MAC Vera: Butterfly Party Crushed Metallic Pigment

MAC released a new collection featuring the designs of Vera Neumann last Thursday, called MAC Vera. This collection features 19 products, 10 of which are new and limited edition, 8 of which are re-promotes (7 of which are going to be made permanent), and one of which is permanent. MAC Vera features three new and limited edition sets of Crushed Metallic Pigment. Each set features four new and limited edition shades of Crushed Metallic Pigment. They are essentially loose pigment powders with a strong metallic finish that can be used on eyes or face. Each set of Crushed Metallic Pigment comes with two individual stacks, each stack containing two shades, totalling four shades. It is designed so that the lids can be interchangeable to stack each shade on top of each other. Each container houses 3 grams of pigment, with a total net weight of 12 grams per set. Each set retails for $40.

Butterfly Party, Desert Cloud, Rain Drop, and Moss Garden

Butterfly Party is a medium red-toned violet with lilac shimmer-sheen. There is some grittiness and, as a result, doesn't go on quite as smoothly and has some fall out. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off with an intense metallic sheen. It is more red-toned than Violet Pigment, and slightly lighter but much more intense than Nocturnelle.

Desert Cloud is a dark purple-blue with silver shimmer-sheen. There is quite a lot of grittiness and, as a result, doesn't go on smoothly, is harder to blend, and has fall out. It has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off with an intense metallic sheen. It is darker and more intense than Parfait Amour, and darker and much more purple than Cornflower Pigment.

Rain Drop is a medium teal-green with mint green and teal shimmer-sheen. It goes on smooth and even, and has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off with an intense metallic sheen. It is brighter than Steamy, and darker and more silver than Shimmermoss.

Moss Garden is a light greyed mint green with silver shimmer-sheen. It goes on smooth and even, and has high pigmentation and opaque colour pay-off with an intense metallic sheen. There are no dupes for this in MAC's permanent range.

Crushed Metallic Pigments look absolutely stunning — in the jars and in execution. They really stay true to their product name, and really do look like crushed metal nuggets. Because they are loose pigments, they do create some fall out, but once they are applied, they are long-wearing, non-creasing, and really stay put — as long as you crush the pigment (using a brush in the lid) to create a smooth, even layer of product. I do recommend using these on top of a slightly more emollient base as well, just so they adhere better to the eye area. I use MAC's Vibrancy Eye Primer, but Paint Pot or Paint would work well. I usually don't like loose eyeshadows because I find them messier with more fall out, but as someone who loves metallic eyeshadows, I find these totally worth working with. For those who prefer matte or natural/neutral shades, you can skip these.