So I made some new friends over the summer. Let me introduce you to a few of my new beauty besties.

Piz Buin In Sun Ultra Light Sun Spray, R199,95.

I took this li’l darling on a three-hour hike around Table Mountain on a crazy hot day when I thought I was going to melt and it did an amazing job of protecting my skin. I loved that it really is fantastically light with a ‘water-milk’ texture that glides across your skin and absorbs in a flash. It doesn’t leave any weird-looking whiteness on your skin nor does it feel sticky in the least. From now on, this is going to be my ‘go-to’ sunscreen when I hit the prom for a run.

Sanctum Body Polish certified organic exfoliating scrub, R250 (Harmlesshouse.co.za)

If you’re looking for a seriously scrubby scrub that means business, this is your baby. It’s 100% natural ingredients include salt, Macadamia nut seeds, coffee grounds and vanilla and smells like chocolate cake mix! I love that it’s so dense with ‘scrubbies’ that it really does do a great job of removing old self-tan and, despite containing natural oils like jojoba and olive, it doesn’t leave you feeling oily in the least. In fact, I can use loads of it in the bath and wash my hair in the water at the same time; that’s how ‘non-oily’ it is.

Issey Miyake Pleats Please EDT, price TBA.

My little sister who lives in France came to visit last month and spoiled me with a nice big bottle of Pleats Please which is now my favourite ‘day’ perfume. I’m not sure when it’s going to launch in South Africa but if you happen to spot it online or at duty-free, know that it’s a goodie. I first sniffed it in St. Tropez last year and fell instantly in love with its sweet mix of sparkling pear, peony, vanilla, white musk and patchouli. To me, it smells like a lighter, fresher version of Narciso Rodriguez which I love, love, love. Dare to buy it unsniffed? I found a 30ml bottle on Strawberrynet.com for about $53 (about R424 including shipping). I’ve used this store loads in the past and like that they refund you on any tax you end up paying if you get klapped at customs.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair ultimate repair anti-damage mask, R79.

Schwarzkopf are one of my favourite supermarket shampoo lines ‘cos, from a formulation point of view, they hit the nail on the head every time. I’m particularly fond of their Total Repair range (the orange and cream line) as it’s got fab levels of hydrolized keratin and wheat protein which is great for damaged hair.

Anyway, I’ve been using their ultimate repair anti-damage mask on the ends of my hair and love how after just one minute they’re left feeling baby soft and super easy to brush while wet. If, however, you’ve got fine hair like me, be careful of getting the mask too close to the roots of your hair as it can end up weighing them down.

Another honorable mention for Schwarzkopf? Their leave-in spray conditioners are fabulous if, like me, you battle to detangle your hair while it’s wet. Of the variants I’ve tried, I’ve most liked those from the Total Repair (cream and orange), Marrakesh Oil & Coconut (brown) and Nutritive Oil (yellow) ranges. The Ultimate Repair (black) spray as well the was just a bit too heavy for my hair in this instance ‘cos I often end up using these sprays around my root area.

Revlon Top Speed nail polish in Bubble, R80.

Goes on like a champion, dries in a flash, looks amazing on cool-toned skin. I pretty much lived in this shade over the holidays. You do need to retouch it just about every day though – it’s not great in the longevity stakes – but as it takes less than five minutes to dry it’s still totally worth it.

Avon Arabian Glow bronzing pearls, R139,95.

Oh whoop di doo, yet another pearl bronzer. I really didn’t think I’d get excited about this product but, in a word, it’s ‘awesome’. I love that the colour it creates is fabulously natural-looking; warm but not orange or muddy and no horrible, pore-accentuating glitter. It’s now my new favourite bronzer and if I ran out, I’d happily buy more. According to Pabi Moloi, Avon’s local celeb spokesperson, this is her favourite product from the whole range and I can totally understand why. To find a sales rep near you call 086 010 2345 or visit their website over here.

Oh! And just so you know, Avon gave me quite a few of their goodies to play with last month. I’ve had fun playing around with them and will be sure to stick up a post later this month regarding my other favourite things; there are a few things that have really impressed.

Now tell me; what beauty goodies did you discover and love this summer?

Love, love

Leigh