Many people assume that painting with pastels is essentially just drawing with fancy sidewalk chalk. That is a mistake that hides the actual complexity of the medium.
Choosing the Best Soft Pastels requires an understanding of how binder ratios affect your work. I have looked at several sets to help you distinguish between high pigment density and student grade alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize sets with a high pigment to binder ratio to ensure your colors remain vibrant after blending.
- Check if your selected sticks are square or round because square shapes are easier for creating crisp edges.
- Verify the intended use since soft pastels behave very differently than oil based pastel alternatives.
- Pay attention to the total number of colors provided to ensure you have enough range for complex portraits or landscapes.
- Confirm whether the storage container provides enough protection to prevent the brittle sticks from snapping during transport.
| The Industry Standard |  |
Rembrandt Soft Pastel Starter Set | Extremely consistent texture | High pigment load | Professional color range | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Smooth Professional Texture |  |
Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels | Rich, creamy application | Highly blendable consistency | Vibrant color intensity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Studio Staple |  |
Mungyo Soft Chalk Pastel Set | Versatile square shape | Smooth, consistent flow | Strong pigment saturation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ideal For Students |  |
Mont Marte Signature Soft Pastels | Convenient storage tin | Vibrant color selection | Easy for beginners | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best Value Bundle |  |
Faber-Castell Creative Studio Pastels | Extensive color range | Durable stick formula | Great for layering | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Advanced Blending Choice |  |
Mungyo Gallery Professional Oil Pastels | Intense pigment concentration | Professional grade oil | Superior blending control | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget-Friendly Versatility |  |
Lightwish Vibrant Soft Pastels | Affordable color variety | Very easy blending | Good for shading | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Daily User |  |
Artecho Soft Oil Pastels | Consistent, firm texture | Easy for students | No solvents needed | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best For Layering |  |
Mont Marte Extra Soft Pastels | Extremely soft application | Excellent for layering | Wide color range | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sharp Line Specialist |  |
Artecho Square Soft Pastels | Sharp edge control | Includes fluorescent shades | Bold matte finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Rembrandt Soft Pastel Starter Set
If you are serious about professional work, these are the gold standard for many artists. They possess a perfect balance of binder and pigment, meaning they are soft enough to lay down rich color without crumbling into dust at the slightest touch.
These sticks provide excellent lightfastness, ensuring your work retains its vibrancy over the years. Just keep in mind that because they are a professional-grade medium, they lean toward a denser texture that requires a bit of pressure for deep coverage.
- Brand Name:Rembrandt
- Pastel Type:Soft Chalk
- Color Count:15
- Set Purpose:Professional Starter
- Additional Feature:High lightfastness ratings
- Additional Feature:Uniform color distribution
- Additional Feature:Reliable color consistency
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Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels
These sticks are a joy for anyone who loves the buttery feel of oil-based media. They blend with the ease of lipstick, making them a fantastic choice for artists who prioritize rich, thick layering in their pieces.
While they are remarkably vibrant, the oil content makes them a bit more permanent and smudge-resistant than traditional chalk. You will find they work best on textured paper that can hold onto the heavy pigment load.
- Brand Name:Mungyo
- Pastel Type:Soft Oil
- Color Count:48
- Formula Density:Buttery
- Set Purpose:Professional Art
- Additional Feature:Excellent color layering
- Additional Feature:Smooth blending capabilities
- Additional Feature:Vivid pigment tones
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Mungyo Soft Chalk Pastel Set
This square-shaped set is a wonderful choice for those who value versatility in mark-making. The sharp corners allow you to draw fine, crisp lines, while the flat sides are perfect for filling in large areas of color quickly.
They are quite smooth, which helps if you prefer a less scratchy feel on your paper. Be aware that the square edges can wear down quickly, so rotate your sticks often to keep those edges sharp.
- Brand Name:Mungyo
- Pastel Type:Soft Chalk
- Color Count:64
- Packaging Style:Cardboard Box
- Formula Density:Medium-Soft
- Additional Feature:Excellent for fine detail
- Additional Feature:Easy to layer
- Additional Feature:Vibrant assortment
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Mont Marte Signature Soft Pastels
If you are just beginning your artistic journey, this set offers a great entry point without overwhelming you with complexity. The colors are bright and move across the page with a satisfying, chalky drag that makes blending quite intuitive.
They come housed in a sturdy tin, which is a huge organizational plus for keeping your studio space tidy. While they lack the archival longevity of high-end brands, they are perfect for sketches and practice sessions.
- Brand Name:Mont Marte
- Pastel Type:Soft Chalk
- Color Count:48
- Packaging Style:Tin Box
- Set Purpose:Sketching and Crafts
- Additional Feature:Portable storage case
- Additional Feature:Simple color blending
- Additional Feature:Sturdy stick construction
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Faber-Castell Creative Studio Pastels
This expansive 72-pack provides a massive range of shades, which is a life-saver for artists who hate stopping to mix custom colors. The formula is well-balanced, sitting firmly in the middle of the soft-to-hard spectrum.
You will find these are quite durable for long sessions, as they do not shatter easily when you apply firmer pressure. They perform best on paper with a noticeable tooth, as that texture helps grip the fine powder.
- Brand Name:Faber-Castell
- Pastel Type:Soft Chalk
- Color Count:72
- Set Purpose:Studio Practice
- Additional Feature:High color diversity
- Additional Feature:Resists breakage
- Additional Feature:Consistent pigment quality
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Mungyo Gallery Professional Oil Pastels
This set is built for artists who want to push the boundaries of oil-based techniques. The pigments are highly concentrated, allowing you to achieve dark, moody depths that are difficult to reach with standard chalk pastels.
They handle well under heat, meaning you can manipulate them like paint if you use the right tools. Because they are so rich, they are best suited for heavy-duty paper or canvas boards that can handle the weight of the oil.
- Brand Name:Mungyo
- Pastel Type:Soft Oil
- Color Count:72
- Formula Density:High Oil Content
- Set Purpose:Professional Painting
- Additional Feature:Smooth paint-like results
- Additional Feature:Rich color saturation
- Additional Feature:Durable for layering
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Lightwish Vibrant Soft Pastels
This is a solid choice for those who want a wide spectrum of colors without spending a fortune. The texture is quite soft, which makes them very easy to blend with your fingers or a stump.
They are particularly helpful for shading exercises since the color selection includes a helpful variety of light and dark tints. Just watch out for the dust, as these are soft enough to create a fair amount of loose pigment while you work.
- Brand Name:Lightwish
- Pastel Type:Soft Chalk
- Color Count:48
- Set Purpose:General Sketching
- Additional Feature:Helpful tint range
- Additional Feature:Quick application
- Additional Feature:Simple cleanup
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Artecho Soft Oil Pastels
If you enjoy the tactile nature of oil pastels, this set offers a straightforward and consistent experience. They are slightly firmer than some professional sets, which actually makes them excellent for creating defined shapes.
They are a smart pick for students or teachers who need a dependable medium that does not require solvents. The sticks are sized well for a comfortable grip, allowing for longer drawing periods without hand fatigue.
- Brand Name:Artecho
- Pastel Type:Soft Oil
- Color Count:48
- Set Purpose:Education and Practice
- Additional Feature:Ergonomic stick size
- Additional Feature:Smudge-resistant finish
- Additional Feature:Reliable blending
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Mont Marte Extra Soft Pastels
True to their name, these are exceptionally soft and buttery in application. They glide onto the surface with almost no effort, making them a dream for artists who want to create bold, dramatic layers quickly.
Because they are so soft, they are fantastic for abstract work or pieces that rely on texture rather than fine, sharp lines. You will want to keep a fixative spray nearby to preserve your final layers.
- Brand Name:Mont Marte
- Pastel Type:Soft Oil
- Color Count:120
- Formula Density:Extra Soft
- Set Purpose:Expressive Art
- Additional Feature:Vibrant, bright hues
- Additional Feature:Versatile blending
- Additional Feature:High pigment flow
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Artecho Square Soft Pastels
The square design of these pastels is a technical advantage for any artist who values precision. You can use the edge to create crisp, architectural lines that look almost like ink, then turn the stick to cover large areas.
The inclusion of fluorescent colors is a fun addition for those who enjoy mixed-media or pop-art styles. These are chalk-based, so be prepared for a bit of dusting, but the payoff in bold, matte color is well worth it.
- Brand Name:Artecho
- Pastel Type:Soft Chalk
- Color Count:48 (+2 bonus)
- Packaging Style:Square Sticks
- Set Purpose:Drawing and Shading
- Additional Feature:Bonus black and white
- Additional Feature:Good for layering
- Additional Feature:Precise line work
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to buy a fixative for my drawings?
A fixative is a chemical spray that locks the loose particles to the paper. While it prevents smudging, it can also darken your colors or change the finish of the piece. Use it sparingly and only if you plan to transport or frame the work.
Can I mix soft pastels with other mediums?
You can certainly layer them over acrylics or watercolor underpaintings to add texture and pop. However, you should generally apply pastels last because they are notoriously difficult to paint over. Nothing sticks well to the waxy or powdery surface of a pastel drawing.
How do I keep my pastels from breaking?
It is natural for these sticks to snap since they are inherently fragile. You can keep the broken pieces in a small container of cornmeal or rice, which helps keep them clean and organized. Many artists actually prefer smaller pieces because they are easier to handle for fine work.
What is the best way to clean my hands and workspace?
Pastel dust gets everywhere, so keep a stash of baby wipes nearby for quick cleanup. A damp cloth or a simple wash with soap and water works wonders for your skin. For your desk, use a damp paper towel rather than a dry brush to avoid kicking the dust into the air.
Is it better to buy a full set or individual sticks?
Buying a curated starter set is the smartest way to learn which colors you use most frequently. Once you run out of your favorite shades, you can replace them with open stock individual sticks. This avoids the waste of paying for colors you never touch.
