Mavala's new top and base coat on steroids!

Mavala SA was kind enough to send me two newly launched products recently which have been added to their amazing range of polishes. These two products are Mavala 002 base coat and Colorfix top coat.

I did a quick mani to test these two products. Here's what I used:

Mavala 002 Base Coat, Chanel 565 Beige and Mavala's Colorfix Top Coat

Step one? Base coat of course!

I always like to emphasize the importance of a base coat, even if I seem repetitive. It helps prevent yellow nails effected by nail polish pigments and it prevents staining of bright coloured polishes such as red and blue. A base coat is also handy as it "fixes" nails polish to your nails. It usually has a tacky or sticky consistency which helps your next layer adhere to your nail plate better.

The Mavala 002 base coat did it's job really well. It wasn't too thick so it dried reasonably fast. The brush was also soft but firm enough to apply without things turning into a nail polish murder scene.

The colour I applied for this mani is Chanel's "le Vernis" in 565 Beige. The reason I chose this polish was because I had problems in the past with chipping, from day 1, so I though it would be a great candidate to put these two Mavala products to the test. It is also a fresh colour for Spring.

Immediately, I hope you notice the shine this base coat gives your mani (compare the two pictures above). It is really sparkly and you may even notice it brings the pink shimmer of the Chantel polish.

The durability of this "polish sandwich" was pretty impressive. I left my mani on for 6 days before taking it off. This is what it looked like...

...so maybe I could have taken it off a little sooner but seeing as it's such a light colour I got away with the chips that are noticeable in the image above. 

The point to all of this is that these two Mavala products are pretty potent. Since doing this mani I have found myself reaching for the Mavala 002 base coat and Colorfix top coat more often, which definitely says something.

Thanks again to Mavala SA for sending me these Mavala goodies. The press package was put together extremely well. I had a such a ball testing the products out and bragging to my friends, family and blog readers about how great they really are.

Peeps, feel free to follow Mavala SA on Twitter and Facebook. You can also get these fab products at Dis-Chem and selected pharmacies. 

Before moving on, pop over to my review of Mavla's Via Veneto nail polish.

*Spring Essentials* Hands and Feet

In my new Spring essentials category, I will be sharing my must-have products/items for...yip, you guessed it, SPRING!!

I love looking after my hands and feet, probably because that's the closets part of my body to my nails *Nail Fanatic*. Here are a few products I will be using throughout Spring and Summer.

Sh'zen's Spa Manicure for your hands and nails

RSP R159 for 250g

"Condition and brighten your hands and nails by soaking them in these fresh, citrus-scented crystals.

A 10-minute soak in warm water infused with these orange crystals will restore moisture to your hands and nails, and prepare them for further treatments. Lemon oil strengthens brittle nails and helps to whiten nail edges; Grapefruit has antibacterial properties and works to tone and revitalise skin; while Vitamin C brings its anti-ageing and antioxidant properties to the mix. The crystals have an uplifting citrus fragrance and leave hands feeling soft and silky." - Source

Pampering is always good for the mind and the soul but not always for your purse. With Sh'zen's Spa Manicure, you can get soft, moisturised skin weekly, without breaking the bank.
Obviously, me being very 'nail' conscious, I fell in love with this product because it helps strengthen your nails as well as brightens them. Something I desperately need.
It has a yummy citrus scent. Think - Lemon Meringue cake...Delish!
Exfoliate and moisturise after using this soak.

Sh'zen's Spa Addative for feet

RSP R159 for 250g

"This pampering product refreshes and softens tired, hot feet - it's the ultimate treat after a busy day.

The beautiful, soft, mint-green crystals are infused with essential oils to clean, refresh and revive hardworking feet. Key ingredients are revitalising Witch Hazel, antibacterial Ti-tree, and Niaouli, known for its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. There are also oxygen-releasing agents that soften skin and prepare it for further treatments - making it an essential part of any pedicure, too." - Source

This product is superb and works just like it says it will! All ladies that have ever worn Mr.Price pumps will know, your feet feel like they sweat a liter of water every time you wear them. FACT! This Spa Additive helps keep your feet fungi free, helps with smelly feet as well as keeping them cool and moisturised. (Perfect for pump lovers like moi!)

Note that this is the first step to any recommended foot treatment. In other words, don't just use this product on it's own. It is recommended to exfoliate and moisturise afterwords, to complete your pampering, home spa feeling.

Sh'zen's Cooling spritzer for Feet

RSP R159 for 100ml

"This aromatic spray brings instant relief to tired, hot and swollen feet.
Menthol produces an immediate cooling effect on the skin and works as a local anaesthetic to ease pain and reduce irritation. Refreshing Peppermint, astringent Witch Hazel and purifying Ti-Tree, known for their anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, work to alleviate swelling and protect skin from infection. Spray as frequently as required for an invigorating and calming experience that has long-lasting benefits." - Source

Hot, sweaty, puffy feet really don't make people feel great. Arrgh the worst! This handy little bottle is a gift from the feet gods above. It has such a refreshing scent that cools your feet and helps with odor. It's small enough to fit in your handbag so you can even spray it on your feet while you're at work or out shopping.
In my part time job, I stand for up to 12 hours every weekend so believe when I say, 'This stuff works'! 

A decent hand and foot scrub.

My DIY hand and foot scrub

Exfoliating your hands and feet at least one a week will keep them soft and help your blood circulation.
Click this link for my DIY hand and foot scrub.

Pastel Polishes

My three favourite colours for Spring (Click on the links below for each individual review)

Cha Cha Cha (908)
Melting Marshmallow (903)
Fantasy (147)

Accessories

I picked up these cute bangles at Mr Price for R19.95. You can never go wrong with a little bracelet or ring here and there.

Get the Goods

Sh'zen website
Sh'zen on Facebook
Tip Top Nails on Facebook
Mr Price online store

Keep an eye out for more spring essentials next week!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

P.S. I am in no way, a professional nail technician or doctor. These are just my preferred beauty products.

In my sample basket - Elizabeth Arden

I cannot resist picking up free samples whenever I see any, but my problem is, I seldomly actually use/sample them. Ridiculous, I know! So to get my ass motivated and try my sample goodies out (that I have very carefully dumped into a basket), I am going to start a new section/category called "In my sample basket". I will take one sample out every week, test it out and comment on what I thought and if I would buy the full size.

My Sample Basket

To crack this new category off with a bang, I will start with my Elizabeth Arden 8 hour sun defense for face, SPF 50 Sunscreen PA+++, sample.

My 15g sample

I am quite a fan of the few Elizabeth Arden products that I have. I wish I could have tons more but their prices are just not compatible with my almost-non-existent monthly beauty budget. Lets see if this product gives me the temptation to splurge.

What it does:

 "Think of everything you love about our legendary Eight Hour® Cream Skin Protectant. Now add in powerful sun protection with SPF 50." Source

It is a lightweight, oil-free SPF 50 lotion, hydrates your skin for up to 8 hours and helps shield your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that can cause sunburn, surface skin cell damage and premature signs of aging. Suitable for all skin types, PABA-free and even has the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Approval.

The lotion

What I loved

It's super lightweight on the skin. It really isn't like regular sunscreen, that makes you sweat because it's so thick and your skin can't breathe. It also absorbs into the skin fast. I put it on, wait 3min and I can immediately put my makeup over the lotion. The last thing, I love that it doesn't have the scent of your typical sunscreen. 

My dislikes

No dislikes whatsoever :)

Full size RSP R185.00

Our beauty relationship will probably carry on in the near future. I was expecting to feel like I was on the beach with sweaty skin, smelling of lotion and having white streaks on my face where the sunscreen doesn't want to absorb. I was pleasantly surprised that all my expectations were trashed and replaced with great results.
It's such a brilliant product to use every day, knowing you'll have a high UV protection as well as the amazing benefits of the 8 hour skin protectant, is something all ladies yearn for when we live in the African sun and harsh climate.

To locate your nearest Elizabeth Arden stockist, visit their website here.

Who has the full size of this product? Have you been using it?
Till next week! TTFN

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo