When I first started coloring, I chose colored pencils. They fit my budget and seemed easier to use. I also thought I’d have a better chance of fixing a mistake if I made one. That felt reassuring when I was just getting started.
After trying a few different sets, I quickly realized how much the quality of my pencils affected my enjoyment. A tip that keeps breaking every time you sharpen it gets frustrating. And when the color still looks pale after several layers, your page doesn’t always turn out the way you imagined.
What I look for now is a reliable core and rich color that brings out the best in my coloring pages. I want to make the details stand out, add depth, and enjoy watching the picture take shape.
If you also enjoy using markers alongside your pencils, you can explore my favorite markers for adult coloring books.
Each pencil set I’ve tried has something different to offer. Here are my five favorites, what I enjoy about each one, and why you might enjoy them too.
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1. Faber-Castell Polychromos: My Everyday Favorites for Detail and Depth
Polychromos are the colored pencils I reach for most often.
The first thing I appreciate is how well the core holds up. I can sharpen a pencil to work on a tiny detail without the tip constantly breaking. When you color regularly, that makes a real difference.
I also love how the colors bring out the details in a page. I can deepen a shadow, define the edge of a petal, or give a leaf more dimension.
The color builds gradually as I add layers. That gives me time to adjust the shading and develop the different tones without rushing.
This is what keeps me coming back to them: I can take a simple area of color and turn it into something much more interesting.
An Investment I Feel Good About
Polychromos cost more than a basic set, but I think they offer excellent value for the quality. They’re dependable pencils that I enjoy using again and again.
If you color often and want a set you can keep using as your skills develop, these are the ones I’d recommend without hesitation.
2. Prismacolor Premier: Beautiful, Rich Colors—with a Little Practice
When I tried Prismacolor Premier, the colors immediately caught my attention. They were rich, vibrant, and made me want to experiment with different combinations.
But I also had to adjust the way I colored.
The core feels softer and creamier, and I found that smooth shading required a lighter touch. If you tend to press hard on your pencils, you may need a little practice controlling the pressure.
For me, there was a learning curve. That’s why they wouldn’t be my personal first choice for someone just starting out. I prefer recommending a beginner set that feels comfortable to use right away.
If you already enjoy coloring and want to explore a softer pencil with gorgeous, intense color, though, Prismacolor Premier is well worth considering.
I really liked the results once I became more comfortable with them.
3. Staedtler 146C: The Set I Recommend for Getting Started
At the very beginning, my cousin lent me her Staedtler pencils.
I needed guidance too. I wanted to try good colored pencils, but I had no idea which ones to choose.
For getting started, I think these are a great option. The core feels neither too soft nor too hard, and I found it easy to create gradual shading.
They gave me a chance to get comfortable, learn how much pressure to use, and start experimenting with different tones.
The 72-color set also offers plenty of choice. Different greens for leaves, pinks for flowers, and enough variety to try new combinations without feeling limited.
A Good Starting Point Without a Big Investment
What I appreciate about these pencils is the combination of quality, ease of use, and value.
If you’re looking for your first set of colored pencils for adult coloring, this is one I’d happily recommend.
One detail to check before ordering: the Staedtler 146C pencils I’m referring to are regular colored pencils, not watercolor pencils, even though there’s a paintbrush pictured on the tin. Use them dry, without adding water.
4. Derwent Inktense: Rich Color, Used Dry or with Water
With Derwent Inktense, I can start with the familiar feel of a pencil and then try watercolor-like effects whenever I feel like it.
That flexibility is what I enjoy about them. I use them both dry and with a damp brush.
Used dry, the colors are already beautiful and intense. I enjoy blending the shades, and I also use a blender pencil to soften the transitions between colors.
Adding water gives me another way to work on a page. For me, it’s an enjoyable way to explore painting effects while still starting with a pencil.
What I Love Most: Adding Layers Without Disturbing the Color Underneath
Inktense pencils have a feature I find especially useful: once the color has been fully dissolved with water and has dried completely, it becomes permanent.
That means another pass with a damp brush won’t reactivate that fully dissolved, dried layer.
I can add a shadow or a glaze—a thin, transparent layer of color—while keeping the first layer in place.
It gives me more ways to build depth and try different effects with the same set.
I’d recommend Inktense if you want to experiment beyond dry pencil coloring. Just make sure you use paper suitable for wet media when you add water.
5. Caran d’Ache Luminance: The Pencils I Kept Thinking About After Trying Them
I tried Caran d’Ache Luminance at the 2025 creative arts event at Boesner Bordeaux, an art supply store in France.
And I loved coloring with them.
What struck me first was the coverage. During my trial, the color went down beautifully from the first pass. I didn’t have to keep going over the same area to get a result I liked.
The shades were gorgeous, and the core felt so pleasant on the paper.
These are premium Swiss colored pencils, and that short trial helped me understand their appeal. I enjoyed applying the color just as much as seeing the result.
A Special Treat—with a Premium Price
Luminance pencils come with a substantial price tag.
I see them as a special purchase for someone who already loves coloring and wants to treat themselves to a premium set.
My opinion here is based on that hands-on trial, rather than everyday use at home. But the experience made enough of an impression for them to earn a place in my selection.
Some pencils are easy to put back after trying them. With these, I found myself wishing I could take them home.
Which Colored Pencils Should You Choose for Adult Coloring?
Here’s how I’d choose between these five sets based on my experience.
| Colored pencils | What I enjoy most | Who I’d recommend them for | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faber-Castell Polychromos | A reliable core, precise details, and beautiful layering | Regular colorists who want dependable pencils for detail and shading | An investment, but excellent value in my experience |
| Prismacolor Premier | Rich, vibrant colors and a soft, creamy feel | Colorists with some practice who want to explore a softer pencil | I needed a lighter touch for smooth shading |
| Staedtler 146C, 72 colors | A balanced feel, easy shading, and a useful range of colors | Beginners looking for an approachable first set | These are regular colored pencils, not watercolor pencils |
| Derwent Inktense | Intense colors and the option to work dry or with water | Anyone who wants to explore different coloring techniques | Fully dissolved color becomes permanent once completely dry |
| Caran d’Ache Luminance | Beautiful coverage and a lovely feel during my trial | Coloring enthusiasts looking for a premium treat | A substantial budget; my opinion is based on an event trial |
Love the illustrations featured in this article? You’ll find more designs by Hanna Karlzon in the coloring book linked below.
Find the Pencils You’ll Love Reaching For
Choose the set that fits the way you color and what you’d like to try next.
Then give those pencils a place on your table. As you use them, you’ll discover the color combinations, shading, and little details that make coloring more enjoyable for you.
Ready to try them on a new page? Browse my free printable coloring pages and pick a design that makes you want to get your pencils out.
Which colored pencil set would you recommend? Share your experience in the comments—it might help another colorist find their next favorite.