Dare to go Bare

3rd February 2012

As leaders in natural nailcare we're excited to see the S/S12 trend for stripped back natural nail coming through; with designers such as Isabel Marant, Marni and Giambattista Valli foregoing the expected lacquered nail in favour of the chic yet low-key bare nail.

Now the thought of relinquishing your much loved polish for a bit may not be to everyone's liking, perhaps for fear that nails are not in their possible condition but fear not; we've put together a three step Dare to Go Bare remedy to have nails looking tip-top condition in no time!

Step 1: Mavala Lightening Nail Scrub Mask - Prep nails with this unique scrub containing the natural and smooth exfoliating efficacy of Diatomaceous Earth, combined with Aloe Vera and Mallow to soothe the nail bed.  The addition of Lemon Extract tones and lightens stains to ensure nails are bright and vibrant.

Step 2: Mavala Nailactan  - For long-term natural healthy nails, Nailactan feeds and nourishes the brain of the nail (the matrix) with amino-acids and vitamins to restore elasticity to the nail plate, strengthening and making the nails more resistant. Massage into the base of the nail daily and use as a long-term treatment to help the body produce healthy nail cells.

Lynn Gray “This product is like watering the root of a plant, the better the root is cared for, the healthier the nail will grows. Apply every day for 3 months to allow the new healthy nail to grow through.”

Step 3: Mavala Natural Nail Polish - Once nails have been prepped and nourished either buff the nail or coat with this ‘barely there’ polish for instant shine. Mavala’s unique formulation of microscopic air pockets allows the nails to breathe even though protected with a layer of polish.

14th January 2012

Just a peck?

Our new Kiss Me Collection hits stores this week and we couldn't help but appreciate our girl of the moment Rihannas's choice lip colour at a recent Basketball girl. Get her look with Divine Nectar; a rich wine tinged hue with creamy finish.  

5th February  2012 

Blogger Spotlight; The Londoner

Here at Mavala HQ we're not ashamed to admit we're obsessed by all things beauty (particularly nails); hours are spent leafing through the beauty pages of glossy magazines and losing ourselves in the archives of a spectrum of various beauty blogs. But once in a while we do like to defer from our usual musings and open ourselves to something a tad more, fully rounded shall we say?

Enter The Londoner. This month's Blogger Spotlight from our belle of the moment Rosie T. Prepare to become completely engrossed in the world of this girl about town as she takes you on a splendidly edited journey of her escapes around London town. Sharing amongst other things,her favourite eateries, places to hang, recent buys and host of mouthwateringly delicious recipes to boot.....

Tell us a bit about yourself?

"Hello I'm Rose and I'm a blogger based in South West London.

I moved here 2 years ago, after university. I was born  in Wales but grew up in Somerset and Spain (I'm a bit if a gypsy!). I work in the beauty industry and specialise in social media. Basically this means I'm a massive geek who can't survive without the internet!"

How would you describe The Londoner?

 "The Londoner is a lifestyle blog. It's frequently described as 'luxury' or 'aspirational', but really it's just my life.I try and make everything accessible. If I wear something, I'll tell my readers where they can buy it, if I make something, I post the recipe with simple instructions -I suppose it's like a young person's Martha Stewart.

What's your favourite thing to write about?

"If I start writing a blog post and I'm not enjoying it, I scrap it. I think you can tell when some one's heart just isn't in it. I make a habit of only writing about things I really enjoy and I hope this comes across when you read it."

What has been your most popular post?

"My most popular post is Slutty Brownies! I rarely talk about it on my social networks but it gets tens of thousands of hits a day... which is a bit crazy! My second most popular post is The Anti-Diet, which seems ironic."

The Londoner features some of your great photography. How did you get started and what do you shoot with?

"I grew up in the dark room. My mother's a photographer and I followed in her footsteps. I spent my teenage years tinkering with chemicals and developing rolls of film in the school lab. 

Obviously photography is much more accessible now, I have a range of digital cameras but I usually use the Lumix GF2 or the Samsung NX100."

What are your favourite beauty rituals and why?

"I use a range of products and they tend to change monthly. 

At the moment I use Dermalogica face wash, Kiehls day cream, Mac foundation, Benefit bronzer, Nars blusher and Chanel mascara.I take it all off using Simple makeup remover and Johnson's baby wipes. Before I go to bed I apply a layer of Keihls midnight recovery mask, it's smells like lavender and sends me straight to sleep!"

Go-to places for fashion and beauty buys in and outside of London?

"I live within stumbling distance of Harrods and Harvey Nicks so I do a lot of my shopping there. I buy most of my beauty products here and Harrods is the ultimate place for scented candles! Fashion wise I'm actually obsessed with Zara! I have been since I lived in Spain. They do such lovely clothes and you don't feel bad because they're so reasonably priced. For handbags, I go to Harrods or Sloane Street."

In your opinion what is the one thing a woman should always invest in?

"Her skin & her shoes - Always moisturise and  wear sunscreen. It will make you feel better in yourself and the difference will shine through. Shoes are vital. You're on your feet all day and blisters would turn any Disney Princess into a wicked witch."

What do you do for downtime?

"I've just moved into a new house, so all of my spare time is taken up with decorating.It might sound terribly boring, but last night I crawled into bed with a mug of tea and the Farrow & Ball colour chart... I was in utter bliss!"

A pearl of wisdom that has always stuck with you?

"Smile at a stranger, it just might make their day."

The Londoner 

RIRI GOES FOR VEGAS!

Having recently discovered our range of nail polishes in 2010 when she wore our Milano for her X Factor performance Rihanna continue to show her Mavala love.

It seems the Bajan songstress is hooked on our dainty pots of polish having recently requested a batch for her personal manicurist and was later seen stepping out donning Las Vegas - the perfect plum hue that's set to be a mani staple through Autumn and Winter. 

5th December 2011

Blogger Spotlight; Gh0st Parties

Having discovered the enticing world of gh0st parties earlier this year it has become a firm favourite over at Mavala HQ.

Jam-packed with great content including product reviews and elegantly shot personal style slots we urge you to get to know the lady behind this style haven...

Tell us a bit about yourself and gh0st parties.

“I started my blog a year ago, I wanted somewhere to share the things I love - beauty, fashion, lifestyle, photography. I really love writing too, so it was kind of a place to channel this. 
I moved to London about two months ago, i’ve interned in beauty pr so far which i’ve really enjoyed. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do, the opportunities in London are endless, but I’d love to work in beauty!”

What’s your favourite thing to write about and why?

“I love writing about new products, especially new collections or events that i’ve been to which have introduced a new collection. I also love writing reviews, especially skincare. I think a lot of people find it helpful to read up on a product before they buy.”

How did you first become interested in beauty?

“All my life i’ve loved beauty products. I studied forensic science at uni but after I finished I knew I wasn’t interested in getting a career in anything science-related. After I started my blog I said to myself “okay, I want to do this for real” and that’s what i’ve been doing ever since.”

What are your staple beauty buys?

“I don’t usually buy anything more than once, only if i’ve really loved it and it’s the best product i’ve found. Usually, I like to try new things. For example, when i’ve finished with a hair mask or body lotion, I don’t often repurchase it – I try something else. I do love Rimmel's stay matte powder, mac blushers, and Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish cleanser, so these are products I continuously buy.”

What is style to you and how would you describe yours?

“Style to me is what you feel comfortable in and what flatters your figure. I only buy into trends if they’re actually going to look good on me. My style is quite casual, edging on gothic mixed with girly – I like studs, black, velvet and silver jewellery but I try to mix things with bright colours and fitted tops so I don’t overdo it. 
As for makeup, I like to keep things simple. I always wear black gel eyeliner with cat flicks, layers of mascara and a nice pink blusher with some highlighter on my cheeks. I like my hair to be big and messy!”

Who do you admire from a style and beauty perspective and why?

“This is a pretty typical one, but I do like the way Alexa Chung dresses – she’s both girly and dressed down, I love that sort of indie style. I adore the Olsen twins, too. I think they always look so effortless. 
I love the way Scarlett Johansson does her makeup, too. She’s naturally gorgeous and only wears a small amount to accentuate her features.”

From a beauty perspective what is your favourite ritual - applying moisturiser, painting nails etc?

”I’ve only recently become interested in painting my nails, I’m quite impatient so it used to always be a chore but now I’m addicted – I love nail art! I’ve built up quite a collection of nail polishes now. I think it’s quite relaxing to sit and paint my nails.”

Favourite places to shop for fashion and beauty?

“I love high street stores such as topshop, h&m, new look and River Island for clothing. I usually get my beauty supplies from boots or any of the department stores. I could get lost in the Selfridges beauty department, it is my idea of heaven!”

If you had to wear one beauty product for the next year what would it be?

“Blusher! I love the way it perks up your skin and makes you look alive. My skin looks so radiant and glowing with a shimmery blush.”

Biggest beauty no-no?

“Unpainted nails! They are probably worse than chipped nails! I like to have my nails painted at all times; it looks so much nicer.”

Best piece of beauty or style advice you've heard/been given?

“To clean your makeup brushes regularly! Especially the ones you use for liquids such as foundation and concealer. It makes all the difference! I use lukewarm water and baby shampoo to clean mine and then lay them on a towel overnight to dry.”

www.gh0stparties.com

Pucker up with Kiss Me

Pucker-up for Autumn/Winter 2012 with our new Kiss Me Collection.