The dust settles on your desk as you smudge a stubborn line of cerulean into a soft, atmospheric sky. Your hands are lightly coated in pigment, a common sign that you have finally found the right tool for the job.
Finding the Best Pastel Pencils is about balancing fine control with that signature powdery finish. Whether you need precise lines for portraits or smooth coverage for broad strokes, these sets offer a variety of options. Let’s compare the top picks to see what fits your workspace.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize pencils with high pigment density to ensure your colors remain vibrant after blending.
- Check the barrel material, as wood-cased pencils provide better stability for sharpening than woodless alternatives.
- Confirm whether the binder is oil or water based, as this dictates how the medium reacts to fixatives or wet brushes.
- Opt for a larger count if you prefer a wider color range to minimize the need for complex manual color mixing.
- Ensure the storage tin is sturdy enough to protect delicate, soft-core leads from breakage during travel or storage.
| The Professional Gold Standard |  |
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 60 | Exceptional lightfastness ratings | High pigment density | Consistent, smooth application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Essential Studio Starter |  |
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 36 | Professional artist grade | Sharpens cleanly and easily | Highly blendable pigments | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Precise Detail Specialist |  |
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 12 | Perfect for travel | Essential basic range | Reliable brand quality | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Soft Tone Dream |  |
Castle Art Supplies Pasteltint Pencils | Gentle, elegant color palette | Very blendable lead | Professional-grade quality | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Creative Workhorse |  |
H and B Pastel Chalk Pencils | Wide range of colors | Intense, vibrant saturation | Durable storage tin | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Comprehensive Drawing Kit |  |
Kalour Pro Pastel Chalk Pencils | Excellent pigment load | Great for sketching | Large color variety | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sweet Palette Favorite |  |
Kalour Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils | Unique light color range | Smooth core consistency | High-quality blending | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Muted Harmony Expert |  |
Castle Art Supplies Harmonious Pencils | Beautiful muted palette | Wax-based smooth application | Relaxing for coloring | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Efficient Pigment Powerhouse |  |
Soho Urban Artist Woodless Pencils | 40 percent more pastel | Water-soluble formula | Broad stroke versatility | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Studio Selection |  |
Kalour Pro Pastel Pencils 50 | Balanced color range | High-quality chalk formula | Professional artist grade | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 60
If you want to treat your artwork like a serious investment, these pencils are your best friend. They offer an extraordinary lightfastness rating, meaning your work will not fade into obscurity after a few years in the sun.
You will find the texture remarkably consistent, providing a buttery application that glides across paper without unnecessary scratchiness. Because the pigment density is so high, you can achieve deep, saturated tones with very little pressure. The only catch is the price point, which reflects the premium materials used in their construction.
- Brand:Faber-Castell
- Pencil Type:Pastel Pencil
- Set Size:60 Pack
- Color Count:60
- Packaging:Metal Tin
- Additional Feature:Acid-free pigment
- Additional Feature:Excellent blending capabilities
- Additional Feature:High break resistance
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Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 36
This mid-sized collection is perfect for artists who prefer a curated palette over an overwhelming array of colors. You get the same superior pigment quality found in the larger sets, just in a more manageable quantity for smaller projects.
They feel sturdy in your hand, and the wood casing sharpens cleanly without splitting. You might occasionally miss having those extra twenty-four shades for complex portraits, but the core colors provided are quite versatile.
- Brand:Faber-Castell
- Pencil Type:Pastel Pencil
- Set Size:36 Pack
- Color Count:36
- Packaging:Metal Tin
- Additional Feature:Vibrant, fade-resistant colors
- Additional Feature:Smooth oil-free texture
- Additional Feature:Compatible with charcoal
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Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 12
Sometimes you only need a handful of reliable tools to finish off a sketch. This set provides the most essential hues for highlights and deep shadows, making it a great companion for artists who already own larger pastel sets.
The compact metal tin keeps these pencils safe during travel, which is ideal if you like to sketch on location. Don't expect to create a full-range landscape with only twelve colors, but for quick studies, they are hard to beat.
- Brand:Faber-Castell
- Pencil Type:Pastel Pencil
- Set Size:12 Pack
- Color Count:12
- Packaging:Metal Tin
- Additional Feature:Pre-sharpened leads
- Additional Feature:High color saturation
- Additional Feature:Convenient portable case
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Castle Art Supplies Pasteltint Pencils
If you are tired of harsh, aggressive colors, these pencils focus on a softer, muted aesthetic. They are specifically designed for artists who lean toward subtle transitions and delicate layering.
The lead is remarkably soft, which makes blending a dream but requires a gentle hand to keep the points sharp. You will likely find yourself using these for portraits or floral illustrations where gentle gradients are the priority.
- Brand:Castle Art Supplies
- Pencil Type:Pastel Pencil
- Set Size:48 Pack
- Color Count:48
- Packaging:Metal Tin
- Additional Feature:Smudge-free application
- Additional Feature:Soft core texture
- Additional Feature:Layerable pigment
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H and B Pastel Chalk Pencils
This set of 72 provides a massive variety of shades, which is great for artists who enjoy working with a full spectrum of colors. The chalk-based formula is exceptionally vibrant, allowing for bold strokes that stand out on toned paper.
Because the pigments are so soft, they leave a generous amount of dust on the page, so keep a fixative spray nearby. It is a fantastic option for someone looking to build a large library of colors without purchasing individual pencils one by one.
- Brand:H and B
- Pencil Type:Pastel Chalk Pencil
- Set Size:72 Pack
- Color Count:72
- Packaging:Metal Tin
- Additional Feature:Smooth blending action
- Additional Feature:High-quality artist grade
- Additional Feature:Easy to layer
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Kalour Pro Pastel Chalk Pencils
Having 72 colors at your disposal feels like having a complete studio setup in one box. These pencils handle like charcoal, which makes them ideal for sketching and expressive shading techniques.
The barrels are comfortable for long drawing sessions, and the pigment adheres well to various paper textures. Just be aware that because they behave like chalk, the tips wear down faster than wax-based pencils, so keep your sharpener close.
- Brand:Kalour
- Pencil Type:Pastel Chalk Pencil
- Set Size:72 Pack
- Color Count:72
- Packaging:Metal Tin
- Additional Feature:Charcoal-like texture
- Additional Feature:High quality pigments
- Additional Feature:Smooth shading performance
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Kalour Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils
These pencils stand out because of their unique Macaron-themed palette, which is perfect for soft, whimsical art projects. They are surprisingly effective for artists who want to create dreamy, light-filled illustrations without mixing colors manually.
The core feels sturdy, and the color payoff is consistent across the entire set. If you are looking for deep, earthy tones, you might find this set a bit too bright, but for pastel-heavy work, it is a delight.
- Brand:Kalour
- Pencil Type:Pastel Colored Pencil
- Set Size:74 Pack
- Color Count:74
- Packaging:Metal Tin
- Additional Feature:Soft core lead
- Additional Feature:Ideal for shading
- Additional Feature:Consistent color payoff
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Castle Art Supplies Harmonious Pencils
You will appreciate these pencils if your style leans toward sophisticated, muted tones rather than loud, primary colors. They use a wax-based core, which feels a bit smoother and more controlled than traditional chalk pastels.
These are excellent for adult artists seeking a relaxing drawing experience, as the colors are already perfectly balanced. They might not be the right choice for high-intensity, bold street art, but they excel in fine detail work and quiet landscapes.
- Brand:Castle Art Supplies
- Pencil Type:Wax-Based Pastel
- Set Size:72 Pack
- Color Count:72
- Packaging:Metal Tin
- Additional Feature:Soft core texture
- Additional Feature:Layering capability
- Additional Feature:Harmonious color scheme
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Soho Urban Artist Woodless Pencils
These pencils are unique because they are entirely woodless, meaning you get much more usable material in every stick. They are essentially solid pastel sticks with a lacquer coating, which allows for broad strokes and varied line weights.
The water-soluble nature adds another layer of utility, allowing you to turn your sketches into watercolor-like washes. You might find them slightly messy at first, but the sheer volume of pigment you get is a significant advantage for heavy users.
- Brand:Soho Urban Artist
- Pencil Type:Woodless Pastel
- Set Size:48 Pack
- Color Count:48
- Packaging:Boxed Set
- Additional Feature:Clear lacquered finish
- Additional Feature:Thick 6.93mm barrel
- Additional Feature:Easy to blend
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Kalour Pro Pastel Pencils 50
This 50-piece set is the sweet spot for an artist who wants variety without clutter. You get a robust selection of colors that cover the spectrum well enough for most professional drawing tasks.
The chalk-charcoal hybrid formula provides a nice tooth when applied to paper, making it easy to build up layers of texture. While not as extensive as the 72-piece sets, it remains a highly capable tool for sketching and shading.
- Brand:Kalour
- Pencil Type:Pastel Chalk Pencil
- Set Size:50 Pack
- Color Count:50
- Packaging:Metal Tin
- Additional Feature:Excellent blending ability
- Additional Feature:Charcoal drawing compatible
- Additional Feature:Durable pigments
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I blend pastel pencils with my fingers?
You certainly can, and it is a very common technique for creating soft transitions. Your skin oils can sometimes leave a mark on the paper, so many artists prefer using a paper tortillon or a soft rubber blending stump instead. If you choose to use your fingers, make sure they are clean and dry before you begin. Moisture or lotion on your skin will create muddy streaks on the paper that are nearly impossible to lift.
Do I need to use a fixative spray?
Using a fixative is a personal choice, but it is highly recommended for finished pieces. It acts like a protective varnish that prevents the loose dust from smudging or falling off the page. Apply the spray in light, even coats from a distance of at least 10 inches. If you spray too heavily or too close, you risk darkening your colors or creating unwanted spots.
Why do my pencils keep breaking when I sharpen them?
This is usually caused by the mechanical stress of a standard pencil sharpener. The core of a pastel pencil is naturally brittle, and the rigid blades of a typical sharpener can snap the tip before it even gets sharp. Switch to a manual blade to shave the wood away gently. This gives you total control over the pressure and keeps the core intact throughout the process.
Are pastel pencils toxic?
Most reputable brands are non-toxic and safe for standard art use. However, you should never inhale the dust created while drawing or sharpening. It is a good habit to tap the excess dust off your paper into a trash bin rather than blowing it away with your breath. Keeping your workspace well-ventilated is a smart way to minimize any irritation from the fine powder.
Can I use pastel pencils on top of regular colored pencils?
Mixing these two media is tricky because they have different binders. Colored pencils are usually wax or oil-based, while pastel pencils are dry and powdery. Pastel will sit on top of colored pencil for a short time, but it will eventually slide off because it cannot grip the waxy, smooth surface. It is much better to use the pastel pencils as the primary medium on a textured surface meant for dry media.
