[unpaid/sample] I’ve searched all through my own site because these Mavala glosses look so familiar to me – I know that this brand does so much more than nail polishes – but I can’t find a single reference to them. So, either I’ve dreamed it or it’s so far back my search can’t bring it up. It doesn’t matter either way of course, but hmmm, it’s a mystery!

First thing to say is that they’ve very shimmery – frosted even. To be honest, I don’t know which trend these would fall into but perhaps it’s okay that they’re out there doing their own thing and working on bringing the ’70s back! The press release references Paris Hilton 2000 which is definitely ringing some bells.

The texture is lovely and smooth – no stickiness – but they’re quite strongly scented with a vanilla fragrance. Formula wise, they’re quite nicely nourishing with vitamin E and grapeseed oil so they’ll do some lip protection and hydration while you work that shimmer. I think pale shimmer is the most tricky to pull off – Granita is white with pearl and good luck with that. Actually, what’s now ringing a bell is a sister brand to Mavala, Mavalia, which no longer seems to be around – the only trace of it on the internet that I can find is on my own site. If you look on the Mavala site there’s no trace but it does reveal just how comprehensive a brand it is – skin care, make up, body, hair… quite surprising.

There are five shades in this particular collection. I can make these work as light top coats and if you use a very delicate touch they bring some flattering light to bare lips. I don’t think I can wear them full on except perhaps Apricot which is ever so pretty at a lower intensity.

From bottom to top: Mirabelle, Granita, Cassis, Goyave and Apricot. They’re £13.90 each and the best place to find them is Lloyds Pharmacies – the collection isn’t yet on their website but it’s a matter of days. They’re probably in store already though.