Top 6 Best Colored Pencils 2024

By GirlBoss Team | February 24, 2024

Colored pencils are a staple for artists, students, and anyone who enjoys coloring books. They come in a wide range of colors and are a versatile tool for creating beautiful artwork. Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, finding the best colored pencils can make a significant difference in the quality of your work.

When looking for the best colored pencils, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is the quality of the lead. High-quality colored pencils have a smooth, consistent lead that lays down color evenly. Cheaper pencils may have a waxier lead that can be difficult to blend or layer.

Another factor to consider is the color range. The best colored pencils offer a wide range of colors that are vibrant and true to life. Some sets may include specialty colors like metallic or neon, which can add an extra dimension to your artwork.

Finally, the durability of the pencils is essential. Colored pencils that are prone to breaking or have weak leads can be frustrating to use and can lead to wasted time and money.

We spent hours researching and testing various colored pencil sets to identify the best options on the market. In the next section, we’ll dive into our top picks and what makes them stand out.

Best Colored Pencils

We have researched and tested various colored pencils to bring you our top picks for the best colored pencils. Whether you are an artist, student, or hobbyist, these colored pencils will provide you with vibrant colors, smooth application, and long-lasting performance. Our list includes a range of options, from budget-friendly to high-end, to suit any preference and budget. Read on to discover our top recommendations for the best colored pencils on the market.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Pack 24-Count

If you’re looking for high-quality colored pencils that are perfect for blending, shading, and layering, then the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are the perfect choice for you.

Pros

The soft, thick cores are perfect for shading and shadows.
The ultra-smooth, even color laydown allows for superior blending and shading.
The thick, robust leads resist cracking and chipping, making them perfect for adult coloring books.

Cons

The pencils are unsharpened, so you’ll need to sharpen them before use.
The color selection is limited to 24 colors.
The price is higher than some other colored pencil options.

We’ve had the opportunity to use these colored pencils and have found them to be of unmatched quality. The pigments are richly saturated, and the leads are strong enough to be sharpened to a precision point. We love that these pencils are perfect for blending, shading, and layering, which allows for a wide range of artistic expression.

One of the best things about these colored pencils is the soft, thick cores. They’re perfect for shading and shadows, and they allow for a smooth color laydown that’s perfect for blending and shading. The colors are lightfast, which means they won’t fade over time, and they’re waterproof, which makes them perfect for use in a variety of art projects.

Another great thing about these colored pencils is the thick, robust leads, which resist cracking and chipping. This makes them perfect for use in adult coloring books, where you may be applying more pressure to the pencil than you would in other art projects.

While the price of these colored pencils is higher than some other options, we believe that the quality of the product justifies the cost. These pencils are perfect for artists of all levels, and they’re a great investment for anyone looking to take their art to the next level.

TongFu Color Pencil Set, 72 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Oil Based Soft Core, Coloring Pencils for Sketching, Shading, Blending, Drawing Pencils for Kids Adults Beginners, Artist Coloring 72 Zipper Box

If you’re looking for a complete color palette with vibrant and intense colors, the TongFu Color Pencil Set is definitely worth considering. These professional colored pencils are made of 3mm thickened soft core, which allows for smooth coloring and velvety smooth drawing. The ergonomic triangular pen-holder also ensures a comfortable grip and less roll.

Pros

The set contains 72 vibrant colors in a complete color palette, including warm red, lively orange-yellow, fresh blue-green, and heavy black-brown.
The oil-based colored pencil ink is pure and delicate, not easy to fade, and you can match the colors with each other to create lifelike portraits, landscapes, and abstract art.
The pre-sharpened tip allows you to use the colored pencils directly after receiving them, drawing precise and clear lines and evenly applying brilliant and lively colors.

Cons

The color pencils are not suitable for children under 3 years old due to small parts.
The quality of the pencils may not be on par with more expensive brands.
The pencil lead degree is soft, which may not be suitable for those who prefer harder leads.

The TongFu Color Pencil Set is perfect for beginners, artists, professionals, kids, and adult coloring books. You can work on various surfaces such as paper, eggshell, canvas, wood, etc., allowing you to create sketching, shading, blending, gradient, layering painting effects effortlessly. The set also comes with a sharpener and pencil extender, making drawing more convenient.

Overall, the TongFu Color Pencil Set is an excellent investment for those looking for a complete color palette with vibrant and intense colors. The set is packaged in a box, easy to store and carry, allowing you to create art anywhere, anytime. It’s also an ideal gift choice for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, and graduation seasons.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

If you’re looking for high-quality colored pencils that are perfect for shading and shadows, Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are a great choice.

Pros

The soft, thick cores create a smooth color laydown for superior blending and shading.
The ultra-smooth, even color laydown is perfect for creating vivid and detailed artwork.
The thick, robust leads resist cracking and chipping, making them perfect for adult coloring books.

Cons

The set only includes twelve colors, which may not be enough for some artists.
The pencils are relatively expensive compared to other colored pencil sets.
Some users have reported issues with the leads breaking or becoming dull quickly.

If you’re an experienced artist looking for high-quality colored pencils, Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are definitely worth considering. The soft, thick cores make it easy to create smooth, even color laydowns, and the thick leads resist cracking and chipping, ensuring that your pencils will last for a long time.

One of the best things about Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils is their lightfast, richly saturated pigments. This means that your artwork will look great for years to come, without fading or losing its vibrancy.

However, if you’re just starting out with colored pencils, you may want to consider a less expensive set until you’re sure that you enjoy using them. Additionally, if you need a wide variety of colors for your artwork, you may want to look for a larger set than the twelve colors included in this set.

Overall, we highly recommend Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils for experienced artists who want high-quality, long-lasting colored pencils that will help them create beautiful artwork.

Crayola Adult Colored Pencils Set

If you’re looking for a high-quality colored pencil set, the Crayola Adult Colored Pencils Set is an excellent choice for artists of any skill level. With 50 rich, vibrant colors and fine-point tips, these pencils are perfect for creating detailed designs and patterns.

Pros

The fine point tips allow for precision and detail, catering to both beginners and advanced artists.
The set is strong and durable, ensuring reliable, long-lasting use.
The versatility of these pencils makes them an excellent addition to any arts and crafts toolbox.

Cons

The pencils may not be as vibrant as some other colored pencil sets.
The name of the color on the pencil may be hard to read due to the small font size and gold lettering.
Some users have reported issues with the wood fracturing and breaking when sharpening the pencils.

In our experience, the Crayola Adult Colored Pencils Set is a reliable and versatile choice for any artist. The fine point tips allow for intricate details, and the set’s durability ensures long-lasting use. While the colors may not be as vibrant as some other sets, the range of colors is still impressive. Overall, we highly recommend the Crayola Adult Colored Pencils Set for anyone looking to elevate their artistic projects with ease.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

If you’re looking for a high-quality colored pencil set, we highly recommend the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils. With creamy soft cores, rich pigments, and a robust lead, these pencils are perfect for blending, shading, and layering.

Pros

The soft, thick cores are perfect for shading and shadows, making it easy to create depth and dimension in your artwork.
The lightfast, richly saturated pigments deliver vibrant and long-lasting colors that will make your artwork pop.
The ultra-smooth, even color laydown ensures that your artwork looks professional and polished.

Cons

The thick, robust leads can be prone to breaking if not handled carefully.
The assortment of colors may vary, which can be disappointing if you’re looking for specific shades.
The price point may be higher than some other colored pencil sets on the market.

In our experience, the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are a top-notch choice for artists of all skill levels. We appreciate the high-quality pigments and soft cores that make it easy to create beautiful artwork. While the price point may be higher than some other colored pencil sets, we believe that the quality justifies the cost.

If you’re looking for a set of colored pencils that will help you take your artwork to the next level, we highly recommend the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils.

Amazon Basics Colored Pencils

If you’re in the market for a set of colored pencils that offer artist-quality lead and a variety of rich, saturated pigments, then the Amazon Basics Colored Pencils set might be just what you’re looking for.

Pros

The set includes 24 premium colored pencils that are perfect for fine detail drawing, sketching, shading, and layering.
The artist-quality lead provides a soft and smooth application that delivers vibrant colors and excellent blending capabilities.
The pencils are pre-sharpened, which saves time, and they are easy to resharpen as needed. The thick cores also resist breakage and provide longer-lasting use.

Cons

The set doesn’t include a wide range of colors, so you may need to supplement it with additional sets or individual pencils to achieve the desired color palette.
Some users have reported that the pigments aren’t as rich or vibrant as they expected, which may be an issue if you’re looking for the highest quality colors.
The pencils don’t have any grip, which may make them more difficult to hold and use for extended periods of time.

Overall, we think that the Amazon Basics Colored Pencils set is a solid choice for artists and hobbyists who are looking for a high-quality set of colored pencils at an affordable price. The set comes in a convenient tin storage case with a detachable lid and a built-in tray to keep the pencils organized and protected, which is an added bonus. If you’re looking for a set of colored pencils that can handle a variety of drawing and coloring tasks, then the Amazon Basics Colored Pencils set is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best colored pencils, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when making your selection:

Core Material

The core material of a colored pencil can greatly affect the quality of your artwork. Wax-based cores are more common and offer a smooth application, while oil-based cores tend to be more vibrant and blendable. Some colored pencils also feature water-soluble cores, which can create unique effects when used with water.

Pigment Quality

The quality of the pigments used in colored pencils can greatly impact the vibrancy and longevity of your artwork. Look for pencils with high-quality pigments that are lightfast and resistant to fading over time.

Color Range

The range of colors available in a set of colored pencils is also an important consideration. Look for sets with a wide range of colors that can be easily blended and layered to create a variety of shades and hues.

Packaging

The packaging of colored pencils can vary greatly, from simple cardboard boxes to sturdy metal tins. Consider how you plan to use your pencils and choose packaging that will best suit your needs.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best colored pencils for your artistic needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should professional artists consider when choosing colored pencils?

When choosing colored pencils, professional artists should consider factors such as pigment quality, lightfastness, blending ability, and durability. These factors will affect the final outcome of the artwork and its longevity. Professional artists may also want to consider the availability of specific colors and the price point of the colored pencil set.

How do the needs of adult colorists differ from those of younger users in terms of colored pencil qualities?

Adult colorists may prefer colored pencils with a higher level of pigment saturation and lightfastness, as they are more likely to use their artwork for display purposes. Younger users may prioritize colored pencils that are easy to use, have a range of colors, and are affordable.

Which features distinguish Faber-Castell colored pencils from other brands?

Faber-Castell colored pencils are known for their high-quality pigments, smoothness, and blendability. They also have a unique grip design that makes them comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Additionally, Faber-Castell offers a wide range of colors and sets to choose from.

In what ways do Prismacolor Premier pencils excel for artistic use?

Prismacolor Premier pencils are known for their high pigment saturation and blendability. They also have a soft, creamy texture that allows for smooth and easy application. Additionally, Prismacolor offers a wide range of colors and sets, making it easy to find the perfect set for any project.

What are the recommended colored pencils for someone just starting out in art?

For someone just starting out in art, we recommend starting with a basic set of colored pencils from a reputable brand such as Prismacolor or Faber-Castell. These sets typically include a range of colors and are affordable, making them a great choice for beginners.

Which colored pencils offer the highest pigment saturation for vibrant artwork?

Colored pencils with high pigment saturation include Prismacolor Premier, Faber-Castell Polychromos, and Caran d’Ache Luminance. These pencils offer vibrant and intense colors that are perfect for creating eye-catching artwork.

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