The secret to choosing the Best Pastel Pencils lies in the texture of the core. You want a balance between enough softness for rich pigment and enough structure to hold a sharp tip. A pencil that crumbles constantly is a headache, but one that is too hard feels like writing with a rock.
Quality varies across the spectrum, so knowing how your specific project handles blending and layering matters. The following guide highlights which tools provide the right performance for your sketches. Read on to see which sets match your creative flow.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize pencils with a chalky, powdery consistency that allows for smooth blending rather than waxy formulas.
- Check the barrel quality to ensure the wood sharpens cleanly without snapping the fragile interior core.
- Consider whether you need a wider range of hues for portraiture or a smaller, curated set for quick sketches.
- Look for high pigment concentration so you can achieve vibrant coverage with minimal pressure.
- Verify that the pencils are compatible with the specific paper tooth or texture you plan to use for your work.
| Reliable Daily Driver |  |
BIC Xtra-Smooth 0.7mm Mechanical Pencils | Never needs sharpening | Consistent line width | Massive quantity per pack | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Aesthetic Office Essential |  |
BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils | Attractive pastel barrels | Smooth writing experience | Reliable internal mechanism | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Drawing Foundation |  |
GETHPEN Colored Charcoal Pastel Set | Rich color payoff | Excellent blending properties | Clean wood-cased design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Color Baseline |  |
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel 12-Pack | High pigment quality | Superior lightfastness | Smooth application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Maximum Creative Range |  |
H & B 72 Pastel Set | Incredible color variety | Perfect for detailed shading | High value count | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fine Portrait Specialist |  |
KALOUR Pro Pastel Portrait Set | Specialized skin tones | Creamy blending texture | Professional artist grade | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Expanded Studio Standard |  |
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel 24-Pack | Wide color spectrum | Professional consistency | Durable metal casing | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
BIC Xtra-Smooth 0.7mm Mechanical Pencils
If you want a tool that functions like a steady heartbeat for your desk, this is your primary choice. These mechanical pencils maintain a consistent line without the need for sharpening, making them perfect for quick notes and drafting.
You might find the plastic construction feels a bit light if you prefer a weighted instrument. However, the 0.7mm lead is sturdy enough to resist frequent snapping during heavy-handed writing sessions.
- Brand Name:BIC
- Pencil Type:Mechanical
- Set Size:40-count
- Lead Diameter:0.7 mm
- Additional Feature:Latex-free grip area
- Additional Feature:Refillable internal lead storage
- Additional Feature:Pocket clip for portability
-
BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils
These offer the exact performance of the standard model but wrapped in a soft color palette. They are ideal for people who like their workspace to feel organized and visually cohesive.
The medium point lead provides a dark, legible mark that works well on most paper stocks. Just remember that these are geared toward utility rather than professional fine art sketching.
- Brand Name:BIC
- Pencil Type:Mechanical
- Set Size:24-count
- Lead Diameter:0.7 mm
- Additional Feature:Vibrant barrel colors
- Additional Feature:Durable plastic exterior
- Additional Feature:Standard mechanical advancement
-
GETHPEN Colored Charcoal Pastel Set
Artists looking to bridge the gap between charcoal and pastel will appreciate the variety in this 24-piece collection. The wood casing keeps your hands clean, which is a major upgrade from using bare sticks of chalk.
You can blend these easily to create soft transitions in your illustrations. They tend to be slightly more fragile than graphite, so keep a sharpener nearby to handle the occasional broken tip.
- Brand Name:GETHPEN
- Pencil Type:Pastel Charcoal
- Set Size:24 colors
- Additional Feature:High pigment concentration
- Additional Feature:Suitable for sketching
- Additional Feature:Compatible with charcoal paper
-
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel 12-Pack
When you need archival quality for your finished pieces, this small set provides the essential tones to get started. The high level of lightfastness ensures that your work stays vibrant long after you finish the final stroke.
The pencils feel substantial in the hand and offer a buttery texture during application. You only get 12 colors, so you will eventually need to expand your palette for complex portraits.
- Brand Name:Faber-Castell
- Pencil Type:Pastel
- Set Size:12-count
- Casing Material:Wood
- Additional Feature:Metal storage tin
- Additional Feature:Acid-free pigments
- Additional Feature:Oil-free composition
-
H & B 72 Pastel Set
This set is essentially a full orchestra of color options for an artist. With 72 individual shades, you rarely have to spend time mixing colors on the page to find the exact tint you need.
The wide variety makes it an all-in-one solution for beginners or hobbyists building their first studio kit. Be aware that the sheer number of pencils requires a dedicated storage space or a large roll-up case to keep them tidy.
- Brand Name:H & B
- Pencil Type:Chalk Pastel
- Set Size:72 colors
- Additional Feature:Wide pigment selection
- Additional Feature:Soft texture for layering
- Additional Feature:Ideal for adult coloring
-
KALOUR Pro Pastel Portrait Set
Designed specifically for the human face, this set focuses on the nuanced skin tones that are often missing from general art supplies. The leads are soft and deposit color quickly, which is great for building up depth in a drawing.
These pencils behave more like dry paint than standard colored pencils. You will want to use a fixative spray once you are finished to prevent the charcoal-based pigment from smearing.
- Brand Name:KALOUR
- Pencil Type:Pastel Chalk
- Set Size:24 colors
- Product Category:Portrait supplies
- Additional Feature:Vibrant color saturation
- Additional Feature:Soft charcoal core
- Additional Feature:Layering capability
-
Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel 24-Pack
Stepping up to the 24-piece set gives you the necessary breathing room to handle more complex compositions without constant color substitution. The consistency across these pencils is impressive, maintaining a uniform feel regardless of the specific shade.
These are like a well-tailored suit, fitting perfectly into the hand and delivering exactly the performance you expect. The metal tin is a nice touch for keeping the set organized while you move between locations.
- Brand Name:Faber-Castell
- Pencil Type:Pastel
- Set Size:24-count
- Casing Material:Wood
- Additional Feature:High lightfastness
- Additional Feature:Metal protective tin
- Additional Feature:Excellent blending capabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special sharpener for pastel pencils?
Yes, you should use a sharpener designed specifically for soft pastels. Standard pencil sharpeners often have blades that are too dull or aggressive, which can shatter the fragile core. Many artists prefer using a small hobby knife or a lead pointer. These tools give you more control and help you avoid wasting precious material.
What kind of paper works best with these pencils?
You need a surface with sufficient tooth to grab the pigment. Smooth paper will cause the dust to slide right off the page, leaving you with nothing but faint streaks. Look for sanded paper or heavy-weight pastel paper with a textured finish. This texture acts like a tiny anchor for the particles, allowing you to build up multiple layers effectively.
Can I mix pastel pencils with traditional soft pastel sticks?
You certainly can, and many professionals do exactly that. Use the pastel sticks to cover large background areas or base layers, then switch to the pencils for the intricate details and highlights. Think of it like using a large brush to paint a wall and a tiny brush to outline the trim. They are perfect companions for creating a complete composition.
How do I prevent my work from smudging?
Pastel is inherently a loose medium, so smudging is a constant risk. You can use a fixative spray periodically to lock layers in place as you work. Just be aware that fixative can sometimes darken your colors or change the texture of the paper. Always keep a sheet of glassine paper under your hand to prevent accidental smears.
Do pastel pencils expire or go bad?
They do not expire in the traditional sense, but they can be sensitive to moisture. If you store them in a humid environment, the binder inside the core might degrade or the wood might swell. Keep your set in a cool, dry place to ensure they last for years. If the wood feels soft or the core crumbles, it is likely a sign of damp storage conditions.
