The Power of 3 | Hawaiian Tropic Fragrance Mist

Did you know I have triplet aunties? Rather great especially if I tell you one is married to a twin but as fabulous as this little bit of trivia about me is it does prove problematic because come Christmas or Birthdays everything seems to be done in threes. Of course they are well of the age when quarrels wouldn't occur if one got something the other wanted but still, sticking with something of a theme always helps.

Of course I love 3 for 2 offers but also giftsets also come in handy as often I can split the products between my aunts (or indeed any family and friends celebrating) and maximise the gift budget for them, such is the case with the Hawaiian Tropic Fragrance Miss Giftset* I received this week.

Whilst I know the leaves are turning brown and falling from the trees and if we were all playing drinking games every time someone mentioned how 'Autumnal' they were feeling or that they'd just picked up a Pumpkin Spiced Latte we'd all be needing a detox clinic but I'm still not quite ready thanks to my trip to Florida next month and as such loved receiving the 'scents of summer'.

I will admit I wouldn't necessarily head to the shops and think 'oh I need to buy a fragrance mist' or body spray as I have a healthy perfume collection and that ticks the box for me, but thanks to press samples I receive as a blogger (which this is) I do find I often have a body spray of some description lurking around which I reach for on weekends when lazing around in pyjamas or of an evening post bath when I climb into bed so maybe in the future it is something I would seek out.

The Hawaiian Tropic collection of fragrance mists are indeed all pleasant to use and then scents do provide, depending on your preference for the fragrances, a significant wear time with a smell that isn't too synthetic or heady.

Golden Paradise* is perhaps my favourite but I think it is very much due to the 'creamy coconut' scent that will instantly transport you to any Summer holiday you've had. Sunkissed Dreams* fggg feels like your more traditional perfume thanks to lotus flower and sheer musts and Summer Dreams* will be one favoured by those who love scents of passion flower and mango.

As I've said these aren't products I would typically reach for or indeed the type of scent I favour in a perfume spray or mist but they are quite enjoyable and I will definitely be ensuring I keep one for myself for those lazy days when I need to perk myself up.

Are you a fragrance mist user?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

What's in my bag | Sightseeing Essentials

Longchamp Le Pliage Small Shopper link

The Longchamp Le Pliage bags appear to be the ones most people turn to when travelling and I was no different. I had a black version years ago which I actually sold on eBay and regretted ever since and replaced it with the red one you can see here when I went to Florida a couple of years ago as they are perfect to pack, light to carry and ideal for those holiday days when you need something big enough to store cameras and the like.

For this reason it was the bag I chose for my sightseeing adventures recently and I thought you might like a nose inside my sightseeing bag. 

Camera | Panasonic Lumix link

As I was taking the photo the camera you can see is Ben's which he brought in Duty Free at Heathrow. There was actually some tantrums on my part as I tried to get to grips with my new Canon EOS M that I wanted Ben's instead as it was far easier to get to grips with and the quality was excellent, surpassing some of my shots. Any posts from my trip will be a mix of both mine and Ben's photos so you'll be able to see examples if you're interested in a simple but good quality camera.

Purse and Sunglasses

This was a purse I picked up in Hawaii complete with pineapples obviously. I was in charge of our kitty on our trip that covered the essential coffees, taxi's and tips. 

There's nothing worse than photos where you're squinting from the sun and the bright sunshine of Hawaii and it's accompanying winds made sunglasses essential. My trusty Rayban's were on hand to prevent this.

Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Protective Sun Lotion* link

The Shimmer Effect sun lotion from Hawaiian Tropic was fantastic for protecting your sun on sightseeing trips as well as the mica minerals adding a lovely shimmer and sparkle to your skin as it catches the light. Of course there is the delicious and familiar Hawaiian Tropic scent that I adore and was even using this of an evening as it moisturised my skin so nicely. Usually I would leave sun lotions behind but as I'm off to Las Vegas in a few months I definitely want this to accompany me.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder link & Real Techniques Powder Brush link

It probably would've made sense to take along my trusty Chanel Les Beiges to tackle any shine during my sightseeing trip due to my mirror but I went for Rimmel Stay Matte powder and a hefty Real Techniques powder brush instead. Thankfully due to some windy hot spots and a fully air conditioned coach to travel on the need for touch ups wasn't imperative but it was handy to have this on standby for such a need.

Eau Thermal Avene Water Spray link
I have become slightly addicted to this fabulous spray which I know people roll their eyes and say it's water in a can but it really is so much more. Since my return home I have been using as my toner and love the simplicity of spritzing across my face but during my holiday it really came into it's own. The list of uses is never ending, it can treat sunburn, razor burn, set make up, freshen up whilst sitting out in the sun it's a great multi purpose product that should be in everyone's holiday bag.



*PR Sample

Whats in my beach bag

As I get ready to jet off to San Francisco for 2 nights tonight I thought I'd post what I have packed in my beach bag for the Hawaiian leg of our trip when I hope to spend far too much time laying around the pool in bright sunshine.

Eau Thermal Avene Water Spray* link

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Protective Sun Lotion* link

Lotil Lip Balm* link

My Anya Hindmarch beach bag which I brought last year and finally have an opportunity to use are the famous Eau Thermal Avene Water Spray*. Last week I went for breakfast with Avene team and learned all about the famous thermal spring water from Avene and was lucky enough to come home with the water spray. Whilst it is a hard life sitting out in scorching sun for hours on end it can get a bit too much and I think a spritz from this water spray will be just thing. It's also a handy holiday addition as it can provide relief to sunburn and razor burn and the link so will certainly come in handy.

When the Hawaiian Tropic team heard I was heading for the beaches of Hawaiian they kindly sent some items from the range, first up the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Lotion*. I adore Hawaiian Tropic and the smell of their products is amazing but I've never used the products for the face before so I can't wait to try this.

I've covered products from Lotil on the blog before and Lotil Original Cream which I reviewed here will definitely be packed for any requirements and I can't wait to use the new Lotil Lip Balm*. Originally I had in mind that I would treat myself to my favourite Elizabeth Arden Lip Protectant in duty free for my trip but when I received the Lotil Lip Balm I was impressed with their similarities and knew that I would happily use this far cheaper alternative during my holiday especially thanks to it's added SPF 30. When I was in the market for a new lip balm a few months ago I couldn't believe some of the prices but at £1.18 for Lotil's version I think it's a winner.

I'll be back with reviews of all the beauty products when I return from holiday and have put them all through their paces.

No holiday is complete without a book to read from your sun lounger and when I saw that About the Girl by Lindsey Kelk was 'about a girl' running off to Hawaii I couldn't resist (notice a theme following!). I love Lindsey's I Heart series so I'm sure this will be just as enjoyable. 

Finally I have some more delicious smelling products from Hawaiian Tropic, a new bikini from good old Marks and Spencer and my new orange Haviana Slim flip-flops. I think I'm set for the beach now don't you?

Let me know what your beach essentials are and if you think I'm missing anything.