Mavala at 60: Six products that helped make the brand

This year marks the 60th anniversary for Mavala Switzerland, who released its first nail hardener in 1959.

Since that industry-changing launch, all those years ago, the brand has expanded its range, and entered the global market, now available in 110 countries.

Looking ahead, Mavala CEO, Doris Maute Bobillier, said the brand is discussing how it can invent its next 60 years.

“We want to continue to expand geographically, especially on the Asian continent, which is an impressive reservoir of growth for Mavala,” said Bobillier.

“We are already hard at work to find alternative formulas respecting even more of the environment, our health and of course, that are just as effective. An inspiring challenge for today and tomorrow.”

In celebration of the milestone, BD breaks down six of the most iconic Mavala products from the last 60 years:

1959 - Mavala Switzerland Scientifique

It’s the product that kicked off Mavala all those 60 years ago, Scientifique, the first penetrating nail hardener on the market. In 2017 the product relaunched as Scientifique K+, enriching its formula with crystal resin from the pistachio tree in Greece.

1962 - Mavala Switzerland 002 Protective Base Coat

The release of the first James Bond movie inspired the name of Mavala’s protective base coat, naming it 002. It protects nails from coloured pigments and helps adhere nail polish for a long-lasting manicure.

1962 - Mavala Switzerland Mini Colours

The same year as the 002 base coat was released, so came the redesign of the Mavala nail polish range, downsizing to the mini bottles we know today. The idea behind the change was all about less waste and more affordability, while reducing the accumulation of big nail polish bottles in the bathroom. 

1964 - Mavala Switzerland Hand Cream

Originally sold in a white jar, the Mavala Hand Cream was formulated with collagen to protect and moisturise the skin for the whole family. Today, the packaging has been resigned into a more convenient, travel-friendly tube.

1975 - Mavala Switzerland Curved Mascara

In 1975 the mascara game was changed forever, when Mavala released its first curved brush. The product instantly became an icon for the brand.

1996 - Mavala Switzerland Eau de Teint Foundation

At the time, Mavala believed foundations on the market were too pasty and heavy, so in an effort to reinvent the product, the brand formulated its first lightweight foundation named, Eau de Teint. The foundation provided the coverage of a heavier foundation, but left the complexion looking natural.