The Guide to Pastel Supplies: How to Choose Wisely

From decor and fashion to stationery and fine arts, pastel shades are everywhere. Whether you're setting up a bullet journal, guiding a child through their creative projects, or crafting a true work of art, pastel art supplies bring an unmatched softness and subtlety. But with an overwhelming selection available, it's easy to get lost and make disappointing purchases.

As a Product Specialist at Joybuy, I'm here to help you make sense of it all. Let's break down the most common pitfalls together so you can make an informed decision.

• The "Pastel Colour" Trap: Many products simply feature pastel shades, but their texture is hard, patchy, and difficult to work with. The result on paper is a far cry from the expected softness.
• Unexpected Fragility: Nothing is more frustrating than a pencil lead that breaks with every turn of the sharpener, or a pastel stick that crumbles at the slightest touch, creating more dust than colour.
• Pigment Disappointment: The colours look vibrant in the box, but once on the page, they appear dull, almost transparent, and sorely lacking in intensity. The cause? A low pigment load.

To avoid these setbacks, it's crucial to focus on a few technical characteristics that make all the difference.

Key Criteria to Check Before Buying

Understanding what defines a quality art supply will prevent you from throwing your money away. Here are the three points you absolutely must check.

1. Pastel Type?: Dry, Oil, or Pencil??

The term "pastel" actually covers several different products. Your choice will depend on your intended use.

• Dry Pastels: Composed of pigments, a filler (chalk or kaolin), and a binder, they offer a matte, powdery finish. Soft artist-grade soft pastels are perfect for creating flat areas of colour and for blending, while hard pastels allow for more precise lines. Ideal for artistic drawing, they can, however, be messy.
• Oil Pastels: Richer and creamier, they contain oil and wax. Their colours are intense and opaque, but they never fully dry and are more difficult to blend than their dry counterparts.
• Pastel Pencils: These consist of a pastel lead (dry or oil) encased in a wooden body. They combine the precision of a pencil with the texture of a pastel, while being much cleaner to use. This is an excellent option for details or for pastel pencils for kids.

2. Pigment Load and Lightfastness

Pigment load refers to the concentration of pigments in the product. The higher it is, the richer, more vibrant, and more opaque the colours will be. This is a non-negotiable criterion for any fine art supplies worthy of the name.

Lightfastness (or photostability) indicates the ability of colours to resist fading over time when exposed to light. Brands like Faber-Castell or Stabilo often indicate this with a star rating system on their artist-grade products. Good lightfastness is essential for your creations to retain their brilliance over the years.

3. Ergonomics and Certifications

Comfort is paramount, especially during long creative sessions.

• Shape: A triangular shape (like on some Maped or Faber-Castell pencils) promotes a good grip and prevents the pencil from rolling away. For children, a "jumbo" size is often easier to handle.
• Materials: Opt for pencils made from wood sourced from sustainably managed forests, identifiable by PEFC or FSC certifications. This is both a mark of quality and an environmentally friendly choice.

Recommended Options for Different Uses

Rather than an exhaustive list, here is a selection of products tailored to specific user profiles, taking into account the criteria we've just discussed.

IDEAL FOR : YOUNG ARTISTS AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES

STABILO Woody 3-in-1 Coloring Pencils Set - 6 Pastel Colors

Why it's a great fit : This product is a true Swiss Army knife for children. It functions as a coloured pencil, a wax crayon, and a watercolour pencil all in one. Its easy grip and ability to write on multiple surfaces (paper, glass, metal, etc.) make it a limitless creative tool for the youngest artists.

The Pitfall-Proof Feature

Its ultra-sturdy 10 mm XXL lead is designed to withstand the pressure from little hands. Say goodbye to the fragility pitfall and the repeated breakages that discourage children!

Key Strengths

Incredible 3-in-1 versatility. Wipes off smooth surfaces with water, making cleanup a breeze. Wood is 100% PEFC certified.

IDEAL FOR : STUDENTS AND BULLET JOURNAL ENTHUSIASTS

Stabilo BOSS ORIGINAL - Highlighter - Deskset of 24

Why it's a great fit : This set is the all-in-one solution for anyone who uses highlighters daily. With 13 pastel highlighters, 4 neons, and 6 nature-inspired shades, it covers every need for studying, office work, or creating a bullet journal. The included desk stand is a real organisational bonus.

The Pitfall-Proof Feature

The renowned ink quality of Stabilo guarantees a soft yet perfectly readable pastel colour, avoiding the pitfall of weak pigments that make highlighting illegible or too faint.

Key Strengths

Anti-dry-out technology: can be left uncapped for up to 4 hours without drying out. Chisel tip for two line widths (2 and 5 mm).

IDEAL FOR : ARTISTS AND DRAWING HOBBYISTS

Faber-Castell Creative Studio Soft Pastels Set of 36

Why it's a great fit : This pastel set is for those seeking a true artistic experience. These dry pastels for artists offer a soft, powdery texture, ideal for blending, creating gradients, and working on large areas. The 36-colour palette is particularly rich.

The Pitfall-Proof Feature

Their soft texture and high pigment load ensure smooth blending and a rich application. This helps you avoid the trap of "hard" pastels that don't grip the paper and deliver a disappointing result.

Key Strengths

Soft texture perfect for blending. Vibrant and highly opaque colours. Versatile, they can be used on paper, cardboard, and many other surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pastel Art Supplies

How do I fix a dry pastel drawing to prevent smudging??

Since dry pastel is powdery, it's essential to protect it. The solution: a special aerosol fixative for pastels. Hold the can about 30 cm (12 inches) from your artwork and spray successive thin layers in a well-ventilated area. Let it dry between each coat. Your drawing will be protected without significantly altering the colours.

What's the difference between dry pastels, oil pastels, and pastel pencils??

• Dry pastels: Powdery and matte, they are perfect for blending and creating subtle gradients. They can be worked with your fingers or a blending stump.
• Oil pastels: Greasy and creamy, they offer intense colours with a satin finish. They never fully dry, which makes blending more complex than with dry pastels.
• Pastel pencils: This is a pastel lead housed in a wooden body. They combine the precision of a pencil with the texture of a pastel, all with less mess. Perfect for details or for beginners.

Are pastel supplies safe for children??

For children, it is crucial to choose products appropriate for their age. Always check the recommendations on the packaging (e.g., "not suitable for children under 3 years"). Favour reputable brands that comply with the European toy safety standard (EN 71 standard). Products like the STABILO Woody 3-in-1 pastel pencils for kids are designed to be robust and safe, but supervision is, of course, still recommended for the youngest children.