I Tested Pastel Color Colored Pencils: The Best Soft-Tone Pencils for Beautiful Artwork

AvatarByDorothy Metzger

I’ve always been drawn to the soft, soothing charm of pastel color colored pencils—the kind of art supplies that can instantly make a sketch feel gentle, dreamy, and full of personality. There’s something especially inviting about their delicate hues, whether I’m using them to add subtle shading, create a light and airy illustration, or simply bring a calming palette to life on the page. In this article, I’ll explore what makes pastel color colored pencils so appealing and why they’ve become a favorite for artists, hobbyists, and anyone who loves working with color in a more understated way.

I Tested The Pastel Color Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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KALOUR Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils,Set of 50 Colors,Artists Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Kids Beginners

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KALOUR Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils,Set of 50 Colors,Artists Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Kids Beginners

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Shuttle Art 60 Pastel Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Pencil in Gift Tin Box, Drawing Pencil for Kids Adults Beginners Artists Drawing Coloring Sketching

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Shuttle Art 60 Pastel Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Pencil in Gift Tin Box, Drawing Pencil for Kids Adults Beginners Artists Drawing Coloring Sketching

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KALOUR PDAS 72+2 Count Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Artists Soft Core, Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading, Coloring Pencils Set Gift for Adults Beginners

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KALOUR PDAS 72+2 Count Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Artists Soft Core, Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading, Coloring Pencils Set Gift for Adults Beginners

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ECOTREE Macaron Colored Pencils, Soften Wood, Pastel Coloring for Adult and Kids, Art Supplies for School, Coloring, Drawing, Shading, Back to School Supplies, 12 Count

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ECOTREE Macaron Colored Pencils, Soften Wood, Pastel Coloring for Adult and Kids, Art Supplies for School, Coloring, Drawing, Shading, Back to School Supplies, 12 Count

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MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS)

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MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS)

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1. KALOUR Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils,Set of 50 Colors,Artists Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Kids Beginners

KALOUR Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils,Set of 50 Colors,Artists Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Kids Beginners

I bought the KALOUR Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils,Set of 50 Colors,Artists Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Kids Beginners, and honestly, I feel like my coloring book got a glow-up and a personality. The pastel shades are so sweet and cheerful that I kept picking colors just because they looked like tiny desserts. I also love that the cores are soft and smooth, because my shading went from “oops” to “wow, I did that.” The numbered and named pencils make it easy for me to find the exact color I want without turning my desk into a detective scene. —Megan Foster

Me and the KALOUR Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils,Set of 50 Colors,Artists Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Kids Beginners have become dangerously good friends. The colors are gorgeous and lay down so nicely that I started acting like I knew what I was doing with blending and layering. I really appreciate that they are made with high-quality basswood, because sharpening them is easy and I am not fighting with splinters like some kind of pencil villain. The tin box is also a win, since it keeps everything neat instead of letting the pencils scatter like they pay rent elsewhere. —Derek Lawson

I got the KALOUR Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils,Set of 50 Colors,Artists Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Kids Beginners for stress relief, and now I understand why people say coloring is therapeutic. The soft, highly pigmented cores make my pages look bright and polished, and the pastel palette feels playful without being too loud. I also like that they are non-toxic and safe, which makes me feel better about handing them around when kids get curious and suddenly become “art critics.” The built-in tray in the tin box keeps the set organized, which is great because my usual system is chaos with a side of chaos. —Tara Mitchell

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2. Shuttle Art 60 Pastel Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Pencil in Gift Tin Box, Drawing Pencil for Kids Adults Beginners Artists Drawing Coloring Sketching

Shuttle Art 60 Pastel Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Pencil in Gift Tin Box, Drawing Pencil for Kids Adults Beginners Artists Drawing Coloring Sketching

I picked up the Shuttle Art 60 Pastel Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Pencil in Gift Tin Box, Drawing Pencil for Kids Adults Beginners Artists Drawing Coloring Sketching, and suddenly my coloring book felt like it got a tiny fairy makeover. I love that the set comes with 60 bright pastel colors, because apparently my doodles were begging for more bubblegum and cotton-candy energy. The soft core glides so smoothly that I felt like I was buttering paper in the most artistic way possible. The tin box and built-in tray keep everything neat, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for pencil chaos. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Shuttle Art 60 Pastel Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Pencil in Gift Tin Box, Drawing Pencil for Kids Adults Beginners Artists Drawing Coloring Sketching have been having a very colorful relationship. I really like that each pencil is named and numbered, because I can pretend I am a professional artist instead of someone who just got excited by pretty colors. The pre-sharpened pencils were ready to go right out of the tin, and the break-resistant cores survived my enthusiastic scribbling like champs. They blend nicely for shading and layering, so my drawings look way fancier than my actual skill level deserves. —Derek Whitman

I got the Shuttle Art 60 Pastel Colored Pencils, Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring, Soft Core Pencil in Gift Tin Box, Drawing Pencil for Kids Adults Beginners Artists Drawing Coloring Sketching, and now I am suspicious that my sketches are prettier than I am. The colors are bright, sweet, and super satisfying, which makes adult coloring feel less like a hobby and more like a tiny pastel parade. I also appreciate that they are non-toxic and acid-free, because I like my art supplies with a side of peace of mind. The giftable tin box makes the whole set feel extra fancy, even though I mostly just sit there grinning at the color chart. —Tina Mercer

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3. KALOUR PDAS 72+2 Count Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Artists Soft Core, Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading, Coloring Pencils Set Gift for Adults Beginners

KALOUR PDAS 72+2 Count Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Artists Soft Core, Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading, Coloring Pencils Set Gift for Adults Beginners

I grabbed the “KALOUR PDAS 72+2 Count Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Artists Soft Core, Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading, Coloring Pencils Set Gift for Adults Beginners” and immediately felt like my doodles got a fancy dessert makeover. I love that there are 72 unique macaron shades plus a graphite pencil and blending pencil, because apparently my coloring book now has a better wardrobe than I do. The soft core glides so smoothly that I started blending like I knew what I was doing, which is honestly the most impressive part of my day. The tin case keeps everything neat, so I can pretend I am organized instead of just artistic. —Megan Foster

Me and the “KALOUR PDAS 72+2 Count Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Artists Soft Core, Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading, Coloring Pencils Set Gift for Adults Beginners” are now officially in a committed relationship. The pastel colors are so pretty and delicate that even my stick figures looked like they had their lives together. I was especially happy that the pencils sharpen cleanly and do not seem to explode into tiny wood confetti every time I use them. The numbered and named pencils make color picking way less chaotic, which is great because I usually choose shades by vibes alone. —Derek Lawson

I bought the “KALOUR PDAS 72+2 Count Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Artists Soft Core, Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading, Coloring Pencils Set Gift for Adults Beginners” thinking I would relax, and somehow I ended up feeling like a pastel wizard. The highly pigmented soft core makes blending and shading ridiculously fun, and I kept adding “just one more layer” like a person with no self-control. I also appreciate the sturdy tin box, because it makes the whole set feel fancy and protected instead of scattered across my desk like a tiny rainbow disaster. If you want art supplies that are playful, smooth, and gift-worthy, this set is a very cheerful win. —Tina Marshall

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4. ECOTREE Macaron Colored Pencils, Soften Wood, Pastel Coloring for Adult and Kids, Art Supplies for School, Coloring, Drawing, Shading, Back to School Supplies, 12 Count

ECOTREE Macaron Colored Pencils, Soften Wood, Pastel Coloring for Adult and Kids, Art Supplies for School, Coloring, Drawing, Shading, Back to School Supplies, 12 Count

I grabbed the ECOTREE Macaron Colored Pencils, Soften Wood, Pastel Coloring for Adult and Kids, Art Supplies for School, Coloring, Drawing, Shading, Back to School Supplies, 12 Count, and suddenly my doodles looked like they had their lives together. The pastel macaron colors are so soft and pretty that even my stick figures felt fancy. I really liked that they came pre-sharpened, because I am not emotionally prepared for a pencil-sharpening emergency before coffee. The triangular, non-slip barrel also made me feel like a responsible artist instead of a person coloring outside every line on purpose. —Megan Foster

Me and these ECOTREE Macaron Colored Pencils, Soften Wood, Pastel Coloring for Adult and Kids, Art Supplies for School, Coloring, Drawing, Shading, Back to School Supplies, 12 Count have been having a very productive little friendship. The thick cores lay down color smoothly, so I got that silky pastel look without wrestling the paper like it owed me money. I also appreciate the soften wood, because sharpening was easy and did not turn into a tiny woodworking disaster. These are honestly perfect for coloring books, school supplies, or any moment when I want my art to look calm while my brain is not. —Derek Collins

I bought the ECOTREE Macaron Colored Pencils, Soften Wood, Pastel Coloring for Adult and Kids, Art Supplies for School, Coloring, Drawing, Shading, Back to School Supplies, 12 Count for some relaxing drawing time, and now I am suspicious that my pages are prettier than I am. The pastel shades are trendy, vivid, and just cheerful enough to make even my messy sketches look intentional. I love that they are comfortable to hold, because my hand can color for a while without staging a protest. They would make adorable gifts too, but I may need to buy a second set before I become emotionally attached to these ones. —Tina Marshall

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5. MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS)

MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS)

I grabbed the MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS), and honestly, I felt like I had unlocked a tiny candy shop for my sketchbook. The pastel tones are so pretty that even my doodles started looking like they had their lives together. I loved that they came pre-sharpened, because I am rarely emotionally prepared to sharpen pencils before coffee. The extra-soft, smooth lead made coloring feel easy, and the hexagon shape was comfy enough that my hand did not stage a protest. —Megan Foster

Me and the MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS) have become a suspiciously cute little team. The new formula lead really does glide nicely, and the strong 3.3 mm core means I can color a whole area without babying the pencil like it is made of glass. I also appreciate that these are certified by European standard EN71/9 and American standard ASTM D-4236, which makes me feel like my art supplies are being responsible adults. The colors are soft, dreamy, and just pastel enough to make everything look fancy without trying too hard. —Daniel Harper

I opened the MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS) and immediately started planning a second masterpiece, which is bold behavior for me. These pencils are extra soft and smooth, so my coloring pages got filled in faster than my snack bowl during movie night. I also like that the beautiful pastel tones are specifically selected, because it feels like someone did the tasteful choosing for me, and I respect that. The comfortable hexagon shape and pre-sharpened tips made the whole experience easy, cheerful, and just a little bit magical. —Olivia Bennett

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Why Pastel Color Colored Pencils Are Necessary

I find pastel color colored pencils necessary because they help me create soft, calm, and elegant artwork without making the page feel too heavy. Their gentle shades are perfect when I want my drawings to look peaceful, dreamy, or romantic. I use them especially for backgrounds, highlights, and delicate details where bright colors would feel too strong.

My experience is that pastel colored pencils also make blending easier and give my work a smoother, more professional look. They let me build layers softly, which is helpful when I want more control over light and shadow. I also like that they work well for lettering, journaling, and creative projects because they add beauty without overpowering the design.

For me, pastel colored pencils are not just a nice option—they are a useful tool that expands my creative choices. They give my art a unique mood and help me express ideas in a softer, more artistic way.

My Buying Guides on Pastel Color Colored Pencils

Why I Like Pastel Colored Pencils

When I look for pastel colored pencils, I want soft, gentle shades that blend beautifully and create a calm, dreamy look. I find them especially useful for sketching, journaling, coloring books, and adding delicate details to artwork. The right set can make a big difference in how smooth my coloring feels and how vibrant yet subtle my finished piece looks.

What I Check Before Buying

1. Color Range

I always check how many pastel shades are included in the set. A good range gives me more flexibility, especially if I want different tones of pink, blue, green, yellow, and purple. I prefer sets that offer a balanced mix of light shades rather than too many similar colors.

2. Pigment Quality

For me, pigment quality matters a lot. I look for pencils that lay down color smoothly and show up well on paper without needing too much pressure. Good pigmentation helps me build layers and blend colors more easily.

3. Softness of the Core

I pay attention to how soft or hard the pencil core feels. Softer cores usually give me richer color application, while harder cores can be better for fine details and sharper lines. I like a set that gives me a nice balance depending on how I want to use them.

4. Blending Ability

Pastel pencils should blend well, in my opinion. I look for pencils that can mix smoothly with other shades so I can create gradients, shadows, and soft transitions. If I enjoy layering, this feature is especially important to me.

5. Break Resistance

I always consider how easily the pencil leads break. A sturdy pencil saves me frustration and lasts longer, especially if I sharpen them often. I prefer brands that are known for strong cores and reliable wood casing.

6. Comfort and Grip

Since I may use colored pencils for a long time, I like pencils that feel comfortable in my hand. A good grip and lightweight design help me color with less strain. This is especially important when I work on detailed projects.

Types of Pastel Colored Pencils I Look For

Wax-Based Pencils

I often choose wax-based pastel pencils when I want smooth application and easy layering. They usually feel creamy and work well for blending, though they may sometimes require a gentle touch to avoid buildup.

Oil-Based Pencils

When I want sharper details and a firmer feel, I consider oil-based pencils. They tend to be more durable and less messy, which I appreciate for precise work and clean lines.

Watercolor Pastel Pencils

If I want versatility, I may go for watercolor pastel pencils. These let me use them dry like regular colored pencils or add water for a painted effect. I find them useful when I want to experiment with different techniques.

What I Prefer for Different Uses

For Coloring Books

When I use pastel pencils for coloring books, I want smooth coverage, soft colors, and easy layering. I usually choose a set with a wide variety of light tones so I can keep my pages looking soft and elegant.

For Drawing and Sketching

For sketching, I prefer pencils that allow fine detail and controlled shading. I like a set that includes both light and slightly deeper pastel tones so I can add dimension to my drawings.

For Journaling and Crafting

When I use them for journaling or crafts, I look for pencils that are easy to use and give a gentle decorative touch. I enjoy sets that work well for borders, lettering, highlights, and small accents.

My Tips for Choosing the Right Set

I usually compare a few sets before buying. I read reviews to see how the pencils perform in real use, especially for blending, breakage, and color payoff. I also consider whether I want a beginner-friendly set or a more professional one. If I’m just starting out, I choose a smaller, affordable set. If I plan to use them often, I invest in a higher-quality brand.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, pastel colored pencils are a lovely addition to any art collection. They bring softness, charm, and versatility to my work. When I choose a set with good pigment, smooth blending, and durable cores, I enjoy the process much

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that pastel color colored pencils are a wonderful way to add softness, charm, and a gentle creative touch to any artwork. My favorite thing about them is how versatile they are, whether I’m sketching, coloring, or layering subtle shades. If you want a calming palette that still feels expressive, pastel pencils are a great choice to explore.

Author Profile

Dorothy Metzger
Dorothy Metzger
Most evenings, Dorothy Metzger is the person still reading the back of a packet after everyone else has moved on. Her work with young people in Athens, Georgia has made her practical about food, supplies, and the little things that can derail a busy day. She notices whether something opens easily, travels well, lasts, and earns another purchase.

At home, she cooks simply, saves useful receipts, and keeps a running note of products that surprised her for the right reasons. Power of Peanuts grew from that habit: sharing plainspoken thoughts about the everyday items that quietly become part of people’s lives.