Starting with soft pastels can feel overwhelming. You want to enjoy drawing, but you’re unsure which set fits your needs.
There are many types of soft pastels, and each offers something a bit different. Some sets are made for blending and layering, others for bold color or fine details. Price ranges from affordable to premium, and sometimes more expensive sets do not mean easier use for beginners.
Some people prefer chalk pastels, while others find oil pastels smoother. You may wonder if you need extra colors, or worry about breakage and dust. It’s easy to get lost in the options.
This article will help you understand which features matter most for your first soft pastel set, so you can choose with confidence.
What Matters When Choosing Soft Pastels
Think about how you plan to use your pastels. If you want to blend and shade, softer textures help. For bigger projects, more colors can be useful. If you travel or sketch outdoors, packaging and stick durability matter. There’s no single right answer—just what suits your style.
The following products are grouped to show different kinds of soft pastels. Each option is suited to a specific need or preference. You’ll see sets for blending, for bold color, for safe handling, and for easy storage—so you can pick what fits you best.
Artecho Soft Oil Pastels Set
Best Soft Pastels for Beginners, perfect for students, hobbyists, and anyone starting out with pastel art.
The Artecho Soft Oil Pastels Set brings together 48 vibrant colors in a compact, easy-to-carry package. Designed to solve the challenge of limited color choices and messy storage, it offers a wide palette and tidy organization—each pastel has its own sleeve for protection.
If you’re looking for smooth blending and simple layering, the soft texture is a real bonus.
Using these pastels feels approachable and unintimidating, even for complete beginners. Blending colors is effortless, and the sticks won’t easily break or slip from their sleeves. Whether you’re sketching, experimenting, or making crafts, you can focus on creativity without worrying about cleanup or durability.
I found the portability especially handy for taking them to art classes.
- Strengths:
- Wide range of colors for creative exploration
- Soft texture makes blending easy
- Compact packaging with individual sleeves prevents breakage
- Non-toxic and safe for all ages
- Limitations:
- Oil pastels may feel slightly greasy for those used to chalk pastels
- No extra accessories included in the set
Who Will Benefit Most
If you’re starting out with pastel art and want a set that won’t overwhelm you, this Artecho kit is a safe bet. Beginners, students, and casual artists will appreciate the forgiving texture and the variety of colors. The packaging also makes it easy to transport without worrying about damage.
If you’re looking for professional-grade pastels or want chalky textures, you may wish to explore other options. For everyone else, this set removes the stress of color limitations and messy storage. My tip: keep the sleeves on each pastel as you work—they really help keep things neat and extend the life of each stick.
Rest assured, this set is designed with beginners in mind, so you can focus on creating and learning instead of worrying about your supplies.
Artecho 50pcs Soft Pastels Set
A top pick among the Best Soft Pastels for Beginners, this set is ideal for new artists, students, and anyone exploring pastel art for the first time.
The Artecho 50pcs Soft Pastels Set provides a wide range of vivid colors—48 distinct shades, plus extra black and white sticks—making it a versatile starter kit for beginners. These square chalk pastels are designed for easy blending, shading, and layering, allowing new artists to explore different techniques without frustration.
With its compact, travel-friendly packaging and individually slotted pastels, you don’t have to worry about breakage or losing pieces. The smooth, blendable texture makes it simple to create anything from bold strokes to delicate gradients, so you can focus on experimenting and learning rather than struggling with materials.
- Strengths: 48 vibrant colors plus 4 fluorescent options, break-resistant packaging, non-toxic for safe use, and suitable for a range of ages and skill levels.
- Limitations: As soft pastels, they can be a bit dusty—best used on a protected surface.
| Feature | Artecho 50pcs Set |
|---|---|
| Number of Colors | 48 + 4 fluorescent + 2 extra (black & white) |
| Pastel Shape | Square |
| Best For | Beginners, students, hobbyists |
Who Should Consider This Pastel Set?
If you’re just starting out with soft pastels or want a set that covers all the basics without being overwhelming, this Artecho kit is a smart choice. It takes away the guesswork for beginners by offering a useful range of colors and a forgiving, easy-to-blend formula.
Teachers and parents will appreciate the safe, non-toxic design, while anyone who wants to experiment with fluorescent effects under UV light will find extra creative potential.
However, if you’re looking for artist-grade pastels for advanced, professional work, you might want a higher-end set. For most newcomers, though, this set removes the stress of picking individual colors or dealing with messy, fragile sticks. Tip: keep a damp cloth handy to wipe your hands and surface—pastel dust is normal and part of the fun. With this set, you can explore, practice, and grow your skills with confidence.
Mungyo 64-color Soft Pastel Set
Best Soft Pastels for Beginners — Ideal for artists and hobbyists starting out with pastel drawing.
This set by MUNGYO offers 64 vibrant, blendable soft pastels in a square shape, perfect for anyone new to pastel art. It solves the common beginner struggle of finding a set that’s both affordable and easy to use, with the added assurance of being non-toxic thanks to its AP seal.
Using these pastels feels smooth and hassle-free, whether you’re blending, layering, or experimenting with dry-wash techniques. You can confidently explore pastel drawing without worrying about safety or difficult application—making your first art projects more enjoyable and less intimidating.
- Strengths:
- Wide range of colors for experimenting
- Non-toxic (AP certified) for peace of mind
- Square shape allows both broad strokes and fine lines
- Easy for blending and gradation techniques
- Limitations:
- No premium pigment quality; best for practice and learning
- Some colors may be softer and break if pressed hard
Is This Set Right For You?
If you’re a beginner who wants to try out soft pastels without investing in professional-grade supplies, this set is a reliable entry point. It’s designed for students, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to explore pastel techniques with minimal stress. The AP certification means you don’t have to worry about toxicity, which is especially helpful for younger artists or those working in shared spaces.
However, if you already have experience with pastels and are seeking intense pigment and archival quality, you may want to look at more specialized brands. For most new artists, though, this set will cover your needs without confusion. A practical tip: store the pastels in their original tray to prevent color mixing and accidental breakage. Starting with MUNGYO, you can confidently experiment, knowing you’re using a safe and versatile product.
Artecho Soft Oil Pastels Set
Among the Best Soft Pastels for Beginners, this Artecho set is ideal for aspiring artists, students, and anyone starting their pastel journey.
The Artecho Soft Oil Pastels Set offers 50 vibrant colors in a compact package, perfect for those new to pastel art. Its soft texture allows for easy blending and shading, making it a practical choice for beginners aiming to experiment with illustration, stenciling, or impasto techniques without frustration.
Using this set feels comfortable and intuitive—the pastels glide smoothly and each stick comes with its own paper sleeve to reduce breakage and mess. You’ll find confidence in the quality and ease of handling, whether you’re sketching at home or carrying the set to class.
- Strengths:
- Wide range of colors for creative exploration
- Soft, blendable texture ideal for learning and practice
- Individual sleeves help prevent damage
- Non-toxic and safe for all ages
- Limitations:
- Not as refined as higher-end artist pastels for professional work
- Some colors may produce dust if pressed too hard
Who Will Enjoy This Set?
If you’re beginning your pastel journey or want a reliable, colorful set for classroom or hobby use, Artecho’s pastels offer an easy start. They remove the stress of choosing colors or worrying about breakage, and give you confidence to experiment without fear.
Advanced artists seeking maximum pigment or performance may want a specialized set, but for most beginners, this pack brings convenience and peace of mind. Keep the sleeves on for extra durability, and enjoy the freedom to blend and play—your creative process will be smoother and more enjoyable.
Fantastory 72-color Soft Chalk Pastels Set
This set is one of the Best Soft Pastels for Beginners, ideal for novice artists, students, or anyone exploring chalk pastel techniques.
The Fantastory 72-Color Soft Chalk Pastels Set is a comprehensive kit designed to give beginners and hobbyists a wide range of vibrant colors, including unique fluorescent shades and extra white and black sticks for frequent use. With each pastel stick measuring 2.
5″ in length and a soft, blendable texture, this set solves the common problem of running out of essential colors too quickly and supports a variety of creative projects on paper, boards, and even sidewalks.
Using this set feels approachable, even if you’re new to pastels—each stick is easy to grip and glides smoothly for effortless blending and layering. The non-toxic, CE-certified formula means you can focus on experimenting and learning without worrying about safety, and the secure box storage keeps everything organized and reduces breakage.
- Why Beginners Like It: The large selection (70 colors plus 5 fluorescents) lets you practice techniques without feeling limited by your palette.
- Durability: Extra white and black pastels mean you won’t run out of the most-used shades during early practice sessions.
- Easy to Store & Gift: Each pastel is slotted in a presentation box, making it practical for classrooms and gifting alike.
- Versatile Surface Compatibility: Works smoothly on drawing paper, blackboards, and more—great for experimentation.
Is This The Right Set For You?
If you’re just starting out with soft pastels and want a generous, easy-to-use set that includes everything you’ll need for your first projects, Fantastory’s set is a solid option. Artists who want specialty effects (like blacklight-reactive colors) or who often run out of certain shades will appreciate these thoughtful extras.
The secure packaging also takes away the stress of broken pastels on arrival.
However, if you’re looking specifically for oil pastels or a professional-grade product for advanced techniques, you might want to look elsewhere. For most beginners, though, this set removes the guesswork—just open the box, pick a color, and start exploring. Remember to use gentle pressure for best blending, and enjoy the creative process knowing your materials are safe and reliable.
Meeden 72-color Soft Oil Pastels Set
A top pick for Best Soft Pastels for Beginners, this set is perfect for artists, students, and hobbyists looking for vibrant colors and easy blending.
The MEEDEN 72-Color Soft Oil Pastels Set offers a comprehensive range of vivid, blendable pastels designed to help beginners explore the world of color and shading. The soft texture makes it simple to layer, blend, and experiment with different techniques on various surfaces, making it a valuable toolkit for anyone just starting out in pastel art.
In day-to-day use, these pastels feel smooth and comfortable to handle, with each stick individually wrapped to keep things clean and organized. The wide color selection means you can jump right into sketching, blending, and creating artwork without feeling limited by your materials—giving you more freedom and less frustration as you learn.
- Strengths:
- Wide variety of 72 colors for creative flexibility
- Soft, smooth texture for easy blending and layering
- Non-toxic and odor-free, suitable for long sessions
- Individually wrapped to prevent mess and color transfer
- Excellent lightfastness for lasting artwork
- Limitations:
- Pastel size may be small for large-scale projects
- No carrying case included—store with care
Who Will Love This Set?
If you’re new to soft pastels and want a set that’s easy to use and forgiving, this MEEDEN kit is a reliable start. It’s well-suited for beginners, students, and anyone eager to experiment with color and blending without worrying about harsh chemicals or complicated cleanup.
However, if you’re looking for artist-grade pastels for professional exhibitions or very large-format pieces, you might want to consider sets with larger sticks or a higher pigment load.
This set takes the guesswork out of color selection and lets you focus on enjoying the creative process. A practical tip: keep a soft cloth nearby to wipe your hands and prevent accidental smudging. With MEEDEN’s approachable pastels, you can relax and learn at your own pace, knowing your colors will stay vibrant over time.
Mungyo 48-color Soft Oil Pastels Set
For anyone exploring Best Soft Pastels for Beginners, this set is ideal for artists seeking vibrant, blendable colors without the intimidation of complicated materials.
The Mungyo 48-Color Soft Oil Pastels Set offers a wide range of assorted, vibrant colors in a compact package. Designed to simplify color selection and blending, this set is great for beginners who want to experiment with pastel techniques without feeling overwhelmed.
The pastels are soft and oil-based, making them easy to layer and mix for rich, expressive artwork.
With each pastel stick, you get reliable color payoff that glides smoothly on paper. The compact box is easy to carry and store, and the colors are consistent and blendable, helping you build confidence as you learn. Whether you’re starting out or practicing techniques, you’ll find these pastels forgiving and enjoyable to use.
- Strengths:
- 48 unique colors for creative exploration
- Soft texture helps beginners blend easily
- Compact packaging for easy storage
- Ideal for sketching, layering, and experimenting
- Possible Limitations:
- No additional accessories included (just pastels)
- Oil-based formula may require specific paper for best results
Should You Choose This Pastel Set?
If you’re a beginner who wants to dive into soft pastels without worrying about picking the right colors or struggling with blending, this set will suit you perfectly. It’s also a good choice for students and hobbyists who prefer an accessible, straightforward product.
The reliable texture removes the stress of uneven coverage, letting you focus more on your creativity.
Artists who require specialty pastels or more advanced tools may want to look elsewhere, but for most new users, Mungyo’s set will simplify your learning curve. A practical tip: try a textured pastel paper for best results and easier blending. Rest assured, this set is friendly enough for first-timers and robust enough for practice sessions.
Lightwish 72-color Soft Pastels Set
A top pick among Best Soft Pastels for Beginners, ideal for anyone starting out or looking to expand their creative palette.
The LIGHTWISH 72-Color Soft Pastels Set offers an extensive range of vibrant, highly pigmented pastel sticks specifically designed for artists and beginners. With its wide color selection and blendable, buttery consistency, it solves the common challenge of achieving smooth gradients and bold hues without gritty texture or frustration.
Using this set feels intuitive and rewarding—colors glide onto the paper, layer easily, and blend seamlessly for both simple sketches and more advanced artwork. The sturdy packaging ensures each pastel arrives intact, so you can focus on creativity rather than worrying about broken sticks or missing shades.
- Strengths:
- 72 distinct colors for maximum creative flexibility
- Rich, vivid pigments that cover well
- Smooth texture ideal for blending and layering
- Durable sticks and secure case minimize breakage
- Non-toxic formulation suitable for all ages
- Consider if:
- You want a versatile set for portraits, landscapes, or abstracts
- You prefer easy blending without gritty residue
- You need reliable pastels for practice and finished work
Who Should Choose This Pastel Set?
If you’re new to soft pastels or looking for a full spectrum set that covers all the basics and more, LIGHTWISH is a stress-free starting point. It’s especially good for learners who want dependable colors and textures that won’t hold back their experimentation.
Skip this set if you only need a few colors or prefer very hard pastels for fine, crisp lines. Otherwise, it’s a reliable option that removes the guesswork and worry from your art supply choices. My tip: keep the pastels in their case between sessions—this keeps them safe and ready for whenever inspiration strikes.
With LIGHTWISH, you can relax knowing your tools are designed for both exploration and improvement, making the creative process smoother and more enjoyable.
Ha Shi Soft Chalk Pastels, 24 Colors
One of the Best Soft Pastels for Beginners, this set is ideal for adult newcomers as well as artists looking for versatile, reliable color for their creative projects.
The HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels set offers 24 vibrant colors in long, easy-to-hold sticks, giving beginners and advanced users alike a solid foundation for exploring soft pastel art. The pastels are crafted from high-quality pigments with a soft texture, making color blending effortless and expressive even with a gentle touch.
These pastels are comfortable to use, thanks to their extended length and thoughtful design—perfect for both broad strokes and fine details. The non-toxic formula and included sponge-wrapped packaging add extra peace of mind, whether you’re working at home, in a studio, or even experimenting with creative nail art.
- What stands out:
- Versatile use on paper, art boards, and textured surfaces
- Soft texture for easy blending and gradients
- Non-toxic and safe for beginners
- Durable design minimizes breakage
- Creative bonus: can be used for unique nail art applications
- Considerations:
- Not ideal if you need a wide range beyond 24 colors
- Best for those interested in both art and craft uses
Is This The Right Pastel Set For You?
If you’re just starting out with soft pastels and want a product that’s forgiving, vibrant, and flexible, this HA SHI set covers all the basics and then some. It’s especially helpful for beginners who want to try multiple surfaces or even dabble in creative nail art without worrying about toxic ingredients or breakage.
More experienced artists may desire a larger palette, but for most newcomers and hobbyists, these 24 colors are more than enough for learning techniques and building confidence. My tip: always use a fixative spray to preserve your finished artwork, and store the pastels in their original packaging to keep them safe between sessions. No need to stress—these pastels are designed to make your art journey smoother and more enjoyable, right from the start.
Colour Block 100 Soft Pastels Set
Best Soft Pastels for Beginners looking for a complete palette, ideal for students, hobbyists, and aspiring artists who want organized, vibrant color options.
This set is a comprehensive collection of 100 soft pastels in a sturdy wooden box, designed to solve the frustration of limited color choices for those new to pastel drawing. The highly pigmented colors are easy to blend and layer, giving beginners a versatile range for experimenting with techniques and styles.
In practice, these pastels feel smooth and reliable, helping you focus on creativity rather than cleanup or organization. Each stick is wrapped and labeled, which makes selecting and tidying up colors simple—so you can spend less time searching and more time drawing with confidence.
- Strengths:
- Wide color selection for diverse projects
- Durable box protects and organizes pastels
- Minimized dust for a cleaner workspace
- Standard size and paper-wrapped for easy use
- Limitations:
- Large set may be more than needed for absolute beginners
- Box is not highly portable for travel sketching
Is This Pastel Set Right For You?
If you’re ready to explore a broad spectrum of colors and want a stress-free way to keep your art supplies tidy, this set is an excellent choice. Beginners and students who value variety and organization will appreciate the thoughtful design and dust-minimized formula.
However, if you only need a few basic colors or prefer compact kits for on-the-go art, this large set may be more than you need.
Don’t be intimidated by the number of colors—start small, experiment, and gradually expand your palette as you grow more confident. The wooden box and labeled wrappers make it easy to stay organized, so you can focus on learning and enjoying your creative journey.
Lightwish 36-color Soft Pastels Set
Best Soft Pastels for Beginners seeking a versatile, vibrant set for portraits, figures, and creative sketching.
LIGHTWISH’s 36-Color Soft Pastels Set offers a comprehensive range of artist-grade pastel sticks, designed to help beginners and hobbyists create lifelike portraits and vibrant sketches. With a focus on natural skin tone shades and highly pigmented color, this set solves the common challenge of achieving realistic blends and tones in figure drawing and shading.
In real use, these pastels feel smooth and buttery, making blending and layering intuitive for those just starting out. The sticks are sturdy and come in a protective case, so you can focus on your art without worrying about breakage or color gaps—giving you the confidence to experiment and learn at your own pace.
- Strengths:
- Rich pigment for bold, vivid results
- Wide variety of 36 curated skin tones
- Soft, blendable texture ideal for learning techniques
- Durable sticks that resist crumbling
- Secure, organized packaging for easy transport and storage
- Limitations:
- Primarily tailored to portrait and skin tone work—less variety for landscapes or non-figurative art
- Large set size may be more than needed for absolute beginners
Is This The Right Pastel Set For You?
If you’re a beginner wanting to explore portrait drawing, skin tones, or figure sketching, this LIGHTWISH set makes getting started much less overwhelming. You won’t have to mix colors endlessly or struggle with chalky, hard pastels that don’t blend—the colors here are thoughtfully selected and easy to work with, so you can focus on learning and expressing your ideas.
However, if your main interest is landscapes or abstract work, you might find the skin tone emphasis less useful. For new artists, a practical tip is to use the sturdy case to keep your pastels organized and safe—this avoids frustration from broken sticks and lost colors. Relax knowing that this set is designed for beginners: it’s forgiving, reliable, and ready to grow with your skills.
Artecho 24 Soft Oil Pastels Set
Best Soft Pastels for Beginners, ideal for students, hobbyists, and anyone starting out with pastel art.
The Artecho 24 Soft Oil Pastels Set offers a versatile range of brilliant colors, making it a solid choice for beginners who want to experiment with art painting, drawing, and blending. The soft touch and easy blending effect simplify shading and illustration work, so you don’t have to worry about learning complicated techniques right away.
Each pastel comes in a sturdy paper sleeve, which keeps them safe from breaking and allows you to carry them in any bag without hassle. Whether you’re a student, a hobbyist, or just curious about pastels, the set feels user-friendly and reliable—giving you confidence to try new styles or just enjoy creative play.
- Strengths:
- 24 vibrant colors for varied artwork
- Soft texture for easy blending and shading
- Individual sleeves prevent breakage
- Compact packaging for portability
- Non-toxic and safe for all ages
- Limitations:
- Pastels are not dust-free, so some mess is expected
- May not suit advanced artists seeking professional-grade pigments
Who Will Enjoy This Pastel Set?
If you’re a beginner, student, or casual artist, this set is designed to make your entry into pastel art simple and stress-free. It’s a practical option for those who want to try blending and drawing without worrying about breakage or toxicity.
Advanced artists might prefer a higher pigment concentration, but for most new users, the Artecho set removes the confusion of where to start.
Try using a piece of paper under your hand to keep your artwork clean as you work. There’s no need to stress about complicated art supplies—this set gives you everything you need to begin, with the reassurance that you can learn at your own pace and enjoy creative progress.
How To Approach Choosing Soft Pastels For Beginners
Consider what types of art you want to create and where you’ll be working. Think about your comfort level with blending, layering, and handling soft pastels. Decide if you prefer a wide color range or a simpler set to start.
Think about cleanup and how much dust you’re willing to deal with. Let your goals and habits guide your decision, not just the size of the set.
Common Mistakes And Who May Want To Skip Soft Pastels
- If you dislike pigment dust or want a clean workspace, these may frustrate you.
- If you need waterproof, smudge-proof results, soft pastels are not ideal.
- Those with allergies or sensitivity to fine powders may want to avoid these.
- Anyone expecting results similar to colored pencils or markers may be disappointed by the texture and blending style.
- If you rarely work on textured paper, pastels may not perform well for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Soft Pastels For Beginners
Are Soft Pastels Messy To Use?
Soft pastels create dust and can leave residue on hands and surfaces. Using them on a protected table and washing hands helps manage the mess.
Is There A Difference Between Chalk Pastels And Oil Pastels?
Yes, chalk pastels are drier and more powdery, while oil pastels are creamier and less dusty. Each type blends and layers differently.
Do I Need Special Paper For Soft Pastels?
Textured paper works best to hold the pigment. Smooth paper may not allow pastels to adhere or blend well.
Can Beginners Use Large Sets, Or Is It Better To Start Small?
Either can work, but smaller sets reduce overwhelm. Large sets offer more color choice but can feel complicated for new users.
Are Soft Pastels Suitable For Children?
Some sets are labeled non-toxic, but adult supervision is still recommended. The dust and breakable sticks may not suit very young kids.
How Do I Keep My Artwork From Smudging?
Use a spray fixative to help preserve your work. Handle finished pieces gently and store them flat when possible.
What If I Have A Sensitivity To Art Materials?
Check for non-toxic certifications before purchase. Work in a well-ventilated area and consider wearing a mask if you have dust concerns.
Finding Your Fit With Soft Pastels
Choosing the right soft pastels set is about knowing your preferences for blending, color variety, and workspace needs. Each option has strengths, but your comfort with pastel handling and cleanup matters most.
Trust your instincts and let your creative habits lead your choice. There’s a set that fits your style, and it’s fine to start simple or explore more as you grow. The right supplies will feel natural in your process.
