Whether going to a salon is not an option or you need a few minutes of self-care, now is the time to master an easy at-home manicure and enjoy the relaxing benefits of painting your own nails.
With the right tools and tips, creating a polished result is simple.
7 easy steps
Step 1 – File and shape nails
Use a gentle, wooden emery board to file nails into shape, only working in one direction and in long, sweeping curves from side to centre. Never file back and forth in a sawing motion as this will heat the nail, fray edges and encourage flaking. Try and not file deeply into the edges, as this will weaken the nail.
Made of fine wood.
The EMERY BOARDS are particularly recommended for fragile nails: they are supple and have a rough side (grey - 150 grit) and a finer side (purple - 220 grit).
Made in Switzerland 🇨🇭
Step 2 – Buff Nails
This is an important step to smooth out the nail surface and produce a high gloss finish. Nail polish holds better on a smooth surface and the buffing action activates blood circulation, stimulating growth and aiding in the penetration of treatment products. First use the grey buffer to soften ridges on the nail. Then stroke the pink buffer back and forth with long, firm movements to polish the nail.
A smoothing and stimulating beauty kit for nails.
Winner of the beautyheaven.com.au 2018 Best in Beauty Award - Best Hand & Foot Tool.
Buffing not only provides an attractive lustre but also stimulates blood circulation at the base of the nail which encourages healthy growth. The NAIL BUFFER KIT contains two pads : the grey pad has a slightly abrasive surface to even out ridges and other irregularities; the pink pad is for polishing.
Made in Switzerland 🇨🇭
Step 3 – Cuticles
Apply cuticle remover to soften the nail before using a manicure stick protected with cotton wool to gently push back the cuticles. Take care not to push too hard and cause damage to this sensitive area. Never cut your cuticles unless excess dry skin has hardened and splintered from the side of the nail contour.
Softens and helps remove overgrown cuticles
Damaged cuticles give a neglected appearance to nails and make nice hands look dull.
Its thixotropic formula softens and helps remove overgrown cuticles in one application. Apply directly on cuticles with the brush. In a few seconds overgrown cuticles are softened and can be "erased" with the MANICURE STICK wrapped with cotton.
Made of birch wood.
Wrap the bevelled end of the stick with cotton wool to roll back cuticles and remove dead skin. The other side (arrow shaped) is handy to remove nail polish smudges or clean under the free edge of nails.
Made in the UK 🇬🇧
Step 4 – Apply the base coat
Not only does this step ensure that nails are not stained by polish but it helps to make your manicure last longer.
Double action base coat which protects the nail and extends your manicure.
Nail enamels contain coloured pigments that can cause yellowing.
MAVALA 002 formula prevents pigments in nail polish from coming in direct contact with the nail plate, protecting it from yellowing. Its slightly "sticky" formula allows perfect adhesion of your nail polish and extends the life of your manicure.
Step 5 – Apply first coat of polish
Apply the first coat of polish in a thin layer taking care to use swift, long strokes from the base to the tip of nail. Try and keep the polish evenly spread. Shake the bottle prior to opening to promote colour uniformity and facilitate a smooth application.
Step 6– Apply second coat of polish
Allow the first coat to dry completely before adding the second layer of polish, again following the same protocol above. If touch-ups are required, do so straight away with the easy-to-use Mavala Correcteur Pen.
Instantly corrects manicure errors.
Very few women have the manual dexterity or firmness of hand of a professional manicurist. So, at-home, manicures are frequently botched with unsightly traces of polish left around the cuticles.
CORRECTEUR is as easy to use as a felt-tipped pen. One stroke of its acetone-free solvent saturated tip instantly and effectively removes nail polish from cuticles and fingertips.
Step 7– Apply a quick-drying top coat
Finally, complete your manicure with a top coat that not only delivers a touch-dry finish but will also enhance nail colour by leaving a brilliant sheen. Apply every 2 to 3 days for super long hold and shine.
Fast drying nail polish finish. Enhances colour.
MAVADRY dries nail polish in a few seconds and prevents flaking. It enhances nail colour and gives a brilliant sheen. Manicure time-saver.
Extra Tips
Nail Trend Tip
With the winter season upon us, rich, retro nail shades take centre stage and the new Retro Collection has something for everyone.
Pic by Emily Crawford @whyhellobeauty
Hand Care Tip
Soft, well hydrated hands complement a manicure, so don’t forget to nourish this area with a rich hand cream, especially during this time of increased exposure to soap, hand sanitiser and water.
A daily care that moisturises and protects your hands.
The skin of our hands is very fragile due to the poor quality of the network of sebaceous glands making them dry out more easily. Furthermore, we often expose them to detergents, other cleaning products as well as weather variations and harmful sun rays, without adequate protection. These factors accelerate the dehydration of our hands, and the premature aging of the skin.
The MAVALA HAND CREAM is specially formulated for dry, damaged hands and sensitive skin. Its composition blends marine collagen, very moisturizing, and allantoin, well-known for its healing properties, to soften dry skin and prevent redness and roughness. A perfectly homogenized product that penetrates and hydrates the skin, leaving a non-sticky film which protects hands from pollution and harsh treatment.
Nail Care Tip
If you suffer from a specific nail concern, you may need to integrate a treatment solution prior to Step 4 or the base coat application. For further information visit Mavacademy’s Nail Beauty Advice Centre to find the right Mavala Solution to your specific need.
