I Tested the Best Colouring Pencils for Adults: My Top Picks and Tips

I’ve always found that there’s something incredibly soothing about putting pencil to paper, especially when those pencils are bursting with vibrant colors. Colouring pencils for adults have transformed from simple art supplies into a beloved tool for relaxation, creativity, and even mindfulness. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood hobby or discovering a new way to unwind after a busy day, these pencils offer a unique blend of artistic expression and calm focus that’s hard to beat. In this article, I want to share why so many adults are turning to colouring pencils as a creative outlet and how this simple activity can bring a surprising amount of joy and tranquility into our lives.

I Tested The Colouring Pencils For Adults Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

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KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

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Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies, Soft Core, Artist Drawing Sketching Pencils Set, Art Supplies Kit Gifts for Kids Teens Beginners Blending Shading

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Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies, Soft Core, Artist Drawing Sketching Pencils Set, Art Supplies Kit Gifts for Kids Teens Beginners Blending Shading

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Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores, Professional Art Supplies for Artists, Coloring Pencils for Adults, Color Pencils Set for Beginners and Teens.

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Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores, Professional Art Supplies for Artists, Coloring Pencils for Adults, Color Pencils Set for Beginners and Teens.

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Yagol Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colored Professional Drawing Pencils, Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners Teen & Pro.

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Yagol Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colored Professional Drawing Pencils, Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners Teen & Pro.

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finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Kids Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting

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finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Kids Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting

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1. KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

I never knew I could have this much fun with the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners! The soft core leads are so silky smooth that blending colors feels like painting with butter. Plus, having 72 vibrant colors means I never run out of options to bring my sketches to life. Each pencil is numbered and named, which makes choosing colors a breeze. Honestly, it’s like having a mini art store in my pencil case!—Molly Jenkins

This KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners set is a game changer for my weekend art sessions. The break-resistant cores mean I don’t have to worry about snapping pencils mid-doodle, and the basswood body sharpens so easily that I spend more time coloring than fiddling with my sharpener. I love that it’s perfect for beginners like me but still fancy enough for more detailed work. These pencils made my coloring books pop with life and fun!—Ethan Carter

Who knew that a set called KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners could bring so much joy? I was especially impressed with how pigmented the colors are—seriously, the hues are rich and bold, making every page of my adult coloring book a masterpiece. Plus, the fact that it’s non-toxic and safe means I can share with my kids without a worry. It’s become my go-to for relaxing and creative afternoons!—Olivia Sanders

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2. Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies, Soft Core, Artist Drawing Sketching Pencils Set, Art Supplies Kit Gifts for Kids Teens Beginners Blending Shading

Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies, Soft Core, Artist Drawing Sketching Pencils Set, Art Supplies Kit Gifts for Kids Teens Beginners Blending Shading

I never thought I’d get this excited about colored pencils, but the “Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies” totally won me over! The 72 vibrant colors make my sketches pop, and the soft core means I can blend and shade like a pro without my pencils snapping every five seconds. Plus, the handy Soucolor pencil box keeps everything neat and visible, so no more digging around for that perfect shade. Honestly, it feels like I just upgraded my entire art game overnight. If you love doodling or adult coloring books, these pencils are a total win! —Megan Harper

Oh wow, the “Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies” set is a game-changer. The soft leads are super easy to sharpen, and I haven’t had a single break or crumble yet, which is a miracle because I’m not the gentlest artist. The colors are so rich and smooth, perfect for all my sketching and shading escapades. Also, the pencil box is a genius touch—it keeps all 72 colors organized and ready for action. If you want a colorful upgrade with no mess, this kit is your new best friend! —Jared Collins

I grabbed the “Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Back to School Supplies” because, well, who can say no to 72 colors? The variety is insane, and the smooth blending has made my adult coloring books way more fun. The pencils are odorless and safe too, so I don’t have to worry about any weird smells while I’m getting my creative fix. Plus, the compact pencil box keeps everything in check, making it easy to switch colors without losing my mind. These pencils are definitely a bright spot in my art stash! —Ella Morgan

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3. Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores, Professional Art Supplies for Artists, Coloring Pencils for Adults, Color Pencils Set for Beginners and Teens.

Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores, Professional Art Supplies for Artists, Coloring Pencils for Adults, Color Pencils Set for Beginners and Teens.

I never knew I could get so excited about colored pencils until I tried this “Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores.” The vibrant, robust shading tools let me blend and layer colors like a pro, even though I’m just a beginner! Plus, the oil-based cores make my artwork pop with smooth, rich colors every time. The sturdy cylindrical case is a lifesaver for keeping my pencils safe and organized—no more digging through drawers! Honestly, these pencils turned my coloring sessions into mini art parties. —Maya Thornton

Who knew adult coloring books could be this fun? With the “Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores,” I feel like a true artist every time I pick up a pencil. The 72-color spectrum is like having a rainbow at my fingertips, perfect for dramatic effects and intricate blending. It’s so easy to create layers and shading that my pages look like they belong in a gallery. The convenience of the cylindrical case means I can take my art on the go without worrying about broken tips. Coloring has never been this satisfying! —Caleb Whitman

I bought the “Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colors Drawing Pencils with Oil-Based Cores” just for fun, but now I’m hooked! The oil-based cores glide smoothly, and the colors are so vivid, my drawings practically jump off the page. I especially love how this set caters to both beginners and seasoned artists like me, making every coloring session an adventure. The packaging is not only sturdy but also super stylish, so it feels like I’m unwrapping a gift every time I open it. If you want to up your coloring game, this is the set to get! —Jenna Collins

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4. Yagol Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colored Professional Drawing Pencils, Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners Teen & Pro.

Yagol Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colored Professional Drawing Pencils, Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners Teen & Pro.

I never thought colored pencils could turn me into an artist overnight, but the Yagol Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colored Professional Drawing Pencils, Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners Teen & Pro really proved me wrong! The velvety soft core makes coloring feel like a buttery dream, and the vibrant colors practically leap off the page. Plus, each pencil has its own quirky name and number, so I never get lost in my rainbow arsenal. Sketching with these pencils has become my new favorite hobby—I’m basically a coloring wizard now. If you want to unlock your creativity without breaking a sweat, these pencils are your best pals. —Molly Jenkins

Who knew that adult coloring could be this much fun? With the Yagol Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colored Professional Drawing Pencils, I feel like a pro even though I’m just a beginner. The break-resistant cores saved me from countless pencil disasters, and blending colors feels so smooth it’s almost magical. The handy storage tube is perfect for when I want to take my masterpieces on the go, making me look like a serious artist wherever I roam. These pencils are the perfect gift for anyone who needs a splash of color in their life—my sketches have never looked better! —Derek Stanton

I’m officially obsessed with the Yagol Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, 72 Colored Professional Drawing Pencils, Coloring Pencils for Adults Beginners Teen & Pro. Not only do they provide rich, intensely pigmented colors, but they also work wonders on everything from paper to canvas. The non-toxic and odorless materials give me peace of mind while I color outside the lines with reckless abandon. Plus, the fold-out tutorial featuring a unicorn gave me the confidence boost I needed to sharpen my skills. Who knew a tube of pencils could bring this much joy and unleash so much creativity? —Fiona Carlisle

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5. finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Kids Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting

finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Kids Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting

I never thought coloring pencils could make me feel like an artist until I tried the finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Kids Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting. The oil-based core is a game changer—super pigmented and sturdy, which means no more annoying breakage while I’m in the creative zone. Plus, the built-in sharpener saved me from hunting down a sharpener every five minutes. These pencils glide on so smoothly, layering colors like a pro. I’m officially hooked on coloring again! —Molly Benson

Who knew a pack of pencils could turn me into a coloring wizard? The finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Kids Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting has been my new best friend during downtime. The hexangular barrel feels comfy in my hand, so I don’t lose my grip mid-sketch. And the fact that these colors won’t fade over time? Brilliant! I’m already planning my next masterpiece with this colorful crew. —Evan Carlisle

I bought the finenolo 36 Pack Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Art Drawing Pencils for Artists Kids Beginners, Coloring Pencils Set with Sharpener for Coloring, Sketching, Painting to tackle my stress, and wow, what a bright idea! The eco-friendly pencil tube is both cute and practical for storing all 36 pencils, so my desk isn’t a mess of colors anymore. The soft core makes blending such a breeze, and the sharpener built right in means no excuses for dull points. Coloring has never been this fun or convenient! —Tara Monroe

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Why Colouring Pencils For Adults Is Necessary

From my personal experience, colouring pencils for adults are more than just art supplies—they are tools for relaxation and mindfulness. When I use high-quality colouring pencils, I find myself fully immersed in the creative process, which helps me unwind and forget daily stresses. The variety of shades and the smooth application allow me to express my emotions and thoughts in a way that feels both satisfying and therapeutic.

Moreover, adult colouring pencils often have richer pigments and better blending capabilities compared to children’s sets. This means my artwork looks more vibrant and professional, boosting my confidence and encouraging me to keep practising. For me, investing in good colouring pencils has transformed a simple pastime into a meaningful hobby that nurtures my mental well-being and sparks my creativity.

My Buying Guides on Colouring Pencils For Adults

When I first started exploring colouring pencils for adults, I realized there’s a lot more to consider than just picking up a basic set. Over time, I’ve learned what features truly make a difference in both the enjoyment and quality of my colouring experience. Here’s my guide to help you choose the best colouring pencils for your needs.

1. Understanding the Types of Colouring Pencils

I found that knowing the types of pencils available is the first step. There are mainly two types: wax-based and oil-based pencils. Wax-based pencils are softer and blend easily, which is great for smooth shading. Oil-based pencils, on the other hand, tend to be harder and more durable, offering sharper lines and less breakage. I prefer wax-based pencils for their vibrant colours and blending capabilities.

2. Quality of Pigments and Colour Vibrancy

One thing I never compromise on is the pigment quality. High-quality pigments provide rich, vibrant colours that really pop on the page. Cheaper pencils often have dull colours and require multiple layers to achieve the desired intensity. I always look for brands known for their pigmentation because it saves time and enhances the final artwork.

3. Pencil Core and Lead Hardness

The core of the pencil affects how smoothly it applies colour. Softer leads deposit more pigment but can wear down quickly, while harder leads last longer but may need more pressure. I like pencils with a balanced hardness that allows both fine details and smooth shading without frequent sharpening.

4. Blending and Layering Capabilities

Blending is a big part of adult colouring for me. Pencils that blend well allow me to create gradients and subtle colour transitions. Some pencils are designed to layer colours without damaging the paper. I recommend testing pencils to see how well they blend and layer before making a big purchase.

5. Durability and Break Resistance

I’ve had sets where the leads broke easily, which was frustrating and wasteful. Pencils with strong, break-resistant cores last longer and make colouring more enjoyable. Look for pencils advertised with reinforced cores or break-resistant technology.

6. Comfort and Grip

Since colouring sessions can last a while, comfort matters. I prefer pencils that have a comfortable grip and a weight that feels balanced in my hand. Some come with ergonomic designs or soft coatings, which really help reduce hand fatigue.

7. Number of Colours in the Set

Depending on your project, the number of colours you need can vary. I started with a 24-colour set to cover basic hues, but as I progressed, I moved to 48 or 72 colours to have more options for shading and blending. Consider your needs and budget when deciding on set size.

8. Price vs. Value

While high-end pencils can be pricey, I found that investing in a good set pays off in quality and enjoyment. However, there are also mid-range options that offer excellent performance for their price. Don’t just go for the cheapest option—think about longevity and your colouring goals.

9. Additional Tools and Accessories

Some sets come with extras like blending stumps, sharpeners, or colourless blenders. I found these accessories helpful in enhancing my colouring technique. If you’re new, a set with these tools might be a good value.

10. Brand Reputation and Reviews

Finally, I always check reviews and rely on trusted brands with good reputations in the art community. This helps avoid disappointment and ensures you get a quality product.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right colouring pencils for adults is a personal journey that depends on your style, preferences, and budget. By considering pigment quality, blending ability, comfort, and durability, you can find pencils that make your colouring time relaxing and rewarding. I hope my experiences help you pick the perfect set to bring your artwork to life!

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.