Meeting with Mavala UK

Yesterday I hotfooted to Mavala UK’s HQ in Sevenoaks, Kent. Excited to gain an insight into such a long-established brand, I was met by Lynn Gray, Mavala UK’s national sales manager, who was tasked with relaying the brand’s 60 year history and showcasing the huge range of products available. I was lead into brand’s showcase suite, which saw the many ranges neatly displayed in beautifully branded retail units to find out more.

Mavala is a family-owned brand from Geneva, Switzerland. Created in 1959 by scientist, Madelaine Van Landeghem – who is also the namesake of the brand too, taking the first two letters from each of her names to creates ‘Mavala’.

The very first product launched by the brand was Scientifique. Lynn revealed that the product was created as a solution for Madeleine’s own problem nails. “Nearly 60 years later, it’s still one of our bestsellers,” she states. “It’s iconic!

“The whole philosophy behind Mavala is ‘care, and then beauty’.” Lynn Gray

“We believe you should care for the natural nails first, and then ‘beauty’ is the colour applied on top,” added Lynn. “The brand’s line of products is all about caring for the natural nails.”

Arriving in the UK in 1962, this year also saw the launch of the mini colour. The smaller, 5ml bottle is still one of the brand’s top sellers. “Our professional clients tend to have a display within their salon,” explains Lynn. “At the start of the treatment, clients are invited to chooses a brand-new polish from the huge display. This lacquer is then used the treatment and the client is welcome to take the polish home as the cost of product is built into the treatment.

“Before an account is opened, we meet with salons and professionals to discuss packages that suit them. We tailor our offering; we can be flexible to ensure they are receiving the best from the partnership. We work with the salon to ensure they receive the best training, too. We look at providing flexible training that sees advice, product knowledge and looks at how to recommend products based on nail needs.

“I believe we are the go-to brand for knowledge and authority on natural nail care. We’ve kept our philosophy all the way through our journey.”

The brand’s products are made in Switzerland, apart from the range of tools that  are German-manufactured and also boast a lifetime guarantee. The brand now can be found in 130 countries worldwide, with its line of nail products, cosmetics, foot care and newer venture of skincare.

I was shown the brand’s range of products, including a selection of natural nail care treatments, the latest colour collection, Heritage, as well as Mavala’s festive range that’s ideal for salon retailing. The visit saw a tour of the brand’s HQ, including the warehouse that serves the entire UK for deliveries and stock. The room was lined with shelves and shelves of products and polish bottles – any nailista’s dream!

Trying-out treatments

I was also lucky enough to experience a Mavala manicure, using a variety of treatments and the shade, Windsor, from the new Heritage collection. After analysis of my nails, Lynn recommended the application of Mava-Flex. After my nails we cleansed and prepped, the serum was applied to my natural nail and massaged in before the base coat application. Mava-Flex works to moisturise the nail plate with key ingredients including urea, saccharides and calcium.

Next, the Mavala 002 base coat was applied before the colour coat of 993 Windsor, a creamy pink, nude tone. The polish was applied in Mavala’s polish technique; colour is first painted down the length of the nail, before the brush is turned horizontal to draw the cuticle line and colour is stroke down the two sides of remaining nail.

The manicure was sealed with the brand’s Gel Finish Top Coat for a glossy finish. To aid the polish’s drying time, Lynn applied the new Oil Seal Dryer, that leaves nails touch dry in 60 seconds.

Scroll down to see snaps from the treatment and Kat’s trip to Mavala UK’s HQ!

For more information about Mavala UK, visit www.mavala.co.uk