Filed In: Cirque

Cirque Colors – Alchemy Collection pt. 2

The following is taken from the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

al·che·my

noun \ˈal-kə-mē\

a science that was used in the Middle Ages with the goal of changing ordinary metals into gold
a power or process that changes or transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way

a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life
a power or process of transforming something common into something special
an inexplicable or mysterious transmuting

I don’t know about you, but I found that all of the above definitions eerily accurate as far as these beauties are concerned. Whereas the first part of the Cirque Colors Alchemy Collection (reviewed here) focused on more ‘sleight of hand’ type of shades, this second half is nothing short of spectacular. Colour shifting, brilliant glitters, and textured finishes define these 5 lacquers and I was captivated by each and every one.

Cirque Colors – Alchemy Collection

Lichen – A perfect example of “alchemy“, this shade bears a charcoal base (surprised?), filled with mossy green, olive & bronze ultra-fine shimmer. The ‘gasoline’ effect is strongest in the bottle, but I do catch glimpses of it on the nails in certain lights. I recommend that you mix the contents thoroughly to avoid any separation and/or patchy coats – otherwise, the application is awesome. Self-levelling and with a brilliant (but not glossy) finish, Lichen has incredibly depth. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Cirque Colors – Lichen

Stella – A clear base loaded with rose gold (a totally trending colour this season) glitter in a variety of shapes and sizes – all the way from ground, ultra-fine, and fine. Easily layered over a matching base, opacity is quite good even on its own, giving good coverage by the second coat. An effortless application and high-watt finish, Stella has a naturally soft-grit texture that becomes completely smooth once top coat is layered over. Coats applied: 2 (top coat added for final swatch only)

Cirque Colors – Stella

Cirque Colors – Stella (top coat added)

Ica Valley – The golden version of Stella, in terms of application and formula, but in a cool gold tone, that should suit all skin tones – from the fairest to the darkest … like magic? (sorry – it was too perfect to resist). Be prepared for some glitter migration upon removal. Coats applied: 2 (top coat added for final swatch only)

Cirque Colors – Ica Valley

Cirque Colors – Ica Valley (top coat added)

Chainmail – Is it just me, or does anyone else think this name is über-sexy? A light grey base filled with ground and fine steely blue glitter, along with fine prismatic particles and more random black specks thrown in for good measure. The formula is the thinnest of the glittery shades shown here, and while layering Chainmail over a matching base is always an option, I love the more complex look on its own. Coats applied: 3, thin (top coat added for final swatch only)

Cirque Colors – Chainmail

Cirque Colors – Chainmail (taken with flash)

Cirque Colors – Chainmail (top coat added)

Vectors – Meant to be a “topper” (as in, applied over the base of your choice), this is a clear base filled with black bar, small round, medium & larger hexagonal, and diamond shaped glitter, with the addition of finely ground holographic glitter throughout. Each brush stroke yields a good variety of glitter, with no “fishing” necessary – although you may need to nudge some of the bar pieces into place, especially if they fall near the nail sides or free edge.

I’ve opted to show Vectors two ways: over a light base such as CHANEL’s Eastern Light (previously reviewed here), the white backdrop serves to enhance every detail, while layered over the more intricate look of Magnum Opus (from the Alchemy Collection pt. 1, previously reviewed here) the entire look seems to take on a more 3D tone. The options are literally limitless with this topper.

Cirque Colors – Vectors (over CHANEL’s Eastern Light, previously reviewed here)

Cirque Colors – Vectors (over CHANEL’s Eastern Light)

Cirque Colors – Vectors (over Magnum Opus, previously reviewed here)

Cirque Colors – Vectors (over Magnum Opus, taken with flash)

I can’t say it often enough: for all nail-philes out there, Cirque Colors is a brand that you need to sit up and take notice of. The originality, formula, and detail that goes into every single bottle of lacquer, is undeniable. From this second half of the Alchemy Collection, I am hard-pressed to choose a favourite, as I found something to love about them all, but I confess that Chainmail has my number. Considering that I’m not glitter’s biggest fan, I found that I couldn’t stop staring at my nails when wearing both Stella and Ica Valley, and while top coat does all kinds of wonderful to these hues, I love the edgier look without – adding a tactile sensation to polish brings it to a whole other level, in my opinion.

The Alchemy Collection is available now – find more information via website/twitter/facebook

About Cirque
Cirque is an artisanal line of hand-blended nail polish made in New York. The name Cirque, meaning ring or circle, represents the color wheel and the endless color possibilities in the continuum. Creator, Annie Pham, sought to develop colors that transcend those of conventional brands by experimenting with unique pigments and raw materials. Cirque nail polish is 3-free, which means it does not contain toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

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Cirque Colors – Alchemy Collection pt. 1

January 4, 2014

The realm of the occult and medieval experiments in alchemy is the inspiration behind this latest manifestation by Cirque Colors, and as these are subjects that have captivated me since my earliest memories – combined with my love of nail lacquer – all I can say is that this collection pushes all the right buttons for me. Every.Single.One.

If you’re unfamiliar with this artisanal brand, then you’re in for a wonderful experience: with each hand-made batch, founder Annie Pham actually does seem to create magic, combining pigments and finishes in unique ways using only the finest ingredients, and leaving no detail overlooked – from the logo, bottle design, packaging, and imagery. Another little-known fact, is that each shade is scented with essential oils of lavender and clary sage that lend a subtle (and almost mood-enhancing) fragrance to your nails once the polish dries – like I said: magic.

I have divided this 10-piece collection into 2 parts, the better to showcase each and every beautiful varnish. Feel free to indulge and enjoy!

Cirque Colors – Alchemy Collection

Mink – A dark taupe base with blue flashes and a strongly scattered prismatic effect, that appears more linear in direct light. The formula is a touch thick density-wise, but still applies in a completely self-levelling way with a satin finish at the end. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Meaning: a semiaquatic animal renown for its luxurious fur

Cirque Colors – Mink

Magnum Opus – A tungsten steel base hue with obvious mauve undertones, bearing the same strongly scattered holographic effect (that also appears more linear in direct light) as that of ‘Mink’. Super easy application due to the amazing formula – comes to a satin finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Meaning: the greatest achievement of an artist

Cirque Colors – Magnum Opus

Baptisia – UNBELIEVABLE. A rich (and true) indigo base hue with plenty of sapphire shimmer and more scattered silver flecks thrown in. The application couldn’t be more perfect: mega colour saturation, amazing flow, self-levelling, and a shiny (not glossy) finish which benefits from top coat to bring out its depths. Intense, luxurious and somewhat regal – this is that shade of twilight sky moments before it turns dark. LOVE. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Meaning: a wild indigo plant (Eastern United States) with blue flowers

NOTE: This shade is much more dark purple leaning than my photos show (trust me; if I knew how to adjust the settings on my camera better, you’d understand)

Cirque Colors – Baptisia

Chrysopoeia – A goldenrod yellow with gold and silver finely ground shimmer and a mild scattered holographic effect (what a mouthful). The formula fell on the sheer side, but still gave surprisingly good coverage just the same, self-levelling and with a satin finish at the end. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Meaning: to turn an element into gold (transmutation)

Cirque Colors – Chrysopoeia

Arcane Fire – Where do I start … A magenta base hue with crimson undertones and super-fine pink, gold & bronze shimmer in a jelly-like formula. What starts off as dark rose colour then transforms (like magic?) into a more ruby/maroon hue with violet flashes along the nail edges seen in some lights. With its satin finish, top coat does all sorts of wonderful here. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Meaning: “arcane” mysterious, known only to a few

Cirque Colors – Arcane Fire

Creating something original is the rather crowded world of nail polish, is no easy feat and yet, Cirque Colors manages to bring us something new. If forced to choose a favourite amongst the 5 here, I would have to say that Baptisia takes top honours (but then again, I do have a weakness for darkling shades), with Arcane Fire and Magnum Opus not far behind. Adding a holographic touch to Mink elevates this shade from ordinary to extra-ordinary and while I was left unmoved by Chrysopoeia (It’s a personal preference: anything yellow-based really clashes with my skin tone – nothing to do with this shade), I must admit that it’s one of the most complex yellow hues I’ve seen.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this collection, coming soon.

The Alchemy Collection is available now – find more information via website/twitter/facebook

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

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Cirque + Jeannie Vianney ‘Coronation’ – A unique collaboration

October 11, 2013

Cirque lacquers are on the fast track to attaining cult status … and with good reason: a range of insanely original colours, an amazing formula (hand-made and free of toxins), sublime packaging where absolutely NO detail is overlooked, and lastly, with unique collaborations (see the Arms and Armory Alter Ego Collaboration here). This time around, Annie Pham – creator of Cirque Colors, has teamed up with award-winning jewelry designer, Jeannie Vianney, to produce ‘Coronation’ – a set consisting of a polish shade in an eye-catching regal purple shade, along with a rose-gold plated ‘crown’ adjustable ring — with both products managing to capture key monarchy symbols in a modern & relevant way for today’s woman (or inner queen).

Having established her own signature style on the jewelry scene, Jeannie Vianney (friends with Annie Pham since their college days), has created the Coronation rose-gold plated ring – modelled from a piece of lace, cast into metal to form a crown shape, thus giving this ethereal pattern a tough edge. The open adjustable design should accommodate most ring sizes and gives the wearer many placement options as well.

Cirque + Jeannie Vianney – Coronation

Cirque Coronation (13.2 ml/.45 fl. oz) – A mid-sheer electric purple base hue in a jelly format, filled with ultra fine red multi-dimensional shimmer and slightly larger gold & copper glitter flecks. The first coat can fall a touch patchy – easily remedied by loading up your brush first, although subsequent coats need to be applied thinner for a more even look. Opacity is quickly built up, and yet there’s a gorgeous translucent quality to this shade that helps the coppery/red shimmer shine through at just below the surface level of the nail. There’s an ultraviolet glow seen along the nail edges that is just mind-blowing and unlike anything I’ve ever seen before – SPECTACULAR! As ‘Coronation’ dries semi matte, you should add top coat to really bring out everything going on with this baby, but be warned that it does drink up the top coat (who cares, when a shade is THIS gorgeous, right?!). Self-levelling in application and totally non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 3 (thin) plus top coat

Cirque – Coronation

Cirque – Coronation (detail)

Cirque – Coronation

Cirque – Coronation (indirect light)

Jeannie Vianney – Coronation Ring

Cirque + Jeannie Vianney – Coronation

The ‘Coronation’ shade created by Cirque Colors, is that unique/strange/odd/electrifying kind of purple that every other brand wishes they had thought of first — and coming up with something new in today’s world of lacquers, is no mean feat. The ‘Coronation’ rose-gold plated ring is spot-on trend with its mix of kick-ass & daintiness, and is sure to be a conversation starter. Hint: the holidays are just around the corner … just sayin’….

The Cirque + Jeannie Vianney Coronation Set which comes in a black velveteen pouch & coordinating black gift box, retails for USD $48.00 and is available through:

www.cirquecolors.com – Complete list of Stockists can be found here. Follow via twitter/facebook for all updates

www.jeannievianney.com Follow via twitter/facebook for all updates

Disclosure: Product sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

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Cirque Colors – The Arcus Collection pt. 2

August 1, 2013

Whereas part 1 of the Cirque Colors Arcus Collection (reviewed here) brought us the colours of the rainbow in a host of brilliant finishes, part 2 takes a more lighthearted approach – although no less brilliant – and brings us some more visual interest, if that’s even possible. Glitter polishes are not just for pre-teens anymore – as this collection can attest – and since the 6 shades of this grouping are all toppers, the layering possibilities are literally endless – the only restriction is your imagination.

Apart from base and top coats, all six shade swatches are shown as 1 coat applied over a black crème lacquer – the absolute best way I believe, to emphasize the uniqueness of every single hue.

Cirque Colors – Arcus Collection

Iris – a pearly yet iridescent top coat that also seems to bear colour-shifting properties in some light, in an amazing flow and which winds up in a satiny finish. Worn alone, this shade provides a subtle yet still glimmering look, but when layered over a deeper shade, every ultra-fine prismatic particle comes to vivid life.

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Iris

Lullaby – a clear base with satin pastel glitter pieces in a myriad of sizes – ranging from fine to large, and an assortment of shapes – round, hexagonal, and square, as well as some random star shaped pieces included in the mix – the latter being somewhat reclusive to find, however. An excellent finish as well, with no extra glitter placement required for a full look.

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Lullaby

Magic Hour – perfectly named, this hue is truly magical; a cloudy base filled with iridescent mylar glitter pieces in an assortment of shapes and sizes, from square, hexagonal, round, and bar. The formula here was a touch on the thicker side, yet somehow still easily spreadable with no extra glitter placement necessary – there’s more than enough per brush stroke for a lush application, although some of the finer bar pieces may need to be nudged into place, especially near the free nail edge. Jewel-like in its intensity, the final look is that of prismatic shards embedded on the nail surface, while the natural finish is quite glossy. TIP: a thick top coat, such as Seche Vite, makes this relatively smooth to the touch.

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Magic Hour

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Magic Hour, indirect light

Kaleidoscope – a clear base filled with vividly coloured confetti glitter pieces in a large array of shapes and sizes, as well as some satin metallic gold & silver pieces thrown in for an interesting counterpoint. While the formula was easy to work with, the “dab & swoosh” method – place a drop of the lacquer upon the nail, then move it around quickly with the brush – yields the best and a more uniform results. Seen against a dark backdrop as I’ve done here, this is like a sophisticated version of a kiddie party – incredible fun!

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Kaleidoscope

Electric Circus – a clear base that is simply loaded with lime, hot pink, green and azure glitter pieces in round and hexagonal shapes of ultra-fine and small sizes. From a distance, you’d swear this finish resembles a spray of paint splatter – without the need for the usual mess that accompanies that kind of look. Bearing an excellent flow in the formula, absolutely no glitter placement is needed, and you have the option of applying this top coat as thin or densely as you prefer. NOTE: a thicker top coat such as Seche Vite, seems to shrink this shade – best to use something thinner.

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Electric Circus

Le Invader – how cool is this name?! A clear base filled with metallic square rainbow-hued glitter in what seems at first glance to be somewhat curling pieces, but that’s as far as that illusion goes: these stay flat upon the nail. With a formula that’s somewhat thick & chunky (most likely due to the amount and density of the glitter it holds), the “dab & swoosh” method (see ‘Kaleidoscope’, above) works the best, although you may need to nudge some of the more stubborn pieces into position. Final look: bedazzled nails!

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Le Invader

Last word: I’ve said it more times than I can count: I am a colour purist, and yet … something about these glitter toppers just brings out my inner magpie. ‘Iris’, being on the least flashy end of the spectrum, is heartbreakingly beautiful, while ‘Lullaby’s’ softly satin glitter looks so refined – but ‘Magic Hour’ is truly captivating, no matter the angle or light. ‘Kaleidoscope’ actually does look like the dancing spots of colour seen through the lens of that child’s toy, while ‘Electric Circus’ would fit right in with the paint-splattered equipment in a Coldplay concert (huge fan of the group – thanks to my daughter!). If it’s attention you’re after, look no further than ‘Le Invader’ – sunglasses definitely required.

All in all, each and every shade is unique, both in terms of finish and glitter, and rounds up the theme of this collection just perfectly. Just when you thought there was no combination that hasn’t already been done, THESE come along. Yes, Annie Pham (founder & creator of the brand), has definitely done it again.

The Arcus Collection is available now through the Cirque Colors website, with a full list of distributors for your convenience. Feel free to follow the brand via twitter/facebook for all upcoming news

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

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Cirque Colors – The Arcus Collection pt. 1

July 27, 2013

Having quickly risen to the ranks of one of my favourite boutique nail lacquer brands, Cirque Colors – the brainchild of Annie Pham, brings us her latest offering: ‘The Arcus Collection’. Consisting of 12 shades – 6 of them inspired by the primary colours found in a rainbow, the other 6 insanely brilliant “toppers” – these now come in the brand’s newly revamped packaging of the same square bottles, but with the logo silk-screened on top as opposed to the previous “sticker” version, with each housed in its own clearly-labelled box. The quality of Cirque Colors polishes is nothing short of superb, but it’s the original way that Annie combines colours and finishes that allows her beauties to stand out from the herd. To better appreciate this gorgeous collection, I’ve split it up into 2 parts … get ready to be spell-bound …

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection

Sanguine – where to start describing this shade? A mid-sheer tangerine/pink duo chrome hue with a gorgeous bronze-y glow seen in some lights, in a formula with a good density, albeit on the thin side, which applies in a self-levelling way and winds down to a satiny finish. Can definitely be layered over a matching solid shade for more impact. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Sanguine

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Sanguine (indirect light)

Vesuvius – a molten hot raspberry hue with blueish undertones, displaying a scattered prismatic effect in a semi-sheer formula that bears an easy flow and excellent pigmentation – ending in a totally unusual and unique bright satin finish. The holographic effect is spectacular, especially in sunlight. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Vesuvius

Bejewelled – a blueberry version of ‘Vesuvius’, this hue bears an interesting paradox: while the first coat may appear somewhat sheer upon application, it becomes 100% opaque by the second layer. Stellar, vivid, intense — these are just a few of the adjectives that only begin to describe this beauty. Another shade that comes to a satin, yet super bright finish, and completely non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Bejewelled

Erda – a luxurious emerald green hue with a jewel-like intensity and depth of tone, bearing golden olive undertones and a glass-flecked shimmer within. There was an odd “bounce-back” effect upon application of the first coat, which was quickly resolved by subsequent coats. This non-staining and self-levelling formula falls a bit on the thin side as well, making it ideal to be layered over a solid base colour. Bright satiny look at the finish. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Erda

Helios – appropriately named after the Greek Sun God, this is a clear base that is brimming with fine gold glitter and slightly larger hexagonal prismatic glitter pieces, falling in a self-levelling manner and with an utterly brilliant (and high luxe) look to its natural finish. With so much going on, I expected it to feel rather chunky, but adding top coat makes it relatively smooth to the touch. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Helios

Queen Majesty – a clear base loaded with purple/violet and blue fine glitter, with some of the pieces giving off a prismatic effect and an overall 3D appearance to the finished look. The epitome of majestic royalty in its über-brilliant tone & colour, this shade can easily be layered over a matching mono colour for more depth, or left as is – hypnotically beautiful! The semi-matte look at the finish, does nothing to distract from the intense sparkle. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

Cirque Colors Arcus Collection – Queen Majesty

Last word: I”m not one to usually wax poetic over either glittery shades or super-vivid colours, as my tastes usually run towards more brooding-type hues (unless it’s white polish, which I’m currently slavering over) but I think I must have stopped and stared at every.single.one of these babies for hours – mesmerizing, I tell you! I absolutely adore how no detail is overlooked – from the font used, to the packaging, to the literature and the story behind every collection, and you can just see that each hand-mixed bottle is made with pride and love. Then there’s the formula, the colours, the finishes … don’t get me going …

The Arcus Collection is available now through the Cirque Colors website, with a full list of stockists for your convenience. Feel free to follow the brand via twitter/facebook for all upcoming news