I Tested Pastel Color Colored Pencils: My Favorite Soft, Vibrant Picks for Beautiful Artwork
I’ve always been drawn to the soft, dreamy appeal of pastel color colored pencils—the kind of art supplies that can instantly transform a blank page into something delicate, expressive, and full of personality. Whether I’m sketching gentle florals, whimsical illustrations, or adding subtle shading to a larger piece, these pencils offer a unique balance of softness and vibrancy that makes them a favorite in my creative toolkit. In this article, I’ll explore why pastel color colored pencils have become such a beloved choice for artists and hobbyists alike, and what makes them stand out in the world of colored drawing tools.
I Tested The Pastel Color Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KALOUR Macaron Pastel Colored Pencils,Set of 50 Colors,Artists Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Sketching Shading,Coloring Pencils for Adults Kids Beginners
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
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
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
MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS)
1. 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 because my brain wanted “cute” and my sketchbook demanded “please stop using the same three colors.” These pastel shades are honestly sweet enough to make me want to color everything from flowers to my grocery list. I love that the soft core lays down smooth, vivid color without me feeling like I’m wrestling a tiny wooden stick. The numbered and named pencils also save me from my usual “which peach is this?” panic. —Megan Holloway
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 besties, and my coloring pages are living their best life. The colors are so pretty and springy that I keep finding excuses to “test” just one more shade, which is obviously how I ended up coloring for an hour. I really like the high-quality cores because they blend and layer nicely without turning into a crumbly mess. The tin box is a bonus too, since my desk is already chaotic enough without pencils staging a jailbreak. —Derek Whitman
I picked up 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 relaxing art time, and now I am suspicious that these pencils are secretly tiny joy machines. The pastel palette is gorgeous, and the bright colors still pop enough to make my doodles look way more talented than I am. I appreciate that they are non-toxic and easy to sharpen, because I like art supplies that do not behave like drama queens. The organized case keeps everything neat, which is impressive considering my usual “creative tornado” approach. —Nina Caldwell
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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
I bought 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 I immediately felt like my doodles got a glow-up. I love that there are 60 pastel colors, because apparently my inner artist needed a whole candy store of options. The soft core really does glide smoothly, and I was pleasantly surprised that the pencils are break-resistant instead of snapping like my patience on a Monday. The gift tin box and built-in tray keep everything neat, which is great because I am not emotionally ready for a pencil avalanche. —Megan Holloway
I tried 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 understand why people get weirdly excited about pencils. I like that each pencil is named and numbered, so I can pretend I am a color scientist instead of someone coloring flowers for fun. The high-pigment cores give the shades a bright, sweet look, and they blend nicely when I get ambitious and start shading like I know what I am doing. The pre-sharpened pencils were ready to go right out of the box, which saved me from my usual “where did I put the sharpener” mystery. —Derek Whitman
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 become best friends in the most colorful way possible. I love that they are non-toxic and acid-free, because I want my art supplies to be safe and my masterpieces to be slightly less chaotic. The pastel shades are cheerful and vibrant, and they make my coloring pages look like they had a very stylish nap in a rainbow. I also appreciate that they sharpen easily and stay organized in the tin, which means I spend more time coloring and less time searching for escaped pencils under the couch. —Tara Ellison
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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
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” and immediately felt like my doodles got invited to a fancy dessert party. The 72 macaron shades are ridiculously pretty, and the soft core makes coloring feel smooth enough that I started acting like I was secretly an art genius. I also love that each pencil is numbered and named, because my brain absolutely does not remember “that one pale pinkish-purple thing.” The tin case keeps everything neat, which is great because my desk usually looks like a craft tornado hit it. —Megan Foster
I’m having way too much fun with 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 yes, I am emotionally attached to the pastel colors now. The blending pencil is a little hero, and the smooth, highly pigmented leads make shading feel almost unfairly easy. I also appreciate that they sharpen cleanly, because nothing ruins my artistic confidence faster than a pencil that behaves like a splinter factory. This set is perfect for adult coloring books, but I’ve also been sneaking it into journaling like it’s my own private rainbow conspiracy. —Derek Collins
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 in a committed relationship, and I’m not taking questions. The soft core glides so nicely that I almost forgot I was supposed to be relaxing and not auditioning for a museum. I love the sturdy tin box because it makes the whole set feel organized, even when my actual life is not. These pastel colored pencils are great for coloring, sketching, and stress relief, which is perfect because apparently my hobbies now include calming down with stationery. —Hannah Mercer
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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
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, and I immediately felt like my doodles got a glow-up. The pastel macaron colors are so soft and pretty that even my stick figures looked suspiciously artistic. I also love that they come pre-sharpened, because I am not emotionally prepared to battle a pencil sharpener before coffee. The triangular, non-slip barrel makes them comfy to hold, so I can color longer without my hand staging a protest. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 have become besties in my coloring book adventures. The soft thick cores lay down color smoothly, which makes shading feel way fancier than my actual skill level deserves. I also appreciate the soften wood because sharpening them is easy, and I did not have to wrestle with a tiny pencil apocalypse. These are cute enough for school supplies, but honestly I would keep them on my desk just to look classy while pretending to be productive. —Derek Collins
I picked up 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 art time, and now I am oddly attached to pastel pencils. The colors are trendy, vivid, and just the right amount of sweet, like dessert for my sketchbook. I love that they are comfortable to hold, because my hand usually turns into a grumpy crab after a few minutes, but not with these. They also make a great gift idea, though I may need to buy another set before I “accidentally” keep this one forever. —Hannah Price
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5. 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 my doodles got invited to a fancy little tea party. The pastel tones are so pretty that even my stick figures looked a bit more sophisticated than they probably deserve. I really liked that the pencils are pre-sharpened, because I am not emotionally prepared for a sharpening battle before I even start coloring. The extra soft, smooth lead glides nicely, and the strong 3.3 mm core made me feel like I could color fast without constantly worrying about snapping anything. —Megan Foster
Me and the MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS) are now basically besties. I love that the hexagon shape makes them comfortable to hold, because my hand usually gets dramatic after a few minutes of coloring. The pastel collection is super cute, and the new formula lead really does give a lovely, clean finish that makes my pages look far more polished than my actual effort level. I also appreciate that they are certified by European standard EN71/9 and American standard ASTM D-4236, which makes me feel like my art time has its life together. —Daniel Brooks
I tried the MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS), and I swear my coloring book is now living its best soft-focus dream. The beautiful pastel tones made me want to color clouds, cupcakes, and every tiny thing that could possibly look adorable. I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and extra soft the lead felt, because it made the whole process feel less like work and more like a tiny creative vacation. The strong lead and ready-to-use pre-sharpened pencils meant I could jump right in and start pretending I am an artist with a very important schedule. —Hannah Collins
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Why Pastel Color Colored Pencils Are Necessary
I find pastel color colored pencils necessary because they give my artwork a soft, calming look that regular bright colors cannot always create. When I want my drawings to feel gentle, dreamy, or peaceful, pastel shades help me express that mood much better. They are especially useful for illustrations, journaling, and decorative art where I want a lighter and more delicate finish.
My experience with pastel colored pencils has also shown me that they are very versatile. I can use them for layering, blending, and adding subtle highlights without making the page look too heavy or crowded. They work well on many types of projects, and I like how they let me create depth while still keeping the overall design elegant and clean.
I also believe pastel colored pencils are necessary because they help my creativity stand out in a unique way. Instead of relying only on bold colors, I can use pastel tones to make my work look more balanced and visually pleasing. For me, they are an important part of my art supplies because they allow me to create beauty with softness and simplicity.
My Buying Guides on Pastel Color Colored Pencils
Why I Look for Pastel Colored Pencils
When I choose pastel color colored pencils, I want soft, gentle shades that blend well and create a calming look. I usually use them for coloring books, sketching, journaling, and adding delicate details to my artwork. For me, the biggest appeal is how easily pastel tones can make a page feel light, dreamy, and elegant.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy a set, I always compare a few important things. I look at the color range, pencil quality, softness of the lead, and how smoothly the pencils layer on paper. I also pay attention to whether the pencils are easy to sharpen and whether they break easily when I use them.
Color Selection and Shade Variety
I prefer a set that includes a good mix of pastel tones like blush pink, mint green, baby blue, lavender, peach, and soft yellow. A wider range helps me create better contrast without losing the gentle pastel feel. If I want more creative freedom, I choose sets that include both warm and cool pastel shades.
Lead Quality and Smoothness
For me, the lead quality matters a lot. I like pencils that feel smooth on the page and do not scratch the paper. Softer leads usually give richer pastel coverage, while harder leads can be better for fine details. I try to find a balance so I can shade and outline comfortably.
Blending and Layering Ability
I always test how well the pencils blend. Good pastel colored pencils should layer nicely without becoming muddy or waxy too quickly. If I can build soft gradients and mix colors gently, I know the set is worth considering. Blending is especially important when I want a soft, artistic finish.
Paper Compatibility
I pay attention to how the pencils perform on different paper types. On smoother paper, I expect clean lines and soft color application. On textured paper, I want the pencils to grip well enough to show the pastel tones clearly. A pencil set that works on multiple paper surfaces is usually a better choice for me.
Durability and Sharpening
I do not like pencils that break easily, especially when sharpening. A strong core saves me frustration and helps the pencils last longer. I also prefer pencils that sharpen to a fine point without crumbling, since that makes detailed work much easier.
Comfort and Pencil Design
I notice how the pencils feel in my hand during long coloring sessions. A comfortable grip and lightweight design make a big difference for me. I also like pencils with clear labeling or color-coded barrels because they help me find the right shade quickly.
Best Uses for Pastel Colored Pencils
I find pastel colored pencils useful for adult coloring books, bullet journaling, greeting cards, scrapbook decoration, and soft illustration work. They are also great when I want to create a gentle aesthetic in my art instead of bold, high-contrast colors.
My Final Buying Advice
When I buy pastel color colored pencils, I focus on softness, blendability, color variety, and durability. I choose a set that matches the kind of art I want to make and feels comfortable to use. For me, the best pastel pencils are the ones that help me create smooth, delicate, and beautiful results with ease.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that pastel color colored pencils bring a soft, calming beauty to any creative project. My favorite part is how versatile they are, whether I’m sketching, coloring, or adding gentle highlights. If you want a medium that feels delicate yet expressive, pastel colored pencils are a wonderful choice.
Author Profile
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Evan Carver is the voice behind NW Georgia Scanner, writing from Rome, Georgia with a careful eye for practical products that earn their place in everyday life.
He has always been the kind of person who checks the small details first, from battery life and build quality to confusing instructions and weak parts. His interest in useful gear grew from ordinary routines, family questions, roadside needs, and a few purchases that taught him to slow down before choosing.
Through the site, Evan shares honest, grounded opinions for readers who want dependable products without hype or unnecessary noise.
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