Traverse City is the place to be this summer with an assortment of Northern Michigan festivals and music and art events. In order to keep yourself looking photo-ready it’s important to have cosmetics and skincare products that will not only protect your skin from the suns rays, but will also keep your makeup from smudging. Traverse City makeup artist and owner of Front Street store Venus, Susan Ruoff, laid out the 5 Northern Michigan beauty must-have products for this summer for everyone from beach-goers to brides.


1) Philosophy – Hope in a Jar SPF 25

This moisturizer kicks all other skincare products aside. It offers gentle exfoliation, hydration and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture and tone. This all in one product offers sun protection with SPF 25 as well as multiple minerals that will help create a rosy glow.

Venus12) Too Faced BB Cream

No one wants to fuss with liquid or powder foundations in the summer, and tinted moisturizers don’t offer the right amount of coverage. That’s why the revolutionary BB Cream was created. Offering you skincare, moisturizer, SPF 20, primer, concealer and foundation all in one—this easy rub-in-and-go product is perfect for anything from beach days to a night out. →

3) Lipstick Queen Chinatown “Gloss on the Go”

The pioneer of gloss on the go, Chinatown by Lipstick Queen offers subtle color and plenty of hydration. The silky smooth formula with just the right amount of color is easy to use. Ranging in color from bright pops, to soft floral tones, to subtle nude hues, it’s the perfect lip product to keep stashed in your beach bag.

Venus 64) Tan Towels

← Everyone knows that tanning is bad for you, and that sunscreen is essential to looking youthful but with Tan Towels it’s easy to get that summer glow you want without the harmful rays. The easy-to-use towelettes should be applied after a shower before bed (don’t worry, they won’t stain white sheets) so that you can wake up looking like you just got back from a tropical vacation. Tan Towels are easy and cheap—and perfect for brides.

5) Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Eyeshadow

Labeled as Ruoff’s “hands down favorite product,” Smashbox’s Limitless Eyeshadow offers up a creamy formula that won’t budge even through tears and sweat. Susan says that colors “quartz” and “topaz” are perfect for all skin tones and easy enough to smudge on and go.

Visit Venus in downtown Traverse City at 134 E. Front or at VenusTC.com.


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