First impressions matter, and the Art Whale Gouache Paint Set delivers with its eye-catching mix of 9 colors, including four stunning metallics (white, gold, copper, and silver). The 50ml cups feel generous—no stingy portions here!—and the snap-on lids are a lifesaver for keeping paints fresh between sessions. Though peeling off the initial plastic seal is a messy affair (prepare for finger paint moments), the resealable design beats tube-style gouache hands-down for longevity.

The texture? Creamy dreamy. It blends like mayonnaise (yes, that’s a compliment) and layers beautifully without crumbling. I mixed ultramarine and burnt umber into a rich black effortlessly, though beginners should note: there’s no pre-made black included. The metallics add flair but beware—the pearly white tints all light mixes with shimmer, which isn’t ideal for subtle highlights. A matte white would’ve been a game-changer.

Pigmentation is stellar—one swipe covers boldly, almost too boldly (RIP my favorite shirt). Dries to a velvety matte finish, perfect for illustrations. Downsides? The lids don’t feel Fort Knox-level secure; I wouldn’t trust them in a tossed-around art bag. And while the color selection covers basics well, advanced artists might crave more singles to expand the palette.

Verdict: For $20-ish, this set punches above its weight. Newbies get forgiving, blendable paints; pros appreciate the pigment density. Just keep it upright, supplement with a matte white, and let those metallics shine—literally.