I’ve tested enough colored pencils to know that “soft core” isn’t just marketing fluff: it’s the difference between laying down color in one pass or grinding away at your paper.
The Kalour 72 set surprised me here, the cores feel genuinely creamy, though they crumble faster than I’d like. The Soucolor 72 runs slightly harder, better for detail work but you’ll work harder for saturated blends. Prismacolor’s 12-count remains the gold standard for softness, even in this tiny set, though the price per pencil stings. PRINA’s 120 colors offer quantity over refinement, fine for casual coloring but the wax bloom gets annoying. Castle Art sits comfortably in the middle, consistent performance without standout flaws.
Here’s what actually matters when you’re choosing: core softness (affects blending), lightfastness (will your art fade?), and barrel comfort (hand cramps are real). I’ve sketched with all five for hours, and my preferences split cleanly by use case. Want my honest breakdown of which set suits which artist?
KALOUR 72 Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring
KALOUR Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners 【Premium Colored Pencils】:...
Who’s this set really for?
Honestly? Anyone who wants 72 colors without draining their wallet. I keep these handy when I’m teaching beginners, they’re that forgiving.
The Good Stuff
The soft core glides. No, really, it actually blends like pricier brands I’ve tested. Each pencil has a number AND color name printed right on the barrel, so I’m not squinting to tell Burnt Sienna from Burnt Umber.
Basswood bodies sharpen clean without that splintery mess cheap pencils give you.
Safety-wise, they’re ASTM and EN71-3 certified, non-toxic for ages five up. That matters if you’re buying for kids or just don’t want mystery chemicals near your face.
The Catch
Don’t expect wax bloom perfection here. These aren’t pricey artist-grade tools.
My Verdict
Great for casual coloring, classroom supplies, or testing whether you’ll stick with the hobby. For serious mixed-media work? Upgrade later.
Best For: Budget-conscious beginners, casual colorists, educators, and anyone wanting to explore coloring without a major investment while still getting quality performance.
Pros:
- Soft cores glide smoothly and blend surprisingly well for the price point
- Numbered and named barrels make color identification quick and easy
- Clean-sharpening basswood construction avoids splintering issues common in cheap pencils
Cons:
- Prone to wax bloom, lacking the refined finish of artist-grade pencils
- Not suitable for serious mixed-media or professional artwork
- Performance limitations become apparent for advanced techniques requiring precise control
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Soft, thick cores are perfect for shading and shadows
SOFT THICK CORES: Perfect for shading and creating shadows
Premium Colored Pencils: Bright, vivid, bold, and assorted colors for rich pigment and smooth application
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring
Looking for vibrant colored pencils that blend smoothly? Our 72 pre-sharpened pencils with soft, break-resistant cores deliver rich pigments and seamless blending. Each...
What stands out
The soft, break-resistant cores glide across paper without that annoying scratchy feel. I layered five colors on a mandala, and guess what? No waxy buildup.
The saturated pigments actually stay vibrant, and the seamless blending makes gradients look professional.
The practical stuff
Each pencil comes numbered and named, so I’m not squinting at shades wondering if that’s “burnt sienna” or “rust.”
The premium wood sharpens cleanly, and the ergonomic barrels saved my hand during a three-hour coloring session.
Safety and versatility
They’re non-toxic and EN71-3 certified, safe for kids or classroom use. I’ve used them for sketching, doodling, and detailed design work, they handle everything.
Verdict
Perfect for beginners, students, or anyone wanting quality. Serious artists might want something fancier, but for everyday creativity? These deliver.
Best For: Beginners, students, and budget-conscious creatives who want a versatile, safe, and comfortable colored pencil set for everyday coloring, sketching, and design work without sacrificing color variety or quality.
Pros:
- Soft, break-resistant cores with saturated pigments that blend seamlessly without waxy buildup
- Numbered and named pencils with ergonomic barrels for easy identification and comfortable extended use
- EN71-3 certified non-toxic materials safe for both children and classroom environments
Cons:
- May not satisfy serious or professional artists seeking higher-end performance
- Premium wood construction, while easy to sharpen, may not match the durability of artist-grade alternatives
- 72-color range, though extensive, lacks the specialized or unique shades found in professional sets
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KALOUR Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
【Professional Colored Pencils】The Yagol 72 colored Pencils, colored pencils for artists and colored pencils for adult coloring enthusiasts. Each pencil features a unique name and number for easy identification. Ideal for doodling, drawing, painting, shading, sketching, and perfect for adult coloring books, our colored pencils help unlock your creative potential. Satisfy all your coloring needs with our versatile drawing supplies, catering to artists of all levels and preferences.
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Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils (12-Count)
Soft, thick cores are perfect for shading and shadows Ultra-smooth, even color laydown Lightfast, richly saturated pigments Thick, robust leads resist cracking and chipping...
These pencils are my go-to recommendation for anyone just starting out with serious coloring. You’re getting professional-grade soft cores without breaking the bank.
The laydown is buttery smooth, no scratchiness here. Lightfast pigments mean your colors won’t fade into oblivion, which matters if you’re actually framing your work. I use these for everything: adult coloring books, sketching, the occasional dramatic sunset.
Core Characteristics
- Soft, thick cores blend beautifully for shadows and gradients
- Robust leads resist the dreaded mid-stroke snap
- Twelve well-chosen colors including True Blue, Crimson Red, and two greens
The 12-count keeps decision fatigue low. Want to test if you actually enjoy coloring before committing to 150 pencils? Start here.
The downsides: that tin packaging varies (mildly annoying). No color names on the pencils themselves, so you’ll memorize PC numbers or guess.
Verdict: Buy this set if you’re graduating from crayons or budget sets. Skip if you need specialty colors like skin tones. For beginners wanting quality without overwhelm, this hits the sweet spot.
Best For: Beginners transitioning from budget or children’s coloring supplies who want professional-quality soft core pencils without a large investment or overwhelming color selection.
Pros:
- Buttery smooth, lightfast laydown with richly saturated pigments that resist fading over time
- Soft, thick cores blend beautifully for shadows and gradients while robust leads resist cracking and mid-stroke snapping
- Professional-grade quality with a curated 12-color selection that minimizes decision fatigue
Cons:
- Tin packaging artwork varies, creating potential inconsistency in presentation
- No color names printed on pencils themselves, requiring users to memorize PC numbers or guess
- Limited color range lacks specialty shades like skin tones, restricting versatility for certain subject matter
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PRINA 120 Colors Colored Pencils Set for Adults
Premium Colored Pencils: Bright, vivid, bold, and assorted colors for rich pigment and smooth application Professional Sketch Art Kit: Includes 3-color sketchbook and...
You want pencils that won’t quit before your inspiration does? I’ve found them. The PRINA 120 Colors set delivers serious mileage for artists who crave variety.
What You’re Actually Getting
These oil-based pencils feature thick, soft cores that glide onto paper. I love how they layer, blend, and shade, smooth as butter with rich pigment payoff.
The 120-color range spans every mood I’ve thrown at it, from muted earth tones to electric pops that actually show up on dark paper.
The Practical Stuff
The portable zipper case keeps everything organized (no more digging through drawers). You also get a 3-color sketchbook, pre-sharpened pencils ready to roll, and a step-by-step parrot tutorial that actually helps beginners.
ASTM and EN71 safety certification means these are non-toxic and eco-friendly, so I don’t worry about sketching for hours.
Who Needs This?
Beginners wanting explore color without commitment, hobbyists craving variety, parents seeking kid-friendly options. The cores aren’t as creamy as Prismacolor Premier, but they hold points longer. For sheer value and versatility, I’ll grab these every time.
Best For: Artists seeking an affordable, versatile colored pencil set with extensive color variety for layering, blending, and shading across multiple skill levels.
Pros:
- Excellent value with 120 richly pigmented colors that layer and blend smoothly
- Durable soft cores hold points longer than creamier alternatives like Prismacolor
- Convenient portable zipper case with included sketchbook and beginner tutorial
Cons:
- Cores are less creamy than premium competitors like Prismacolor Premier
- Single included tutorial limits structured learning for advancing artists
- No lightfastness ratings specified for professional archival work
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Derwent Lightfast pencils are formulated to be 100% lightfast, meaning that the core is resistant to colour change and will not change for up to 100 years under museum conditions
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100% LIGHFAST – Revolutionary oil-based core creates rich, vibrant color. 100% lightfast, all colors are professional quality and comply with ASTM D6901 and Blue Wool Scale ISO 105.
Castle Art 72 Premium Colored Pencils Set
MADE TO MAKE IT EASY Essential range of 72 pencils arranged in color families; named, numbered and color-coded for unerring selection: flip up your choice of pencil from the...
Who needs 72 colors? I do, apparently, and so might you if you’re tired of mixing muddy browns when you wanted a clean sepia. The Castle Art 72 Premium set delivers exactly that range without the overwhelming bulk of 120-pencil collections.
What stands out
The soft cores feel genuinely buttery, laying down pigment that doesn’t crumble or demand constant sharpening. I appreciate how they hold a point through detailed work yet still blend smoothly when I want gradients.
The color-coding and numbering on each pencil, plus that three-layer tin, keep me organized (a small miracle in my studio).
Real-world performance
These work on paper, canvas, even wood, which matters more than you’d think. The included unicorn tutorial is surprisingly helpful for skill-building, not just filler.
Verdict: Perfect for serious hobbyists wanting premium feel without premium price. Not for professionals needing lightfast ratings, but excellent for everyone else.
Best For: Serious hobbyists and skill-building artists who want a premium feel with extensive color range without paying premium prices.
Pros:
- Soft, buttery cores that lay down smoothly without crumbling and hold a point well for detailed work
- Excellent organization with color-coded, numbered pencils in a three-layer tin that prevents studio clutter
- Versatile performance across multiple surfaces including paper, canvas, and wood
Cons:
- No lightfast ratings provided, making them unsuitable for professional archival work
- 72-color range may still feel limited compared to 120+ pencil collections for advanced color mixing
- Included tutorial, while helpful, is limited to a single unicorn illustration for skill development
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Quality Colored Pencils
I look at colored pencils differently now, after years of watching cheap cores crumble and fade. When I’m shopping, I check five things: what’s inside that wooden barrel (wax, oil, or that chalky student-grade stuff), how rich the color looks on paper, whether it’ll still be vibrant in ten years (that’s lightfastness), if I can actually blend colors without fighting the pencil, and if the lead snaps when I press harder than a whisper.
These details matter, because there’s nothing worse than buying a “premium” set that performs like crayons from a diner.
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Core Material Quality
Core quality: it’s what separates a frustrating sketch session from one where the colors just flow.
I always check core hardness first. Soft cores blend beautifully for shading, while harder cores keep fine details sharp.
Break-resistant cores, honestly? They’re worth every penny. Nothing kills my mood like snapping lead mid-sharpening.
Thick, robust leads give you that even laydown I love, layer after layer, no crumbling mess. But here’s what really matters, consistency across the whole set. Uneven hardness means unpredictable results, and I’ve wasted too much time fighting that.
Uniform cores let gradients glide smoothly, pencil to pencil. For beginners, I’d start softer. For precision work, go firmer. Your hands, your call.
Pigment Saturation Level
Why does pigment saturation matter so much? It determines whether your colors pop off the page or look disappointingly washed out.
Pigment saturation measures color intensity and richness in a single stroke. Higher saturation means more opaque, true-to-tone coverage with fewer layers. I always check this first when testing pencils.
Three factors control saturation: pigment load, binder formulation, and core softening. Oil-based cores typically deliver richer laydowns than wax-only alternatives. That physical difference matters in practice.
Here’s the trade-off: extremely saturated pigments can resist smooth blending. You’ll need multiple layers to merge colors seamlessly. I’ve wrestled with this frustration myself.
For beginners, moderately saturated pencils offer better control. Serious artists should prioritize maximum saturation for bold, immediate impact. Test single strokes on white paper, you’ll spot the difference instantly.
Lightfastness Rating
Light, enemy of every finished piece, that’s what we’re really talking about here. Lightfastness measures how well a pigment resists fading under light, and I won’t buy pencils without checking this first.
Brands like Faber-Castell and Caran d’Ache test their shades and label them, usually with ratings like I, II, or III. Rating I means excellent permanence; III means it’ll fade faster than your motivation on a Monday morning. Higher ratings equal truer hues that stick around.
Here’s what actually matters: pigment chemistry, binder quality, even how the pencil’s extruded and treated. It’s never just about the color.
For work you want to last, I always grab documented lightfast ratings. Then I store pieces under UV protection, just to be safe.
Blendability Performance
While lightfastness keeps your work alive for years, blendability’s what makes it sing while you’re still at the table.
I look for soft-core pencils with the right wax-to-oil balance. Softer cores let me merge colors without fighting the paper. Ever tried blending something that feels like scratching concrete? Not fun.
Consistent laydown matters too. Waxy buildup kills smooth gradations, leaving streaky transitions that scream “amateur hour.” I want seamless shading, not patchy frustration.
Pigment strength affects saturation after layering. Weak pigments turn muddy when mixed. Lightfast ones hold their vibrancy through multiple passes.
Numbered naming systems help me predict results. When I grab #42, I know exactly what I’m getting. No surprises, no wasted hours.
For blendability, I prioritize soft cores, clean laydown, and logical color organization.
Durability And Breakage
How much does breakage actually matter? More than you’d think, honestly. I’ve snapped enough leads mid-project to know it’s maddening.
When I’m testing pencils, I immediately check core thickness. Soft cores fracture under pressure, so I gravitate toward sturdier, thicker options that survive repeated sharpening and aggressive layering. Break-resistant leads are non-negotiable for me, especially when I need razor-sharp points for fine details.
The casing matters too. Quality wood and solid ferrules, the metal bit holding the eraser, prevent cracking at that vulnerable joint. I’ve had cheap pencils split right there, infuriating.
I also watch for consistent lead adhesion. Poor pigment bonding means the lead crumbles during heavy application, wasting product and patience.
For long sessions, reinforced formulations maintain integrity. Thin, brittle leads? Hard pass. My recommendation: prioritize durability for detailed work; soft cores only if you’re gentle.
Color Range Size
Durability is only half the battle. Color range size matters just as much when picking pencils.
Most sets come in 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, or 120 colors. I always tell beginners: skip the tiny sets. Twelve pencils force you to blend everything from scratch, which gets old fast.
More colors mean better tonal variety. I can hit subtle skin tones, rich shadows, and those tricky in-between hues without endless layering. The best 72-count sets include warm and cool versions of each color, plus dedicated neutrals.
Look for labeled pencils, too. Numbered barrels save me from guessing “is this blue or blue violet?” mid-project.
Higher counts usually mean tighter color consistency. No weird gaps where one red jumps too far from the next.
For serious work, I will not go below 48. For casual coloring, 24 works. Your call.
Ergonomic Handling Design
Barrel shape matters more than you’d think. I’ve spent hours coloring only to end up with cramped fingers, and that’s usually the pencil’s fault, not mine.
Look for textured or contoured surfaces. They grip better, especially when you’re blending or doing fine detail work. Nothing’s worse than a slippery pencil sliding mid-stroke.
Weight distribution and diameter (around 7–8 mm is the sweet spot) keep your hand relaxed. Too skinny, and you’re pinching. Too thick, and you lose control.
Here’s something people miss: the core softness needs to match the grip. Soft cores on slippery barrels force you to squeeze harder, which tires you out faster.
Cushioned caps and proper length help anchor your fingers steadily. Test a few. Your hand will thank you after that third hour of coloring.
Safety Certifications Held
Once I’ve found a comfortable pencil that doesn’t wreck my hand, I start wondering what’s actually in it. That’s where safety certifications earn their keep.
What to Look For
Two certifications matter most. EN71-3 proves pigments and colorants won’t release harmful substances, even with heavy use. ASTM D-4236 means a trained professional reviewed the product for chronic health hazards and approved proper labeling. I won’t buy pencils missing either stamp.
Why It Matters
These certifications cover everything: pigments, binders, even the wood itself. Non-toxic, certified pencils reduce skin irritation risks and ingestion hazards during those long drawing sessions.
I’ve had cheap pencils leave my fingers stained and itchy; certified ones don’t.
Skip the guesswork. Check for both labels, especially if kids use your supplies or you draw for hours daily.
