MAC Metal X: The Good and The Bad

I was very skeptical about the Metal X cream eyeshadows because of the mixed reviews I have been reading online. Some people gushed over how pigmented, rich, creamy and vibrant these shadows are, but some were disappointed with the creasing. I decided to see and try it out for myself, and when I arrived at the counter, I was totally floored by how gorgeous these eyeshadows are. First of all, I didn't know the Metal X pots were going to be bigger than regular MAC eyeshadows. Secondly, I thought the Metal X's were going to be gunky, sticky cream eyeshadows, but I was met with firm, ultra smooth cream shadows that dry to a powder finish. Most of all, I fell in love with the amazing, wondrous, vibrant colors. I gravitated toward 6th Sin and Plum Electric (shown in pics), and you can probably see why. The hues were so rich and vibrant, and definitely buildable, so you can have these as sheer or as opaque as you want. I debated with myself and I wanted to get Pure Ore, Virgin Silver and Gold Spice as well, but I held off because I kept thinking about the creasing issues I've read on makeup boards online. I went home and swatched the shadows, and these are unlike any other eyeshadow from MAC that I've tried. Sooooo rich, smooth, uber-pigmented. I was in love.

I tried 6th Sin today and I was just blown away by the color. It's one of prettiest greens I've ever owned. It was so beautiful on the lid that I decided to leave it alone and not apply powder shadow over it. Take note that I used a base (Beige-ing shadestick) and I was quite confident that it wouldn't crease on me.

Well, I was wrong. Less than three hours later, I saw big, fat creases on my lids despite my careful application of primer. MAC shadows NEVER creased on me, until today. I should have known that cream shadows are not really known for their staying power, regardless of the brand. That said, Metal X's are great, but only when used as a base when you're working on the crease, which is such a shame because I bought the shadows to be showcased and not buried under tons of powder eyeshadows. I wanted it to shine. Such a shame. Oh well. I can always find great shadows to layer over these, but I'm just disappointed that I will never get to wear these without powder eyeshadows over them.












Eyes:
MAC Beige-ing shadestick as base on lid and lower lashline
MAC Metal X eyeshadow in 6th Sin on lid
MAC Juxt eyeshadow on inner to mid lid
MAC Metamorph eyeshadow on inner half of lower lashline
MAC Greensmoke eyeshadow on outer half of lower lashline
MAC Humid and Plumage eyeshadows on outer crease and outer V
MAC Shroom eyeshadow to highlight
Indelible gel liner in Black Out to line
Shu Uemura mascara base
Shu Uemura and Maybelline mascaras

Face:
Camellia Rose skin smoothing primer
Everyday Minerals foundation in Winged Butter Intensive
Mary Kay undereye concealer in Ivory topped with
Bare Escentuals Well Rested
Silk Naturals sheer perfecting powder
MAC Emote blush to contour
Everyday Minerals blush in Apple
Terra Del Sol # 7 skinfinish (MAC Pleasureflush MSF dupe) over blush

Lips:
MAC lipliner in Whirl
MAC lipstick in Ultra Madame
MAC lipglass in Contessa (Finery Plum lips)