10 Best Beauty Products at Ulta May 2024

If there’s one thing I know, it is how to curate the perfect makeup routine for travel. I spent the majority of my teenage years learning all about beauty from my makeup artist sister, and I honed my skills during my time working at Ulta Beauty. This experience allowed me to develop a real passion for makeup and skincare and apply that knowledge to my travel writing. 

I’ve tried hundreds of items and over time have curated a toiletry bag stacked with travel-friendly products that help me look and feel my best no matter where I am. And with the sun out longer and the seasons changing, I thought I’d share my favorite beauty products you can find at Amazon right now. I carry all of these products in my travel makeup bag, including a do-it-all tinted SPF and my personal favorite dry shampoo. Prices start at just $4 for my picks, and you can trust that these products will help you create the ultimate makeup bag.

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50

During the summer, I love streamlining my products as much as possible. That’s why I use this tinted SPF that acts as a sunscreen and wears as a glowy foundation. In fact, it works so well as a foundation that I’ve been surprised with its long-lasting, skin-blurring formula. It comes in 22 shades and has a medium-to-full coverage. Plus, it’s easy to apply on the go, so give it a try ahead of your next vacation. 

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Gel Moisturizer

This French pharmacy skincare brand is a favorite among Travel + Leisure editors for its vast line of high-quality hydrating and nourishing no-frills products. This water-based gel moisturizer is my personal go-to for the warmer months, as my skin is often oily this time of year, since this moisturizer leaves my skin hydrated without being weighed down. It’s also formulated with niacinamide and other skin-friendly ingredients that make your skin feel moisturized while fading dark spots over time. 

Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat SPF 50

You should never leave for a vacation without a high-quality sunscreen. If you’re on the hunt for an effective one this season, I recommend this do-it-all SPF from Murad that has a clear, gel-based texture (no white cast!) and is formulated with antioxidants like vitamins C, D, E, and F that actively work to prevent early signs of aging caused by sun damage. 

The Rootist Clarify Dry Shampoo Powder

Dry shampoo is essential when I travel. I always find that my hair is oilier than usual, and the only thing that keeps my locks looking refreshed and voluminous is dry shampoo. I’ve been using this dry shampoo for the past week, and it has it all: It is designed with a non-drying alcohol-free formula, absorbs both sweat and oil, and has a convenient brush applicator. 

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are two of my favorite skincare ingredients that I use daily to keep my skin nourished and bright. And as much as I love an in-depth skincare routine, I look to products that can do double duty to save space when I travel. This vitamin C serum from CeraVe that’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid locks in extra moisture and smooths fine lines for a dewy, smooth complexion. And as a bonus, it’s $11 off today.

Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Cleanser 

Flight attendants and I love nearly every skincare product from Tula, including this travel-size face wash. Formulated with probiotics, prebiotics, turmeric, and other skin-friendly ingredients, this cleanser effectively pulls out dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and other pore-clogging agents to make my skin squeaky clean. Grab it on sale while it’s just $12. 

Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Creme Blush + Lip Color

I’ve been a fan of Honest Beauty for a long time, and I love this cream blush from the brand that doubles as a beautiful lip color. Apply it with your blush, finger tips, or a sponge to look glowy and perfectly flushed all day long. Available in seven shades, including coral-orange and light pink, this multi-purpose cream blush complements an array of skin tones. 

e.l.f Power Grip Primer

My makeup artist sister has long maintained that a good primer keeps your makeup looking smooth and long-lasting. This particular e.l.f primer is beloved by over 18,000 shoppers thanks to its effective gel-based formula that grips makeup to your skin for all-day wear. Plus, its small size makes it easy to toss in a travel bag.  

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Pimple Patches

Something about travel always causes my skin to break out. To get rid of any unwanted blemishes, I’ve been loving these pimple patches from Neutrogena. These patches have a hydrocolloid base that works to pull out any blemishes and impurities from your pores to make their visibility smaller after just once use. Aside from their effectiveness, these patches are ultra thin and transparent, so I don’t mind throwing them on during the day when I feel a pimple coming to the surface. 

Wet N Wild Mega Glo Bronzer Stick

I’ve tried plenty of bronzers — both powder and cream-based — yet always come back to this $4 one from Wet N Wild. I prefer it over more expensive, high-end bronzers because of its natural-looking, blendable formula that gives me a healthy, golden bronze wherever I go. This superstar stick also comes in three other shades to match your skin tone as well as a variety of blushes and highlighters to complete your look. Plus, I appreciate that it’s vegan and cruelty-free.

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