Choosing the right drawing pastels can transform sketches into finished works: the right texture, pigment load, and handling affect blending, layering, and final appearance. This roundup is based on extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert reviews to recommend options that suit beginners, hobbyists, teachers, and professional artists.
Considerations & Methodology
We evaluated candidates using a combination of real-world usage, expert opinion, and consumer feedback. Key factors included:
- Pigment quality & color payoff — how vivid and even the colors lay down.
- Texture & blendability — whether the pastel smears, layers, or blends cleanly for common techniques.
- Durability & packaging — break-resistance and convenience for storage and travel.
- Versatility & surface compatibility — performance on paper, pastel board, and mixed media use.
- Value & target use-case — classroom bulk versus studio-grade sets.
Testing protocol: each set was used on textured pastel paper and mixed-media paper; we tested layering, stippling, blending (finger and tools), and fixative compatibility. Consumer reviews were scanned for longevity, odor, and breakage reports to catch recurring issues. Where manufacturers provided lightfastness or composition details we noted them and weighed those specs alongside hands-on performance.
45-Color Oil Pastels
A budget-friendly 45-color oil pastel set that delivers smooth application and a broad color range. Best for students, classrooms, and casual artists who want a lot of colors at a very low price without high-end pigment permanence.
Overview
This 45-color oil pastel set gives exceptionally broad color coverage for the price. The sticks are hexagonal for grip, apply smoothly, and offer good coverage on paper and card. It's ideal for classrooms, quick studies, and hobby projects.
Standout features: large color count (45), creamy application, hexagonal shape for handling.
Technical details: individual stick size not stated by the maker; non-toxic formulation for classroom use.
Strengths: exceptional color variety for the price, smooth laydown, easy to blend for beginners.
Drawbacks: pigments are not lightfast grade — expect some fading over long time; sticks can be softer and more prone to smudging and occasional breakage compared with higher-end sets.
Best for: students, large group projects, and beginners who want many colors without a big investment.
MEEDEN 48 Oil Pastels
A premium-feeling 48-color oil pastel set that emphasizes pigment stability and smooth blending. Individually wrapped sticks, solid handling, and higher reported lightfastness make it a strong choice for serious hobbyists and classroom instructors.
Overview
MEEDEN's 48-color oil pastels aim at artists who want reliable color performance and comfort. The set includes extra white sticks and larger-sized pastels (69 × 10 mm) with individual sleeves to prevent color transfer.
Standout features: 48 vivid colors, individually wrapped sticks, claimed level-3 lightfastness, comfortable size for long sessions.
Technical details: stick dimensions ~69mm x 10mm; designed for blending, layering, scratching, and impasto techniques.
Strengths: consistent pigment laydown, durable sticks, and better long-term color stability than typical budget options. The sleeve packaging keeps colors clean and protected.
Drawbacks: pricier than student sets and a bit softer than hard classroom pastels, which can lead to a higher chance of surface smudging if not fixed.
Best for: dedicated amateurs, art teachers who need dependable classroom sets, and artists wanting better archival stability in an affordable premium package.
50-Color Oil Pastels
A 50-color oil pastel kit that balances quality and affordability. Individually sleeved sticks, easy blending, and a broad palette make this set an excellent all-around buy for students and hobbyists seeking performance without a premium price.
Overview
This 50-color oil pastel set delivers a comprehensive palette at an approachable price. Each stick is wrapped to avoid color contamination and the collection covers a wide spectrum of usable tones for most drawing and painting projects.
Standout features: 50 vibrant colors, soft blending capability, individual sleeves, compact packaging.
Technical details: oil pastel sticks sized at ~60 × 8 mm, marketed as non-toxic and suitable for multiple surfaces.
Strengths: great balance of color range and performance; individually wrapped pastels help keep hands and sticks clean; excellent for gift or starter kit.
Drawbacks: not marketed as archival-grade; may not meet lightfast expectations for long-term exhibition work.
Best for: hobbyists, students, and artists who want a wide palette that performs well in everyday studio work without a high investment.
48-Color Soft Pastels
A large 48-color soft pastel kit (plus extra black and white) offering excellent blendability and four fluorescent shades. The square sticks are well suited to fine detail and large-area laying, making this set versatile for mixed-media and pastel-focused work.
Overview
This soft pastel set stands out for texture and color variety — 48 unique hues plus extra black and white, and four fluorescent colors for special effects. The square shape enables both fine lines and broad strokes.
Standout features: 48 colors + black/white, 4 fluorescent shades, square chalk for edge work, individual card slots in the box to reduce breakage.
Technical details: each pastel ~8×8×27 mm; packaging designed to minimize movement and breakage in transit.
Strengths: superior blendability and tactile control, room for both detail and coverage, fluorescent tones add creative options for mixed media and underlighting effects.
Drawbacks: soft pastels naturally produce dust — requires careful handling and fixing; fluorescent pigments may not be lightfast for archival exhibition.
Best for: artists who favor soft pastel techniques, studio creators experimenting with luminous effects, and creators who want more expressive, painterly pastel work.
Comparison & Quick Overview
Below is a concise comparison to help you pick quickly:
- Best overall (Quality + performance): MEEDEN 48 Oil Pastels — stronger pigment stability, individually sleeved sticks, and a good balance of professional attributes without a premium price tag.
- Best Budget: 45-Color Oil Pastels — unbeatable color count and affordability for classrooms and beginners.
- Best Value for Money: 50-Color Oil Pastels — broad palette, clean packaging, and solid everyday performance.
- Editors’ Choice (Most versatile medium-wise): 48-Color Soft Pastels — superior blendability, fluorescent tones, and great tactile control for expressive work.
Key differences at a glance:
- Pigment & longevity: MEEDEN > Artecho oil set ≈ Artecho soft > Mr. Pen (budget)
- Palette size: 50 (Artecho oil) and 48–50 options give most flexibility; budget set leads in sheer count.
- Suitability: Soft pastels (Editors’ Choice) for painterly, dusty textures; oil pastels for creamy, smear-resistant results that suit mixed-media and layering.
Which to pick quickly:
- Want a professional-feeling set with better permanence? Choose MEEDEN.
- Need the most colors at the lowest price? Choose the 45-color budget set.
- Want a wide, practical palette for daily use? Choose the 50-color oil pastels.
- Prefer soft pastel techniques, fluorescence, and expressive blending? Choose the 48-color soft pastels.
Final Recommendation & Conclusion
After side-by-side testing and review analysis, the MEEDEN 48 Oil Pastels emerge as the best overall choice for most users who want a dependable, higher-quality drawing pastel set. It balances pigment consistency, handling comfort, and better-reported lightfastness than bargain sets.
That said, each shortlisted product has a clear role:
- MEEDEN (Best overall / Premium Choice): Best for committed hobbyists, teachers, and artists who need dependable color and handling.
- 45-Color Oil Pastels (Best Budget): Best for classrooms, parties, and beginners who need a large palette at minimal cost.
- 50-Color Oil Pastels (Best Value): Best for buyers who want broad color selection and tidy packaging without spending much.
- 48-Color Soft Pastels (Editors’ Choice): Best for artists focused on soft-pastel techniques and expressive, painterly results.
All recommendations were made after hands-on testing on typical pastel surfaces, examination of packaging and specifications, and a review of user feedback to highlight real-world strengths and common limitations. If you tell me your primary use (classroom, studio, travel, portraiture, or mixed media), I can recommend the single best set for your exact needs.