Whether you’re a seasoned pastel artist or just beginning to explore the world of dry media, choosing the right pastel pencil can make all the difference in your creative process. With a growing number of options available from global manufacturers, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. This guide breaks down the top pastel pencil brands based on performance, usability, and value—so you can confidently buy pencils that fit your artistic needs.
Why Choose Pastel Pencils?
Pastel pencils offer the rich, blendable pigment of traditional soft pastels with the precision and control of a pencil. They’re ideal for detailed work, especially in portraiture and fine art where layering and subtle transitions are key. Unlike chalks or sticks, pastel pencils are less messy and easier to store, making them a favorite among studio and plein air artists alike.
But not all pastel pencils are created equal. Factors like pigment quality, binder softness, and wood casing can significantly affect your workflow. Below, we compare the leading brands based on expert reviews and hands-on experience to help you choose the best fit.
Top Pastel Pencil Brands Worth Your Investment
We’ve compiled insights from working artists and in-depth reviews, including those from Potato Art Studios and Felicity Franks Portraits, to break down the strengths and weaknesses of five top pastel pencil brands.
| Brand | Core Strength | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils | High pigment concentration, buttery smooth blending | Professional artists, fine detail work | Premium |
| Stabilo Carbothello | Vibrant colors, versatile on dark surfaces | Portrait artists, mixed media users | Mid-range |
| Faber-Castell Pitt Pastels | Oil-free, hard core for detailed lines | Illustrators, sketchers | Mid-range |
| Derwent Pastel Pencils | Soft texture, wide color range | Layering and blending techniques | Affordable |
| Conte à Paris Pastel Pencils | Earthy tones, strong French heritage | Classical art styles, figure drawing | Affordable |
1. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils – Precision Meets Luxury
Caran d’Ache pastel pencils are often considered the gold standard for professional pastel work. Manufactured in Switzerland, these pencils boast ultra-fine pigments and a soft, creamy texture that glides effortlessly across paper. They’re particularly well-suited for detailed layering, and their high lightfastness ensures longevity in finished works.
Artists love the smooth application and minimal dust, which makes them ideal for clean, controlled environments. However, their premium pricing reflects the brand’s commitment to quality—expect to pay more, but get what you pay for.
Pros:
- Exceptional color payoff
- Excellent blending and layering
- Durable wood casing
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited availability in some regions
2. Stabilo Carbothello – Versatile and Vibrant
Stabilo’s Carbothello pastel pencils are a favorite among portrait artists for their bright, saturated colors and smooth layering capabilities. According to both Potato Art Studios and Felicity Franks, they perform exceptionally well on dark-toned papers and can be used wet or dry—adding versatility to your toolkit.
They’re slightly harder than Caran d’Ache, which helps maintain point integrity for fine lines. This makes them a reliable choice for artists who need both control and expressive color.
Pros:
- Works well on toned and textured papers
- Wide color range (60+ hues)
- Can be used with water
Cons:
- Can feel scratchy on smoother surfaces
- Some colors are less opaque
3. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils – Clean and Precise
Faber-Castell’s Pitt pastel pencils are known for their oil-free formulation and firmer core, which makes them ideal for linework and fine detailing. They don’t crumble as easily as softer brands, which is a plus for artists who value cleanliness and precision.
They are also a favorite among illustrators and sketch artists who need consistent, predictable results. While the color payoff isn’t as intense as Caran d’Ache, the Pitt line excels in control and layering.
Pros:
- Minimal dust production
- Excellent for outlines and underdrawings
- Eco-friendly manufacturing
Cons:
- Less vibrant than softer brands
- Harder to blend without layering
4. Derwent Pastel Pencils – Soft and Accessible
Derwent offers a softer pastel pencil that’s great for beginners and intermediate artists. Their texture allows for easy blending and layering, though they may require frequent sharpening due to the softness of the core.
According to both sources, Derwent’s pastel pencils are a solid budget-friendly option with a wide range of colors. They’re particularly useful for general-purpose pastel work, though not ideal for ultra-fine detail.
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Soft texture blends easily
- Good for expressive techniques
Cons:
- Breaks easily during sharpening
- Less suitable for intricate detail
5. Conte à Paris – Classic and Earthy
Conte à Paris pastel pencils have a long-standing reputation in the world of classical art. Known for their earthy tones and muted palette, they’re ideal for figure drawing, landscapes, and traditional studies.
Their harder core allows for crisp edges and cross-hatching techniques, though they don’t blend as smoothly as other brands. Still, for artists seeking a more traditional aesthetic, these pencils are a reliable choice.
Pros:
- Rich, natural color palette
- Durable and long-lasting
- Great for classical techniques
Cons:
- Limited color vibrancy
- Not ideal for modern, saturated styles
What to Consider Before You Buy Pastel Pencils
Before you buy pencils for your next project, consider the following:
- Core softness: Softer cores blend better but break easily. Harder cores are better for details.
- Color range: Some brands offer 60+ colors, while others focus on curated palettes.
- Lightfastness: Professional-grade pencils often provide lightfast ratings to guarantee longevity.
- Compatibility: Make sure your pencils work well with your chosen paper and other media.
Also, consider your source. Working with a trusted pencil supplier ensures product authenticity and may offer bulk discounts or OEM options for studios and schools.
Where to Buy High-Quality Pastel Pencils
When looking to buy pencils, prioritize reputable art suppliers or manufacturers that specialize in artist-grade materials. Many brands sell directly through their websites, but you can also find them at specialty retailers like Jackson’s Art, Blick Art Materials, or local art shops.
If you’re sourcing for a school, art studio, or retail business, consider working with a wholesale pencil supplier that offers OEM services and consistent stock availability. Brands like Faber-Castell and Derwent have established supply chains and often work with distributors globally.
Final Thoughts
The best pastel pencil depends on your artistic style, medium preference, and budget. Whether you’re after the rich vibrancy of Caran d’Ache or the earthy precision of Conte à Paris, there’s a brand that fits your workflow. Take time to test a few pencils from different manufacturers before committing to a full set—you’ll gain insight into how each performs under your unique technique.
For more in-depth artist reviews and comparisons, check out Potato Art Studios and Felicity Franks Portraits.
Investing in quality materials is an investment in your craft. Choose wisely, and let your pencils bring your vision to life.
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