Livraison le jour même ou le lendemain
Qualité garantie
Débloquez vos offres de bienvenue: Livraison GRATUITE | Jusqu'à -80 % | 30 jours d'essai gratuits à JoyPlus
Téléchargez l'application
Coloured pencils seem easy to choose… until the leads start breaking, certain shades run out or the box ends up in a jumble at the bottom of the schoolbag. Whether you’re buying for a child, school pupil, student or drawing enthusiast, the right choice depends less on the number of colours shown on the packaging than on how the pencils will be used.
Three common pitfalls are worth avoiding:
A box of 12-colour pencils is generally suitable for first drawings, homework and everyday school activities. It also avoids duplicates and is easy to carry.
24-colour pencils offer a practical compromise for detailed colouring, sketches and creative hobbies. They allow you to vary the shades without taking up too much space.
Sets of 48 colours or more are better suited to users who work with gradients, shadows and colour mixing. They can be a good choice for regular drawing, but represent a greater investment and require well-organised storage.
Ergonomic coloured pencils often have a triangular barrel or a soft grip area designed to guide the fingers. This shape can make pencils easier for children to hold and make long colouring sessions more comfortable.
For younger children, check in particular:
A lead described as break-resistant helps reduce interruptions during colouring, but it can still break if the pencil is dropped or excessive pressure is applied. A suitable pencil sharpener is therefore essential.
Watercolour pencils are first used dry, like traditional coloured pencils. By running a damp brush over the marks, you can create blocks of colour and translucent effects. However, it is best to use paper that is sufficiently thick to prevent it from buckling.
Before choosing this type of set, check:
The nature of the pigments, lightfastness and colour permanence should be considered as features stated by the manufacturer, rather than as a universal guarantee for every artwork.
Why this choice suits this profile : This compact set is suitable for a right-handed child’s first colouring activities and schoolwork. It includes 12 assorted shades and a sharpener.
The limited number of pencils avoids paying for colours that are rarely used. The grip grooves and triangular barrel make the pencil easier to control.
Stated 4.2 mm lead, identification area on the pencil and wood sourced from sustainably managed forests, according to the product information.
Why this choice suits this profile : Experienced beginner illustrators and detailed-colouring enthusiasts get an extensive palette that is easy to carry in a pencil roll.
The roll keeps everything tidy and protects the pencil tips when travelling, unlike open or overly flexible storage.
72 shades, including 6 neon and 6 metallic shades, stated SuperSoft lead and triangular barrel.
Why this choice suits this profile : This set is designed for those who switch between dry drawing, shading and watercolour effects, whether at home, in the studio or on the move.
The metal box protects the pencils, while the 48 shades reduce the need to make multiple purchases to achieve complementary tones.
Water-soluble leads, suitable for dry or wet use, with metal storage. The manufacturer states that the pencils are made using wood sourced from certified forests.
Why this choice suits this profile : Its triangular shape and soft grip area are suitable for children who colour regularly or pupils looking for greater control.
The stated break-resistant lead stands up better to frequent handling, while the reusable box helps keep all the pencils together.
24 colours, triangular barrel with comfort grip and pigments described as vivid in the product information.
We have put together a complete, real-time updated list of products that meet these demanding selection criteria and European safety regulations.
To extend the lifespan of a box of coloured pencils, put them away after every session and avoid leaving them in a bag exposed to significant temperature changes. Sharpen them with a compatible tool to avoid applying sideways pressure to the lead.
Products containing small parts or sharpened tips are not suitable for children under 3, in line with the warnings shown on several product pages. Adult supervision is still required for young children. Pencils must not be put in the mouth.
The cost of use mainly depends on how often the pencils are sharpened, losses and broken leads. A more robust set may reduce the need for replacements, but it does not remove the need for suitable storage or proper use.
A box of 12 or 24 colours is generally easy to carry. Choose a set with resealable storage, break-resistant leads and a comfortable shape. Remember to check the school’s requirements too.
They can be suitable under supervision, provided the manufacturer’s stated age recommendation is followed. Children should learn to use only a small amount of water, protect the table and clean the brush after the activity. This technique requires more equipment than traditional colouring.
Lifespan varies according to the pressure applied, how often the pencils are used, the quality of the sharpener and how often they are carried around. A well-organised box of 24 colours can last a pupil a long time, while an intensive user will get through the most frequently used shades more quickly.