Cirque Colors – The Arcus Collection pt. 2

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