Too Cool For School ArtClass Bronzer Review Natural Cool Tone Contour Palette

Description

Highlights of the Korean Contour Palette’s Design and Features

Trying out the Too Cool for School ArtClass by Rodin Shading Korean contour palette (model number KMATBRL-A01) was quite a unique experience. This compact palette measuring 3 x 3 x 0.75 inches holds just 0.33 ounces of product, but don’t let the size fool you—it packs a punch in versatility. The palette combines three shades—Pale Beige, Neutral Cool Brown, and Cool Brown—intended for cool-tone contouring and shading. I appreciated how the colors blend smoothly into one another, which allows for a natural gradation that complements various skin tones without looking harsh or artificial.

The warm brown and neutral grey hues offer a subtle, sophisticated contouring option that isn’t overdone. Using the palette, I could easily define my cheekbones, jawline, nose, and even brows with precision. This product isn’t just a bronzer; it’s designed for delicate contouring across multiple facial areas, which is a definite asset for anyone into sculpted makeup looks.

Good Aspects: What Impresses Me Most

• Seamless blend of three colors for a customized contour effect
• Cool-tone shades that avoid the orange or muddy look typical of some bronzers
• Multi-purpose use for contouring face, nose, and brows
• Compact and travel-friendly size

I found the color layering particularly impressive. The palette encourages blending the three shades step by step, which makes the contour look more dimensional and believable. My sister, who normally shies away from contouring because it looks “too obvious,” actually enjoyed using this palette. She said it felt much easier to work with, and the results were more natural than other contouring products she’s tried.

Drawbacks That Might Make You Think Twice

• Limited product quantity for the price point
• Shades may not suit very warm or olive skin tones perfectly
• Slightly powdery texture requires careful application to avoid fallout

While the palette excels in many areas, it’s not without flaws. The amount of product is on the smaller side, which might not satisfy heavy users who contour daily. I noticed the powder has a finely milled texture that felt a bit powdery, so applying it with a dense brush required some caution to prevent fallout. Also, if your skin leans toward warmer or olive undertones, the cool-tone shades might appear ashy or less flattering.

Competitors in the Contouring World: How This Palette Stacks Up

Comparing this shading palette to other popular Korean contour products like the Etude House Play Color Face Contour and the Innisfree My Contour, I found a few key differences. The Too Cool for School palette excels at cool-tone shading and precise sculpting thanks to its carefully curated color blend, whereas some competitors lean warmer or have less nuanced shade separation. However, competitors often come with more product volume or slightly creamier formulas, which might appeal to those who prefer a richer texture.

The Etude House option offers a wider range of colors but sometimes feels less pigmented, requiring multiple layers. The Innisfree contour sticks provide a creamier finish but lack the versatility of the three-in-one powder layering system. This palette’s uniqueness lies in its blendable layering system, which I found perfect for anyone wanting a more subtle, natural contour rather than a dramatic look.

Versatility and Application Techniques

This contour palette’s three-shade layering technique encourages creativity. You can start with the Pale Beige for highlighting, then move to the Neutral Cool Brown for mid-tone shading, and finish with the Cool Brown for deeper definition. This method creates a soft gradient effect that avoids harsh lines. Using a fluffy brush for blending or a smaller, denser brush for precise contouring worked well for me.

I also experimented by mixing the shades for brow definition, which surprisingly gave a nice, natural finish without the need for an additional brow product. This multi-functionality is not something every contour palette offers, making it a valuable tool in my makeup kit.

Price Performance: Is It Worth It?

Evaluating the price-to-quality ratio, the palette sits at a mid-range level. The quality of pigmentation and blendability justifies the investment to an extent, especially for those who prefer cool undertones and natural shading effects. However, considering the small amount of product, it might not feel like the best bang for your buck if you’re a heavy contour user.

Friends with different skin tones tried it out, and those with cool undertones praised its subtlety and ease of use, while others wished for a broader shade range. If you’re after a travel-friendly, multi-use contour palette that offers natural, cool-toned shading, this product delivers. For heavier makeup users or those needing warmer shades, exploring other options might be necessary.

User Experience: How It Felt in Real Life

Testing this palette daily brought some surprising moments. My coworker, who normally uses cream contour sticks, tried this powder palette and liked the matte but natural finish. She noted it required a bit more blending than creams but appreciated the less oily look on her skin. My niece also gave it a whirl, using it as a bronzer, and found the shades flattering without being overpowering.

The compact case fits nicely in a makeup bag, and the product doesn’t crumble easily, which is a relief for those prone to accidental drops. However, a mirror inside the case would have been a welcome addition for on-the-go touch-ups.

Areas for Improvement: Small Changes That Could Enhance the Palette

• Increase product quantity for longer usage
• Add a built-in mirror for travel convenience
• Include a brush or applicator for immediate use
• Expand shade range to accommodate warmer skin tones

The palette is definitely a well-thought-out product, but these tweaks could raise it to the next level. More product per pan would help justify the price, and a mirror is a practical feature missing from this otherwise sleek design. Including a brush suited for contour application would also add convenience, especially for beginners.

This review is based on hands-on use, feedback from friends and family, and comparison with popular competitors in the market. The Too Cool for School contour palette stands out for its cool-toned, three-color layering system and multi-use functionality, but it also has some limitations regarding product size and shade inclusivity.

Additional information