First impressions matter, and the Art Whale Metallic Watercolor set nails it with its sleek tin box and neatly arranged half-pans. The metallic, glitter, and pearlescent shades immediately catch your eye—perfect for adding that extra oomph to any artwork.

The pigments are surprisingly intense for their size. A little goes a long way, blending smoothly whether you're working on light or dark paper. I tested them on black cardstock, and the shimmer held up beautifully—no dullness here!

Portability is a huge plus. The compact tin fits easily in a bag, making it ideal for plein air painting or quick sketches on the go. The included waterbrush is handy, though I did find myself reaching for my regular brushes for finer details.

That said, the pans are *tiny*. If you're used to larger palettes, this might feel limiting at first. But given how pigmented they are, you won’t run out quickly unless you’re painting murals daily.

One gripe: quality control seems inconsistent. While my set arrived pristine, some reviewers reported used or damaged paints—definitely a letdown if you’re gifting it.

Verdict? For beginners or crafters (like me!), this set is a fun, affordable way to experiment with metallics. Professionals might crave larger pans or more pigment variety, but for shimmer-loving hobbyists? It’s a glittery win.