Cirque Colors: Objet d’Art Collection & a bonus!

Being a very details-oriented & driven person, it’s not often that something makes my jaw drop, but when I received this collection of Cirque Colors, that’s exactly what happened. Upon opening the box, I was greeted with a black tissue-wrapped package bearing a golden Cirque sticker that held within the 11 shades of the ‘Objet d’Art Collection’, and with each unveiling, I fell deeper & deeper into the spell of this brand. There is no aspect in the presentation that has been overlooked, from the beautifully bound press release info with its red-wax seal, the elegant black-on-black business card, to the uniquely crafted postcards – it really doesn’t get more fabulous than this!

First, a little background: Annie Pham, the mastermind behind this hand-blended artisanal line, had a vision of creating a range of lacquers that would go beyond and transcend those of conventional brands; by experimenting with unique pigments and raw materials, a distinctive handcrafted product was born. Free of toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate – the toxic trio, these varnishes are instead infused with lavender and clary sage essential oils to lend your nails a subtle scent once the polish dries. Even the name of the brand evokes an aura of mystery and glamour; according to Annie, she chose this name because “the name Cirque, meaning ring or circle, represents the color wheel and the endless color possibilities in the continuum” – I’d say she’s off to an excellent start!

“Cirque’s sophomore release, ‘Objet d’Art’, consists of 11 opulent colors that exude luxury and decadence. Inspired by works of art, such as Hirst’s “For the Love of God” and McQueen’s “Savage Beauty” exhibition, the collection features a multitude of finishes from vibrant micro glitters to sparkling neutrals, all suited to creating an art piece o one’s own canvas”

Cirque Colors

Cirque Colors – postcard images featuring shades of the collection

Cirque Colors

Curiosity – (US $13.00) a fiery scarlet hue with gold, red, and fuchsia glass-flecked micro glitter in a hybrid crème-jelly formula, with some vivid cherry red undertones in the base. An amazing formula that applies in a self-levelling manner with no staining upon removal, the finish dries down somewhat satiny and becomes totally enhanced with a layer of top coat. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Cirque – Curiosity

Book of Shadows – (US $13.00) I so totally love this name … a subtle yet sophisticated lavender tinged silver foil metallic shade, in an awesome semi-sheer formula that applies completely brush stroke-free, with an incredibly brilliant finish at the end. Good opacity at 2 coats, yet still manages to have a slight translucency which I love. Coats applied: 3, no top coat

Cirque – Book of Shadows

Planet Caravan – (US $13.00) [again, the name … love!] a colour saturated deep eggplant hue embedded with purple and amethyst micro-shimmer in an excellently flowing formula. A very chic sparkler, this shade ends in a satin finish and becomes even more mesmerizing with top coat. No staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Cirque – Planet Caravan

Lapis – (US $13.00) a sheer grey-blue base filled with a complex variety of blue glitter along with some sparser pink glitter, in diverse sizes from crushed to mid-sized. There is a strong overall royal blue presence shown when worn alone, but this would also make an amazing layering polish. As with all glitters, you do need some effort for removal, but there’s no staining left behind. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

Cirque – Lapis

Cape Liz – (US $13.00) This one makes my knees go weak … an ethereal greyed-out light blue semi sheer base, bearing ultra-fine shimmer in shades of blue, silver and pink, that applies like a crème, but looks more like a jelly. The medium density formula ends in a satin finish; adding top coat brings out its embedded crystallized shards – GORGEOUS! Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

Cirque – Cape Liz

Hellebore – (US $13.00) Springtime in a bottle! A diverse variety of pale green fine glitter interspersed with pink flecks for depth, in an excellently flowing formula – there is some serious wattage to its shine, even though it does finish satiny but fairly smooth to the touch (much like ‘Lapis’, although slightly more densely glitter packed). Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

Cirque – Hellebore

XX – (US $13.00) Just take a moment to absorb this beauty … unbelievable … (applied over Cirque ‘Alter Ego’ – review coming soon). An almost indescribable prismatic/holographic shade filled with glitter of every conceivable shape, colour, and size — which supplies a sexy, futuristic, fun & sophisticated vibe all at once. I know, right?! Brilliant, dazzling and totally hypnotic. Will definitely require work for removal, but so very worth it. Coats applied: 1, plus top coat (definitely click to enlarge)

Cirque – XX

Lonesome George – (US $15.00) a rich emerald green hue with a strong linear holographic effect, in a beautifully flowing formula of medium density – neither too thick, nor thin with a perfect balance of blue and yellow hues in its base to suit basically all skin tones. Finishes satiny, but still quite vivid. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Cirque – Lonesome George

Cypress – (US $15.00) almost contradictory in nature, this light copper prismatic/holographic hue with its definitive pink undertones, bears a semi-sheer yet very easy flowing formula, that gives amazing opacity with just 2 coats. I did not expect its strong linear effect, nor the brilliant rose-gold tone, but I absolutely love it! Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Cirque – Cypress

Galinda – (US $13.00) Why does this shade & name make me think of Oz’s good witch?! Applied over NARS ‘Storm Bird’ (previously reviewed here), is like wearing pulverized crystals or crushed snowflakes on your nails. Sounds cheesy, but so true! A clear base filled with matte white mid-sized hexagonal glitter, matte white & silver crushed micro-glitter, and prismatic/holographic micro glitter, in a formula that applies beautifully – smooth to the touch and with a glossy finish. Coats applied: 1, no top coat (for more detail, click to enlarge)

Cirque – Galinda

Au – (US $28.00) the chemical symbol for “gold”, this 23K gold leaf top coat is truly spectacular. A clear mild suspension base with an easy flow, there is an excellent dispersal and amount provided of the irregularly shaped gold flakes with every brush stroke, smooth-laying and leaving behind a nice gloss at the finish. The following swatches are over ‘Planet Caravan’ – I adore how totally regal this combination looks! Coats applied: 1, plus top coat

Cirque – Au

The bonus! My dear friend & fellow blogger Mara, recently posted an Instagram photo showing a unique “jelly sandwich” using 2 Cirque shades, that I just had to try as well. The sea glass-like translucency of this combination is absolutely breathtaking and a work of art on its own; I can’t begin to tell you how many people stopped me to ask about this look!

‘Cape Liz’ for both the base and top layers
‘XX’ in the middle

Cirque XX & Cape Liz sandwich

Cirque XX & Cape Liz sandwich with 1 coat of Galinda added (just because…)

Final thoughts: I am completely blown away, and I don’t impress easily. While it doesn’t hurt that each and every single one of these shades is a stand-alone beauty and absolutely unique – with all bearing totally amazing formulas, it’s also the obvious thought & care that has gone into this boutique brand that makes it stand apart from anything else in its class. Trying to pick favourites among them is difficult, but I would have to say ‘Cape Liz’, ‘Planet Caravan’, ‘Curiosity’ and ‘XX’ have a firm grip on my heart, while everything else is not that far behind either. No matter which shade you choose, you will not go wrong … believe me.

You can purchase Cirque Colors through their website, or contact info@cirquecolors.com for more info.