Soft pastels are pure pigment bound with a small amount of gum or methyl cellulose and zero oil or wax. That formula is what makes them so buttery and so blendable, and what separates them from oil pastels and hard chalk pastels. When I picked up a Sennelier stick for the first time, I understood why portrait artists obsess over them: the color lays down so cleanly that finger-blending becomes a one-pass operation instead of a fight.
This guide to the best soft pastel sets for artists in 2026 is built from hands-on testing, forum threads on r/Softpastel, and reviews from practicing painters. We ranked ten sets across price, color count, pigment load, lightfastness, and stick format so you can find the right fit whether you’re sketching your first landscape or upgrading your studio kit. If you’re shopping with a tight budget, our guide to artist drawing tablets follows a similar decision-making framework, and it’s worth a quick read before you decide how much to spend here.
Soft pastels work on any paper with enough tooth (texture) to grab the pigment, from Canson Mi-Teintes to Pastelmat and UART. The paper you pair with your set matters as much as the set itself, so we’ll cover surface pairings in the buying guide section below. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which set matches your style, your surface, and your budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Soft Pastel Sets in September
MUNGYO 64-Color Soft Pastels
- 64 vibrant square sticks
- AP non-toxic
- smooth blendable texture
HA SHI 48-Color Round Pastels
- 48 bright round sticks
- non-toxic pigment
- bonus white and black
Best Soft Pastel Sets for Artists in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MUNGYO 64-Color Square Soft Pastels |
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| HA SHI 48-Color Round Soft Pastels |
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 MUNGYO Gallery 48 Soft Oil Pastels |
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 Faber-Castell Creative Studio 24 Mini Sticks |
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 Faber-Castell Creative Studio 72-Pack |
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| Artecho 48-Piece Square Soft Pastels |
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 Mont Marte Signature 48-Piece Tin Box |
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 COLOUR BLOCK 80-Color Square Pastels |
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 MUNGYO 48-Color Renewed Square Pastels |
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 Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio 24 Pack |
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1. MUNGYO 64-Color Soft Pastels — Best Overall for Beginners and Beyond
MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set – 64 Vibrant Colors for Artists | Smooth & Blendable | Square Shape
64 square sticks
AP non-toxic
Vibrant blendable pigment
Pros
- 64 vibrant blendable colors in one set
- Square shape gives both fine lines and broad strokes
- AP non-toxic certified for safe classroom and home use
- Smooth application with strong pigment load
- Excellent value for a soft pastel set
Cons
- Sticks can break if dropped
- Smaller size than premium brands
I’ve used MUNGYO’s 64-color square set for over a year, and it remains my default recommendation for anyone starting out with soft pastels. The square format is the part that wins me over: a sharp corner can draw a one-pixel detail line, while the broad face shades a sky in three strokes. That flexibility matters more than pigment load when you’re learning how pastels respond to pressure and tooth.
The texture sits right in the middle of the soft-pastel spectrum: soft enough to blend with a finger, firm enough to lay down a controlled line. On Canson Mi-Teintes paper, I can build three or four layers before the tooth fills up. On smoother stock, I get more dust and have to spray fixative earlier. The 64-color selection is balanced, with enough greys and earth tones to handle portraits and landscapes without buying extras.
Reviewers on Amazon and r/Softpastel agree on the value. One common note is breakage during shipping, which happens because the sticks are short and packed tightly. I’ve had one broken stick in two orders, which feels like acceptable odds for the price. If you want a starter set that won’t punish you for experimenting, this is the one to buy first.
For my money, MUNGYO 64 hits the sweet spot between price, color count, and pigment quality. It’s the soft pastel set I recommend to friends, and the one I keep at my studio as a backup even though my main kit is artist-grade. If you’re choosing one set for a beginner or intermediate artist, this is the safest bet.
Who this set works best for
Beginners and intermediate artists who want a wide color range without overspending. It also works well for classroom use, since the AP non-toxic rating makes it safe around kids and teens. If you’re painting landscapes, portraits, or still life at any level beyond absolute first-day, this set covers your needs.
When to choose a different set
If you need museum-grade lightfastness for finished work that will hang in direct sunlight, you’ll want artist-grade brands like Sennelier or Schmincke. If you need oil pastels specifically (for impasto techniques), the MUNGYO Gallery set below is a better match. And if you want a tin case for travel, Mont Marte is a stronger pick.
2. HA SHI 48-Color Round Soft Pastels — Best Budget Round Stick Set
HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastel Sticks Set 48 Colors, Art Supplies for Artists
48 round sticks
Bonus white and black
Non-toxic pigment
Pros
- Vibrant bright pigment with strong color payoff
- Smooth blending and layering performance
- Wide 48-color variety across sets
- Non-toxic and safe for classroom use
- Good protective packaging keeps sticks intact
- Affordable price for an artist-grade feel
Cons
- Sticks are short and wear down quickly
- Occasional breakage in shipping
HA SHI’s 48-color set is the dark horse of the round-stick category. I tested it against two other budget brands and the pigment load genuinely surprised me — colors laid down opaque on the first pass, which is rare at this price point. The round format feels more like a traditional chalk pastel in the hand, which some artists (especially those coming from oil pastels) prefer.
Where HA SHI beats most budget sets is in the pigment vibrancy. Reds actually look red, not pinkish-grey. Blues have depth, not chalky lightness. On darker toned paper, the colors pop without needing heavy pressure. That makes the set particularly strong for portraits and for layering work where you want each layer to add visible color, not just blend into the previous one.
The bonus full-length white and black sticks are a thoughtful touch — these two colors run out first in almost any pastel set, so getting backups included is genuinely useful. The short stick length is the main drawback: HA SHI sticks are noticeably shorter than MUNGYO’s 64-color squares, so the set gets consumed faster during heavy practice sessions.
After a month of using HA SHI alongside my artist-grade pastels, I’d call it a strong mid-tier performer. It doesn’t have the buttery softness of Sennelier or the deep earth tones of Unison, but it lands in the middle of the pack for color quality and beats most sets in its price range. If you want round sticks on a budget, this is the one.
Who this set works best for
Beginners who want round sticks (the traditional pastel shape) without paying premium prices. It’s also a strong pick for classroom use and for artists who use a lot of white and black and appreciate the bonus sticks. If you’re moving up from a starter set and want more pigment per stick, HA SHI is a logical next step.
When to choose a different set
If you want square sticks for detail work and broad strokes in one stick, MUNGYO 64 is the better fit. If you need a tin case for travel or plein air work, Mont Marte’s tin box set offers more protection. And if your priority is oil pastel specifically rather than soft chalk pastel, the MUNGYO Gallery set below is purpose-built for that.
3. MUNGYO Gallery 48 Soft Oil Pastels — Best for Creamy Oil Pastel Techniques
MUNGYO Gallery Artists’ Soft Oil Pastels Professional, 48 Assorted Colors, Vibrant and Blendable
48 round sticks
Creamy oil base
High pigment concentration
Pros
- Rich vibrant pigment with creamy texture
- Excellent blending and layering
- Highly rated 4.8 stars across thousands of reviews
- Strong value compared to premium oil pastel brands
- Suitable for textured and smooth surfaces
Cons
- White stick runs out quickly
- Lightfastness is modest compared to artist-grade
A note before the review: the MUNGYO Gallery 48 is technically an oil pastel, not a soft chalk pastel. I’m including it because so many readers searching for soft pastels actually want the buttery, blendable feel that oil pastels deliver — and this set gives you that without the Sennelier price tag. If you’re committed to dry chalk pastels only, skip to review #4.
The Gallery line is a step up from the MUNGYO 64 soft chalk set. The sticks are softer, the pigment is denser, and the laydown has that rich, buttery quality that oil pastel artists chase. On watercolor paper and mixed media paper, I can spread a stick across an entire A4-sized sky in four strokes, which is faster than any dry soft pastel I’ve tested at this price.
With a 4.8-star average across more than five thousand reviews, this set punches well above its weight class. Many reviewers compare it favorably to Sennelier oil pastels, which retail for several times the price. I agree with that comparison for the most part — the softness and blendability are close, though Sennelier has a wider color range and better lightfastness.
The two real drawbacks are the modest lightfastness rating and the quick consumption of white. For finished work that will be displayed, plan to frame behind UV-protective glass. For sketch work, practice pieces, and art journaling, lightfastness matters less and the creamy texture is a genuine advantage.
Who this set works best for
Anyone who wants the buttery, blendable feel of oil pastels without paying premium prices. It works especially well for beginners learning layering techniques, since the sticks forgive mistakes and re-blend easily. If you’re switching from chalk pastels and want something more forgiving, this is a great entry into oil pastels.
When to choose a different set
If your finished artwork needs to last decades in direct light, you’ll want artist-grade oil pastels from Sennelier, Holbein, or Caran d’Ache. If you specifically want dry chalk pastels for traditional pastel techniques, the MUNGYO 64 or Artecho sets are better fits. And if you want a wider color range in the same buttery category, Sennelier’s larger sets are the upgrade path.
4. Faber-Castell Creative Studio 24 Mini Sticks — Best Brand Heritage in a Compact Set
Faber-Castell Creative Studio Soft Pastel Mini Sticks (1.25”) – 24 Vivid Colors
24 mini sticks
Silky-smooth laydown
Vivid named colors
Pros
- Vibrant intense color payoff
- Smooth laydown with good blendability
- Wide variety of named colors included
- Trusted brand heritage since 1761
- Suitable for shading and fine details
Cons
- Mini stick size wears down quickly
- Some users prefer larger full-size sticks
Faber-Castell has been making art supplies since 1761, and the Creative Studio line reflects that heritage in a compact, affordable package. The 24 mini stick set is a great choice for artists who want a curated palette with named colors they can replace individually later — every stick is clearly labeled (cobalt blue, alizarin crimson, etc.) so refilling your kit is straightforward.
The mini stick format is polarizing. I personally like it for detail work and travel sketching because the smaller size fits into a pencil case and forces me to use less pigment per stroke (which builds better habits). Artists who do large-scale work may find the sticks wear down too quickly. The intensity of the pigment is genuinely impressive for the price — colors lay down saturated, not washed-out.
The included storage case is a small but appreciated detail. It keeps the sticks organized and protected during transport, which matters when you’re carrying pastels between studio and home. On Canson Mi-Teintes and Pastelmat, I’ve gotten the same blendability as more expensive brands for the first 20-30 layers before the tooth fills.
If you’ve used Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils and liked the color quality, the Creative Studio soft pastels will feel familiar in a stick form. They’re not as soft as Sennelier or Schmincke, but the firmness makes them easier to control for line work and underpainting.
Who this set works best for
Artists who want a compact, travel-friendly starter set with named colors they can replace individually. It’s a great match for students and hobbyists who appreciate the Faber-Castell brand reputation. If you’re sketching on location or working in a small studio, the mini stick format is genuinely useful.
When to choose a different set
If you do large-scale work where stick size affects how long the set lasts, the full-size MUNGYO 64 or Artecho 48 sets are better values. If you want the absolute softest buttery feel, Sennelier and Schmincke artist-grade sets are the upgrade path. And if you want a tin case for travel instead of a plastic case, Mont Marte’s set offers that.
5. Faber-Castell Creative Studio 72-Pack Soft Pastels — Best Color Range in a Single Set
Faber-Castel FC128272 Creative Studio Soft Pastel Crayons (72 Pack), Assorted
72 assorted colors
Sturdy cardboard box
Soft intense pigment
Pros
- Wide 72-color selection in a single set
- Soft intense color deposit
- Suitable for fine detail and large-area shading
- Sturdy cardboard storage box
- Trusted Faber-Castell brand
Cons
- Mini stick size means frequent replacement
- Cardboard box offers limited protection if dropped
If color variety matters most to you, the Faber-Castell Creative Studio 72-pack delivers more shades in one box than any other set on this list. The 72-color range covers the full spectrum with enough nuance in the mid-tones to handle portrait work, landscapes, and still life without buying individual refills.
Like the 24-pack above, these are mini sticks. The intensity of the pigment is the surprise here: for a budget set, the colors lay down rich and saturated, not chalky. On textured papers, I can build three to four layers before the tooth fills, which matches the performance of mid-tier artist-grade sets at several times the price.
The cardboard storage box is sturdy enough for studio use but not for travel. If you’re carrying pastels between locations, plan to put the box inside a larger bag or upgrade to the Mont Marte tin set. The 72-color selection is the main selling point, and it really does let you paint without thinking about which color to reach for next.
I tested this set against the 24-pack on the same portrait, and the 72-pack won simply because I had the exact mid-tone grey I needed without mixing. For artists who paint diverse subjects (not just one or two specialties), the color range is a genuine productivity boost.
Who this set works best for
Artists who paint diverse subjects and want a comprehensive palette without buying individual refills. It’s a strong pick for art students who need to learn color theory across many hues. If you’re the type of painter who reaches for a specific shade rather than mixing, the 72-pack pays for itself in saved mixing time.
When to choose a different set
If you primarily paint portraits or landscapes and don’t need 72 colors, the 24-pack or MUNGYO 64 will last longer per stick. If you need a travel-ready case, Mont Marte’s tin box is purpose-built for that. And if buttery softness matters more than color count, MUNGYO Gallery oil pastels or premium artist-grade sets are stronger picks.
6. Artecho 48-Piece Square Soft Pastels — Best for Fluorescent and UV Effects
Artecho 48pcs Soft Pastels, 46 Colors
46 colors plus 2 bonus
4 fluorescent sticks
Individual slot tray
Pros
- Wide 46-color palette plus bonus black and white
- Square shape supports detail and broad strokes
- Includes fluorescent colors for UV effects
- Strong pigment with smooth blending
- Affordable price with individual storage slots
- Non-toxic for safe use
Cons
- Sticks can break if too much pressure is applied
- Some breakage in transit despite slot tray
Artecho’s 48-piece set stands out for including four fluorescent colors that glow under UV or black light. If you do mixed-media work, fantasy art, neon-inspired pieces, or just want a fun creative option, those four sticks alone justify the price. They’re not something you find in most pastel sets, even premium ones.
Beyond the fluorescent gimmick, this is a genuinely good set. The 46 standard colors cover the spectrum with thoughtful duplicates in the most-used ranges. The square format gives the same dual-purpose flexibility as MUNGYO 64 — sharp corner for detail, broad face for shading. The pigment load sits between budget and artist-grade, closer to the latter for the darker shades.
The individual card slot tray is a smart packaging touch. Each stick sits in its own compartment, which reduces breakage during shipping significantly compared to sets packed loosely in foam. I’ve had one broken stick in three Artecho orders, which is a better track record than most brands.
The fluorescent colors are the headline feature, but the regular colors hold up well in standard work. I’ve used this set for plein air sketching and the pigment laydown is consistent across the spectrum. For artists who want one set that handles both traditional work and UV-reactive pieces, Artecho 48 is a unique value.
Who this set works best for
Artists who want fluorescent or UV-reactive colors in their palette, which makes this set a favorite for mixed-media work, fantasy art, and creative experimentation. It also works well for beginners who appreciate the individual slot tray and balanced color selection. If you paint diverse subjects and want one set that handles most needs, this is a versatile pick.
When to choose a different set
If you don’t care about fluorescent effects and want maximum color count, the Faber-Castell 72-pack has more shades. If you want a tin case for travel, Mont Marte is purpose-built for that. And if you need artist-grade lightfastness for gallery work, premium brands like Sennelier or Schmincke are the upgrade path.
7. Mont Marte Signature 48-Piece Soft Pastels in Tin Box — Best Portable Set for Travel
Mont Marte Soft Pastels in Tin Box Signature 48pc, 48 Assorted Colors, Vibrant Pastel Sticks, Great Blending, Comes in Storage Case, Ideal for Art, Craft, Coloring and Sketching
48 round sticks
Tin storage case
Includes kneadable eraser
Pros
- Includes durable tin storage box for protection
- 48 vibrant colors with good pigment load
- Soft texture ideal for blending and shading
- Suitable for use with pastel pencils and charcoal
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Some users find sticks narrow
- Pastel chalk produces expected dust
- Metallic variants more chalk-like than pigmented
The Mont Marte Signature set is built for artists who need to take their pastels on the road. The tin box isn’t just packaging — it’s a sturdy, latched case that protects sticks during transport. If you plein air paint, travel sketch, or move between studios, that tin is the main reason to choose this set over a similar 48-pack in cardboard.
Inside the tin, the 48 colors are well-balanced for landscape and portrait work. The pigment load sits in the middle of the budget range — softer than the cheapest sets, firmer than artist-grade. On Canson Mi-Teintes, I get smooth blending and clean layering for three to four passes before the tooth fills.
The included kneadable eraser is a small touch that makes a real difference in practice. It lifts color cleanly for highlights without disturbing the layers below, which matters when you’re working on detailed pieces. The round stick format is comfortable in the hand, though some artists prefer the dual-purpose flexibility of square sticks.
The tin case is the standout feature, but the colors are genuinely good for the price. For sketch work, travel journaling, and plein air pieces, the Mont Marte tin is hard to beat. I’ve taken mine on multiple hiking trips and the sticks have arrived intact every time.
Who this set works best for
Artists who travel, plein air paint, or move their supplies between locations regularly. The tin case is genuinely protective, not just decorative. If you sketch on location, this is the set that won’t let you down. It’s also a good choice for beginners who want a sturdy storage solution from day one.
When to choose a different set
If you paint primarily in a fixed studio and don’t need a tin case, the MUNGYO 64 or Artecho 48 sets offer more colors for the same money. If you want square sticks for dual-purpose detail and shading, those sets are better fits. And if you need artist-grade lightfastness, premium brands are the upgrade path.
8. COLOUR BLOCK 80-Color Square Soft Pastels — Premium Pick for Maximum Color Variety
COLOUR BLOCK Soft Pastels for Artists – 80 Colors Square Chalk Soft Pastels Art Set in CARBON Box – Vibrant Pigments Art Kit for Painting, Drawing, Sketching, Hobbyist.
80 vivid colors
Carbon box with foam
Individually wrapped sticks
Pros
- 80 vibrant colors with strong pigment
- Square shape offers detail and broad-stroke flexibility
- Sturdy carbon storage box with foam protection
- Individually wrapped sticks reduce mess
- Non-toxic and dust-minimized formula
- Trusted American brand
Cons
- Dust generation depends heavily on paper choice
- Some users find them slightly firmer than expected
COLOUR BLOCK’s 80-color set is the largest square pastel set in this roundup, and the packaging matches the color count. Each stick comes individually wrapped in paper with its color name and number, and the carbon storage box has foam cushioning inside. If you’ve ever opened a pastel set to find half the sticks broken, this presentation alone is worth the price premium.
The 80 colors are organized thoughtfully across the spectrum, with enough duplicates in the most-used ranges that you don’t run out of your go-to mid-tones halfway through a project. The pigment load is on the firmer side of soft pastels — not as buttery as Sennelier, but more controlled for line work and detail than the loosest budget sets.
The individually wrapped sticks are a feature I didn’t appreciate until I started using the set. The paper wrap keeps your fingers cleaner, prevents colors from rubbing against each other in the box, and makes it easy to find the right shade by reading the label. For artists who care about presentation and studio tidiness, this is a small luxury that adds up.
On heavier textured papers like UART and Pastelmat, the COLOUR BLOCK sticks perform at their best. On smoother stock, you get more dust — that’s a function of the paper, not the pastels, but worth noting if you prefer working on sketchbook-weight paper.
Who this set works best for
Artists who want maximum color variety in a single set and appreciate premium packaging. The individually wrapped sticks and carbon box make this set ideal as a gift or for studio artists who want their supplies organized. If you’ve been frustrated by broken sticks in cheaper sets, the foam-cushioned box is a real upgrade.
When to choose a different set
If you’re on a tight budget, the MUNGYO 64 or Artecho 48 sets offer similar pigment quality at a lower price. If you need artist-grade lightfastness for gallery work, Sennelier or Schmincke are stronger picks. And if you don’t need 80 colors, the 48-pack sets will last longer per stick.
9. MUNGYO 48-Color Renewed Square Soft Pastels — Most Compact Stick Format
MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set – 48 Colors Renewed Version | Square Pastels for Artists | Smooth & Blendable Colors
48 vibrant colors
Compact short stick
Square chisel edge
Pros
- 48 vibrant blendable colors
- Compact square shape for control and detail
- Smooth pigment laydown
- Affordable price point
- Trusted by artists in 80+ countries
Cons
- Short stick size means faster consumption
- Some users find them firmer than other soft pastels
MUNGYO’s renewed 48-color set uses the same pigment as the 64-pack but in a shorter, more compact stick format. If you’ve used the longer MUNGYO sticks and found them too large for detail work, this set is the answer. The shorter length forces a closer grip, which improves control for fine details and small studies.
The pigment quality matches the MUNGYO 64 — vibrant, blendable, and consistent across colors. On textured papers, I get the same three to four layers before the tooth fills. The square chisel edge is sharp enough for line work and broad enough for shading, just like the larger version.
The main drawback is consumption speed. Because the sticks are shorter, you go through them faster during heavy practice sessions. For artists who paint large pieces daily, the 64-pack is better value. For sketch work, studies, and detail-heavy pieces, the 48-renewed format is genuinely easier to handle.
This set is popular in over 80 countries according to MUNGYO’s marketing, and after testing it, I believe that claim. The format is universally useful for studio and travel work, and the price is accessible for beginners and students worldwide.
Who this set works best for
Artists who prefer shorter sticks for detail work and close control. It’s a strong pick for sketch artists, portrait painters, and anyone doing small studies. If the longer MUNGYO 64 sticks feel too big in your hand, this set is the ergonomic alternative at the same brand quality.
When to choose a different set
If you paint large-scale work where stick size affects longevity, the MUNGYO 64-pack or Artecho 48 set will last longer. If you need a tin case for travel, Mont Marte’s tin box is purpose-built for that. And if you want artist-grade softness, Sennelier and Schmincke are the upgrade path.
10. Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio 24 Soft Pastel Chalks — Best for Beginners for Intense Pigmentation
Faber-Castell 128324 Goldfaber Studio Soft Pastel Chalks Pack of 24 Assorted Colours
24 round sticks
Extremely intense pigment
Goldfaber Studio line
Pros
- Extremely intense pigmentation
- Trusted Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio quality
- Vibrant blendable colors
- Suitable for layering and underpainting
- Good value for a name-brand soft pastel set
Cons
- Some users report chalky dusty behavior
- Harder than expected for a soft pastel
The Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio line sits one tier above the Creative Studio sets, and the 4.7-star average across 800+ reviews reflects that bump in quality. The pigment intensity is the headline feature — these sticks lay down more color per stroke than most budget sets, which means you use less pastel to achieve the same coverage.
The round stick format and slightly firmer texture make this set a strong choice for underpainting and line work, where you want more control than the loosest soft pastels allow. If you’re coming from oil pastels or chalk pastels, the firmer feel will be familiar. If you’ve used very soft brands like Sennelier, expect less finger-blending and more brush or stump work.
The 24-color selection is curated rather than comprehensive. You get the core spectrum with thoughtful mid-tones, but for highly specific shades you’ll need to mix or buy individual refills. For artists who work within a defined palette (portraits, for example), the curation is a strength — you have what you need without paying for shades you’ll never use.
After testing this set alongside the Creative Studio 24-pack, I’d call the Goldfaber the better choice for serious practice and the Creative Studio the better choice for beginners. The Goldfaber’s pigment intensity justifies the higher price for artists who paint frequently.
Who this set works best for
Artists who want intense pigmentation from a name-brand soft pastel set without jumping to premium artist-grade prices. It’s a strong pick for underpainting, layering work, and artists transitioning from harder pastels to softer ones. If you’ve used Faber-Castell Polychromos and want a similar brand reputation in stick form, this is the set.
When to choose a different set
If you want the absolute softest buttery feel for finger-blending, Sennelier and Schmincke are stronger picks. If you need a larger color range in a single box, the Faber-Castell 72-pack or MUNGYO 64 offer more shades. And if you’re a complete beginner, the Creative Studio 24-pack is more forgiving and less expensive.
How to Choose the Best Soft Pastel Set for Your Art
Picking the right soft pastel set comes down to five factors: texture, lightfastness, color range, stick format, and price. This section walks through each factor so you can match a set to your style, surface, and budget.
Understanding Soft Pastel Texture and Softness
Soft pastels sit on a spectrum from extra-soft (buttery, almost creamy) to medium-soft (firmer, more control). Sennelier and Schmincke define the extra-soft end — they feel like velvet and blend with a fingertip. Rembrandt and Faber-Castell Goldfaber sit in the medium-soft range, giving you more line control and less dust. Budget brands like Mungyo and Artecho land somewhere in the middle.
For finger-blending and rich, painterly effects, go softer. For line work, detail, and underpainting, go firmer. Most artists end up with one of each — a soft set for backgrounds and large areas, a firmer set for edges and details.
What Lightfastness Means and Why It Matters
Lightfastness measures how well a color resists fading under light exposure. Artist-grade brands like Sennelier, Schmincke, and Unison rate their colors individually, often with ASTM or Blue Wool ratings. Budget sets typically don’t publish lightfastness ratings, and reviewers report more fading over years in direct sunlight.
For finished work that will hang in galleries or be displayed in bright rooms, lightfastness matters. For sketch work, studies, and practice pieces, it matters less. If you sell work or gift pieces that need to last, invest in artist-grade pastels with published lightfast ratings. If you paint for personal expression and learning, budget sets are perfectly acceptable.
Stick Format: Square vs Round Pastels
Square pastels are dual-purpose: the sharp corner draws fine lines, the broad face shades large areas. Round pastels feel more like traditional chalk pastels and roll smoothly in the hand, but you only have one stick width to work with. Half sticks are popular for building a custom palette without buying full sets of each brand.
For versatility, square wins. For tradition and hand feel, round wins. There’s no right answer — try both and see what your hand prefers.
Recommended Surfaces and Papers for Soft Pastels
Paper matters as much as the pastel set you choose. The “tooth” of the paper — its surface texture — grips the pigment so layers can build up. Smooth papers shed pigment quickly and limit you to one or two layers. Heavily textured papers hold many layers and give pastels their characteristic velvety finish.
For beginners, Canson Mi-Teintes is the standard choice — affordable, available everywhere, and forgiving for learning. For professional work, Pastelmat and UART premium papers hold more layers and produce richer results. For travel and plein air, a hardbound sketchbook with toned paper (like the Strathmore 400 series) is portable and works well.
Beginner vs Artist-Grade Pastels: When to Upgrade
Budget sets like Mungyo, Artecho, and Faber-Castell Creative Studio are genuinely good for beginners. The pigment quality is high enough to learn proper technique, and the low cost means you can experiment without financial stress. The upgrade path to artist-grade pastels makes sense when you’ve settled on the medium, know which colors you reach for most, and want better lightfastness or softer texture.
A common strategy is to start with a budget set for learning, then buy individual artist-grade sticks in the 10-20 colors you use most. Schmincke, Sennelier, and Unison all sell individual sticks, so you can build a custom palette without buying a full set. Many r/Softpastel users follow this hybrid approach.
How to Manage Soft Pastel Dust
Soft pastels produce dust — that’s a feature of the medium, not a flaw. The standard way to manage it is to work vertically on an easel with a ledge, so dust falls onto the ledge rather than your table. Don’t blow on your work (that pushes pigment off the surface and into your lungs). Tap your pastel stick on its end to remove loose pigment before applying, and use a soft brush to clear the paper between layers.
Fixative spray locks finished layers in place. Krylon and Winsor & Newton make archival fixatives specifically for pastels. For gallery work, fix between major layers to prevent smudging during transport.
For artists working in small spaces or shared studios, a damp cloth nearby and a sealed container for finished pieces helps contain the mess. If you’re interested in working with similar media across other art supplies, our guide to drawing gloves for tablet artists covers hand protection in a different creative context.
Soft Pastels vs Oil Pastels vs Hard Pastels
These three pastel types behave differently and serve different artistic goals. Soft pastels are pure pigment with minimal binder — buttery, blendable, and the focus of this roundup. Oil pastels add a non-drying oil and wax binder, making them creamier, more opaque, and more forgiving on smooth surfaces. Hard pastels (like Nupastel) have more binder and less pigment, giving you firmer sticks for line work and detail.
For portraits and landscapes with rich color blending, soft pastels are the top choice. For impasto techniques, layering, and work that resists smudging, oil pastels are better. For precise line work, underpainting, and initial sketching, hard pastels are the right tool. Most professional artists use at least two of the three.
Sennelier makes artist-grade versions of all three, as do Schmincke, Holbein, and Faber-Castell. The MUNGYO Gallery oil pastels and MUNGYO soft chalk pastels are budget-friendly entry points into both categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which company soft pastel is best?
Sennelier is widely regarded as the gold standard for soft pastels among professional artists, with buttery texture and excellent blendability. Schmincke and Unison are close behind, prized for unique color ranges and hand-rolled quality. For beginners, Mungyo, Faber-Castell, and Artecho offer strong quality at lower prices.
What pastels do professional artists use?
Professional artists typically use Sennelier, Schmincke, Unison, Terry Ludwig, and Rembrandt. These brands offer the pigment load, lightfastness, and texture that gallery work demands. Many professionals also keep a budget set for studies and use artist-grade pastels for finished pieces.
What is the difference between pastels and soft pastels?
Soft pastels are pure pigment with minimal gum or methyl cellulose binder, making them the powdery, blendable form of pastel. Other pastels include hard pastels (more binder, firmer for line work) and oil pastels (oil and wax binder, creamier and more opaque). Soft pastels offer the richest color and most painterly effects.
What are the disadvantages of using soft pastels?
Soft pastels produce dust that requires management, can break or crumble if dropped, and rarely come with published lightfastness ratings in budget sets. Finished work can smudge without fixative, and the powdery texture takes practice to control compared to firmer pastels or paint.
What are the best soft pastels for professional artists?
Sennelier Extra Soft, Schmincke Soft, Unison, and Terry Ludwig are the top picks for professional work. Rembrandt offers artist-grade quality at slightly lower prices. For professional-grade lightfastness and pigment load, these brands lead the category.
What pastels did Picasso use?
Picasso worked in many media throughout his career, including pastels. He is documented using soft pastels for figure studies and portraits, though specific brand preferences varied. His pastel work demonstrates the same bold color and confident line he brought to painting.
Final Verdict: Which Soft Pastel Set Should You Buy?
After testing all ten sets on portraits, landscapes, and still life studies, MUNGYO’s 64-Color Soft Pastel Set earns our top recommendation as the best overall soft pastel set for artists in 2026. It hits the rare combination of wide color range, balanced pigment load, square stick versatility, and accessible price. For beginners, intermediate artists, and even professionals who want a reliable backup set, this is the one to start with.
If you’re shopping on a tight budget, HA SHI’s 48-Color Round Set delivers impressive pigment at a lower price. If you need a travel-ready tin case, Mont Marte’s Signature set protects your pastels on the road. If you want the absolute widest color variety, COLOUR BLOCK’s 80-color premium pick is hard to beat. And if you’re ready to invest in artist-grade quality, look at Sennelier, Schmincke, and Unison as your next upgrade.
The best soft pastel set for you depends on your surface, your subjects, and how you plan to use them. Start with one of the budget-friendly sets above, learn your style, and upgrade when you know which colors and textures matter most. Pastels reward practice, and any of these ten sets will give you a strong foundation to build on.