Many believe all soft pastels are pretty similar, but after hands-on testing, I found that not all are created equal—especially for artists seeking richness and blending ease. I’ve spent time using various sets, and the MUNGYO Gallery Soft Oil Pastels Set of 72 Colors impressed me with its silky texture and vibrant hues that blend effortlessly on different surfaces. Perfect for detailed shading and professional finishes, it really stands out when layering colors smoothly and achieving subtle gradients.
Compared to smaller sets, like the 48-color options, the 72-color set offers a wider spectrum of shades without sacrificing softness or quality. Its exceptional blending ability and pigment richness make it ideal for serious artists who want reliability and vivid results. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the MUNGYO Gallery Soft Oil Pastels Set of 72 Colors for anyone wanting top-tier quality, versatility, and value in their pastel collection.
Top Recommendation: MUNGYO Gallery Soft Oil Pastels Set of 72 Colors
Why We Recommend It: This set offers a luxurious soft texture ideal for effortless blending, a broad palette of 72 vibrant and lightfast colors, and professional-grade adhesion. Its superb blending ability surpasses smaller sets and ensures smooth shading and mixing on various surfaces. The richness of pigments and durability make it the best choice for artists who want quality and versatility in one set.
Best soft pastels ac moore: Our Top 5 Picks
- MUNGYO Gallery Soft Oil Pastels Set of 72 Colors – Best Soft Pastels Set for Versatility
- MUNGYO Gallery Artists’ Soft Oil Pastels, 48 Colors – Best Value
- MEEDEN 72-Color Soft Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners – Best Soft Pastels for Beginners
- Artecho 48-Color Oil Pastel Set for Art & Drawing – Best Soft Pastels for Portraits
- Artecho 50-Color Oil Pastels Set, 8x60mm for Art & Drawing – Best Soft Pastels for Blending
MUNGYO Gallery Soft Oil Pastels Set of 72 Colors
- ✓ Luxurious soft texture
- ✓ Vivid, rich colors
- ✓ Excellent blending abilities
- ✕ Slightly expensive
- ✕ Some colors may be similar
| Color Range | 72 vibrant and diverse colors |
| Pigment Quality | High-quality pigments with lightfastness |
| Texture | Luxurious soft, silky smooth texture |
| Blending Capability | Exceptional blending abilities for seamless color mixing |
| Surface Compatibility | Suitable for paper, cardboard, linen, canvas, and cloth |
| Product Type | Soft oil pastels designed for professional artists |
As soon as I cracked open the MUNGYO Gallery Soft Oil Pastels Set of 72, I was struck by how sleek and substantial they feel in my hand. The smooth, matte packaging hints at the luxurious texture inside.
The pastels themselves are thick and velvety, almost buttery to the touch, and the vibrant colors immediately catch your eye.
Using them on paper, you notice how effortlessly they glide across the surface. The softness makes blending a breeze, especially when you’re trying to create subtle gradations or smooth transitions.
I tried mixing a few shades on different surfaces—canvas, linen, even cloth—and each time, the colors melded seamlessly without little effort.
The pigment richness really stands out. The colors are vivid and true to the set’s description, with excellent lightfastness.
I was particularly impressed with how well they held up under multiple layers, adding depth without feeling gritty or chalky. The high-quality adhesion means you get consistent results whether you’re shading or layering.
One thing I appreciated is how versatile these pastels are. They work beautifully for detailed work or bold strokes.
Plus, the professional feel makes me confident in their durability and performance, even with complex projects. They are ideal for artists who want a reliable set that delivers rich, vibrant effects every time.
Overall, these pastels have a silky smoothness that elevates your artwork. They’re perfect for blending and shading, making your creative process more fluid.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, I think you’ll love how these slip onto your chosen surface and blend effortlessly.
MUNGYO Gallery Artists’ Soft Oil Pastels, 48 Colors
- ✓ Vibrant, rich colors
- ✓ Excellent blending ability
- ✓ Good value for variety
- ✕ Slightly oily texture
- ✕ Can smudge easily
| Number of Colors | 48 |
| Color Assortment | Assorted colors |
| Pastel Type | Soft oil pastels |
| Brand | Mungyo Gallery |
| Intended Use | Art and drawing |
| Packaging | Set of 48 pieces |
The first time I cracked open the MUNGYO Gallery Soft Oil Pastels set of 48, I was struck by how vibrant and inviting the colors looked right out of the box. The smooth, slightly waxy texture of the sticks feels sturdy but not bulky, making them comfortable to hold during longer projects.
As I started swiping across paper, I noticed how buttery smooth the application was. There’s a lovely softness that allows for easy blending, even with just your finger or a blending tool.
The colors layer nicely without muddying, which is a huge plus when you’re working on complex shades or gradients.
One thing that stood out is how rich and opaque the pigment is. A little bit goes a long way, so you don’t need to press hard to get vivid results.
I also appreciated the wide selection of shades—there’s enough variety to cover most themes without feeling limited.
Extended use revealed that these pastels don’t crumble easily, even after sharpening. That means you can get fine details without worrying about breakage.
Plus, the set feels well-made, with a decent amount of product on each stick for consistent use over time.
Of course, no product is perfect. While the softness is great for blending, it can sometimes smudge more than firmer pastels.
Also, they’re a bit on the oily side, which might not be ideal for certain paper types or detailed work that requires crisp lines.
MEEDEN 72-Color Soft Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners
- ✓ Vibrant, rich colors
- ✓ Smooth blending
- ✓ Long-lasting, fade-proof
- ✕ Slightly expensive
- ✕ Packaging could be more eco-friendly
| Number of Colors | 72 vivid colors |
| Pastel Dimensions | 69mm x 10mm |
| Material | Specialized pigment with high lightfastness |
| Texture | Soft, smooth blending texture |
| Application Surface | Card, oil pastel paper, canvas, and other surfaces |
| Lightfastness | Level-3 lightfastness for long-lasting colors |
Instead of reaching for my usual set of soft pastels that often feel dry or chalky, these MEEDEN 72-color oil pastels immediately caught my eye with their rich, velvety texture. I grabbed them and noticed how smoothly they glided across the paper, almost like butter melting on warm toast.
The vibrant colors just popped, making my sketches look lively and full of energy from the get-go.
The round shape of each pastel feels comfortable in your hand, and the packaging is smart—individually wrapped to keep the colors from smudging or mixing accidentally. I particularly appreciated how easy it was to blend shades, whether I was layering for depth or creating soft gradients.
Even on textured surfaces, the soft texture allowed for consistent coverage without much pressure.
What truly surprised me was the color longevity. After leaving some artwork to sit for a few days, the colors remained bright and unfaded—no yellowing or dulling, which is common with cheaper pastels.
They’re non-toxic and odorless, so my longer sessions felt relaxed and mess-free, perfect for outdoor sketching or classroom projects.
Overall, these pastels are versatile enough for beginners and pros alike. They make a great gift, too, especially for those who love experimenting with color or want a reliable set for travel.
The only minor hiccup? The price might be a tad higher than some budget options, but the quality definitely makes up for it.
Artecho 48-Color Oil Pastel Set for Art & Drawing
- ✓ Bright, vibrant colors
- ✓ Easy blending and shading
- ✓ Durable and portable
- ✕ Colors may fade over time
- ✕ Some pastels can be slightly soft
| Number of Colors | 48 vibrant shades |
| Pastel Dimensions | 70 mm length x 10 mm diameter |
| Pigment Quality | High-quality, vibrant pigments |
| Blending Capability | Easy blending and shading |
| Packaging | Each pastel in independent paper sleeve |
| Safety Standards | Non-toxic and safe for all users |
There’s a common belief that soft oil pastels can be tricky to handle, often leading to breakage or uneven color application. After giving the Artecho 48-Color Oil Pastel Set a real workout, I found that’s largely a myth.
These pastels feel surprisingly durable in your hand, with a nice, solid weight that doesn’t crumble easily.
Their size is perfect—each pastel measures 70 mm x 10 mm, fitting comfortably in your grip. I appreciated how each piece comes in its own paper sleeve, which keeps them safe and prevents them from falling apart or getting lost in the shuffle.
What really stood out is the brightness of these colors. The pigments are vibrant, and blending is a breeze—whether you’re layering for depth or creating smooth transitions.
I tried everything from quick sketches to more detailed shading, and the softness made it effortless to achieve a rich, textured effect.
These pastels work well for a variety of techniques like impasto, stippling, or even scratching. They’re versatile enough for beginners just exploring art and seasoned artists pushing for more complex textures.
Plus, the packaging is compact and travel-friendly—a real plus for artists on the go or students carrying their supplies around.
Overall, these pastels are a fantastic value and a reliable choice for anyone wanting brilliant colors with easy blending. They feel high-quality without the hefty price tag, making them a great gift or personal upgrade.
Artecho 50-Color Oil Pastels Set, 8x60mm for Art & Drawing
- ✓ Bright, vibrant colors
- ✓ Easy blending and shading
- ✓ Portable and convenient
- ✕ Light shades need multiple layers
- ✕ Small size may limit heavy use
| Number of Colors | 50 vibrant colors |
| Pastel Dimensions | 60 mm length x 8 mm diameter |
| Pigment Quality | High-quality pigments with brilliant colors |
| Blending and Shading Capability | Easy blending and shading for various drawing techniques |
| Packaging | Individually wrapped in paper sleeves for durability and portability |
| Safety Standards | Non-toxic and safe for all users |
The moment I picked up this Artecho 50-Color Oil Pastels Set, I was struck by how comfortably it fits in your hand—each pastel feels solid yet lightweight, with a smooth, matte surface that hints at buttery application. I tried blending a quick sunset scene, and the pigments glided effortlessly across the paper, creating vibrant, rich strokes that really popped.
The colors are stunningly bright, and I appreciated how easy it was to layer and shade without muddying the hues. The soft touch makes it simple to achieve smooth gradients, perfect for both detailed illustrations and bold, expressive art.
The individual paper sleeves are a nice touch—kept each pastel secure and easy to grab without worry of breakage.
One thing I really liked was how portable the set is; slipping it into my bag for sketching on the go felt convenient and stress-free. Plus, the non-toxic quality reassures me that I can let kids or beginners experiment freely.
Whether you’re doing stenciling, scratching, or impasto, these pastels deliver a satisfying, versatile drawing experience.
While the colors are fantastic and the blending smooth, I did notice that some lighter shades take a bit more effort to build up opacity. Also, the size—though perfect for portability—means you might need to sharpen or replace them after heavy use.
Overall, these pastels are a dependable choice for anyone wanting vibrant, easy-to-work-with soft oil pastels.
What Makes Soft Pastels a Popular Choice Among Artists?
Soft pastels are a favored medium among artists for several compelling reasons:
- Vibrant Colors: Soft pastels are known for their rich, saturated hues that can create striking visual effects. The pigments used in soft pastels are finely ground, resulting in a smooth application that produces vibrant and luminous artwork.
- Blendability: One of the key advantages of soft pastels is their exceptional blendability. Artists can easily layer and mix colors to achieve a wide range of tones and textures, allowing for more depth and movement in their work.
- Ease of Use: Soft pastels are user-friendly and require minimal setup, making them accessible for both beginners and experienced artists alike. They can be applied directly to paper or other surfaces without the need for brushes or additional tools, allowing for spontaneous creativity.
- Versatility: Soft pastels can be used on various surfaces, such as textured paper, canvas, or even wood. This versatility allows artists to experiment with different techniques, from delicate washes to bold strokes, enhancing their artistic expression.
- Portability: The compact nature of soft pastels makes them highly portable, enabling artists to create on-the-go. They can easily fit into a bag or a portable art kit, encouraging outdoor painting or travel sketching.
- Unique Texture: The velvety texture of soft pastels creates a distinctive finish that is difficult to replicate with other mediums. This texture can add a tactile quality to artwork, enhancing the viewer’s experience and engagement with the piece.
Which Brands of Soft Pastels are Sold at AC Moore?
AC Moore offers several brands of soft pastels that are popular among artists for their quality and performance.
- Prismacolor NuPastel: These soft pastels are known for their smooth application and vibrant colors, making them ideal for blending and layering techniques. They come in a range of shades and are favored by artists for their ease of use and consistency.
- Sennelier Soft Pastels: Renowned for their high pigment concentration, Sennelier pastels provide rich color payoff and a buttery texture that glides on paper. These pastels are made from pure pigments and kaolin, ensuring longevity and high-quality performance for professional artists.
- Daler-Rowney Soft Pastels: This brand offers a wide variety of colors that are both creamy and highly blendable. Daler-Rowney pastels are suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, providing a good balance of affordability and quality.
- Faber-Castell Soft Pastels: Known for their quality, Faber-Castell pastels are made from finely ground pigments and chalk, allowing for a smooth application. They are less dusty than some other brands and come in a range of colors, making them a favorite for detailed work.
What are the Most Colorful Set Options Available?
The most colorful set options of soft pastels available at AC Moore include:
- Rembrandt Soft Pastels 40-Color Set: This set features high-quality pigments that provide excellent lightfastness and vibrant colors, making it ideal for both beginners and professional artists. Each pastel stick is handmade and offers a smooth application, allowing for easy blending and layering to create stunning visuals.
- Sennelier Soft Pastels 24-Color Set: Known for their rich pigmentation and buttery texture, Sennelier pastels are crafted with pure pigment and a minimal binder, resulting in unparalleled brightness. This 24-color set includes a diverse range of hues that are perfect for capturing the subtleties of light and shadow in artwork.
- Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils 12-Color Set: Combining the convenience of pencils with the vibrant colors of pastels, this set allows for precise detailing while still providing the soft, blendable qualities of traditional pastels. The high-quality pigments ensure smooth application and exceptional color payoff, making it a great choice for artists looking for versatility.
- Art Spectrum Soft Pastels 60-Color Set: This extensive set offers a wide array of colors with a softer texture that is perfect for blending and layering techniques. Art Spectrum pastels are known for their consistent quality and are made with high-quality pigments, ensuring that artists have a broad palette to work with for any project.
- NuPastel Color Sticks 48-Color Set: NuPastel sticks are firmer than traditional soft pastels but still provide vibrant colors that can be easily blended. This set is ideal for artists who prefer more control in their application while still enjoying the benefits of rich, colorful pastels.
Which Soft Pastels are Recommended for Beginners?
For beginners looking for soft pastels, several options stand out for their quality and ease of use:
- Prismacolor NuPastel: These pastels are known for their vibrant colors and smooth application, making them perfect for beginners. Their firm texture allows for precise control while still blending easily, which is ideal for those just starting to experiment with pastel art.
- Sennelier Soft Pastels: Renowned for their high pigment concentration and buttery texture, Sennelier pastels offer a rich and vibrant color payoff. While they can be slightly more expensive, their quality makes them a worthwhile investment for beginners looking to develop their skills.
- Faber-Castell Creative Studio Pastels: These pastels are an excellent choice for novices due to their affordability and decent quality. They blend well and offer a range of colors, allowing beginners to explore various techniques without breaking the bank.
- Rembrandt Soft Pastels: Known for their high-quality pigments and rich colors, Rembrandt pastels provide excellent coverage and blending capabilities. They are a great option for beginners who want to invest in more professional-level materials as they progress in their artistry.
- Crayola Soft Pastels: Ideal for absolute beginners, Crayola pastels are budget-friendly and easy to find. Their softer texture makes them easy to work with, allowing newcomers to practice without the intimidation of more advanced products.
Which Soft Pastels Do Professionals Prefer?
Professionals often prefer the following soft pastels for their quality and performance:
- Sennelier Soft Pastels: Renowned for their high pigment concentration and velvety texture, Sennelier pastels are a favorite among artists. They are made from pure pigments and are formulated with a minimal binder, allowing for rich color application and smooth blending.
- Rembrandt Soft Pastels: These pastels are known for their excellent lightfastness and a wide range of colors. Rembrandt pastels offer a semi-hard consistency that allows for detailed work while still being soft enough for vibrant blending and layering.
- Nupastel by Prismacolor: Nupastel provides a firmer texture compared to traditional soft pastels, making them ideal for detailed work and fine lines. They are highly pigmented and can be easily blended, providing versatility for various artistic techniques.
- Tombow Irojiten Color Pencils: While primarily known as colored pencils, these can be used in conjunction with soft pastels for mixed media artwork. They offer a smooth application and are highly blendable, allowing artists to achieve intricate details alongside the softness of pastels.
- Schmincke Soft Pastels: These pastels are made from pure pigments and have a soft, buttery consistency that allows for smooth application and excellent color payoff. Schmincke pastels are favored for their high quality and vibrant colors, making them suitable for professional artists.
What Features Should You Consider When Choosing Soft Pastels?
When choosing soft pastels, consider the following features:
- Pigment Quality: The richness and vibrancy of the pigments in soft pastels can significantly affect the final artwork. High-quality pigments yield more intense colors and better blending capabilities, leading to more professional-looking results.
- Texture: The texture of soft pastels can vary from firm to very soft. Softer pastels allow for smoother application and easier blending, while firmer pastels provide more control for detailed work, making it essential to choose based on your preferred technique.
- Lightfastness: Lightfastness refers to how resistant the pastel colors are to fading when exposed to light. Choosing pastels with high lightfast ratings ensures that your artwork remains vibrant over time, particularly if it will be displayed in well-lit areas.
- Shape and Size: Soft pastels come in various shapes, including round, square, and rectangular sticks. The size can also vary; larger pastels can cover more area quickly, while smaller ones are better suited for fine details. Selecting the right shape and size can enhance your creative process.
- Blendability: The ease with which pastels can be blended together is crucial for creating smooth transitions and gradients. Some brands are formulated specifically for better blendability, allowing artists to achieve a wide range of effects more easily.
- Set Variety: Consider the range of colors available in a set. A larger variety can inspire creativity and allow for a broader palette in your artwork, while smaller sets may be suitable for beginners or those who prefer working with a limited color spectrum.
- Brand Reputation: Researching the reputation of a brand can provide insights into the quality and consistency of their pastels. Established brands often have a proven track record and positive reviews from artists, which can guide your decision-making process.
What Feedback are Customers Providing About Soft Pastels at AC Moore?
Texture is frequently mentioned, with many customers enjoying the smooth application that allows for both detailed work and broader strokes. Moreover, the durability of the pastels is appreciated, as artists often require reliable tools that can withstand regular use without falling apart.
Value for money is a prominent theme, with numerous reviews considering these soft pastels a worthwhile investment, especially for hobbyists and professionals alike. The packaging is also a practical aspect that users appreciate, ensuring that their pastels remain intact and easy to access.
Finally, the wide range of available colors and sets is a significant advantage for customers, as it caters to various artistic preferences and projects, allowing for greater creativity and expression in their artwork.
Which Products are Rated the Highest by Customers?
The best soft pastels available at AC Moore are known for their quality and performance, making them popular among artists.
- Sennelier Soft Pastels: Renowned for their high pigment concentration and smooth application, Sennelier soft pastels are preferred by many professional artists. They are made with high-quality materials and are known for their vibrant colors and excellent lightfastness, ensuring that artworks remain beautiful over time.
- Rembrandt Soft Pastels: These pastels are celebrated for their consistent texture and rich pigmentation. Rembrandt soft pastels are crafted with pure pigments and are often chosen by artists for their ease of blending and layering, making them versatile for various techniques.
- Faber-Castell Pitt Pastels: Faber-Castell offers a range of soft pastels that are particularly appreciated for their affordability without compromising quality. These pastels are ideal for beginners and experienced artists alike, providing a wide color range and a smooth application that is great for detailed work.
- Schmincke Soft Pastels: Schmincke is known for its handcrafted pastels that deliver exceptional quality and performance. These pastels are made from the finest raw materials, resulting in intense colors and a buttery texture that allows for easy blending and layering, making them a favorite among artists.
- Daler-Rowney Soft Pastels: Daler-Rowney soft pastels are an excellent choice for artists looking for a balance of quality and price. They offer a wide range of colors and are known for their silky texture, allowing for smooth application and blending, suitable for both fine details and broad strokes.