Cirque Xochitl

Xochitl was released by NYC-based indie polish maker Cirque Colors as part of the Heritage collection in April 2014, a series of holographic lacquers inspired by indigenous peoples of the Americas. The name of this polish, pronounced SOH-chee, is Aztec or Nahuatl for "flower." It's a medium-toned orchid purple linear holo, a perfect match to Pantone's 2014 color of the year, radiant orchid. The color has a creamy, muted quality in ambient light that is sophisticated and flattering on the nail. Abundant holographic pigment gives it a softly luminous, finely speckled look, dimensionalized by subtle swaths of violet and occasionally dotted with bright turquose or pink sparks. The particles read mostly as shimmering pink from within the base and create a remarkable pink sheen under incandescent light. Direct sun brightens the base color and elicits a beautiful, slightly dispersed linear holographic display predominated by a slender band of brilliant turquoise sparks edged by a sparkling corona of mixed prismatic colors.

Application was dreamy. The consistency of Xochitl is fluid, light and very smooth with a medium viscosity and an easy, self-leveling flow over the nail. This is a fast-drying formula that does not appreciate being overworked but still gives enough time to finesse the application provided the brush is sufficiently loaded. Pigmentation is very good, delivering complete even, opaque coverage in two coats. Cleanup is easy and straightforward. Xochitl dries naturally in very good time to a smooth shiny finish. Topcoat does not inhibit the holographic properties of the polish in any way that I could tell.

Creator Annie scents her lacquers with a mixture of clary sage and lavender essential oils, giving them a fresh, gently floral fragrance that lingers after the polish dries. Xochitl's scent seems particularly delicious to me, almost as though there's some bergamot in there too (which I'm sure there isn't). So good!

Photos show two coats of Xochitl over treatment and basecoat with a topcoat of Seche Vite.

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

Cirque Xochitl

The holographic component in this polish seems to be an assortment of variously sized particles and microflakes. This medley of sizes gives the polish extra sparkle, especially in the sun. The prevalent turquoise sparks are particularly striking with the orchid purple base, and lend a bit of stealthy exotic zing to this otherwise urbane shade. 

A beautiful and eminently wearable polish!

love,
Liz