Steadily becoming one of my favorite Korean brands, Too Cool for School’s initial and long-standing hook for me was their Dinoplatz range. Designed by an American studio with commissioned illustrations from Hatori Sando, the Dinoplatz line is fun, fresh, quirky, and really, really cute.
I was a goner, basically, so please forgive me if this review runs a little long.
In 2013, I bought bath salts (?) and an illuminator from TCFS as part of my test run of the brand. I never ventured into their color cosmetics until I got samples from Too Cool for School PH (review) and until I went to several Too Cool for School branches in Korea and tried my hardest to resist. I came home with some Dinoplatz items: 3 chubby eye crayons (1 is for my sister!) and a cream glitter shadow.
Sidenote
Dinoplatz means “dino ground” or “dino space.” Their branding has “Dino,” a crossed-out “spiel,” and “platz.” Spielplatz is German for “playground.” The more you know.
Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Eye Krrrayon Stick in #3 Moss on the Rocks and #4 Medium Rare, Please
They were running a 2 + 1 promo for these, so who was I to say no? I got #3 Moss on the Rocks, a deep mossy green, and #4 Medium Rare, Please, a deep cranberry red, for me. My free shade, Cocoa Puddle, is a beautiful bronze that I thought my sister would like.
They’re standard twist-up retractable chubby eye crayons, with a smudger on the end that actually works for that purpose. These go on really creamily and smudge away nicely. I picked these colors since I figured I should stay away from neutrals, but seeing the labels on the boxes makes me want to get all of them.
Speaking of the box, they’re longer than average, but the crayons are about the same length as most of the crayons and pencils I own. This is because a rather graphic “information scroll” is tucked in there with the pencil:
That’s the fun thing about this brand… it’s not afraid to get a little morbid.
(eye) Shadow on Flatiron in #1 Lavender
YOU GUYS. It’s an actual Flatiron, as in the Flatiron Building on Fifth Avenue, box.
The product itself is just this tiny, tiny tube. But look at the box! So cute.
Anyway, the (eye) Shadow on Flatiron (get it?) is just a very sheer, glittery eye color that’s perfect for Asian eye makeup trends. It’s beautiful as an inner corner highlight or a glittery “top coat” for your lids, in case of festivities. I got the shade #1 Lavender, but I don’t think it makes much difference what shade you get since it sheers out to basically a transparent base.
Too Cool for School Dinoplatz Pearl Bay Invasion in #1 Mother of Pearl
Aside from the questionable name choice, this liquid illuminator is so good. I reviewed it previously here, but here’s an old photo of me using it mixed in with a foundation:
And now, swatches!
Swatched, L-R: Too Cool for School Dinoplatz Eye Krrrayon in #3 Moss on the Rocks and #4 Medium Rare Please, (eye) Shadow on Flatiron in #1 Lavender, Pearl Bay Invasion in #1 Mother of Pearl
I love all of my picks, and can’t wait to use them for holiday looks. I think these are a great gift idea, too, for your more alternative cousin or a sister who just likes cute things.
They were selling these dinoplatz dinos (they all have names) at the Too Cool for School Hongdae branch for 90,000 KRW (about $90). I wish I took one home, but I really couldn’t pick since they were all so cute.
The packaging does look quite morbid! o A o
http://www.thedailydollyblog.com
Hahaha oh, but I love it 🙂
I love the Dinoplatza line. The design is super pretty. I have tried the lip crayon and the CC cream from this line 🙂
I haven’t tried either! I wanted to try the CC Cream, but the base shades are just too light for me.
aaarrrgle! the Dinoplatz things are so cute! It’s almost irrelevant whether or not the products are good. THE PACKAGINGS. ZOMG!
Hahaha true, although I very much like this line 😀 But I still don’t know why I bought the bath salts.
Aaahhh, flatiron buildings are one of my architectural passions! I’d buy the eyeshadow for the mini building alone. I wish more American brands were this creative with their packaging.
Right? It’s sitting on my desk now, looking pretty 😀
I hope you have another blog sale soon. I love your posts.
Thanks! Maybe in the new year. 🙂
I’ve been meaning to try their illuminator but I hate that the packaging dispenses too much in one pump (from my experience with the tester). After reading your review again, I think I really want it and I will go for it hehe.
I hope the eye crayons are available here.
Yeah, it dispenses a lot of product! I like putting some on my collarbones, too, if I end up pumping out too much product.
I rly like the quirky packaging!!
Glad you think so, too!
Ahhh, I truly love the aesthetic of TCFS! I walked into their stores in Seoul and Taipei and couldn’t get over how nicely everything is packaged. I’m drawn to it more so because it strays away from the ‘cutesy’ and ‘princessy’ vibe other brands put out (ala Etude House). I was so tempted to buy something from the brand when I was overseas but alas I did not.
I’ve heard many good things about their Pumpkin Sleeping Pack and lipstick in Hawaiian Flower.
I agree! 🙂 Haha I’m going to have to check out Hawaiian Flower! I use the sleeping pack occasionally 🙂