Pastels are essentially just sticks of pure pigment held together by a binder, yet they possess a buttery richness that most modern paints struggle to mimic. Even the simplest wax-based crayon shares a DNA lineage with professional-grade professional oil pastels.
You might assume that more expensive tools always produce better art, but the Best Pastels depend entirely on your specific blending technique and paper texture. It pays to understand the difference between soft and oil varieties before you commit. Let us compare these choices to help you decide.
Key Takeaways
- Determine if you require the smooth, buttery glide of oil pastels or the dry, powdery finish of soft chalk pastels for your style.
- Check the pigment density and lightfastness ratings if you intend to display your finished pieces for many years.
- Verify the size of each stick to ensure you are getting the volume you need for your typical scale of work.
- Prioritize sets with a diverse color range if you are just starting out, as mixing custom shades can be difficult with limited supplies.
- Consider the physical shape of the stick, as square blocks allow for sharper edges while round cylinders offer more uniform coverage.
| The Versatile Classroom Standard |  |
Pentel Oil Pastels 50 Color Set | Extensive color selection | Smooth, buttery application | Excellent blending ability | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Creative Starter |  |
Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set | Highly portable size | Consistent color quality | Easy to layer | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Consistent Medium Choice |  |
Artecho Oil Pastels 48 Colors | Firm, crisp edges | Generous color range | Good grip diameter | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Economical Studio Staple |  |
Artecho Oil Pastels 50 Colors | Large variety of shades | Compact stick size | Good color saturation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Everyday Option |  |
Mr. Pen Oil Pastels Set | Balanced, smooth texture | Wide color variety | Good blending response | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Blending Master |  |
Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels | High pigment load | Professional color quality | Exceptional blending capabilities | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Student Grade Favorite |  |
Sakura Cray-Pas Soft Pastels | Ideal for students | Firm, durable sticks | Bright primary colors | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Vibrant Chalky Texture |  |
Artecho Soft Pastels Set | Beautiful matte finish | Intense color pigment | Velvety application feel | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Extensive Studio Collection |  |
Colour Block Soft Pastels Set | Massive color selection | Versatile square shape | Sturdy storage case | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Pentel Oil Pastels 50 Color Set
If you want a reliable workhorse for your studio, this 50 color set is the benchmark. It provides a wide enough range of hues to keep you from constantly mixing colors, which is a lifesaver when you are in the middle of a flow state.
These pastels have a creamy consistency that glides across paper like butter on a warm pan. They are just as useful for a beginner learning the ropes as they are for a seasoned artist sketching out a quick concept. Just be aware that because they are so soft, they can get a little messy if you handle them too aggressively.
- Brand:Pentel
- Type:Oil Pastel
- Count:50
- Color Count:50
- Additional Feature:Non-toxic formula
- Additional Feature:Rich, vivid pigments
- Additional Feature:Sturdy storage box
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Pentel Arts Oil Pastel Set
Sometimes you do not need the full spectrum to get the job done. This 25 color kit is perfect for artists who prefer to keep their workspace uncluttered or for those who need a portable kit to take on trips.
You get the same high quality as the larger sets but in a footprint that fits easily into a backpack. While the color count is lower, the pigment density remains impressive, allowing you to build up layers without the waxiness often found in cheaper sets. Just remember that you will have to mix your own secondary colors more frequently here.
- Brand:Pentel
- Type:Oil Pastel
- Count:25
- Color Count:25
- Additional Feature:Durable cardboard sleeve
- Additional Feature:Acid-free composition
- Additional Feature:Easy to blend
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Artecho Oil Pastels 48 Colors
This set strikes a balance between professional performance and everyday accessibility. The 48 individual colors provide a solid foundation for landscape or portrait work, and the sticks have a standard length that feels comfortable in most hands.
You will find these pastels are slightly firmer than some competitors, which makes them a great choice for artists who prioritize fine detail over broad, sweeping strokes. Because they are a bit harder, they hold their shape well, though you might need a little more pressure to achieve intense coverage on textured paper.
- Brand:Artecho
- Type:Oil Pastel
- Count:48
- Color Count:48
- Stick Diameter:10 mm
- Stick Length:70 mm
- Additional Feature:Break-resistant formula
- Additional Feature:Vibrant color payoff
- Additional Feature:Smooth finish
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Artecho Oil Pastels 50 Colors
If you are looking for a high-volume supply, these 50 sticks offer excellent value. The slightly smaller dimensions make them quite easy to store, which is helpful if you are working in a cramped studio space or a shared office.
These pastels perform consistently across different surfaces, from canvas to heavy cardstock. They offer a soft texture that makes blending colors quite straightforward. However, the smaller size means they might wear down faster if you are fond of creating large, textured backgrounds.
- Brand:Artecho
- Type:Oil Pastel
- Count:50
- Color Count:50
- Stick Diameter:8 mm
- Stick Length:60 mm
- Additional Feature:Non-toxic ingredients
- Additional Feature:Good for beginners
- Additional Feature:Simple storage box
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Mr. Pen Oil Pastels Set
This collection is a solid pick for any artist who values a straightforward, no-fuss application. With 45 colors, you have enough variety to create depth and shadow without feeling overwhelmed by an endless array of choices.
The texture is balanced, leaning neither too oily nor too dry, which makes it a versatile tool for different artistic styles. They settle onto the paper well and respond nicely to blending tools. Just keep in mind that the pigment is calibrated for general use, so it may not be as lightfast as the most expensive professional brands.
- Brand:Mr. Pen
- Type:Oil Pastel
- Count:45
- Color Count:45
- Additional Feature:Easy to hold
- Additional Feature:Bright pigment quality
- Additional Feature:Suitable for various surfaces
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Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels
Step up to these if you are serious about your craft and need a professional-grade finish. Mungyo is well-regarded for a reason, as these pastels offer a creamy, buttery consistency that is almost dreamlike when you are working on complex color transitions.
They contain a high concentration of pigment, meaning a single stroke carries a lot of weight. You will find that these excel at layering and scraping techniques, often called sgraffito. Because they are so soft and buttery, handle them gently to avoid crushing the sticks as you work.
- Brand:Mungyo
- Type:Soft Oil Pastel
- Count:48
- Color Count:48
- Additional Feature:Rich, luminous colors
- Additional Feature:Lightfast components
- Additional Feature:Smooth application
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Sakura Cray-Pas Soft Pastels
There is a reason these are found in art classrooms all over the world. They are designed to be forgiving and easy to use, making them an excellent entry point if you are new to the medium.
The 25-color set offers a clear, bright spectrum that helps you learn the basics of color theory without the intimidation of a massive box. They are a little firmer than professional sets, which helps prevent breakage in younger or less experienced hands. They aren't intended for gallery-level archival work, but they are perfect for practice and sketching.
- Brand:Sakura
- Type:Soft Oil Pastel
- Count:25
- Color Count:25
- Additional Feature:Iconic brand reputation
- Additional Feature:Easy cleanup
- Additional Feature:Consistent performance
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Artecho Soft Pastels Set
If you prefer the powdery, matte finish of traditional chalk, this set is a fantastic addition to your kit. These 48 colors have a velvety quality that makes them perfect for quick gestural sketches or soft, ethereal backgrounds.
They are quite fragile compared to oil pastels, so you should treat them with care to avoid snapping the sticks. When used properly, they offer a beautiful, dusty depth that you simply cannot get with wax or oil-based mediums. Just remember to use a fixative spray once your masterpiece is done, or you will have pastel dust all over your studio.
- Brand:Artecho
- Type:Soft Pastel
- Count:50
- Color Count:48
- Additional Feature:Square-shaped sticks
- Additional Feature:High color intensity
- Additional Feature:Good for shading
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Colour Block Soft Pastels Set
This set is the absolute choice for the artist who needs every shade in the book. With 80 colors packed into a sturdy carbon box, you will never find yourself wishing you had a specific tint or shade.
The square shape of the sticks is a thoughtful touch, as it allows you to use the broad side for coloring large areas or the corners for sharp, precise lines. This dual functionality is like having a pencil and a paintbrush in one tool. Because of the sheer number of sticks, the box is quite heavy, so keep it in a dedicated spot on your table.
- Brand:Colour Block
- Type:Soft Pastel
- Count:80
- Color Count:80
- Additional Feature:Vibrant pigment quality
- Additional Feature:Great for detail
- Additional Feature:Professional aesthetic
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a spray fixative to keep my art from smearing?
A fixative is a chemical spray that locks the pigment to the paper. It is helpful if you plan to transport your work, but be aware that it can darken your colors and change the texture of the drawing. Many artists prefer to frame their work behind glass using spacers to keep the artwork from touching the surface. This keeps the original brilliance of the pastel intact without altering the finish.
Can I mix different brands of pastels together?
You can absolutely mix brands, provided you keep an eye on the softness levels. Combining a very hard pastel over a thick layer of a soft, buttery pastel can sometimes cause the top layer to slide off. Try to build your layers from hard to soft to ensure the best adhesion and stability. Think of it like building a wall, where you start with the sturdy bricks before applying the decorative finish.
How do I clean my hands and workspace after a painting session?
Pastel dust is notoriously persistent, so it is wise to keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe your fingers periodically. Using a barrier cream before you start can also prevent pigment from staining your skin. For your workspace, a dedicated HEPA vacuum is far superior to a broom or dry cloth. Sweeping only kicks the fine dust particles back into the air where you might breathe them in.
Why does my drawing look muddy after I add several layers?
Muddy colors usually happen when you overwork the surface or use too much pressure. When the tooth of the paper becomes completely filled with pigment, the particles stop sticking and begin to smear into a dull gray. Try to use a light touch in the early stages of your drawing. Leave some open space for the final highlights so the colors stay crisp and clean.
Is it necessary to use expensive pastel paper?
Using specialized paper makes a world of difference because the surface texture is specifically designed to grip the pigment. Standard drawing paper is often too smooth, which forces you to fight against the medium rather than working with it. If you are on a budget, look for textured charcoal paper as a more affordable alternative. It offers a similar tooth that helps you build up layers without the high cost of professional sanded boards.
