This detailed review dives into Cirque Colors' captivating Midsummer and Aura nail polish collections, showcasing their unique magnetic properties and diverse color palettes. Both collections feature a range of shades, from vibrant pinks and greens to sophisticated blues and taupes, all infused with a subtle silver magnetic pigment that creates mesmerizing effects when using a magnetic wand. Expect in-depth descriptions of each polish's formula, application, opacity, and the transformative effect of magnetization, highlighting the nuances and subtle shifts in color depending on lighting and magnetic application.The review offers a comprehensive comparison of each shade within the collections, noting similarities and differences in undertones and finishes. We'll explore the ease of application, the overall quality of the formulas, and address potential challenges like slight messiness during removal. Ultimately, this review will provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect from these collections, guiding you toward your perfect shade and helping you decide if these high-quality, magnetic polishes are a worthwhile addition to your beauty arsenal.
Pros And Cons
- Fantastic formula
- Applies smoothly
- Self-levels nicely
- Magnetizes easily (most shades)
- Some shades sheer, requiring three coats for full opacity, especially when magnetized
- Can shear out, especially with cat eye effect
- Slightly messier removal due to magnetic pigment
- Fantastic formulas (most shades)
- Beautiful colors
- Some shades sheer, requiring multiple coats for full opacity, especially when magnetized
- Can shear out, especially with cat eye effect
- Slightly messier removal due to magnetic pigment
- Potential for staining (some shades)
Read more: 10 Must-Have China Glaze Nail Polish Shades
Midsummer Collection: Solstice & Maple
The Midsummer collection introduces six magnetic nail polishes, starting with Solstice, a rich magenta pink with a subtle silver magnetic pigment. Its formula is smooth, self-levelling, and applies beautifully in two coats. The silver pigment is more visible with the cat eye technique, creating a striking effect.
Next is Maple, a vibrant chartreuse yellow with a silver magnetic pigment. This shade leans more green when magnetized, especially with the cat eye effect. Despite being slightly thicker, the formula is easy to work with and magnetizes readily, achieving full opacity in just two coats.
Midsummer Collection: Vajour & Daybreak
Vajour, described as an emerald green, is more of a teal-leaning green with a silver magnetic pigment. This jewel-toned shade is tricky to describe, appearing more blue or green depending on its surroundings. It requires three coats for full coverage when using a cat eye magnet.
Daybreak, a violet-leaning cobalt blue with silver magnetic pigment, surprised me with its periwinkle appearance unmagnetized. Magnetized, it shifts to a denim blue with indigo or purple undertones. It requires three coats for complete opacity when magnetized.
Midsummer Collection: Lush & Flora
Lush, a dusty periwinkle blue with silver magnetic pigment, is a more sheer polish. Two coats suffice unmagnetized, but three are recommended for magnetized applications due to shearing. The base color shows through more in the cat eye application.
Flora, an orchid pink with silver magnetic pigment, also has a great formula. It’s slightly sheerer, benefiting from three coats when magnetized to avoid visible nail lines. It leans towards a pinky-purple shade, depending on the lighting.
Aura Collection: Bay, Good Vibes Only, Mind Over Matter, & Oracle
Bay, a light pink with silver magnetic pigment, is a permanent Cirque Colors shade. It’s a two-to-three coater, delivering a beautiful, delicate pink color that intensifies with magnetization.
Good Vibes Only, a mint green with silver magnetic pigment, has a thicker formula that gives surprisingly good coverage in two coats. Magnetized, it darkens slightly and shows a pale green in the magnetic stripe.
Mind Over Matter, a sky blue with silver magnetic pigment, boasts a thicker formula that self-levels well. Unmagnetized, it has pastel icy vibes; magnetized, it shows a beautiful sky blue with a slightly dusty quality.
Oracle, a dark indigo blue with metallic silver pigment, is close to a one-coater but benefits from a second coat for depth. Unmagnetized it’s pastel and icy; magnetized, it reveals a dark indigo blue with a silver-to-bluish purple magnetic effect.
Aura Collection: Clairvoyant & Halo
Clairvoyant, a lavender with silver magnetic pigment, has a fantastic formula. It's opaque in two coats unmagnetized, but three are recommended for magnetized applications to achieve full opacity.
Halo, a taupe brown with silver magnetic pigment, is also a core Cirque Colors shade. Unmagnetized, it's sandy and taupey; magnetized, it transforms into a beautiful jewel-toned taupe. It’s another favorite for its unique color and finish.
Color Comparisons & Final Thoughts
Comparing shades within the collections reveals interesting nuances. Flora and Bay, while both pink, have differing undertones—Flora more purple and Bay more rose. Maple, Vajour, and Good Vibes Only show a range of green shades.
The overall quality of the polishes is excellent. Formulas are smooth, self-levelling and easy to apply. The silver magnetic pigment adds depth and visual interest, but may cause slight messiness during removal. All shades are generally opaque in two to three coats, with the exception of a few that need an additional coat for magnetized effects.
Final Verdict
Both the Midsummer and Aura collections are fantastic additions to any nail polish lover's collection. The polishes are high-quality, offering a diverse range of colors and finishes. The magnetic effect adds a unique dimension, making them stand out from traditional polishes.
Personal top picks include Bay (Aura), Oracle (Aura), and Maple (Midsummer), and Flora and Solstice from Midsummer Collection. While all polishes are excellent, these three are my personal preferences based on color and formula. Highly recommended for their ease of application and beautiful finishes. The value is good, especially with the discounts available.