The dust from your compressed chalk settles on your fingertips, coating your skin in a fine layer of cerulean blue. You press the pigment into the tooth of the paper, watching the color grip the surface with a satisfying drag.
Selecting the Best Soft Pastels feels like choosing a favorite instrument for a symphony. Some offer a firm, precise stroke, while others act like buttery paint. Let’s look at how these varied sets stack up for your studio work.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize sets that include a wide color range if you are just starting your collection to avoid frustration during mixing.
- Check if the sticks are square or round because square shapes provide sharper edges for detail while round ones favor broad strokes.
- Consider the level of pigment concentration, as higher counts generally mean you need less pressure to achieve vibrant results.
- Verify the texture profile because oil-based options behave like heavy body paint while traditional dry pastels function like charcoal.
- Always review the inclusion of secondary tools like white and black sticks, which are vital for adjusting your value scales.
| Industry Gold Standard |  |
Rembrandt Soft Pastel Basic Set | Consistent medium-soft texture | Excellent lightfastness ratings | Reliable professional performance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Creamy Color Blending |  |
Mungyo Gallery Professional Oil Pastels | Exceptionally creamy texture | Vibrant color selection | Smooth blending ability | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classroom Friendly Versatility |  |
Faber-Castell Creative Studio Pastels | Generous color range | Durable stick construction | Perfect for layering | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Comprehensive Artist Collection |  |
Rembrandt General Selection Deluxe Set | Broad color spectrum | Professional grade pigment load | Consistent texture across colors | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Precise Edge Work |  |
Mungyo Soft Pastel Square Set | Versatile square shape | Smooth application | Vibrant color payoff | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ideal For Beginners |  |
Artecho Soft Oil Pastel Set | Smooth blending texture | Affordable entry point | Consistent quality | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Rich Pigment Depth |  |
Mungyo Gallery Professional Oil Pastels | Intense, deep colors | Excellent for blending | High-quality professional pigments | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Maximum Color Variety |  |
Mont Marte Extra Soft Pastels | Massive color selection | Very soft application | Perfect for blending | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Portable Studio Kit |  |
Mont Marte Signature Pastel Tin | Convenient storage tin | Good blending properties | Vibrant color range | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Gradient Design Expert |  |
Meeden Artist Oil Pastel Set | Includes extra white/black | Great for gradients | Professional-grade texture | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Rembrandt Soft Pastel Basic Set
You probably recognize these if you have spent any time in an art studio. These pastels are the benchmark for professional artists because they offer a consistent, medium-soft texture that holds its shape while still laying down plenty of pigment.
They are perfect for artists who want reliable lightfastness and a balanced range of basic hues. Keep in mind that they are slightly firmer than some boutique brands, which might take a moment to adjust to if you prefer a buttery, crumbling consistency.
- Brand:Rembrandt
- Pastel Type:Soft Pastel
- Set Count:30
- Shape:Round
- Additional Feature:Highly saturated pigments
- Additional Feature:Balanced color range
- Additional Feature:Professional grade formulation
-
Mungyo Gallery Professional Oil Pastels
If you find that standard pastels feel too chalky, you should look at these oil-based options. They behave like buttery paint sticks and respond beautifully to blending tools or even your own fingers.
They work well for artists who want to create thick, impasto textures on paper or canvas. Just be aware that because they are oil-based, they will not dry like traditional chalk pastels and require careful handling to avoid smudging your finished work.
- Brand:Mungyo
- Pastel Type:Soft Oil Pastel
- Set Count:48
- Shape:Round
- Additional Feature:Non-toxic ingredients
- Additional Feature:High pigment concentration
- Additional Feature:Smooth application
-
Faber-Castell Creative Studio Pastels
These are a fantastic choice for students or hobbyists who want a wide variety of colors without breaking the bank. The 72-piece count allows for extensive layering and tonal variation that smaller sets often lack.
The sticks are relatively hard, which makes them durable for long sessions of sketching and layout work. They are not as intensely pigmented as professional-grade sticks, but they offer enough depth for most creative projects.
- Brand:Faber-Castell
- Pastel Type:Soft Pastel
- Set Count:72
- Shape:Square
- Additional Feature:High break resistance
- Additional Feature:Easy to blend
- Additional Feature:Includes vibrant earth tones
-
Rembrandt General Selection Deluxe Set
Stepping up to this 60-piece set provides a significantly broader spectrum for complex color mixing. You get the same renowned professional quality as the smaller sets, just with the freedom to capture subtle shifts in shadow and light.
This is the right choice for anyone who feels limited by a basic palette. The only downside is the storage footprint, as this collection takes up a fair amount of desk space compared to travel-sized alternatives.
- Brand:Rembrandt
- Pastel Type:Soft Pastel
- Set Count:60
- Shape:Round
- Additional Feature:High tinting strength
- Additional Feature:Superior lightfastness
- Additional Feature:Sturdy presentation box
-
Mungyo Soft Pastel Square Set
The square shape of these pastels is a clever detail that helps you control your strokes. You can use the flat sides for broad washes of color or the sharp corners for fine, linear details.
These are best for artists who want to combine sketching with painting. They are quite soft, so they do produce a fair amount of dust, which is something you should prepare for with a good fixative or a steady hand.
- Brand:Mungyo
- Pastel Type:Soft Pastel
- Set Count:64
- Shape:Square
- Additional Feature:Easy to layer
- Additional Feature:High color intensity
- Additional Feature:Good for blending
-
Artecho Soft Oil Pastel Set
If you are just starting out with oil pastels, these are very approachable and easy to manage. They offer a smooth, waxy feel that makes moving pigment around the paper very satisfying.
They are great for classroom settings or casual home practice. Because they are quite soft, they can get messy quickly, so keep a few paper towels nearby while you work.
- Brand:Artecho
- Pastel Type:Soft Oil Pastel
- Set Count:48
- Shape:Round
- Additional Feature:Vibrant pigment quality
- Additional Feature:Good for students
- Additional Feature:Easy to blend
-
Mungyo Gallery Professional Oil Pastels
These professional-grade oil pastels are essentially solid sticks of paint. The depth of color is impressive, and they perform well when you want to build up heavy, textured layers on your surface.
They are a dream for artists who prioritize vibrancy and tactile quality in their work. Because they are so rich in binder, they take longer to settle on the page than dry pastels, so plan your project timeline accordingly.
- Brand:Mungyo
- Pastel Type:Soft Oil Pastel
- Set Count:72
- Shape:Round
- Additional Feature:Superior color mixing
- Additional Feature:Buttery consistency
- Additional Feature:High lightfastness
-
Mont Marte Extra Soft Pastels
This massive 120-piece set is like having a full rainbow at your fingertips. The extra-soft formula means they glide onto the paper with very little pressure, making them a joy to use for shading and soft gradients.
This is the ultimate kit for someone who wants to avoid mixing colors and prefers picking the exact shade from a massive tray. It is a large set, so it is better suited for a permanent studio setup than for travel.
- Brand:Mont Marte
- Pastel Type:Soft Oil Pastel
- Set Count:120
- Shape:Round
- Additional Feature:Vibrant hues
- Additional Feature:Buttery texture
- Additional Feature:Ideal for layering
-
Mont Marte Signature Pastel Tin
Having a dedicated tin makes a world of difference for artists who move between locations. These soft pastels are designed for easy blending and layering, making them a versatile companion for sketching outdoors.
They are a solid choice for mid-level artists who want a reliable, organized system. The sticks are quite fragile due to their softness, so treat the tin with care when moving it around.
- Brand:Mont Marte
- Pastel Type:Soft Pastel
- Set Count:48
- Shape:Round
- Packaging Material:Metal
- Additional Feature:Organized layout
- Additional Feature:Versatile application
- Additional Feature:Portable design
-
Meeden Artist Oil Pastel Set
The addition of extra black and white sticks is a thoughtful touch for anyone focusing on monochromatic gradients or tints. These oil pastels have a nice, heavy body that allows for professional-looking overlays.
They work best for artists who want to experiment with opacity and layering. Be aware that the heavy oil content means they require a sturdy, toothy paper to grip the pigment effectively.
- Brand:Meeden
- Pastel Type:Soft Oil Pastel
- Set Count:52
- Shape:Square
- Additional Feature:Good for stippling
- Additional Feature:Versatile layering
- Additional Feature:Smooth blending
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to use fixative on my finished work?
Fixative is a double-edged sword that helps prevent smudging but often dulls the vibrancy of your colors. If you plan to frame your work behind glass, you are better off skipping the spray entirely. The glass provides a physical barrier that keeps the loose pigment safely on the paper.
What kind of paper works best with these pastels?
You need a surface with tooth, which is a fine, sandpaper-like texture that grabs the pigment particles. Smooth paper will simply let the color slide right off the surface like dry leaves on ice. Look for sanded paper or high-quality pastel boards specifically designed to hold heavy layers of dust.
Can I mix different brands of soft pastels together?
You absolutely can mix brands, though you might notice differences in softness and layering capabilities. Some brands are significantly oilier or harder than others, which can influence how they sit on the paper. Treat your collection like a curated palette rather than a rigid set, and don't be afraid to experiment with combinations.
How do I clean my hands and workspace after drawing?
Avoid using hot water, as it can set the pigment into your skin pores. Instead, use cool water and a gentle soap or a dedicated artist's hand cleaner. For your workspace, use a HEPA-filter vacuum or a damp cloth to wipe surfaces rather than sweeping, which just puts toxic dust back into the air.
Are expensive pastels worth the extra money?
Professional-grade sticks offer a richness of color that simply cannot be replicated by cheaper alternatives. They allow for delicate layering, known as glazing, without creating a muddy mess on your page. If you are serious about your craft, investing in a smaller set of professional pastels is more rewarding than buying a massive box of low-quality sticks.
