunscreen first if you experience breakouts and clogged pores frequently.
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 – 37 USD
Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen
What Is It: A mineral sunscreen with SP50 protection that was specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin. The consistency of this sunscreen is a lightweight fluid that isn’t too greasy, absorbs well into your skin and has a matte finish.
Ingredients Spotlight: Contains Skullcap Root Extract which has great antioxidant properties that helps to soothe your skin while protecting it against sun damage
Cruelty-Free: No
Fragrance: No
Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types but especially for those with sensitive skin!
What We Love: This hydrating mineral sunscreen blends well into your skin(some tinted moisturizers have strange orange tints) leaves no white cast and is great for long wear use. It also sits well under makeup and doesn’t cause any piling.
Who We’d Recommend This To: For those with sensitive skin who want extra protection against the sun
4. Yours Sunscreen Mist, Sunny Side Up – 25 USD
Sunny Side Up 🌞🍳
What Is It: A broad spectrum chemical sunscreen mist that provides SPF 30 protection with anti-aging benefits. The mist is water-based and so, the texture is lightweight with none of that greasy feeling.
Ingredients Spotlight: Our favorite active ingredients here are Buddleja(flower) and Soliberine which further strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, prevent damage from UV and blue light while protecting your skin against hyperpigmentation.
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Fragrance: Yes – contains a slight fragrance that isn’t too overpowering.
Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types
What We Love: Leaves you looking dewy with zero white cast and suits all skin tones and shades.
Who We’d Recommend This To: Anyone with a busy daily routine or travel itinerary – it’s literally a fine mist that you can spray on anytime anywhere. Especially for those with brown or darker skin, this is one sunscreen that won’t have you looking ashy.
5. Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 – 29 USD
Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
What Is It: A clear sunscreen stick that’s easy to apply on the go. The gel consistency of the product acts as an emollient and melts easily into your skin. This handy sunscreen stick is also hydrating while protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Ingredients Spotlight: Contains the antioxidants Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and Licorice Root extract which help to lighten dark spots, prevent excessive moisture loss and signs of excessive aging.
Cruelty-Free: Unknown
Fragrance: Yes – contains subtle fragrance
Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types
What We Love: While the product is moisturizing, it isn’t overly “sticky” or greasy and leaves you looking glowy
Who We’d Recommend This To: Those with dry skin or those who’d like to strengthen their skin barrier
Finally…
There’s no reason at all to not apply sunscreen when you have such quick and easy options. It’s such a small step to skip while the consequences of sun damage tend to manifest in much bigger ways. So, whatever you decide to do this summer, make sure to grab your SPF before heading out!
