Joybuy Insights

Coloured pens: how to choose the right selection for writing, drawing and keeping your bullet journal

Buying coloured pens seems simple… until the ink bleeds through the pages, the tips dry out too quickly or half the shades are left at the bottom of your pencil case. For students, parents, drawing enthusiasts and bullet journal fans, choosing the right set is about more than the number of colours printed on the box.

Some marketing claims deserve a closer look:

  • A large number of shades does not guarantee versatility: a selection of 40 fineliners may be perfect for detailed colouring, but less suitable for lettering or filling in large areas.
  • “Quick-drying” does not mean “smudge-proof”: the result depends on the paper, the pressure applied and your writing speed.
  • A dual tip is practical, but often more fragile: caps must be closed securely and markers stored correctly to prevent them from drying out.
  • Suitability for children must be checked: caps and small parts pose a choking hazard for children under 3. Adult supervision remains essential.

Technical criteria to check before buying

1. The tip for each activity

For neat note-taking, outlining or filling the pages of a bullet journal, a 0.3 to 0.5 mm fine tip lets you work precisely. Fineliners are particularly well suited to margins, tables, mandalas and diagrams.

With a 0.7 mm tip, the line is more visible. This is a good size for headings, light colouring or notes that need to stand out. Multicolour 0.7 mm ballpoint pens also let you switch quickly from one ink colour to another without carrying several pens.

For lettering, brush pens and dual-tip markers offer greater flexibility. A flexible tip can create fine lines with light pressure, then broader strokes when you press more firmly. However, this technique requires paper that is smooth enough not to damage the tip.

2. Ink type and paper compatibility

Water-based inks are common in colouring markers and fineliners. They generally provide smooth writing and produce little odour, but may show through the back of a thin sheet.

Gel pens stand out for their vivid colours and decorative effects. Metallic, neon and glitter versions look particularly striking on dark or coloured paper. To prevent marks, allow the ink to dry before closing a notebook or adding another colour over the top.

Watercolour pencils and coloured pencils offer a different approach: they let you draw dry, then add water using a brush. Before starting a project, test them on the paper you intend to use, particularly for notebooks, planners and study sheets.

3. Comfort, storage and lifespan

A triangular barrel or non-slip grip can make long note-taking sessions more comfortable. For children, a thicker barrel makes the pen easier to hold. A compartmentalised case prevents caps from getting lost and helps keep markers neatly organised.

Also check the storage instructions:

  • replace each cap after use;
  • store markers according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, often horizontally;
  • avoid heat and direct sunlight;
  • use suitable paper to minimise smudging and ink consumption.

The number of pieces alone is therefore not enough to distinguish between two sets. Also consider the line width, stated uses, ink type and accessories included.

Which selection is right for your user profile?

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
M&G Multicolour Ballpoint Pens, 3 Pack 4-in-1 Retractable Pens

M&G Multicolour Ballpoint Pens, pack of 3 retractable 4-in-1 pens

Why this choice suits this profile : Each pen combines four inks — black, blue, red and green — in a practical retractable design for lessons, the office and everyday notes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The button-operated system means there are fewer caps to lose and fewer pens to carry. The 0.7 mm ballpoint tip is suitable for everyday writing, but not the finest details.

Main benefit and key features

Three four-colour pens, a retractable mechanism and a non-slip rubber grip.

Recommended for : Premium stationery enthusiasts
SAKURA Gelly Roll Mixed Set 24 Pens

SAKURA Gelly Roll Mixed Set – 24 pens

Why this choice suits this profile : This set combines several gel effects for decorating cards, personalising a notebook or writing on white, coloured or black paper.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The variety is not based solely on similar shades, but on four advertised effects: glitter, metallic, neon and opaque.

Main benefit and key features

24 gel pens and advertised compatibility with several types of paper, including black paper.

Recommended for : Specific uses and intensive users
STAEDTLER Triplus Fineliner Set 40 Assorted Colours

STAEDTLER Triplus Fineliner Set – 40 assorted colours

Why this choice suits this profile : With 40 colours and a 0.3 mm tip, this set is ideal for colour-coded notes, detailed illustrations and ongoing drawing projects.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The line width is clearly stated, while the 40-compartment case makes storage easier than leaving the pens loose in a pencil case.

Main benefit and key features

0.3 mm fibre tip, triangular barrel and polypropylene storage case.

Recommended for : Children and versatile creative activities
Jar Melo 12 Colours Washable Dual Tip Markers

Jar Melo Washable Dual-Tip Markers, 12 colours

Why this choice suits this profile : This set combines a brush tip and a chisel tip, with a case featuring a handle for activities at home, at school or on the go.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The water-based ink is presented as 90% washable from skin and most fabrics. This does not remove the need to clean stains promptly.

Main benefit and key features

12 dual-tip markers, ventilated caps and a carry case included.

Looking for more options ?

We have put together a complete, real-time updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about coloured pens

Which coloured pens should you choose for a bullet journal ?

For outlines and small writing, choose 0.3 to 0.5 mm fineliners. Brush pens and dual-tip markers complement the selection for headings and lettering. Always test the ink on a page of your notebook to check that it does not bleed through the paper.

How can you stop colouring markers from drying out ?

Replace the cap immediately after each use and check that it is securely in place. Store the markers in their case, away from heat and sunlight. For dual-tip models, follow the storage position specified on the product page.

Are gel pens suitable for everyday writing ?

Yes, provided you choose a suitable tip and sufficiently absorbent paper. Gel pens are particularly useful for headings, annotations and decoration. Allow the ink to dry before closing a notebook, especially when using metallic, neon or glitter effects.