Whether you’re a seasoned portrait artist or just beginning your journey into soft, expressive mediums, choosing the right pastel pencil can make or break your creative process. Pastel pencils combine the vibrancy of traditional pastels with the control of a pencil, offering artists the best of both worlds. But with so many brands available, how do you decide which ones are worth your investment?
In this guide, we break down the top pastel pencil brands trusted by professional artists and hobbyists alike. Drawing from expert reviews and hands-on comparisons, we’ll explore what makes each brand unique — from softness and blendability to color range and durability. If you’re looking to buy pencils that elevate your artwork, this is the resource you need.
Why Pastel Pencils Are a Favorite Among Artists
Pastel pencils offer a unique balance of pigment intensity and precision. Unlike soft pastels, which can be messy and difficult to control, pastel pencils allow for fine lines, detailed shading, and layer control — all without sacrificing color richness.
They’re especially popular in portraiture, animal art, and botanical illustrations, where subtle gradients and intricate textures are key. Additionally, pastel pencils are cleaner to use, easier to transport, and compatible with both pastel paper and sanded surfaces.
Top-Rated Pastel Pencil Brands: A Practical Comparison
Let’s compare the leading brands artists consistently recommend, based on quality, usability, and value.
| Brand | Best For | Texture | Color Range | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabilo CarbOthello | Beginners & Layering | Soft & Blendable | 60 colors | Budget-friendly |
| Faber-Castell PITT | Detail Work | Medium-hard | 60 colors | Mid-range |
| Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils | Professional Quality | Hard & Precise | 84 colors | Premium |
| Derwent Pastel Pencils | Color Variety | Chalky | 72 colors | Mid-range |
1. Stabilo CarbOthello: Blendable and Budget-Friendly
For artists just starting out or those who prioritize smooth layering, Stabilo CarbOthello pencils are a fantastic entry point. These pencils are known for their soft, chalky texture, which makes them ideal for blending and building up color gradually.
According to PotatoArt Studios, CarbOthello pencils are especially user-friendly, offering great results without a steep learning curve. They’re also water-soluble, which adds another dimension for mixed media artists.
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Excellent for layering and soft transitions
- Water-soluble for added versatility
Cons:
- May require frequent sharpening due to softness
- Less suitable for very fine detail
2. Faber-Castell PITT: Precision Meets Pigment
Faber-Castell’s PITT pastel pencils are a staple in many professional studios. With a slightly firmer core than Stabilo, these pencils are perfect for artists who require control and precision — especially in detailed portraiture or architectural drawing.
As noted by Felicity Franks, PITT pencils excel in rendering fine lines and small features, while still offering a rich pigment load. The oil-free formula ensures compatibility with other dry media and makes blending manageable without becoming muddy.
Pros:
- Ideal for details and line work
- Good balance between hardness and blendability
- Durable core resists breakage
Cons:
- Not as soft as other brands, requiring more effort to blend
- Limited color vibrancy compared to Caran d’Ache
3. Caran d’Ache Pastel Pencils: Premium Quality for Professionals
If budget is no concern and quality is paramount, Caran d’Ache pastel pencils are the gold standard. These Swiss-made pencils boast the hardest core among major brands, which means they hold a sharp point longer and deliver unmatched precision.
The pigment load is exceptional — vibrant, consistent, and lightfast. Artists who work on intricate pieces or large-scale commissions often favor Caran d’Ache for their reliability and professional-grade results. They’re also less dusty, which helps reduce smudging and cleanup time.
Pros:
- Superior craftsmanship and pigment quality
- Long-lasting sharpness for detailed work
- Extensive color range (84 shades)
Cons:
- High price point
- Harder texture may limit blendability on soft surfaces
4. Derwent Pastel Pencils: Unique Colors and Textural Variety
Derwent pastel pencils strike a balance between affordability and uniqueness. While their texture is slightly chalkier and more brittle than others, they offer a broad and distinctive color palette that appeals to artists looking to expand their tonal range.
They’re particularly useful for underpainting or blocking in large areas before refining with higher-end brands. Some artists also appreciate their compatibility with Derwent’s other lines, like Inktense and Coloursoft, for mixed media work.
Pros:
- Affordable with a wide color selection
- Great for preliminary layers and experimentation
- Compatible with other Derwent media
Cons:
- More brittle; prone to breakage during sharpening
- Less pigment intensity compared to premium brands
What to Consider Before You Buy Pastel Pencils
Choosing the right pastel pencil isn’t just about brand — it’s about matching the tool to your workflow. Here are a few key factors to consider before you buy pencils for your art practice:
- Surface Compatibility: Some pencils perform better on sanded paper, others on velour or pastel board.
- Blending Needs: Softer pencils like Stabilo blend easily, while harder ones like Caran d’Ache offer cleaner lines.
- Layering Technique: If you build up many layers, go for pencils that don’t smudge or muddy easily.
- Color Range: Consider whether you need a full spectrum or just a focused palette for portraits or landscapes.
Where to Buy Pencils from Trusted Suppliers
To get the most out of your investment, it’s crucial to source your pastel pencils from reputable pencil supplier options. Look for suppliers that offer:
- Genuine branded products with manufacturer warranties
- Bulk discounts or OEM options for studios and schools
- Fast shipping and secure packaging to prevent breakage
Some reliable online retailers include:
- Jackson’s Art Supplies – UK-based with global shipping and excellent brand variety
- Blick Art Materials – US-based with competitive pricing and student discounts
- Art Supplies UK – Known for curated pastel pencil sets and fast delivery
Final Thoughts: Build Your Ideal Pastel Pencil Set
No single brand is perfect for every artist. In fact, many professionals mix and match brands to suit different parts of their artwork — using Stabilo for base blending, Faber-Castell for hair and fur detail, and Caran d’Ache for final highlights.
Ultimately, the best pastel pencil is one that matches your technique, budget, and artistic goals. Whether you’re buying your first set or upgrading your studio collection, use this guide to make a confident, informed decision. And always test a few before committing to a full set — your hands and eyes will tell you what works best.
Looking to buy pencils in bulk or explore OEM options? Partnering with a specialized pencil supplier can help you scale your art business or classroom needs efficiently, ensuring consistent quality and reliable delivery.
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