Mavala Autumn/Winter 2017 Nail Polish and Lipstick Collections | Swatches and Review

Hello Beauties!

I hope you are all well?

I have some beautiful MAVALA Switzerland products to share with you today from their Autumn/Winter 2017 collections. The Sensation Collection features six gorgeous shades of lipstick, and the Eclectic Collection has six beautiful nail polishes. I have swatches of all of the products to show you, all photographed in natural light, and will share my thoughts along the way. 

MAVALA is beauty brand based in Geneva, Switzerland, and has a quite extensive range of cosmetics. The brand is new to me, and I have really enjoyed discovering some of their beautiful products.

Let's get into swatches!

MAVALA Switzerland Sensation and Eclectic Collections Autumn/Winter 2017.

MAVALA Switzerland Eclectic Nail Polish Collection.

MAVALA - Basel.

MAVALA - Basel.

Basel is a beautiful, neutral grey with a hint of brown. I have done two coats and top coat

in all of my swatches. Basel has a gorgeous formula, and will compliment any outfit.

MAVALA - Sao Paulo.

MAVALA - Sao Paulo.

Sao Paulo quickly became a favourite. Perfectly opaque in two easy coats, this beautiful

dusty, muted blue is just so flattering. Love.

MAVALA - Barcelona.

MAVALA - Barcelona.

Barcelona is a very pretty orchid pink, and provides a lovely pop of colour for the

season. It's not too bright though... she's still very sophisticated. Another beautiful smooth 

formula which was completely opaque in two easy coats, and like all of the shades, 

she has a lovely glossy finish even before top coat application. 

MAVALA - Singapore.

MAVALA Singapore.

Singapore is a stunning red polish. One coat. Yes, she is a one coat red.

You need it in your life. Just saying.

MAVALA - Firenze.

MAVALA - Firenze.

Firenze is a beautiful, rich chocolate brown. I found this formula to be the only one

out of the six that wasn't quite as good. 

I needed three coats for full opacity for this one, as I found her to be a little streaky. 

I am a fussy bird though. Totally worth the effort, she makes for a stunning

manicure... I added a few pieces of gold foil to my manicure, and loved the combination.

MAVALA - Budapest.

MAVALA - Budapest.

Budapest is just divine. A beautiful, slightly rosy nude, with a very subtle shimmer, 

she is the only shade that is not a straight cream in the collection. 

She makes for a classically beautiful, understated manicure. Love. 

MAVALA Switzerland Mini Color polishes are quite the icon, having had their classic octagonal gold top since 1962! They contain 5ml of polish, which reduces waste significantly. Most nail polishes will thicken or perish prior to using the entire bottle, having the smaller bottle allows you to enjoy the seasonal shades and then move on to the next on-trend collections! They retail in Australia for $8.50 and come  in a beautiful range of shades with something to suit everyone's taste. The consistency of the polishes is fantastic, I had no issues with the formula running down the sides of the nail or flooding the cuticle area, and drying time was excellent! All of the shades wore beautifully on my nails for around three to four days with no chipping. 

MAVALA polishes are free from Toluene, Formaldehyde, Collophane, Parabens and Camphor.

I am really keen to try more shades... spoken like a true nail polish addict.

MAVALA  Switzerland - Sensation Lipstick Collection.
From Left - Flirting Pink, Gipsy Red, Sweet Lady, Wine Red, Party Girl, Brown Cookie.

Swatches of MAVALA Switzerland Sensation Lipstick Collection.

If you enjoy a hydrating, comfortable lipstick then you need to try the MAVALA lipsticks. The texture of these lipsticks is just beautiful, they glide onto the lips with a sheer but buildable pigment that is perfectly lightweight and nourishing. I have built up each shade with several passes in the photograph above.

Beautifully packaged, the MAVALA lipsticks boast a unique complex of protective, moisturising and repairing ingredients including Candelilla wax, Shea butter, Aloe vera and Vitamin E. This combination is known as the Mavala 'Prolip' Complex, and it is designed to provide a treatment for the lips alongside beautiful colour. They have a flattering satin finish, and whilst not claiming to be long wearing, they do 'wear down' really nicely on the lips. They do have a slightly sweet, floral scent that is detectable on application, however it dissipates fairly quickly for me.

This collection has three beautiful neutral shades, and three more colourful options, and I honestly love them all. I have had no issues with the colour bleeding outside my lip line at all, and they just feel lovely to wear. Sweet Lady has been my go-to everyday shade of late, and the sheer, thin texture makes it a cinch to reapply when you are out and about.

Personally, I am a little over the matte lip trend. Whilst I think it looks beautiful in pictures, it just does not translate to real life for me, and is far to high maintenance for my busy mum life with five children. The cold weather and low humidity here in Australia in the winter months is particularly drying on the skin in general, and most of my seasonal beauty arsenal is targeted towards hydration, and lots of it. These lipsticks tick all the boxes for me.

MAVALA lipsticks retail in Australia for $27.95 and are worth every penny in my humble opinion.

MAVALA Switzerland products are available in selected pharmacies nationally.

Head over to the MAVALA Australia website here to check for stockists near you.

Have you tried any MAVALA products? Do let me know in the comments below if you have, and of course please leave any recommendations for me!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer; Products were kindly gifted to me for trial and consideration. This is not a sponsored post. Cheers xo

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Colour Theory Autumn/Winter Collection 2015 "Nautical but Nice"

Hello loves!

I have some lovely, affordable colour cosmetics from Colour Theory to share with you today! Their recently launched Autumn/Winter Collection, "Nautical but Nice" takes inspiration from both this season's catwalks, and the bold colours and metallic finishes characteristic of the 90's. Having been in my late teens/early 20's in that formidable decade, I can most certainly see that inspiration come to life in this collection...not only that, but the Nautical theme was also extremely on trend in 90's fashion and accessories!

Colour Theory offer over 100 products in their range, with all products starting from $4.00 AUD, and nothing over $10.00 AUD. This collection was kindly gifted to me, and I have some swatches and first impressions to share with you today.

Colour Theory Autumn/Winter Collection 2015 "Nautical But Nice".

Colour Theory 5 Step Eye Shadow Palette - Calm Before the Storm RRP $10.00 AUD
Eye Pencil - Midnight RRP $6.00 AUD  Mascara Lengthen - Black  RRP $8.00.

Colour Theory Eye Shadow Palette - Calm Before The Storm
Swatched in natural light, shades clockwise from top left.

The 5-Step Eye Shadow Palette in Calm Before The Storm, is predominantly cool toned, with all but one shade having some degree of shimmer. The formula is soft, and the pigmentation is quite good, though varies between the shades. The swatches above are on clean bare skin with no primer. I have used these on my eyes with a primer, and it certainly boosts the colour pay-off. I have swatched the matte black eye shadow from the centre of the palette with a wet brush ( shown second from the right in the photograph above ). I have found it to work really nicely pressed into the top lash line. For $10.00 AUD this is a really nice little eye shadow palette, and it certainly performs just as well as some of it's more expensive drugstore counterparts.

The Eyeliner in Midnight is a lovely dusty, mid-toned blue, and glides onto the eye really nicely. It adds just a hint of colour, without being to bright or too daring, and still giving a nice amount of definition. I have not yet tried the mascara, only because I currently have too many already open, but I will keep you updated!

Colour Theory Lipsticks RRP $6.00 AUD.

Colour Theory Lipsticks L-R - Coral Reef,  Love Boat,  Abandon Ship,  Ahoy Sailor!

These four shades of the Colour Theory lipsticks are predominantly sheer, but certainly buildable. I love this type of formula, because it allows you to custom the opacity to suit you. They are also perfect for someone who might just be starting to experiment with red lipstick. Coral Reef is a very pretty light coral shade, that has a satin/matte finish. Love Boat looks warmer in the bullet, but swatches with more of a berry/red tone. It has a fine gold glitter throughout, that you can feel slightly on your lips. Abandon Ship is what I would describe as a coral/red, with a very subtle metallic sheen, that does not look at all frosty on the lips. Ahoy Sailor! is definitely my personal favourite, and is one of the more pigmented shades. It is a rich, creamy cool-toned red that is right up my alley, and performs just as well as some of my more expensive lipsticks.

Colour Theory Nail Polish  L-R - She Sells Seashells,  Isle of Red,  Deep Blue Sea.
RRP $4.00 AUD

Colour Theory - She Sells Seashells.

Whilst this isn't the most flattering shade on my skin tone, 

it is a really pretty, creamy peach shade, that would look gorgeous on tanned or olive skin. 

I used three coats in the swatch above, as the coverage was a little patchy and uneven.

Colour Theory - Isle of Red.

Isle of Red is a lovely warm plum/burgandy shade that is very seasonally 

appropriate. Opaque in two coats. Love this one.

Colour Theory - Deep Blue Sea.

Deep Blue Sea is my personal favourite... a beautiful deep blue, 

with a slightly transparent/jelly formula that just looks stunning on the nail. 

Two coats for the above swatch, and no top coat. Love.

Colour Theory are available to purchase in most Amcal, Amcal Max and Guardian Pharmacies in Australia. They also have a range of hair and body accessories, and skincare. You can shop online at Amcal here.

Have you tried any Colour Theory products? What is your favourite inexpensive brand of cosmetics?

Do leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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Marie Claire The Parcel | Autumn Edit | Review

Good Afternoon beauties!

Bringing you the third instalment of The Parcel by Marie Claire today, the Autumn Edit.

I was sent the very first box as a press sample, and was planning to continue to purchase the next few edits, however I missed the cut of date for the Summer box, which I believe was very well received in the beauty blogger-sphere.

You can find my review of the first edition of The Parcel here, along with information regarding ordering options and costs.

I purchased this box as a one off, paying $29.95 ( including postage ), and was very much looking forward to it! I have mentioned in prior posts, that a crucial element of the whole beauty box subscription for me, is consistency. Companies will often hit it out of the park with the first couple of boxes, and then gradually descend into the less than exciting/mediocre land of disappointment.

Ok, Autumn Edit...let's see what you've got!

Marie Claire - The Parcel - Autumn Edit

Rimmel BB Cream Radiance RRP $12.95

One of two, full size complexion products, is the very new ( now in store ) Rimmel London BB cream Radiance. I was given the shade Light, which on swatching is very neutral toned, to the point of looking a little ashy on my skin, and has quite a thick, mousse-like texture. The Rimmel Matte BB cream is one of my absolute favourite drugstore BB creams. It has a beautiful satin finish on the skin  ( not really matte in my opinion ), lovely medium coverage, blends beautifully, and is very smoothing to my old pores. I am in the shade light in the Matte version, which is definitely warmer and slightly darker than this Radiance version. I would highly recommend swatching in store, as I believe these shades run quite light ( good news for those pale beauties out there ). I will put this one through it's paces and keep you updated.

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Skin Cream RRP $19.95

The second full size complexion product is one I have definitely had my eye on! Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup has spoken quite favourably about this product recently, and I am very keen to see how it looks and performs on my skin. It has quite a few nice ingredients, including one of my favourites, Niacinamide, which helps to renew and exfoliate the skin, aiding in the lightening of dark spots and pigmentation. My first thought was to try this as a base for mineral foundation, so I will keep you posted with my thoughts! It is one of those "colour adjusting" formula's that as you apply and work into the skin changes from white, to a flesh toned shade...some of these types of products end up being a little too dark for me... none the less, I am looking forward to testing it out!

Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate 7ml Deluxe Sample - Full Size 
RRP $95.00

A nice sized, high end skincare sample to try.... I haven't heard a great deal about this serum, but happy to pop it into the rotation, and see how it compares with my current favourites. It claims to address the many visible signs of ageing skin ( puts hand up ), so if it is worthy of a mention you may here about this one again. 

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara RRP $23.95

Another product that I have heard a lot about, I am keen to see if this one lives up to the hype! I believe it is a plastic wand, with shorter bristles, and a defining and lengthening formula. I have to say though that I believe that some Max Factor products are a little on the expensive side... has anyone else found that, or is it just me?  

L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream, Deluxe sample, Full Size RRP $42.00

I was very pleased to see a little bit of L'Occitane in this box! I do love a little bit of L'Occitane!

I received the Shea Butter, and opened it up and slathered it on my hands straight away. A nice, little luxury addition, I'm sure most people would be happy to receive one of these. They are the perfect size for your handbag, and the formula is extremely nourishing without being too heavy or greasy.

MOR Emporium Classics Snow Gardenia Triple-Milled Soap RRP $19.95

Now, I don't mind the scent of Gardenia, in fact, it is one of my favourite flowers. However, I have to say that I was personally a little disappointed when I saw this. I ADORE many of the MOR scents... Blood Orange, Lychee...not to mention the gloriously beautiful Marshmallow, a huge favourite of mine. I am also not really a soap girl, and the scent of this is just a little headache inducing to me. Sadly, into the knickers draw it will go, or perhaps re-gifted to someone that might use and enjoy it. 

Schick Hydro Silk Razor RRP $14.25 &  Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes RRP $3.99

Two handy and practical products to include, both the razor and the wipes are great to have in the cupboard. I do not typically (aka ever) use wipes, however this little mini pack will be handy for travel, or to pop in your purse. 

I like the idea of the moisturising gel surrounding the blades on the razor... I only shave my underarms ( sorry...that's a bit TMI? ), so will throw this one in the shower and give it a go!

My thoughts...

Overall, I am very happy with the Autumn Edition of The Parcel. Like the first box I received, I think it represents excellent value, and contains a nice mix of cosmetics, skincare and body care. 

To be honest though, I wasn't quite as excited about this box. As I said, the MOR soap really isn't a hit with me, and considering the many other modern, stunning scents and products that MOR makes, I just feel that they could have done so much better!! I would have been happy with a little perfume sample, of any of the other scents that I mentioned above. Having said that, I'm sure there are many people who do love it, and will enjoy it.

The facial wipes are another thing, for me personally, that didn't really tickle my fancy, however I know many people use them all the time and love them. It is impossible to please everybody all of the time! The first box appealed to me immensely, though I am sure that for some it may not have. You have to keep these things in perspective I think.

All of the other products I will happily use and enjoy testing, I love that there are so many full size products, and I would still definitely recommend The Parcel to anyone considering trying a new beauty subscription box. I plan on purchasing the Winter Edit, and reviewing it for you as well.

Click the link here to find out all about The Parcel!

What do you think of the Autumn Edit? Have you tried The Parcel? Do let me know your thoughts below in the comments!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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