Cirque Colors Midsummer Collection Review: A Nail Husband's Take

This review dives into the Cirque Colors Midsummer Collection, offering a unique perspective from a self-proclaimed "nail husband." We explore five captivating magnetic polishes: Flora and Solstice (pinks), Lush (a dusty blue), Daybreak (cobalt blue), Maple (a lime-green), and Vdor (emerald green). Each shade is meticulously examined, detailing application ease, coat requirements, and the intensity of the magnetic cat-eye effect. Expect honest observations, including challenges faced during application and a candid assessment of color perception – even from a slightly colorblind reviewer!This isn't your typical beauty blog review. We delve into the nuances of each polish, noting the surprising variations in magnetic pigment intensity across different shades. Discover which colors provided the most striking cat-eye effect, and which required a little extra effort to achieve perfection. Whether you're a seasoned magnetic polish aficionado or a curious newcomer, this review provides a comprehensive and engaging look at the Cirque Colors Midsummer Collection, complete with practical tips and honest opinions.

Pros And Cons

Colors Midsummer Collection
  • Features a silver magnetic pigment
  • Offers a variety of colors (orchid pink, rich magenta, dusty light blue, cobalt blue, bright chartreuse yellow, emerald green)
  • Some shades have good opacity even with one coat
  • Cat eye effect achievable with a bar magnet
  • Magnetization works better for some colors than others (lighter shades less effective)
  • Some shades show visible nail line even after multiple coats
  • Color descriptions may not be entirely accurate for some shades

Read more: 10 Must-Have China Glaze Nail Polish Shades

Orchid Pink & Rich Magenta: Flora and Solstice

The Midsummer collection kicks off with Flora and Solstice, described as an orchid pink and rich magenta respectively. While I'm slightly colorblind, I found both to lean more towards the pink family. The difference lies in Solstice's slightly deeper, more saturated tone.

Close-up shot of Flora and Solstice swatches on nails.
Close-up shot of Flora and Solstice swatches on nails.

Application was smooth, requiring two coats for base opacity and a third for the magnetized cat eye effect. A bar magnet was used to achieve the desired look. While I attempted a lazy gradient, it didn't turn out as planned.

Demonstration of the application process using a bar magnet.
Demonstration of the application process using a bar magnet.

Dusty Blue Dream: Lush

Lush, a dusty light blue, is a standout in this collection. The muted tone is incredibly appealing, and as a blue lover, this shade easily became a favorite. While three coats were used for complete opacity, there was still a slight nail line visible.

Close-up shot of Lush swatch on a nail.
Close-up shot of Lush swatch on a nail.

A fourth coat, applied off-camera, fully magnetized the polish and resolved the nail line issue. The final result is a beautiful, soft blue with a captivating cat eye effect.

The speaker expressing her positive feelings about the color.
The speaker expressing her positive feelings about the color.

Cobalt Blue & Chartreuse: Daybreak and Maple

Daybreak, a cobalt blue, is a personal favorite due to its rich, dark tone and captivating cat eye. Initially appearing dusty, the silver magnetic pigment reveals its true depth upon magnetization. A fourth coat was needed to perfect the cat eye and conceal slight nail lines.

Close-up shot of Daybreak swatch on a nail.
Close-up shot of Daybreak swatch on a nail.

Maple, described as a bright chartreuse yellow, surprised me. I found it to be more lime-green than chartreuse. While not my typical color choice, it possessed excellent opacity, even with just one coat. The magnetic effect was less pronounced on this shade.

Close-up shot of Maple swatch on a nail.
Close-up shot of Maple swatch on a nail.

Emerald Green Elegance: Vdor

The collection concludes with Vdor, an emerald green. This rich, jewel-toned shade is another winner, thanks to its deep color and stunning magnetic effect. It's a darker color, more in line with my personal preferences.

Close-up shot of Vdor swatch on a nail.
Close-up shot of Vdor swatch on a nail.

Despite a minor application mishap resulting in polish on my pinky, the overall look is fantastic. The cat eye effect is strong and complements the intense green hue.

Shot showing a minor application mishap.
Shot showing a minor application mishap.

Overall Impression & Conclusion

The Cirque Colors Midsummer collection offers a diverse range of magnetic polishes, unified by their silver pigment. While the magnetic effect varies slightly across shades (being more pronounced on darker colors), the overall quality is excellent.

I personally found the darker shades (Daybreak and Vdor) particularly captivating, with their rich jewel tones and intense cat-eye effect. While I appreciate the lighter shades, they showcased the magnetic pigment less effectively. Overall, the collection is a must-have for magnetic polish enthusiasts.