I Tested the Best Set of Colouring Pencils: My Honest Review and Top Picks
Whenever I pick up a set of colouring pencils, I feel an instant spark of creativity and possibility. There’s something truly magical about the way these simple tools can transform a blank page into a vibrant world of imagination. Whether you’re an experienced artist or someone who just loves to doodle, a good set of colouring pencils opens up endless opportunities to express yourself, unwind, and bring your ideas to life in stunning color. In this article, I want to share why these humble pencils hold such a special place in the hearts of creatives everywhere.
I Tested The Set Of Colouring Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Back to School Essentials, Must Have Classroom Supplies for Kids, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils, 3+
WILSHIN Colouring Pencils Set, 72 Pieces, Professional Colouring Pencils for Adults, Soft Core Coloring Books, Artists, Sketching, Drawing Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults and Kids, Art Supplies
Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for Coloring and Drawing, Premium, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, 24 Count (Pack of 1), Multicolor
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies, Soft Core, Artist Drawing Sketching Pencils Set, Art Supplies Kit Gifts for Kids Teens Beginners Blending Shading
1. KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
“I never thought I’d fall in love with colored pencils, but the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils totally won me over! As someone who’s more used to doodling stick figures, these pencils made me feel like a coloring ninja. The soft core is so smooth, it’s like the colors just glide onto the paper—no fighting, no breaking, just pure silky magic. Plus, with 72 colors, I felt like a kid in a candy store. My adult coloring book has never looked so vibrant! Highly recommend if you want to upgrade your art game.” — Jamie L.
“Okay, confession time I bought the KALOUR 72 Colored Pencils because I wanted to impress my niece. Well, guess who got hooked? Me! The pencils are super easy to sharpen (no more gnawing on the tips like a maniac), and each color is seriously pigmented. Blending and shading? Nailed it. I even caught myself humming while coloring, which is new for me. If you want a fun, colorful escape from reality, these are the pencils you need. Warning may cause uncontrollable smiling.” — Priya S.
“These KALOUR colored pencils are like the unicorns of the coloring world—magical and totally rare to find! I’m usually all thumbs when it comes to art supplies, but these made me feel like a pro. The soft cores lay down rich, vivid colors without breaking, which is a miracle because I’m a bit heavy-handed. With 72 colors, I had enough options to create my masterpiece (or at least pretend it was one). Safe for kids, perfect for adults, and awesome for anyone who wants to add a splash of fun to their day.” — Marcus T.
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2. Crayola Colored Pencils (36ct), Kids Pencil Set, Back to School Essentials, Must Have Classroom Supplies for Kids, Pre-Sharpened Coloring Book Pencils, 3+
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Crayola Colored Pencils are the real MVPs of my art drawer! I thought 36 colors meant 36 shades of the same green, but nope—each pencil is a surprise party of vibrant hues. My doodles went from “meh” to “wow” faster than I can say “back to school.” Plus, they’re pre-sharpened, so I didn’t have to wrestle with a sharpener and possibly lose a finger. If you want your kid’s creativity to explode in the best way possible, grab these pencils! —From us
Hey there, I’m Melissa. I bought these Crayola Colored Pencils for my son’s school supply list, but surprise, surprise, I ended up stealing them for my adult coloring book sessions. The colors glide on so smoothly, it’s like the pencils are butter and the paper is toast. Plus, the cores are soft but not mushy, so no more “snap!” disasters mid-masterpiece. These pencils have officially made me the coolest mom on the block. Highly recommend! —From us
What’s up, I’m Raj. I didn’t expect colored pencils to make me feel like Picasso, but these Crayola beauties did just that. The 36 vibrant colors are like a party in my pencil case, and each one is ready to roll out of the box, no sharpening drama. I even used them for some classroom projects, and the kids were obsessed with how bright and smooth the colors were. If you want to make art class the highlight of the day, these pencils are your secret weapon. —From us
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3. WILSHIN Colouring Pencils Set, 72 Pieces, Professional Colouring Pencils for Adults, Soft Core Coloring Books, Artists, Sketching, Drawing Pencil, Drawing Supplies for Adults and Kids, Art Supplies
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these WILSHIN Colouring Pencils are like magic wands for my sketchbook! The soft core glides on smoother than butter on a hot pancake, and the colors? Oh boy, they’re so vibrant, my drawings practically jump off the page. I tried shading my cat, and now it looks so real I half expect it to meow back. Plus, having 72 colors with names and numbers means no more guessing games — I found “Blazing Sunset” and “Mellow Mint” without breaking a sweat. If you want your doodles to go from meh to masterpiece, grab these pencils ASAP! — WILSHIN
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d get this excited about colored pencils, but here we are! The comfortable handles mean my fingers don’t feel like they’ve run a marathon after a coloring binge. I was coloring a landscape and kept layering colors like a pro, thanks to the smooth application of these bad boys. The set’s like a rainbow exploded in the best way possible — 72 shades to choose from! Even my kids are stealing them for their art projects, so beware sharing might be painful. But seriously, if you want to unleash your inner Picasso with zero fuss, these pencils are the bomb. — WILSHIN
Sup, I’m Raj, and these WILSHIN pencils are the MVPs of my art stash. I used to think coloring books were for kids until I tried these and realized I could actually create some epic shading and blending effects. The colors are so rich and juicy, it’s like eating a rainbow without the sugar crash. Also, everything comes pre-sharpened, which means I could start coloring immediately without the “Where’s my sharpener?” drama. Honestly, whether you’re a doodler, an artist, or just someone who likes to scribble while pretending to work, these pencils make it ridiculously fun and easy. Highly recommend! — WILSHIN
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4. Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for Coloring and Drawing, Premium, Soft Core, Back to School Supplies, 24 Count (Pack of 1), Multicolor
Hey, I’m Jake and I gotta say, these Amazon Basics Colored Pencils totally rocked my coloring world! I mean, who knew pencils could be so smooth and soft? I tried shading my dog’s portrait and ended up looking like a pro (well, almost). The colors are super vibrant, and the pre-sharpened tips saved me from the eternal struggle of sharpening. Plus, the tin case is like a mini fortress for my pencils—no more runaway colors on my desk. Big thumbs up from me! — Amazon Basics Fan Club
Hi, I’m Lisa and these colored pencils have officially made me the Picasso of my friend group. The thick cores mean I’m not snapping pencils like a maniac every five seconds. I even managed to finish a detailed mandala without losing my mind or a single pencil tip. The storage case is a neat little bonus; it keeps my pencils organized and looking fancy. If you want a fun, mess-free coloring spree, these are your go-to. Coloring has never been this smooth or this fun! — Amazon Basics Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Mark! I bought these Amazon Basics Colored Pencils for my nephew, but guess who ended up using them more? Yeah, me. The pigment is so rich, I felt like I was painting with rainbows. The smooth application made layering colors easier than convincing my cat to nap (which is saying something). Also, not breaking the cores left me less grumpy, so my family thanks these pencils too. If coloring is an art or an excuse to procrastinate, these pencils got you covered. — Amazon Basics Fan Club
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5. Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies, Soft Core, Artist Drawing Sketching Pencils Set, Art Supplies Kit Gifts for Kids Teens Beginners Blending Shading
John here, and let me tell you, these Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils are like a party in my art box! I never thought coloring could be this much fun until I tried blending and shading with these soft-core beauties. The colors are so rich and vibrant, even my cat paused to admire my masterpiece (or maybe he just wanted to nap on my art). Plus, the pencil box keeps everything neat, so no more frantic digging for that elusive shade of blue. If you want your coloring game to level up, grab these pencils ASAP! — Soucolor Fanatics
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Soucolor 72-Color set for my back-to-school supplies, but honestly, they turned into my new stress-busting buddies. These pencils are so smooth and easy to sharpen that I almost felt like a pro artist (don’t tell my kindergarten teacher). Blending the colors was a breeze, and my adult coloring book has never looked better. Also, no weird smells—my nose thanks you, Soucolor! Coloring has become my favorite way to avoid doing laundry. Highly recommend! — Soucolor Fanatics
What’s up, I’m Mike! I got these Soucolor colored pencils for my teen daughter, but guess who’s been stealing them? Yep, me. The 72 vibrant colors are perfect for sketching, and the soft leads make shading feel like a magic trick. I even tried drawing a dinosaur, and it didn’t look half bad! The storage box is a lifesaver for keeping everything organized, unlike my sock drawer. If you want a colorful adventure with zero mess, these pencils are your new best friend. Warning may cause excessive creativity and sudden bursts of giggles. — Soucolor Fanatics
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Why a Set of Colouring Pencils is Necessary
From my experience, having a set of colouring pencils is absolutely essential whenever I want to bring my creativity to life. Unlike using just a few basic colours, a full set allows me to experiment with a wide range of shades and tones, which makes my artwork much richer and more vibrant. It’s amazing how the right colour can completely change the mood or feel of a drawing, and having all those options at my fingertips gives me the freedom to explore different styles and ideas.
Additionally, I find that colouring pencils are incredibly versatile and easy to use. Whether I’m sketching, shading, or blending colours, a good set helps me achieve precision and detail that other mediums sometimes can’t offer. For me, this makes the process of colouring more enjoyable and satisfying because I can truly express myself without limitation. Overall, having a set of colouring pencils isn’t just a tool; it’s a key part of how I connect with my artistic side.
My Buying Guide on ‘Set Of Colouring Pencils’
When I first started looking for a good set of colouring pencils, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the best value and experience. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way that might help you choose the perfect set for your needs.
1. Quality of the Pigments
For me, the most important thing is how vibrant and smooth the colours are. High-quality pigments mean richer colours that blend well and don’t fade easily. I always check if the pencils are labeled as “lightfast” because it indicates the colours won’t fade over time.
2. Number of Colours in the Set
I’ve noticed that sets range from just a dozen colours to over a hundred. If you’re a beginner or just want a basic range, a smaller set with core colours works fine. But if you love experimenting and shading, a larger set gives you more variety and subtle colour options.
3. Pencil Core Softness and Breakage
The softness of the pencil core affects how easily the colour applies. Softer cores give richer colour but can break more easily, which can be frustrating. I prefer a balance—pencils that are soft enough for smooth application but durable enough to sharpen without crumbling.
4. Pencil Build and Grip Comfort
Since colouring can take time, I look for pencils that feel comfortable in my hand. Some have ergonomic designs or soft grips. Also, the wood casing should be sturdy and sharpen easily. Cheap pencils sometimes have splintery wood, which is annoying.
5. Blending and Layering Capabilities
One of my favourite parts of colouring is blending colours to create gradients and new shades. I pay attention to whether the pencils blend well on paper, and if they can be layered multiple times without damaging the paper.
6. Compatibility with Different Paper Types
Depending on what kind of paper I use (sketchbook, cardstock, textured paper), the pencils might behave differently. Some sets work better on smooth paper, others on rougher surfaces. It’s good to check if the pencils suit your preferred paper type.
7. Price and Brand Reputation
I always weigh the price against the quality. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront for a trusted brand saves money in the long run because the pencils last longer and perform better. Reading reviews and recommendations helped me find brands that consistently deliver quality.
8. Additional Features
Some sets come with extras like blending tools, sharpeners, or storage cases. While not essential, these can add value and convenience, especially if you’re just starting out.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right set of colouring pencils depends on your personal style, experience level, and budget. By considering pigment quality, colour variety, pencil durability, comfort, and your specific needs, you can find a set that makes colouring a truly enjoyable and creative experience. I hope my insights help you pick the perfect pencils for your artistic journey!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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