Coloured Pencil Guide: Top Picks for Artists, Students, and Hobbyists

Whether you're filling your child's back-to-school pencil case, diving into adult colouring books, or stocking your art studio, choosing a good coloured pencil set can quickly become overwhelming. Between lead composition, pigmentation, and the number of shades, it's easy to get lost.

As product experts at Joybuy, our mission is to decode the market for you. This guide is designed to present the best options based on your needs and budget, using clear and objective criteria. Our goal is to help you find the perfect set.

How to Choose the Right Coloured Pencils?

Before diving into our selection, here are a few key criteria to keep in mind to find the coloured pencil set that's truly right for you.

1. Lead Composition: Oil or Wax?

The lead is the heart of the pencil. There are two main types:

• Wax-based: Very common in school-grade and beginner sets, these pencils are generally more affordable. They allow for easy application but can sometimes leave a slight waxy sheen (known as "wax bloom") and are softer.
• Oil-based: Favoured by artists, professional coloured pencils with an oil-based lead are harder, wear down more slowly, and allow for precision work. They offer smooth colour layering without any build-up, and their pigments are often more water-resistant.

2. Pigmentation and Lightfastness

A pencil's quality is also measured by its colour intensity. High pigmentation means the colour will be vibrant and opaque, even with light pressure.

For artist-grade coloured pencils, lightfastness is a critical factor. It indicates the colour's ability to resist fading over time when exposed to light. This ensures your artwork will stand the test of time without losing its vibrancy.

3. Shape and Ergonomics: For Every Hand and Project

Pencils come in different shapes (hexagonal, round, triangular). For children's coloured pencils, a triangular or hexagonal shape is often recommended as it prevents the pencil from rolling and promotes a good grip.

Finally, consider how many colours you really need. A set of 12 or 24 colours is more than enough for school use, while an amateur or professional artist will lean towards a coloured pencil set of 72, 120 shades, or more for a nearly infinite creative palette.

Our Coloured Pencil Recommendations

Here are three options that cater to very different needs, from the student to the seasoned illustrator.

BIC Tropicolors 24 Coloured Pencils

Why it stands out: Designed specifically for children aged 5 and up, BIC Tropicolors pencils focus on safety and practicality. Their synthetic resin barrel is wood-free, meaning there's no risk of splinters if they break. It's the ultimate reliable and affordable choice for creative activities at home or school.

Highlights:

• Wood-free design: No splinters if the pencil breaks.
• Pigmented lead: Vibrant colours and smooth application for young artists.
• Hexagonal shape: Ensures a good grip and stops pencils from rolling off the table.
• Easy to identify: The pencil barrel is varnished in the same colour as the lead.
• Made in France: A guarantee of quality and local craftsmanship.

Who is it for? Ideal for parents looking for durable and safe school-grade coloured pencils for their children, perfect for daily use.

Faber-Castell Polychromos 120-Pencil Set

Why it stands out:Faber-Castell Polychromos are THE benchmark in the fine art world. Their thick 3.8 mm oil-based lead provides a soft, creamy application, perfect for layering and blending. The high pigment concentration ensures exceptional lightfastness, for artwork that stands the test of time.

Highlights:

• Oil-based lead: Allows for blending and layering without wax bloom.
• High lightfastness: Colours retain their vibrancy over the years.
• Break-resistant lead: The SV bonding process makes it highly resistant to breakage.
• Complete palette: The 120-pencil set offers a virtually limitless colour spectrum.
• Water-resistant and smudge-proof: For clean, lasting work.

Who is it for? Professional artists, illustrators, designers, and art students seeking excellence and rock-solid reliability for their creations.

Faber-Castell Black Edition 72-Pencil Set with Roll Case

Why it stands out: The Black Edition range from Faber-Castell shines with its versatility. Its SuperSoft lead delivers remarkable pigmentation, not just on white paper but also on coloured and dark surfaces. Presented in a roll-up pencil case, this set is the ideal companion for artists on the go.

Highlights:

• SuperSoft lead: Extra-vibrant, opaque colours, even on black paper.
• Ergonomic triangular shape: For long-lasting drawing comfort.
• Versatile set: Includes 6 neon and 6 metallic shades for creative effects.
• Travel case: The roll-up case protects the pencils and makes them easy to organise.
• Certified wood: The black wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Who is it for? Amateur artists, students, and creatives who enjoy experimenting on different types of paper and are looking for a complete, easy-to-transport set.

Taking It Further

This selection is just a glimpse of what's available. Every creative project is unique, and your personal preferences for texture or colour palettes will naturally guide you toward other models.

To discover a wider range, including other brands and sets of various sizes, feel free to explore our full category of Drawing Pencils.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the difference between oil-based and wax-based pencils?

Wax-based pencils are softer and generally more affordable, making them perfect for beginners and children. Oil-based pencils have a harder lead, allow for finer layering without build-up, and are favoured by artists for their durability and precision.

How many coloured pencils do you need in a set to get started?

For a child or a colouring beginner, a set of 24 to 36 colours is an excellent starting point. It offers a sufficient palette for most projects without being overwhelming. Amateur artists will appreciate a set of 48 to 72 colours for more nuance, while professionals often turn to sets of 120 colours or more.

How should you store coloured pencils?

To preserve the quality of your pencils, store them in their original box or case, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid dropping them, as even the strongest leads can break inside the wood casing. Storing them flat is often recommended for professional-grade pencils.