Let me start by saying—I’m obsessed with shimmer. When I unboxed this 40-color set, the metallic finishes had me doing a little happy dance. The Rococo and DunHuang-inspired shades (yes, I Googled the latter—turns out it’s based on ancient Chinese cave murals that used shimmering pigments!) are *chef’s kiss*. Swatching them felt like painting with liquid starlight.

The Good: These are *pigmented*. A little water reactivates them beautifully, and they layer well over non-shimmery bases (pro tip: let each layer dry first). I used them for accent details—gilded edges on handmade cards, galaxy-themed journal spreads—and the payoff is dazzling. At $13.49 for 40 colors? Steal.

The Not-So-Good: Don’t expect true "color-shifting" magic—it’s more of a metallic sheen. The pans are TINY (think thumbnail-sized) and loose in the tin (I stole a reviewer’s hack: double-sided tape to secure them). Also, blending gradients? Forget it. The mica particles make them stubborn travelers on paper.

Surprise Win: They work on ceramics! I tested them on a glazed mug, and the shimmer stayed put after baking. Perfect for DIY gifts.

Verdict: Not your main watercolor squad, but as a glittery sidekick? 10/10. Just keep expectations realistic—and maybe hide them from kids/pets (choking hazard alert!).