Cirque Dark Horse

Dark Horse is the namesake polish from indie polish maker Cirque's Dark Horse collection. It's a distinctly different black polish -- an all-black microglitter in a clear suspension base with teeny iridescent micro sparkles in jewel toned colors. The reflectivity of the microglitters soften the impact of the black, give it texture and bling and create a deeply cool twist on the notion of formal glamour.

Although I've seen photos of Dark Horse layered over black to beautiful effect by Eugenia of the fabulous blog Ommorphia Beauty Bar, I decided to try it by itself first. Application was interesting. The suspension base has the kind of viscosity where it likes to stick to itself, so getting that first coat on where you want it is crucial because subsequent coats will not be coaxed onto virgin territory. I was a little trepidatious with my first coat and didn't quite get the shapes I would have liked better to see, but considering my recent relapse into manicure ineptitude I'm not unhappy with my performance.

Once you get that first coat on, the others are a breeze. At least, they are as long as you don't swipe any skin because those tiny black microglitters aren't easy to remove (film at eleven). Coverage is very good for an all-glitter polish, with complete opacity in three coats. Dark Horse dries naturally in very good time to a topcoat-hungry textured finish. A smooth glossy finish is key to making the most of those iridescent sparkles and does require some serious topcoat layering. At least, it did for me.

Photos show three coats of Dark Horse over treatment and basecoat with a topcoat sandwich of Seche Vite + Nail Pattern Boldness Glitter Food + Seche Vite. Happily, Dark Horse applies thinly and dries down thinner still so the results aren't bulky. Another pleasant surprise was the absence of any tip pull or shrinkage with drying. I was even able to wrap my tips!

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

Cirque Dark Horse

This polish is edgy but has at the same time a surprisingly mature grace and formality to it. It didn't activate my obnoxious angsty Dana Brady in Homeland bias. On the contrary, I felt quite comfortable, if underdressed, wearing Dark Horse. I can so see this as an especially glamorous and beautiful special occasion polish in a way that is unique to me among the black polishes I have experienced. 

Like Arcane Fire, Dark Horse has that Cirquean allure that catches and fascinates the eye. It received compliments when one of Fuzzy's cohorts dropped by the house, and even John was seduced. "Statement," he said when he saw it. I'm pretty sure that means he loves it. ;->

Next time I'm going to layer it over a black creme. I'll keep you posted!

love,
Aunt Liz