MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 1!
MAC Spring Colour Forecast: Crush Metal Pigments Reviews, Photos, Swatches
The Crush Metal Pigment stacks contain four shades per set, but they actually come packaged in two “stacks,” though you can technically stack all four together. They look much like MAC’s travel packaging jars–they’re definitely much larger than typical 5 gram sample jars. They are roughly the same diameter as a MAC eyeshadow. The texture of these is reminiscent of Solar Bits, though I’d say they’re not chunky bits. It’s like a cross between Solar Bits and some of MAC’s frostier pigments (e.g. Kitschmas).
For your reference, these retail for $32.50 and must be bought either in Stacked 1! or Stacked 2! sets, they are not available for individual purchase. The total weight of the Stacked sets is 12 grams / 0.42 oz.
Stacked 1!
Stacked 1! consists of four shades: a shimmery medium-dark pink with gold flecks; a lightened, pale pink with light sheen; a dark violet with red undertones and soft violet sheen; and a shimmery icy lilac. I found the icy lilac shade to be the chunkiest, frostiest, and the most difficult to work with out of the bunch. The first two shades didn’t remind me of any pre-existing or previous pigments, but the darker purple reminded me of Push the Edge pigment (but without the violet sheen), while the icy lilac one is like a lighter, icier version of Kitschmas.
Stacked 2!
The four shades included in Stacked 2! are: a metallic light tan with a gilded gold sheen; a lightly frosted tan-gold with golden shimmer; a metallic yellow-based golden green with gold sheen; and a light, olived-toned green with slightly golden sheen. The tan shade reminds me of a slightly lighter, more metallic version of Tan pigment, whereas the beige-y tan is kind of like Blonde pigment. Neither green really has a great dupe, but they’re in the vein of maybe a much, much lighter and yellower version of Golden Olive pigment.
See product photos and swatches!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 1!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 1!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 1!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 1!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 1!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 1!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 1!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 2!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 2!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 2!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 2!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 2!
MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 2!
I need to get these! Thanks so much for the review!
Pretty!
Are these pigments easier to work with than the solar bits?
Yes!
I love the purple stack but I’m not a fan of MAC’s solar bits or their chunkier pigments so if it’s a hybrid btwn the two then I’ll have to skip. BUT SIGH I AM SUCH A SUCKER FOR PURPLE SHADOWS!
i definitely love stack one.. but a little iffy on stack 2 since they look very similar to each other when swatched.
I’m much more interested in the greens and golds, but not enough to justify the price. Thanks for the swatches~!
Hmm. Dont really have experience with MACs pigments, or solar bits. i’m curious how the texture is to work with.
LOVING the colors though. I have a feeling that Stack 1 will be coming home with me soon.
It’s kind of chunky, but if you press it with your finger, it smooths out quite a bit. Like it flattens? LOL!
so pretty, both stacks !! I want all of them haha
Gosh, they are expensive, but soooo pretty. I will most probably get both sets.
thanks for the swatches Christine. Both stalks are skip for me. I have similar pigments in my stash. Btw, the rosy colour one in purple stalk reminds me of Rose pigment
i’m probably going to get the purple stack. i think i’ll pass on the gold stack because i have PRO gold pigment. although that last gold one is really cool. oh crap. now i don’t know. i think i’ll have to see them in person before i decide.
These are really the only products out of the entire collection that I was looking to get, but after seeing the swatches, I’m kinda iffy…I thought the color payoff would be better. Plus, 4 pigments for $32.50 is a good deal. Pigments usually show up on the skin better when applied wet, right?
Yeah, they show up better when wet!
well there goes that paycheck lol
I need more purple like I need a hole in my head, but you know Ima git these!
LOL. funniest comment ever.
Oh god the pigments are gorgeous! But I gotta skip these since I know I won’t be using them that much and I gotta budget.
Ooh, the colors are pretty – esp the green/gold ones! Probably going to pass on the chunkier texture though. I was not really a fan of Kitschmas at all.
I love the way both look… My wallet’s in so much trouble this month!
christine, do you think there is enough pigment in each stack to press them?
It seems like it to me. It’s 0.42 oz. total, so each one is about 0.10 I’d say…
I wasn’t interested in the stacks at all, but now after seeing your swatches.. eek! My wallet is in trouble… I’ll probably wait until I get to swatch them myself before purchasing though.
Christine, how are they applied on the lids?? are they iritating to the eyes??
I didn’t find them irritating! I liked them better with mixing medium but layered over a paint pot than just straight onto the lid.
awsome! thanks for advice. I really appreciate it.
No problem, Tina!
I wanted stack 1 but I don’t really care for how they swatched… almost too light and the high shine makes them appear sheer… I think I’ll have to pass =/
thank you so much for posting all of your swatches!!
No problem, Maria!
i just got into pigments and i was thinking of getting stacked 1 but overall i think it’s too expensive.
So far I only really want the crush pigment stacks.
hey christine, i was wondering if you knew if the crushed metal pigment is the crushed version of the metal x eyeshadows?.. they feel and look a lot like them..
Nah, I don’t think so… they’re not as metallic or as smooth. Stacked 2! has a more metallic look, but Stacked 1! is pretty frost/shimmer.
As pretty as these are, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle the texture. I will check them out in store, I may just change my mind.
I want a customized Stack. -sigh- I don’t like enough from either to justify buying.
I love more the colors from MAC Crush Metal Pigments: Stacked 2, they seem to be more suitable for my skin tone and I was thinking to go for golden makeups anyway. I really like the Gold collection from Make Up For Ever so I was thinking instantly of it when I saw these swatches
Thanks Christine! The only one I like is violet pigment, it looks somewhat similar to Black Tulip from the quad but silkier. Would it be possible to separate just one jar from the stack and share the rest with someone?
Hey Sunshine, yes it would be
You can stack it in any way, 1, 2, 3, or 4!
Yay, I’m excited now!
I want both stacks!!!
Stacked 2 are amazing! that greenish one on the end is a sort of gold you don’t see too often!
I was all set to pass on these, but I ADORE Solar Bits- regular pigments don’t mix well on the eye with SB. Are these enough like the Solar Bit Finish to blend well with them?
I bought Stacked2! But since I am not that good using metallics and glitter as eyeshadow, do you have any recommendations to apply them evenly and create a complete wearable look?
BTW Thanks for the awesome swatches and super fast reviews!!!!!!!
♥x♥x♥
Use it over a base like a paint pot and I’d probably crush them a bit on the back of your hand, then use your brush to apply them wet!
must have stack one
Hey Christine, I just wanted to know if these jars are the same size as the empty stackable jars that MAC sells?
I don’t remember them very well, but they do kind of look like them to me!
How different on the last two colors of Stacked 2 in person? They look very similar on camera.
They’re different, but not like OMG TOTALLY DIFFERENT! I liked Stacked 2! least, just because the colors were very similar.
Hi Christine,
I just bought both stacks and really I’m hving the darnest time applying them dry. You suggest them wet then? So with a mixing medium? I tried them w/ a paint pot, but did it dry and the shadows are pretty but it got everywhere..any ideas would be greatful.
Yes, try them wet over a paint pot
I’m wondering what a similar colour would be to the gold/yellow in the stack 2. I already own so many gold and yellows. The charts call it yellow but it looks pretty gold in the swatch. for reference I was trying out Fresh Salmon face chart.
Golden Lemon pigment
Dear Christine, could you please advice the best brush for applying pigments? I’ve just bought the Stacked 1 set and thinking about how to apply them in the better way.
Thank you!
I like the 249!
I have the stacked 1! Sooo beautiful!