Cirque Colors - Manus x Machina Collection


Hiya guys. Today I'm sharing swatches for the Manus x Machina Collection from Cirque Colors latest collaboration. Back in early May, the Metropolitan Museum of Art released their exhibition for the Fashion in a Age of Technology: Manus x Machina. In honor of the show, Cirque Colors has developed along side Olivia Kim a 6-piece collection inspired by the materials and production techniques that are explored throughout the exhibit. In addition to this post, I'll also be sharing a few nail art looks this week as we approach the final two weeks for the exhibit.


The Manus x Machina Collection from Cirque Colors is limited edition and available now through August 14th. Individual full-size bottles retail $15 and are available in-store only at The Met Store: 1000 Fifth Ave, New York City. The 3-piece gift sets retail for $42 and those are available online only at store.metmuseum.org (shipping to US residents).

Cirque Colors - Raven

Raven can be described as a spellbinding black with green iridescent shimmer. Inspired by such diverse materials as feathers, satin, and vinyl used in haute couture embellishments. I love how sleek this shade looks on the nail, it definitely captures the inspiration perfectly. The formula was a bit on the thin side so I had to be careful not to overload the brush. It dries to a high-gloss finish on its own. Shown in two coats and sealed with a glossy topcoat.  


Cirque Colors - Moon Dust

Moon Dust can be described as a chameleon silver foil made with superfine sterling silver pigment. This universally flattering nail lacquer shade is both futuristic and ancient, lending an otherworldly elegance to the wearer with dazzling iridescence and a nod to the power of the hand in space-age design. It's so hard to capture the beauty of the foil on camera when it comes to this polish. In person though the silver foil is a very modern unique look that can't help but be eye-catching. The formula had a surprisingly smooth application and opaque consistency. Shown here in two coats and sealed with a glossy topcoat.


Cirque Colors - Pret-A-Pearl

Pret-A-Pearl can be described as a soft white shade with a rouge-pink sheen. This refined lacquer is inspired by the subtle iridescence of mother-of-pearl. Known for its luster, strength, and resilience, this prized natural material has been used in fashion for centuries, inspiring various synthetic imitations. The pink shimmer Shown here in two coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.


Cirque Colors - Tulle

Tulle can be described as a light pink-beige creme. Inspired by the dichotomy of precision and lightness embodied in handmade accents from the various haute couture métiers, including dentellerie (lacemaking), parurier floral (artificial flowers), plissage (pleating), and plumasserie (featherwork). If you're familiar with Cirque Colors creme formulas, then you'll find this to be up to par with the standard. It has very opaque coats running on a butter-like (smooth) consistency with great self-leveling. Shown here in two coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.


Cirque Colors - Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic can be described as a sheer linen-white inspired by designer toiles which serve as working prototypes for finished fashion designs. This foundational shade pays homage to the creative process, providing buildable coverage and a perfect blank canvas for nail art. The formula is sheer as intended and will show a visible nail line even after some layering. It has a smooth application throughout and a great consistency, not too thick or too thin. Shown here in three coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.


Cirque Colors - Laser Jet

Laser Jet can be described as a sparkling black holographic glitter topper. Inspired by the machine-like perfection achieved in hand-beading and embellishment of both couture and prêt-à-porter garments. For some reason I feel as if my photos are unfocused when it comes to this polish and I think it was because my camera had a hard time with all the sparkle. Not that I can blame it! This layers perfectly with any other shade in this collection or you can use a dab/sponge method for an opaque finish on its own. The formula has excellent glitter distribution with ample coverage per brush stroke. I felt I barely needed the second coat, but I used it to minimally dab where needed.Shown here in two coats over Ultrasonic and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.


Overall the whole collection is what fashionista dreams are made of! Personally I did prefer the Manus Trio more (consisting of Raven, Moon Dust, and Pret-A-Pearl) as the shades feel more versatile for wear and even nail art. But I have to give it to Ultrasonic as one of my top picks, there is just something about that simple 'blank canvas' look that I love so much. All in all Cirque Colors never disappoints in terms of shade and formula combined and I highly suggest trying to nab these while you can. Remember all the shades shown here are limited edition and will only be purchasable for two more weeks.

To recap, the Manus x Machina Collection from Cirque Colors is available now through August 14th. Individual full-size bottles retail $15 and are available in-store only at The Met Store: 1000 Fifth Ave, New York City. The 3-piece gift sets retail for $42 and those are available online only at store.metmuseum.org (shipping to US residents).

Be sure to keep up-to-date with Cirque Colors on social media:

12 comments

  1. As if the art wasn't enough to make me want to visit the Met again.... I'm captivated by Raven.

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  2. Hot damn, I love Laser Jet!! I love the versatility of this collection though. So many beautiful polishes.

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  3. I love these. Sadly, Cirque doesn't work with my body chemistry.

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  4. Oh man I have grabby hands at this whole collection. Stunning swatches!

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  5. Gorgeous swatches! These look so versatile for nail art!

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  6. Gorgeous swatches and this is a great collection!

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  7. This color palette speaks to me in a bad-for-my-budget way!! Thank you for the amazing review!

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  8. Beautiful collection. Raven is gorgeous x

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