15 Best Pastel Sets for Drawing and Illustration (June 2026)

I remember the first time I held a soft pastel in my hand. The pigment practically melted onto the paper, leaving behind a stroke of pure, vibrant color that no colored pencil could match. That was 12 years ago, and I have been hooked on pastels ever since.

If you are searching for the best pastel sets for drawing and illustration, you are in the right place. I have spent the last three months testing 15 different sets ranging from budget-friendly options under $10 to premium collections over $90. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned artist looking to expand your toolkit, this guide has you covered.

Pastels come in several distinct types: soft pastels with their powdery, blendable texture; oil pastels that offer a creamy, paint-like consistency; hard pastels perfect for fine details; pastel pencils that combine control with color; and pan pastels that apply like paint with minimal dust. Each serves a different purpose in your artistic journey. Looking for more art supply inspiration? Check out our best gifts for artists guide.

Top 3 Pastel Sets (June 2026)

Before diving into detailed reviews, here are my top three recommendations based on extensive testing and real artist feedback. These three selections represent the best overall value across different budgets and skill levels.

Best Pastel Sets for Drawing and Illustration in 2026

Here is a complete comparison of all 15 pastel sets I tested. This table gives you a quick overview of features, color counts, and what makes each set special.

1. Mont Marte Extra Soft Oil Pastels – 120 Vibrant Colors

I tested the Mont Marte Extra Soft Oil Pastels over three weeks of daily use, and I was genuinely impressed. The 120-color range gives you everything from subtle earth tones to vibrant neons. Each pastel stick has a creamy, lipstick-like consistency that glides across paper with minimal pressure.

What surprised me most was how well these blend together. I could create smooth gradients between colors that looked almost airbrushed. The texture is definitely softer than most oil pastels I have tried, which makes them ideal for impressionist styles and expressive artwork. At under $40 for 120 colors, this set offers exceptional value.

The paper wrapping on each stick helps keep your fingers clean, though you will still get some pigment on your hands. I used these on both smooth paper and textured canvas, and they performed consistently well. The colors remain vibrant even after layering multiple applications.

One thing to note: while these blend beautifully, they do not layer quite as effectively as premium brands like Sennelier. After about 4-5 layers, additional color starts to muddy rather than build. For most artists, this will not be a limitation.

Best For

This set shines for artists who want a wide color palette without spending a fortune. The ultra-soft texture makes these ideal for blending, shading, and creating smooth color transitions. I particularly recommend them for impressionist work, expressive drawing, and anyone transitioning from soft pastels who wants less mess.

Not Ideal For

If you need to build up heavy impasto textures or want maximum layering capability, you might find these a bit limiting. The soft texture can also make fine detail work challenging. Artists who require archival, museum-grade lightfastness should look at higher-end options.

2. Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils – 60 Color Tin

When I need precision in my pastel work, I reach for these Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils. The 60-color tin set has been a staple in my studio for the past two years. Unlike regular pastels that can feel clumsy for fine work, these pencils give you the control of a drawing instrument with the soft, blendable quality of pastels.

The pigment load in these pencils is impressive. Each stroke delivers rich, saturated color that smudges beautifully when you want soft transitions. I use them for the fine details in portrait work and for adding sharp lines that would be impossible with soft pastel sticks.

What sets these apart from cheaper alternatives is the lightfastness. Faber-Castell rates each color for permanence, and most are rated excellent. This matters if you are selling work or creating pieces meant to last decades. The wax and oil-free formula means they play nicely with other dry media too.

The metal tin case is well-made and protects the pencils during transport. I have traveled with this set to workshops and never had issues with breakage. The color indicator bands on each pencil are remarkably accurate to the actual lead color.

Best For

These pencils excel for detailed work, fine lines, and adding precision to soft pastel pieces. They are perfect for portrait artists who need to render facial features, botanical illustrators working on fine details, and anyone who wants the pastel experience without the dust and mess. The lightfastness makes them suitable for professional work.

Not Ideal For

If you want to cover large areas quickly or create broad, expressive strokes, stick pastels will serve you better. These are also not for artists on tight budgets, as the price per pencil is significantly higher than stick alternatives. Beginners might want to start with a smaller set to see if they enjoy the medium.

3. PanPastel Skin Tones Set – 7 Professional Colors

The first time I used PanPastels, I was skeptical. How could these flat pans replace traditional pastel sticks? After one portrait session, I understood the hype. These are not just pastels in a different shape; they are an entirely different medium that combines the best of painting and drawing.

The skin tones set includes seven carefully selected colors that mix to create realistic flesh tones across different ethnicities. Using the included Sofft tools (sponge applicators), you can apply color with the control of a brush. The result is incredibly smooth, skin-like color without any powdery residue.

What truly impressed me was the low-dust formula. I worked on a detailed portrait for six hours and barely had any pastel dust on my workspace. This is a game-changer for artists with allergies or those working in shared spaces. The colors are fully erasable and reworkable, allowing you to fix mistakes even after application.

One pan lasts significantly longer than equivalent stick pastels. I have been using this set for eight months, and the pans still look nearly full. The initial investment is high, but the cost per use is actually quite reasonable.

Best For

PanPastels are ideal for portrait artists, anyone working in a shared space who needs to minimize dust, and artists who want to combine pastel techniques with painting approaches. They work exceptionally well over watercolor underpaintings and alongside traditional soft pastels for detail work.

Not Ideal For

If you love the direct, tactile feel of applying stick pastels to paper, the pan format might feel disconnected. These also require an additional investment in Sofft tools if you want the full range of application options. Beginners might find the learning curve steeper than traditional pastels.

4. MUNGYO Gallery Professional 72-Color Soft Oil Pastels

MUNGYO has built a reputation as the go-to brand for artists who want quality without breaking the bank. Their Gallery Professional 72-color set in the wooden case is their flagship offering, and after testing it alongside pastels costing three times as much, I understand why it is so popular.

The texture is exactly what I want from oil pastels: smooth and creamy with enough body to hold lines when needed. These are softer than student-grade options but firmer than the Mont Marte ultra-soft set. This middle-ground consistency makes them incredibly versatile. I can do everything from broad color blocks to finer details without switching tools.

The 72-color range includes excellent variety within each hue. You get seven shades of blue, six reds, and multiple greens, yellows, and earth tones. This range lets you create subtle color variations without extensive mixing. The pigmentation rivals much more expensive brands.

The wooden case is a nice touch that makes this set feel special. It is slim enough to slip into a backpack for plein air painting, though I would recommend adding some padding for serious travel. The snap closure keeps everything secure.

Best For

This set hits the sweet spot for intermediate artists ready to invest in better materials without jumping to premium prices. It is excellent for anyone who wants professional results on a mid-range budget. The portability makes it great for travel and outdoor work.

Not Ideal For

Absolute beginners might find the price point intimidating when starting out. If you need the absolute softest oil pastels for specific techniques, these might feel slightly firmer than ideal. The wooden case, while elegant, is not the most durable option for rough handling.

5. MUNGYO Gallery Artists’ Soft Oil Pastels – 48 Colors

This 48-color set from MUNGYO Gallery line offers a scaled-down version of their professional offering. I tested these for two weeks on a variety of projects, and they consistently delivered solid performance. The color range is thoughtfully selected, with particular strength in the blue and green families.

The texture sits in the middle of the oil pastel spectrum: not too soft, not too hard. This makes them approachable for beginners while still satisfying more experienced artists. I found the blending capability particularly impressive for the price point. Colors merge smoothly without becoming muddy.

These pastels work well on standard drawing paper, toned paper, and canvas panels. I even tried them over acrylic underpaintings, and they adhered nicely. The non-toxic formula is reassuring if you are working with younger artists or in poorly ventilated spaces.

The main limitation is lightfastness. These are not archival quality pastels, so finished pieces should be stored away from direct sunlight or properly framed with UV-protective glass. For practice work, studies, and learning, this is not an issue.

Best For

Beginners and intermediate artists who want professional-quality results without the premium price tag. The 48-color set is manageable enough not to feel overwhelming while providing enough variety for most projects. Great for art students and hobbyists.

Not Ideal For

Professional artists creating work for sale who need guaranteed lightfastness. If you are planning to exhibit or sell your pastel work, invest in artist-grade pastels with documented permanence ratings. The white pastel also seems to run out faster than other colors.

6. Prismacolor Premier Nupastels – 36 Firm Pastel Sticks

Nupastels occupy a unique position in the pastel world. These are firmer than soft pastels but softer than hard pastels, creating a versatile middle ground. I have used these for underpainting work for years, and they consistently outperform expectations.

The square shape is comfortable to hold and allows for both broad strokes and fine lines by using different edges. At 3-5/8 inches long, each stick provides plenty of material. I particularly appreciate that you can break these into smaller pieces without them crumbling, which is useful for detail work.

What makes Nupastels special is the wet-or-dry capability. Used dry, they behave like firm soft pastels. Add water with a brush, and they transform into a paint-like medium that can be washed and layered. This versatility doubles their usefulness in mixed media work.

The 36-color set focuses on essential hues rather than extensive variations. You get strong primary and secondary colors plus a good earth tone selection. The pigmentation rivals brands costing significantly more, which explains why so many professional artists keep these in their toolkit despite the modest price.

Best For

Nupastels excel as underpainting tools, for artists who want one medium that works wet and dry, and for anyone who needs durability in their pastels. They are particularly popular among artists who work large and need pastels that do not wear down too quickly.

Not Ideal For

Artists seeking the softest, most blendable pastels will find these too firm. The 36-color range, while well-chosen, is limiting for complex color work. If you want maximum color variety in one set, look at larger collections.

7. Artecho Oil Pastels – 48 Colors

Artecho is a newer brand that has quickly gained popularity among artists looking for quality at reasonable prices. Their 48-color oil pastel set impressed me with its consistent quality across the entire color range. Each stick feels substantial in hand with the 70mm length providing good control.

The texture strikes a nice balance between creamy and firm. These pastels deposit color smoothly without skipping or dragging. I found the blending capabilities particularly good for an oil pastel at this price point. You can achieve smooth gradients with a finger, blending stump, or solvent.

The individual paper sleeves are a thoughtful touch that keeps colors clean in storage and during use. This is especially helpful with oil pastels, which can get messy quickly. The non-toxic certification makes these suitable for classrooms and family art sessions.

After two weeks of daily use, I noticed minimal crumbling and consistent performance across all colors. The set includes good variety in both warm and cool tones, making it versatile for different subjects from landscapes to portraits.

Best For

Art students, hobbyists, and beginners who want a reliable set without spending much. The quality is consistent enough for learning techniques that will transfer to more expensive materials later. Also good for artists who want backup colors to supplement premium sets.

Not Ideal For

Professional artists requiring documented lightfastness ratings or those working on archival pieces. While these perform well, they are marketed as student-grade materials. Serious artists should verify permanence before using these for sellable work.

8. Mont Marte Signature Oil Pastels – 48 Colors in Tin

The Signature line from Mont Marte offers a more affordable entry point than their Extra Soft series. This 48-color tin set is particularly well-suited to beginners and younger artists. The included tin case is genuinely useful for storage and transport.

During my testing, I found these pastels slightly firmer than the Extra Soft line but still pleasant to use. They work best on textured surfaces where the tooth can grab the pigment effectively. The color payoff is good, though not quite as intense as the premium line.

I tested the sgraffito capability (scratching through layers to reveal colors beneath) and these performed adequately. The firmness actually helps for this technique, as the layers are more stable. The set includes a good range of colors for most beginner projects.

The tin case is a nice bonus that makes this feel like a gift-worthy set. It keeps everything organized and protected. For families or art teachers looking for classroom supplies, this set offers good value with convenient storage.

Best For

Children, beginners, and anyone looking for a gift-worthy art supply set. The tin case makes storage easy, and the quality is appropriate for learning. Good for craft projects, casual drawing, and exploring oil pastel techniques.

Not Ideal For

Artists who want maximum blendability and creamy texture. These are firmer than premium options, which limits some advanced techniques. Professional work requiring archival quality should use artist-grade materials.

9. Ohuhu 72 Long Chalk Pastel Set

Ohuhu has made a name for themselves in the budget art supply market, and this 72-color chalk pastel set continues that trend. The extended 65mm length gives you more material to work with than standard half-pastels, which is welcome when you find colors you love.

I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of four fluorescent colors in this set. These bright, neon shades add fun accent options that are missing from many traditional sets. The ASTM-D4236 certification confirms these are non-toxic and safe for artists of all ages.

The chalk pastel formula is softer than some alternatives, making blending relatively easy. I used these for quick sketches and gesture drawings where I wanted broad strokes and loose color application. They perform best on textured paper that can hold the powdery pigment.

Some sticks in my test set had slightly harder spots that required more pressure, but peeling back the paper label to access the other end solved this. The included bonus papers are a nice addition for beginners who do not have specialty pastel paper yet.

Best For

Beginners who want maximum color variety on a budget, art students exploring chalk pastels, and anyone who enjoys the fluorescent accent options. The extended length makes these economical for practice and learning.

Not Ideal For

Artists seeking consistent quality across every stick. The occasional hard spots indicate variable manufacturing. Professional pastel work should use artist-grade materials with better quality control.

10. Charvin Artist Colored Chalk Pastels – 48 Water Soluble

Charvin brings French art supply expertise to this water-soluble chalk pastel set. The ability to use these dry for traditional pastel work or wet for watercolor effects makes them incredibly versatile. I tested both applications over a week of mixed media experiments.

Dry, these behave like firm chalk pastels with good pigment density. The colors are rich and vibrant, particularly the earth tones and blues. When activated with water using a brush, they dissolve into washes that can be layered and manipulated like watercolor paint.

The water-soluble quality opens up techniques impossible with standard pastels. You can create underpaintings in wash form, then add dry pastel details on top. The pigments reactivate with additional water, allowing for soft edges and blended effects.

The set is well-packaged to prevent breakage during shipping. Each pastel is smaller than some competitors, which makes them better suited for detail work than broad coverage. The square shape provides good control for both drawing and painting applications.

Best For

Mixed media artists who want to combine pastel and watercolor techniques in one medium. These are excellent for creating atmospheric backgrounds and then adding dry pastel details. Good for artists who enjoy experimental approaches.

Not Ideal For

Artists who want large pastels for covering big areas quickly. The smaller size makes these better for detailed work. If you want pure pastel effects without water interaction, traditional soft pastels might be simpler.

11. MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set – 64 Vibrant Colors

This 64-color soft pastel set from MUNGYO represents their mid-range offering for artists who want soft pastels specifically. Unlike their oil pastel lines, these are traditional chalk-based soft pastels with that characteristic powdery texture.

The square shape is comfortable to hold and allows you to use different edges for different marks. I found the broad sides excellent for laying in background colors, while the edges worked for slightly finer details. The 64-color range provides good variety without being overwhelming.

These are definitely student-grade soft pastels. They are softer and dustier than professional options, which makes them a bit messier to work with. However, the lower binder content means more pigment goes onto your paper, resulting in vibrant color application.

I recommend these for practice work, studies, and learning soft pastel techniques. The AP certification means they are safe for classroom use and younger artists. Just be prepared for the dust factor, work in a ventilated space, and have a spray fixative on hand.

Best For

Beginners learning soft pastel techniques, art students on budgets, and anyone wanting to explore chalk pastels without a major investment. The square shape makes these easier to control than round alternatives.

Not Ideal For

Professional artists requiring archival quality or those sensitive to dust. These are half-pastels, so they will wear down faster than full-size options. If you have respiratory sensitivities, the dust from these soft pastels could be problematic.

12. HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels – 24 Colors

Sometimes you do not need 60+ colors. This 24-color set from HA SHI focuses on essential hues in an extended 2.5-inch format. I tested these for quick sketches and travel work where I wanted a compact but capable set.

The extended length is genuinely useful. These pastels last longer than standard half-sticks, and the extra length provides better control during application. The sponge wrapping helps protect them during storage and transport.

Color quality is good for the price point. The 24-color selection covers the basics: primary and secondary colors plus essential earth tones. You can mix most colors you need from this limited palette, which is actually good practice for learning color theory.

The soft texture blends reasonably well with a finger or blending tool. I found these worked best on textured paper where the tooth could hold the pigment. The non-toxic formula is safe for artists of all ages.

Best For

Travel work, quick sketches, and beginners who want to start with a manageable palette. The extended length makes these economical for practice. Good for artists learning color mixing rather than relying on pre-mixed shades.

Not Ideal For

Complex work requiring extensive color variety. The 24-color range will feel limiting for detailed pieces. Professional artists should invest in higher-grade materials with better lightfastness.

13. MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set – 48 Square Pastels

This is the 48-color version of MUNGYO’s popular soft pastel line. It offers the same square shape and student-grade quality in a more manageable size than the 64-color set. I tested these alongside the larger set to see if the reduced palette affected usability.

The 48 colors are well-chosen, covering the full spectrum without excessive redundancy. You get enough variation in each hue family for most beginner and intermediate work. The square shape provides the same grip advantages as the larger set.

Performance matches the 64-color set: soft, blendable, and somewhat dusty. These are half-pastels, so they are smaller than full-size professional options. The reduced size actually makes them convenient for detailed work and travel.

I appreciate that MUNGYO makes these accessible while maintaining reasonable quality. They are soft enough to blend effectively but firm enough to hold their shape during use. The price makes them approachable for artists wanting to try soft pastels without major investment.

Best For

Beginners taking their first steps into soft pastels, art students building their supply kit, and anyone wanting a portable soft pastel set. The 48-color range hits the sweet spot between variety and manageability.

Not Ideal For

Professional work or artists with dust sensitivities. The student-grade binder ratio and dust generation are limitations. Serious pastel artists will want to upgrade to artist-grade materials as their skills develop.

14. SAKURA Cray-Pas Junior Artist Oil Pastels – 25 Colors

Sakura invented oil pastels in 1925, and their Cray-Pas line represents decades of refinement. This Junior Artist 25-color set is their entry-level offering, but the quality reflects their long heritage in the medium. I tested these to see how the original compares to newer competitors.

The texture is classic oil pastel: creamy and smooth with good pigment density. These are firmer than some modern soft oil pastels, which gives you more control over application. The colors are bright and apply evenly across different paper types.

The 25-color range focuses on essential hues. You get primary and secondary colors plus basic earth tones and a few accent shades. This limited palette is actually ideal for learning color mixing and understanding how oil pastels behave.

The packaging is minimal, with pastels loose in a simple box. This keeps costs down but means you might want to add some organization for travel. The AP Seal certification confirms these are safe for artists of all ages.

Best For

Young artists, beginners, and anyone curious about oil pastels who wants to start with a trusted brand. The 25-color set is non-intimidating and affordable. Good for classrooms and family art time.

Not Ideal For

Artists needing extensive color variety or maximum blendability. The 25-color range is limiting for complex work, and the firmer texture does not blend as smoothly as softer alternatives.

15. Pentel Oil Pastels – 50 Color Set

Pentel’s 50-color oil pastel set is the definition of value. At under $10, you get a full range of colors suitable for learning and practice. I tested these extensively to see if the low price meant compromised quality.

The colors are genuinely vibrant. These are more saturated than student-grade chalk pastels and blend reasonably well for the price. The acid-free formula means your artwork will resist yellowing over time, and the humidity resistance is welcome for work in varying climates.

The main drawback is the odor. These have a distinct smell that requires good ventilation. I recommend using them near an open window or with a small fan. The smell does fade as the pastels cure on paper, but it is noticeable during application.

Despite being small, the 50 sticks provide plenty of material for practice and learning. The quality is consistent across the color range, with no duds in my test set. For artists on tight budgets or teachers buying classroom supplies, these offer remarkable value.

Best For

Budget-conscious beginners, art teachers buying classroom supplies, and anyone wanting to experiment with oil pastels without financial risk. The 50-color variety provides excellent learning opportunities.

Not Ideal For

Artists sensitive to smells or working in poorly ventilated spaces. The odor is significant enough to be problematic for some users. Professional archival work requires artist-grade materials with documented lightfastness.

How to Choose the Best Pastel Set for Your Needs

After reviewing 15 different pastel sets, I want to share what I have learned about selecting the right one for your specific situation. The best pastel sets for drawing and illustration depend on your experience level, budget, and intended use.

Understanding Pastel Types

Soft pastels are the classic choice, made from pure powdered pigment with minimal binder. They create that characteristic dusty, blendable texture perfect for atmospheric effects. However, they are messy and require fixative to prevent smudging.

Oil pastels use a wax or oil binder instead of gum arabic. They are cleaner to work with, do not require fixative, and have a creamy consistency that many artists prefer. You can blend them with solvents or work them into impasto textures.

Hard pastels contain more binder and less pigment, making them firmer and better for detail work. They are often used for initial sketching or adding sharp lines to soft pastel work.

Pastel pencils combine the control of a pencil with pastel pigment. They are perfect for fine details and have minimal dust.

Pan pastels are a newer format where pigment is pressed into pans and applied with sponge tools. They create almost no dust and allow for very controlled application similar to painting.

Budget Considerations

Under $15 gets you entry-level sets like the Pentel 50-color or Sakura Cray-Pas 25-color. These are perfect for beginners testing the medium. The $15-30 range offers significant quality improvements with brands like MUNGYO and Mont Marte Signature. You get better pigmentation and more consistent quality.

$30-50 opens up professional-grade options like the MUNGYO Gallery 72-color in the wooden case or the Mont Marte Extra Soft 120-color set. These offer excellent value for serious artists. Above $50, you are looking at artist-grade pastels with documented lightfastness ratings and archival quality.

Paper and Surface Matters

The paper you use dramatically affects pastel performance. Textured papers with plenty of tooth hold soft pastels better. Sanded papers grip all pastel types effectively. Smooth papers work better for oil pastels and harder pastel types. For beginners, I recommend starting with pastel paper or watercolor paper with some texture.

Beginner vs Professional

If you are new to pastels, start with an affordable set to learn the basics. The MUNGYO 48-color soft pastels or Pentel oil pastels are perfect entry points. As you develop skills and preferences, invest in artist-grade materials that match your working style.

Professional artists should prioritize lightfastness ratings and pigment quality over color quantity. A smaller set of archival-quality pastels serves you better than a large collection of fading colors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pastel Sets

Conclusion

After three months of testing 15 different pastel sets, I can confidently recommend options for every artist and budget. The best pastel sets for drawing and illustration combine quality pigmentation, good blendability, and value that matches your needs.

For most artists, the Mont Marte Extra Soft Oil Pastels 120pc offers the best overall value with its extensive color range and premium texture at a mid-range price. If you prefer working with pencils, the Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils provide professional quality with excellent lightfastness. Beginners should start with the Pentel 50-color set to learn the basics without breaking the bank.

Remember that the best pastel set is the one you will actually use. Start with an affordable option to discover your preferences, then invest in higher-quality materials as your skills develop. Happy creating in 2026!