I only bought this because I wanted the other two, and thought I may as well try this too. I've been pleasantly surprised! Yes the matte colours are bright, but they are not at all patchy, and they blend out well so you can achieve a look that is intense but not clownish. The shimmers are very fine and sparkly. The purple Kindred is quite soft and pretty used alone, and yet over the pink matte Pride, you can see it from Mars. It's fun, and I've used it more than I thought I would.