MAC Bao Bao Wan Collection Highlight - Bao Bao's Jewels Veluxe Pearlfusion Shadow

The MAC x Bao Bao Wan collection is a mix of shimmering metallics and clashing opaque costume jewelry tones. Among all the loud, neon, fun, and - dare I say "trash over class" - shades designed in collaboration with the Chinese socialite-cum-jewelry-designer, there IS one item which stands out as being quite chic and universally appealing.

MAC Bao Bao Wan nail lacquers

MAC Bao Bao Wan lipsticks

The Bao Bao's Jewels Veluxe Pearlfusion Shadow palette is a shimmering collection of metal shades, from a pale fleshy pink to a deep steel grey.

Now at SGD$75 for 4g, the Veluxe Pearlfusion palettes do not offer you any "bulk savings" over regular full-size single shadows. And if you're using refill pans, then these are actually a step up in price. So the only reason to get these would be if you absolutely love a majority of the shades.

MAC Bao Bao's Jewels swatches

Here's a shade breakdown:

• Pale Pink - the one dud in the palette; this shade is very gritty and will fall apart on your brush and fingers; be prepared for low payoff and high fall-out.
• Gold - medium yellow-gold; very smooth and semi-opaque; low fall-out.
• Pink Bronze - "pink bronze" is just a nicer way to say "copper"; this is a true orange-based copper, and the payoff is beautiful, but the shade itself might come off quite brassy and orange on many light to medium skins. Low fall-out.
• Dark Brown - a great charcoal-brown with a low silver sheen; this goes on smoothly and blends beautifully. Makes a great liner or definer shade and complements the other colors in the palette well. Moderate fall-out.
• Steel Grey - The only cooler-toned shade in the bunch, this color is silky and quite dimensional, but also has high fall-out.

You can get away with Pale Pink by applying it damp, and as for the excessive fall-out you get, I can only say this is one of those palettes you need to use BEFORE you apply your foundation and concealer.

If you don't mind these two negatives, and you like the colors, then I would say this is a palette worth checking out. But remember, it's not really a palette for subtle eye looks.

MAC Bao Bao Wan eye look

 You can see from all my pics that there is fall-out under the eyes from applying the shades. I did actually wipe my skin lightly before the shot above, but apparently that was not enough.

To recreate this smoky winged metallic eye, you simple need to:

1. Apply Dark Brown, Rose Bronze and Gold in succession from the outer corner of the eye inwards. The colors should slightly overlap one another so there is a seamless ombre effect.

2. Using a small lip brush, I applied the Steel Grey shade to the lower lash line damp for more control and intensity, and then the Pale Pink to the inner corners around the tear-duct, and down the center of the eye for a subtle highlight.

3. Then I used black liner to define the lash line and rim them. With a look so strong, it always helps to have a bit of black or dark-brown (depending on your coloring) for definition, or it can actually de-emphasize your lashes.

The Bao Bao Wan collection launches 6 March at MAC Ngee Ann City and 12 March at Tangs.