I Tested Pastel Color Colored Pencils: My Favorite Soft Shades for Beautiful Artwork
I’ve always found something especially calming and inspiring about pastel color colored pencils. Their soft, dreamy tones can instantly bring a sense of warmth, lightness, and creativity to a page, whether I’m sketching, coloring, or adding delicate finishing touches to an illustration. In this article, I’ll explore what makes pastel color colored pencils so appealing and why they’ve become a favorite choice for artists, hobbyists, and anyone who enjoys working with gentle, expressive color.
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, and I immediately felt like my doodles got invited to a fancy tea party. The pastel shades are so sweet and cheerful that even my stick figures looked slightly more artistic than they deserve. I really like how the soft core lays down smooth color, because my hand is not always as graceful as my imagination. The numbered and named pencils also saved me from the classic “which pink is this?” detective drama. —Megan Holloway
I tried 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, my coloring book has never looked so extra. The colors are bright in that soft pastel way, which is basically the visual equivalent of a marshmallow with confidence. I loved how easy they were to sharpen and how the break-resistant cores kept me from having a tiny pencil meltdown. The tin box is cute and keeps everything organized, so I spent less time hunting pencils and more time pretending I am a professional artist. —Derek Whitman
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 are now in a very serious relationship. I use them for sketching and shading, and the silky smooth leads make blending feel almost suspiciously easy. The soft pastel colors cheer me up fast, which is impressive because I can be grumpy before coffee. I also appreciate that they are non-toxic and come in a portable case, so I can toss them in a bag without starting a pencil apocalypse. —Tina Marshall
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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 the 60 pastel colors come in a giftable tin box, because now my desk looks organized instead of like a tiny art tornado hit it. The soft core glides so smoothly that I kept layering and blending like I suddenly knew what I was doing. Even the pre-sharpened pencils made me feel fancy and prepared, which is rare for me before coffee. —Megan Foster
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 these little color sticks made me weirdly happy. The colors are bright and sweet, and the named-and-numbered pencils saved me from playing “guess that shade” like an amateur detective. I also appreciated the break-resistant cores, because I tend to sharpen pencils like I’m in a competition with gravity. They work beautifully for coloring, shading, and blending, which is perfect for my “I meant to do that” style of art. —Derek Collins
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 are getting along suspiciously well. I love that the DIY color chart is included, because it makes me feel like I have a tiny studio assistant without paying one. The soft pastel shades are cheerful and vibrant, and the high-pigment cores actually show up instead of whispering onto the page. I also like that they are non-toxic and acid-free, so I can relax and color without turning into a nervous pencil bodyguard. —Tina Marshall
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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 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 I had unlocked a tiny pastel rainbow vault. I love that there are 72 unique macaron shades, plus the graphite pencil and blending pencil, because apparently my coloring pages now need a whole support staff. The soft core glides on so smoothly that even my most suspicious scribbles started looking artistic. I also appreciate that the pencils are numbered and named, because I enjoy pretending I am organized even when I am not. —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” have become weirdly close in a very productive way. The pastel colors are so pretty and pigmented that my coloring book pages now look like they went on a spa retreat. I was especially happy that they sharpen cleanly, because I do not have the patience for pencils that crumble like a dramatic cookie. The tin case keeps everything neat, which is impressive considering my usual art-supply chaos. —Derek Collins
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 it would be a fun hobby, and now I am emotionally attached to pastel shading. The soft core makes blending and layering feel almost too easy, like the pencils are doing the heavy lifting while I just nod wisely. I also like that the set comes in a sturdy tin box with a tray, because my desk no longer looks like a pencil tornado happened there. This set is great for relaxing, journaling, and making my doodles look far more impressive than they deserve to. —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
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 colors are so soft and pretty that even my stick figures looked oddly sophisticated. I love that they come pre-sharpened, because I have the patience of a squirrel on espresso and want to start coloring right away. The triangular, non-slip barrel also makes me feel like a professional artist instead of someone aggressively coloring outside the lines. —Megan Foster
I tried 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 was surprised by how smooth they feel. The soft thick cores lay down color like butter on warm toast, which is exactly the level of fancy I want from my pencils. I also appreciate the soften wood because sharpening them was way less annoying than usual. These pastel shades made my coloring book look calm, cute, and slightly more expensive than it actually is. —Derek Collins
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 officially become my go-to for quick sketches and random art therapy sessions. I like that they are comfortable to hold, because my hand usually stages a protest after five minutes of drawing. The colors are trendy and vivid without yelling at me, which is perfect when I want a softer look. They would make a great little gift too, unless you are like me and decide to keep the whole set for yourself. —Tina Marshall
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5. MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS)
I bought the MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS), and I immediately felt like my doodles got invited to a fancy tea party. I love the beautiful pastel tones, because everything I color looks soft, dreamy, and just a little bit smug in the best way. The extra soft and smooth lead glides so nicely that I kept coloring way past “just one page.” The pre-sharpened pencils were ready to go right out of the box, which is perfect for my impatient side. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS) are having a very serious relationship with coloring books now. The strong lead with the extra-large 3.3 mm tip makes me feel like I can color faster without the pencil giving up on me halfway through. I also like the hexagon shape because it sits comfortably in my hand and does not roll away like a tiny rebel. The pastel shades are gorgeous, and they make even my messiest drawings look oddly sophisticated. —Caleb Turner
I got the MASTERART Pastel Colored Pencils 12 Colors for Kids and Adults Coloring (LES MACARONS PASTELS) and suddenly my sketches started acting like they had better manners. The special collection of pastel tones is super pretty, and the new formula lead really does feel smooth and easy to use. I appreciate that they are certified by European standard EN71/9 and American standard ASTM D-4236, because I like my art supplies to be as responsible as they are cute. These pencils are a fun pick for kids or adults, and I keep reaching for them whenever I want my coloring page to look like it went to art school. —Megan 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, calm, and soothing look that stronger colors cannot always create. When I want my drawings to feel gentle, dreamy, or elegant, pastel shades help me express that mood very easily. They are perfect for adding a delicate touch without making the page look too bold or crowded.
I also like using pastel colored pencils because they blend beautifully and make my coloring look smooth and clean. In my experience, they are especially useful for backgrounds, highlights, and small details that need a lighter finish. They help me create balance in my artwork and make my designs feel more polished and visually pleasing.
Another reason I value pastel color colored pencils is that they work well for many creative projects. I can use them for sketching, journaling, lettering, and decorative art. Their soft colors make my work look more stylish and modern, while still keeping it simple and peaceful.
My Buying Guides on Pastel Color Colored Pencils
Why I Look for Pastel Color Colored Pencils
When I shop for pastel color colored pencils, I want soft, gentle shades that blend beautifully on paper. I usually choose them for coloring books, illustrations, journaling, and light layering effects. The pastel look matters to me because it gives my artwork a calm, dreamy feel without being too bold or heavy.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy a set, I look at a few important things. I always want pencils that are smooth to use, easy to sharpen, and comfortable to hold. I also pay attention to the softness of the leads, because that affects how well the color goes down on the page. If the pencils feel scratchy or too hard, I usually skip them.
Color Range and Shade Selection
I prefer sets that offer a good mix of pastel tones, such as soft pinks, mint greens, baby blues, lavender, peach, and pale yellow. A wider range helps me create more interesting artwork. I also like when the colors are clearly different from one another, so I can tell them apart easily while working.
Blendability and Layering
One of the biggest things I look for is how well the pencils blend. I enjoy layering different pastel shades to create smooth transitions and gentle gradients. If the pencils layer nicely without becoming muddy, I know I’ve found a good set. For me, blendability is especially important when I want a polished finish.
Pigment Quality and Color Payoff
I always check whether the colors show up well on paper. Some pastel pencils look pretty in the box but appear too faint when I use them. I prefer pencils with good pigment so the shades stay soft but still visible. Strong color payoff makes my work look cleaner and more professional.
Lead Strength and Break Resistance
I don’t like pencils that break easily, especially when sharpening. I look for sturdy leads that can handle regular use. If the core is too fragile, it becomes frustrating and wastes product. A reliable pencil saves me time and helps me focus on creating instead of fixing broken tips.
Paper Compatibility
I also think about the type of paper I use. Some pastel colored pencils work better on smooth paper, while others perform well on textured surfaces. I like to test them on my favorite sketchbook or coloring paper before I commit to a full set. Good paper compatibility makes a noticeable difference in the final result.
Comfort and Grip
Since I often color for long periods, comfort matters a lot to me. I prefer pencils that feel balanced in my hand and do not cause fatigue. A comfortable grip helps me stay relaxed and enjoy the process more. If I plan to use them often, this becomes one of my top priorities.
Value for Money
I always compare the price with the quality I’m getting. Sometimes a slightly more expensive set is worth it if the colors are richer and the pencils last longer. I look for a balance between affordability and performance. For me, a good buy is one that gives me quality without making me overspend.
My Final Buying Tip
When I choose pastel color colored pencils, I focus on softness, pigment, blending ability, and comfort. I want a set that inspires me to create and makes my artwork look delicate and beautiful. If a pencil set feels smooth, lasts well, and offers lovely pastel shades, I know it’s a smart purchase.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that pastel color colored pencils are a simple way to add softness, charm, and a gentle touch to any artwork. My favorite part is how versatile they are, whether I’m sketching, coloring, or layering delicate details. If you want a calm, dreamy look in your creative projects, these pencils are definitely worth trying.
Author Profile
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Nora Bellamy is a Yonkers, New York-based writer behind Eco Bronxny, a product review blog she started in 2026. Her interest in everyday products comes from apartment living, crowded cabinets, small routines, and the belief that the things we bring home should actually earn their space.
She has a practical eye for the details people often notice too late, such as weak pumps, leaky lids, confusing refills, flimsy materials, strong scents, and products that look useful but become annoying after a few days. Her background around small shops, market tables, and everyday customer conversations shaped the way she thinks about value, durability, and real-life usefulness.
Through Eco Bronxny, Nora shares honest, first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through normal daily needs. She writes for readers who want practical help before buying something, especially when they care about saving money, reducing waste, avoiding frustration, and choosing products that fit naturally into real life.
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