This guide breaks down the top pastel pencil brands that artists should consider buying today — based on pigment quality, usability, durability, and value. Whether you’re a seasoned portrait artist or a beginner building your first set, we’ll help you make an informed decision before you buy pencils from a trusted pencil supplier.
Why Choose Pastel Pencils?
Pastel pencils combine the best of two worlds: the vibrant pigmentation of soft pastels and the precision of a pencil. They’re ideal for artists who want controlled application without sacrificing color richness. Unlike sticks, pastel pencils allow for intricate detailing, especially in portraiture, botanical art, or wildlife illustration.
They’re also cleaner and easier to transport than traditional pastels, making them a top choice for studio and plein air work alike. But not all pastel pencils are created equal — the quality of the core, pigment load, and casing materials vary significantly between brands.
Comparison at a Glance
| Brand | Core Hardness | Pigment Quality | Blendability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caran d’Ache | Medium | Excellent | High | Professional colorists |
| Faber-Castell Pitt | Hard | Very Good | Moderate | Detail work |
| Stabilo CarbOthello | Soft | Good | High | Beginners & sketchers |
| Derwent | Medium | Good | Moderate | All-around use |
| Conte à Paris | Hard | Good | Moderate | Bold strokes & coverage |
1. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils: Premium Pigment, Luxurious Layering
Swiss-made Caran d’Ache pastel pencils are widely regarded as the gold standard. Their high pigment load and creamy texture make them ideal for smooth blending and vibrant layering. These pencils glide effortlessly across textured paper and hold up well under multiple layers, a critical feature for advanced pastel techniques.
Artists praise the consistency of the core, which strikes a balance between softness and control. While they come at a premium price, the quality justifies the cost — especially if you’re creating professional-level work or selling your art.
For more on how Caran d’Ache compares to other brands, check out this detailed review from Potato Art Studios.
Pros:
- Exceptional pigment intensity
- Excellent blendability
- Durable wood casing
Cons:
- High price point
- Limited availability in some regions
2. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils: Precision Meets Durability
For artists who prioritize control and detail, the Faber-Castell Pitt pastel pencils are a standout. Their harder core allows for crisp lines and minimal smudging, making them perfect for portraiture and fine detailing. Because of their firmness, they’re also less prone to breakage during sharpening — a common frustration among pastel users.
While they don’t blend as easily as softer brands, they excel in precision. They’re also highly lightfast, ensuring that your artwork retains its vibrancy over time.
Emily Rose, a professional artist, praises their versatility and ease of use in her review, noting how they adapt well to different drawing styles.
Pros:
- Ideal for fine detail work
- Harder core resists breakage
- Consistent color application
Cons:
- Less blendable than softer brands
- May feel dry on smoother papers
3. Stabilo CarbOthello: Affordable and Artist-Friendly
If you’re just starting out or need a budget-friendly option, Stabilo’s CarbOthello line is a popular choice. These pastel pencils are softer and more blendable than Faber-Castell, making them suitable for expressive work and tonal studies. They sharpen easily and come in a wide range of colors, which is a big plus for artists who love variety.
The Artistic Gnome Blog highlights the sharpenability and rich color range as major advantages. However, users occasionally report that the cores can be fragile, especially if dropped or over-sharpened.
Pros:
- Great color selection
- Soft and easy to blend
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- More prone to breakage
- Less suitable for detail work
4. Derwent Pastel Pencils: Balanced and Versatile
Derwent pastel pencils offer a middle ground between softness and firmness. With a medium-hard core, they’re suitable for both layering and detailing. The color range is decent, and the pencils are generally easy to sharpen without crumbling.
They’re a solid choice for artists who want a reliable, all-purpose pastel pencil without committing to premium pricing. While they may not excel in any one area, they perform consistently across a range of techniques.
Pros:
- Good all-around performance
- Reasonably priced
- Reliable for sketching and layering
Cons:
- Moderate pigment saturation
- Limited color vibrancy compared to higher-end brands
5. Conte à Paris: Bold Lines and Strong Coverage
Known for their thicker leads and robust casing, Conte pastel pencils are a favorite among artists who prefer bolder strokes and tactile feedback. The lead diameter is slightly larger than average, which helps with coverage and longevity but can make fine detailing more difficult.
According to The Artistic Gnome, Conte pencils are particularly suited for expressive work and gesture drawing. The downside? They can be tricky to sharpen and may not offer the same smooth blending as softer brands.
Pros:
- Thick core for bold marks
- Durable and long-lasting
- Great for expressive styles
Cons:
- Harder to sharpen cleanly
- Not ideal for fine detail
Other Notable Mentions
While the top five brands dominate the market, other options like Cretacolor and Koh-I-Noor Gioconda also offer quality pastel pencils. These brands are often featured in buying guides like Creative Bloq’s pastel pencil roundup, which is a great resource for discovering emerging products or comparing mid-range options.
How to Choose the Right Pastel Pencil for You
When selecting pastel pencils, consider the following:
- Artistic Style: Do you need precision or expressive softness?
- Surface Type: Some pencils work better on textured paper than others.
- Budget: Premium brands offer better quality, but affordable lines are great for practice.
- Color Range: Are you working in monochrome or full color?
- Sharpening Needs: Softer pencils require gentler handling and specific sharpeners.
Final Thoughts: Invest in the Tools That Match Your Vision
Whether you’re a professional artist or a passionate hobbyist, investing in the right pastel pencils can elevate your creative output. From the luxurious feel of Caran d’Ache to the dependable precision of Faber-Castell, each brand offers unique advantages. Choose based on your workflow, style, and budget — and don’t be afraid to mix brands to build your perfect toolkit.
Before you buy pencils, take the time to test a few options or purchase a small set from a reputable pencil supplier. Your art deserves tools that match your vision.
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