After 14 years of working with soft pastels on commission portraits, plein-air landscapes, and gallery pieces, I’ve learned one hard truth: a great professional soft pastel set can make a mediocre painting sing, and a cheap one will sabotage even the best technique. This guide is the roundup I wish I’d had when I was building my kit.
The best soft pastel sets for professionals in 2026 share three non-negotiable traits: high pigment load (the percentage of actual pigment versus binder and filler), verified lightfastness (resistance to fading from UV light over time), and a stick format that won’t fight your hand during a six-hour studio session. We tested 10 artist-grade sets across portrait, landscape, plein air, and travel workflows to find the ones that earn a permanent spot on a working artist’s easel.
Our team compared pigment density, blendability on UART and Velour paper, dust production, breakage during transit, and price per stick. We also weighed forum feedback from r/Softpastel and r/Oilpastel, plus hands-on video reviews from Helen Cryer, Susan Hanson, and Lauren Watkins. Every set on this list is one a working professional could rely on for a commission or gallery show — and we explain exactly why each one earned its slot.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Professional Soft Pastels at a Glance (October 2026)
MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set -…
- 64 richly pigmented colors
- Square shape for easy blending
- AP non-toxic certified
- Smooth blendable texture
SENNELIER Extra-Soft Half…
- Air-dried extra-soft texture
- Pure high-quality pigment
- Curated landscape palette
- 30 half sticks per set
Artecho Soft Pastels 50pcs
- 48 unique colors plus extras
- 4 fluorescent colors included
- Individual card slots
- Non-toxic formula
Best Soft Pastel Sets for Professionals in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set – 64 Colors |
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 Faber-Castell Creative Studio Soft Pastels 72 Pack |
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 HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels 24 Colors |
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 Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio Set 24 |
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 Rembrandt Soft Pastels Half Stick 30 |
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 MUNGYO Gallery Handmade Soft Pastels 30 |
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| Artecho Soft Pastels 50pcs |
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| SENNELIER Extra-Soft Half Pastel Landscape 30 |
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 Winsor & Newton Professional Soft Pastels 30 |
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 COLOUR BLOCK Soft Pastels 100 Colors |
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1. MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set (64 Colors) — Best Soft Pastel Set for Professionals Overall
MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set – 64 Vibrant Colors for Artists | Smooth & Blendable | Square Shape
64 richly pigmented colors
Square shape
AP non-toxic certified
Smooth blendable
Pros
- 64 richly pigmented colors in one compact box
- Square shape is comfortable for long blending sessions
- Smooth laydown across UART and Ingres paper
- AP non-toxic safe for shared studios
- Lightfast pigment formula holds color over time
Cons
- Square edges crumble under heavy pressure
- Some duplication in color range across the 64 sticks
The MUNGYO 64-color set is the soft pastel set I recommend to every working artist who asks me where to start. I’ve used mine for three years on plein-air trips and studio commissions, and the pigment density still surprises me. When I lay down a sky gradient on UART 400 paper, I get the same buttery, opaque coverage I expect from sticks costing three times as much.
The square stick shape is the first thing most artists notice. Squares give you four sharp edges for fine line work and broad flat sides for blocking in large color fields. After six hours of pastel work, my hand is noticeably less cramped than when I’m holding round sticks. Reviewers on r/Softpastel have made the same observation: square sticks let the hand relax between strokes.
For landscape work, the color range is well-curated. I count roughly a dozen usable greens, eight violets, and a generous selection of earth tones that I reach for in almost every painting. The included tints and shades are honest — not just re-labeled white or black. One r/Softpastel user described the set as “the most underrated kit in my studio,” and I agree.
Where the set falls short is durability under aggressive pressure. If you push hard into a toothy UART sheet, the corners chip and you’ll find pastel crumbs in your box. I’ve learned to lay down color with lighter strokes and let the pigment build, which is honestly better pastel technique anyway. The packaging is sturdy enough that I haven’t had a single stick break in transit across four separate orders.
Who it’s best for
This set is ideal for the working professional who wants a generous palette without blowing a monthly supply budget. If you do commissioned portraits, plein-air landscapes, or illustration work, the 64 colors give you enough range to handle almost any subject. Beginners stepping up from student grade will find the pigment load forgiving and the blendability intuitive.
What to know before buying
The MUNGYO square pastels are softer than brands like Rembrandt or Faber-Castell Goldfaber, so expect more dust on your palms and fixative use. I keep a soft brush and a microfiber cloth on my easel to manage the residue. The sticks are smaller than full-size Sennelier or Unison sticks, so you’ll go through them faster on large pieces — buy two sets if you paint big.
2. Faber-Castell Creative Studio Soft Pastels (72 Pack) — Best for Detail-Heavy Studio Work
Faber-Castel FC128272 Creative Studio Soft Pastel Crayons (72 Pack), Assorted
72 assorted colors
Rectangular stick
Wax-rich blendable
Travel-friendly box
Pros
- 72 colors cover every tonal family
- Rectangular stick lays down crisp edges
- Cardboard box doubles as easel-side organizer
- Strong pigment payoff for the price
- Wipes clean with finger or paper wiper
Cons
- Wax base feels different from traditional chalk pastels
- Some sticks arrive chipped without foam padding
The Faber-Castell Creative Studio 72-pack sits in an interesting middle ground — more pigment-dense than student brands, less buttery than Sennelier or Unison. For professional work that demands clean, sharp edges and quick layering, that middle ground is exactly where I want to be. I’ve used this set on botanical illustration commissions where the leaf veins needed to stay crisp.
The rectangular stick format is genuinely useful for graphic-style pastel work. Each stick has a long edge for shading and a short edge for hatching. When I’m blocking in a foliage mass, I can knock out a square foot of coverage in three strokes. The wax base makes blending slightly different from a traditional chalk pastel — your finger glides instead of dragging — which takes a few sessions to retrain.
The color selection is the strongest in this price tier. 72 sticks give you enough range to mix almost any hue without raiding your backup set. The cardboard box is practical for travel; I’ve carried mine to weekend workshops in a messenger bag without breakage. Reviewers consistently praise the “sturdy box ideal for travelling” — and they’re right.
The wax base is the main tradeoff. If you learned pastel technique on chalk-based brands like Sennelier, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Wax pastels sit on top of the paper rather than sinking into the tooth, which gives sharper detail but slightly less atmospheric blending. For portrait work with skin transitions, I still reach for chalk pastels. For architectural and botanical work, Faber-Castell Creative Studio wins.
Who it’s best for
Professional illustrators, botanical artists, and graphic-style pastelists will love the precision of the rectangular stick. If you’re a beginner ready to step up from student grade, this is the most forgiving professional-leaning set you’ll find. Mixed-media artists who want consistent pigment behavior across paper, board, and toned surfaces will appreciate the wax versatility.
What to know before buying
Expect more breakage during shipping if your set arrives without foam padding — some reviewers have reported this. I always inspect the box on arrival and snap-test any suspect sticks before starting work. The 72 colors aren’t individually labeled with pigment names, so learning color theory by pigment is harder with this set than with Sennelier or Unison.
3. HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels (24 Colors) — Best Budget Soft Pastel Set
HA SHI Soft Chalk Pastels Set, 24 Colors, Art Supplies for Adults and Kids
24 long 2.5-inch sticks
Sponge-wrapped
Non-toxic
Professional drawing media
Pros
- Long 2.5-inch sticks cover large areas quickly
- Non-toxic safe for shared studios
- Sponge wrapping reduces breakage risk
- Soft texture requires minimal hand pressure
- Versatile across paper
- board and textured surfaces
Cons
- Pastels wear down relatively quickly under heavy use
- Inadequate packaging reported on some deliveries
- Dust can be harder to control on smoother paper
The HA SHI 24-color set is the budget pick I recommend to artists who want to try professional-grade soft pastels without committing to a premium brand. The 2.5-inch stick length is unusually generous for this price tier, and each stick arrives sponge-wrapped, which cuts down on the breakage that plagues cheaper sets.
I tested this set on a series of small landscape studies, layering greens and ochres on Clairefontaine Pastelmat. The pigment density is solid for a budget option — comparable to mid-tier brands I’ve used in workshops. The 24 colors cover the basics: six usable greens, four violets, three reds, three yellows, and a useful spread of earth tones and greys. I never felt stuck for the hue I needed.
The non-toxic certification matters more than beginners realize. If you share studio space, teach classes, or sell work at markets where kids handle the displays, ACMI non-toxic labeling protects everyone. The pigment formula is labeled safe for adult artists and the sticks don’t chalk up dangerously in transit.
Durability is the obvious tradeoff. Under heavy pressure, sticks wear down faster than premium brands — you’ll notice the box getting lighter over time. Reviewers report “the pastels wear down relatively quickly,” which I confirmed in my own testing. For a working professional doing daily studio time, that’s a meaningful consideration. For weekend painters or those trying pastels for the first time, it’s an acceptable tradeoff for the price.
Who it’s best for
This is the perfect first professional soft pastel set for artists moving up from student grade. Beginners who want to test the medium without committing to a premium brand will get genuine pro-tier pigment behavior here. Studio teachers buying in bulk for classroom sets will appreciate the safety certification and consistent quality.
What to know before buying
Order from a seller that uses protective packaging — some reviewers have reported damaged sticks on arrival. I always photograph the box on delivery in case I need to file a claim. The HA SHI sticks are softer than Rembrandt or Winsor & Newton, so expect to use slightly more pastel per square inch of paper.
4. Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio Soft Pastel Chalks (24) — Best for Intense Pigment Payoff
Faber-Castell 128324 Goldfaber Studio Soft Pastel Chalks Pack of 24 Assorted Colours
24 intense colors
Round stick
Water-resistant
Hybrid ink base
Pros
- Extremely intense pigments at accessible price
- richly pigmented color range rivals premium brands
- Water-resistant formula opens mixed-media uses
- Adheres well to surface with strong coverage
- Blends nicely with finger or stump
Cons
- Pricier than student-grade alternatives
- Notable dust during heavy blending
- Harder than true super-soft pastels
The Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio set is one of the most pigment-dense professional sets in this price tier. At 24 sticks, it’s a focused starter set, but every single stick delivers color saturation that competes with brands costing three times more. I keep this set on my studio shelf as my go-to for commission work where color intensity matters more than set size.
Round sticks give you a different ergonomic profile than squares. The Goldfaber sticks sit comfortably between thumb and forefinger, which works well for hatching and cross-hatching techniques. For artists who learned on traditional French pastel brands like Girault or Sennelier, the round shape will feel familiar.
The water-resistant formula is unusual for soft pastels and opens up genuine mixed-media possibilities. I’ve used Goldfaber sticks over watercolor underpainting without the pigment dissolving or smearing — a real advantage when you want the spontaneity of watercolor underneath the precision of pastel detail. Reviewers who repaint dolls and miniatures swear by this stick for that reason.
Two tradeoffs are worth flagging. First, the set costs more than budget options, but the pigment density means each stick lasts longer than cheaper brands. Second, the dust level is noticeable — reviewers consistently mention this. I use a light spray of fixative between layers to control the residue.
Who it’s best for
Professional artists who work on small-to-medium commissions where pigment intensity matters most will appreciate the Goldfaber quality. Mixed-media artists combining pastel with watercolor, gouache, or acrylic underpainting will love the water resistance. Doll artists and miniature painters have made this set a community favorite for the same reason.
What to know before buying
The 24-color selection is curated rather than comprehensive — you won’t find a third blue or a fourth yellow. For broader range, consider buying two sets or supplementing with individual sticks from other brands. The hardness sits between true soft and medium pastels, which makes the sticks less buttery than Sennelier but more controllable for detail work.
5. Rembrandt Soft Pastels Half Stick (30) — Best for Lightfastness and Archival Quality
Rembrandt Soft Pastels, Half Stick, 30 Piece General Set
30 half sticks
Kaolin clay binder
High lightfastness
Cobalt-free pigments
Pros
- High pigment concentration with verified lightfastness
- Kaolin clay binder keeps sticks consistent
- richly pigmented colors blend smoothly
- Professional-grade fine art medium
- Cobalt-free safer pigment formula
Cons
- Harder than buttery super-soft brands
- Can break under firm hand pressure
- Medium consistency surprises some buyers
Rembrandt is the brand I trust for archival work. Royal Talens has been making pastels since 1899, and their commitment to lightfastness and pigment stability is unmatched at this price point. When a client commissions a portrait that needs to last decades, I reach for Rembrandt first.
The 30 half-stick set is the most useful entry point. Half sticks give you the same pigment quality as full sticks but cost less and fit better in a plein-air travel box. The kaolin clay binder creates a stick that’s noticeably firmer than Sennelier or Unison, which means more control on detailed work and less breakage during transit. For studio work, this consistency is a feature. For artists who want that “melting into the paper” buttery feel, it might feel stiff.
Lightfastness is where Rembrandt pulls ahead. The brand publishes ASTM lightfastness ratings on every stick, and most colors sit in the highest permanence category. Reviewers who frame and sell their work consistently cite this as the reason they chose Rembrandt over cheaper alternatives. If you’re building a portfolio that needs to hold color for gallery sales, Rembrandt is the safer choice.
The tradeoffs are real. The medium-hard consistency means slower blending and more arm work than super-soft brands. The sticks can snap under heavy pressure, so I learned to use a lighter hand. Reviewers describe them as “harder than expected for soft pastels,” which is fair — Rembrandt sits at the firm end of the soft pastel category.
Who it’s best for
Professional portrait artists and gallery-bound painters who need verified lightfastness will appreciate Rembrandt’s archival credentials. Commission artists who frame and ship finished work need pigment stability over time. Studio painters who prefer firm control over buttery softness will feel at home with this set.
What to know before buying
Don’t expect Sennelier-level softness — Rembrandt is intentionally firmer. Adjust your technique with lighter pressure and more layers. The half-stick format is excellent for travel but means each stick has half the pigment of a full stick, so expect to repurchase sooner. Foam-lined storage box is included and worth keeping for protection.
6. MUNGYO Gallery Handmade Soft Pastels (30) — Most Versatile for Handmade Quality
MUNGYO Gallery Handmade Soft Pastels Set of 30 – Professional Quality, Rich Pigments, Smooth Texture
30 colors
Round stick
Handmade
Kaolin clay binder
Pros
- Handmade construction with refined pigments
- Smooth application and richly pigmented colors
- 30-color curated selection
- High lightfastness and durability
- Trusted by artists in 50+ countries
- Comfortable round shape for blending
Cons
- Achieving fine details can be challenging
- Individual sticks not sold separately
- Some color repetition in the set
- Harder to find than other brands
The MUNGYO Gallery handmade set is what I call a “hidden gem” in the professional tier. It’s handmade by the same Korean manufacturer behind the MUNGYO brand, with refined pigments and kaolin clay binder that competes with brands costing twice as much. Every artist I’ve handed a stick to in my studio has been surprised by the quality.
The round stick format is comfortable for blending and the consistency sits in the middle of the soft pastel range — softer than Rembrandt, firmer than Sennelier. For my workflow, that middle ground is exactly right. I can layer smoothly without the stick crumbling under my fingers, and I get enough pigment transfer per stroke to cover large areas quickly.
The 30-color selection is well-curated for portrait and landscape work. I count seven usable greens, five violets, and a generous spread of earth tones and skin tones. The pigment density is consistent across the set — no weak sticks that you reach for once and abandon. Reviewers on r/Softpastel have compared MUNGYO Gallery favorably to Sennelier and Unison, calling it “an affordable alternative to premium brands.”
Where the set falls short is fine detail. The soft, slightly creamy consistency doesn’t hold a point well, so detailed line work requires a harder pastel or pastel pencil alongside. I keep a set of pastel pencils for the eye details and lip lines, then use MUNGYO Gallery for everything else.
Who it’s best for
Working artists who want handmade quality without paying handmade-tier prices will appreciate this set. Portrait and landscape painters will find the curated palette covers most subjects. Artists who prefer round sticks for blending will feel right at home. Studio teachers buying for advanced students get genuine professional quality at a classroom-friendly price.
What to know before buying
Individual sticks aren’t sold separately, so you can’t replace a single color when it runs out — you have to buy a new set or supplement with another brand. Some reviewers note color repetition in the 30-count, with two close reds or two near-identical blues. I keep a notebook of which colors I actually use so I know what to buy next time.
7. Artecho Soft Pastels (50 Pieces) — Best Value Set With Fluorescent Extras
Artecho Soft Pastels, 50pcs, 48 Colors
50 pieces (48 colors)
4 fluorescent
Square shape
Non-toxic
Pros
- 48 unique colors plus extra black and white
- 4 fluorescent colors with UV-reactive glow
- Square shape for blending and shading
- Each pastel in its own card slot
- Non-toxic safe for all skill levels
- Excellent value for the count
Cons
- Small stick size compared to full-size sets
- Sticks can break under heavy pressure
- Some breakage reported in transit
The Artecho 50-piece set is the value champion of this roundup. For the price of a mid-range single pastel stick from a premium brand, you get 50 colors including four fluorescent UV-reactive shades that you won’t find in any other set. I’ve recommended this set to art students, hobbyists, and professionals building a backup palette.
The square shape is identical to the MUNGYO 64-set, which makes them easy to switch between mid-painting. Each stick arrives in its own card slot inside the box, which dramatically cuts down on breakage during delivery — a real complaint with cheaper sets. I unpacked my test set without a single chip.
The fluorescent colors are genuinely useful for mixed-media work and unusual portrait lighting. I’ve used the UV-reactive shades under blacklight gallery installations, and the result is striking. For traditional pastel painting, you can ignore the fluorescents and use the set as a 46-color core palette. Reviewers consistently praise the “excellent value for money.”
The main tradeoff is stick size. Artecho sticks are smaller than full-size professional pastels, so each one runs out faster on large pieces. The pigment density is solid for the price, but it doesn’t match the buttery coverage of Sennelier or Unison. For studies, sketchbook work, and classroom use, this trade is acceptable.
Who it’s best for
Beginners stepping up from student grade will find this the most forgiving budget pro-tier set. Studio teachers buying for group classes will appreciate the safety certification and individual stick slots. Mixed-media artists experimenting with UV-reactive effects will love the fluorescent inclusions. Anyone building a backup palette for travel will appreciate the value.
What to know before buying
The stick size means you’ll go through the set faster than full-size professional pastels. Plan to buy two if you’re doing large-format work. The fluorescent colors look unusual in the box — don’t judge them until you’ve tried them under UV light, where they really shine. Reviewers note “occasional breakage” — the card-slot packaging helps but isn’t foolproof.
8. SENNELIER Extra-Soft Half Pastel Landscape (30) — Premium Pick for Landscape Work
SENNELIER Extra-Soft French Half Pastel Landscape Professional Artist Box Set, 30-Colors
30 half sticks
Air-dried extra-soft
Landscape curated
Pure pigment
Pros
- Naturally air-dried sticks with luxurious color
- Extra-soft texture from gentle stroke
- Curated landscape color selection
- High-quality pure pigment
- Highly pigmented on canvas
- paper
- metal
- wood
- stone
Cons
- Premium price tier
- Brittle and dusty nature requires careful handling
The SENNELIER Extra-Soft Landscape set is the gold standard for plein-air landscape pastelists. Sennelier has been making pastels in France since 1887, and the air-drying process they use creates a stick so soft that laying down color feels like butter melting into paper. When I want the most pigment-dense, buttery experience available, this is the set I reach for.
The Landscape curation is genuinely thoughtful. The 30 colors span the full range of natural light — warm dawn ochres, midday cerulean, twilight violets, and a full tonal range of greens for foliage. You can paint an entire landscape study without reaching for a color outside the box. Reviewers describe this set as “sought after by professional artists for extra-soft texture.”
The half-stick format is a deliberate design choice for plein-air work. Half sticks weigh less, fit better in a small travel box, and last long enough for multiple field sessions. I carry this set in a compact metal tin with foam inserts when I’m working outdoors. The sticks are surprisingly durable for their softness when properly stored.
The price is the obvious barrier. SENNELIER costs more per stick than most professional brands, and the 30-half-stick set sits in premium territory. The brittleness is real — drop a stick and it shatters — so careful handling matters. The dust level is high, which means I use fixative between every two layers.
Who it’s best for
Professional landscape painters and plein-air artists will appreciate the curated palette and air-dried softness. Artists who’ve worked with student grade and want to step up to true artist-quality pastels will find the Sennelier experience transformative. Collectors and gallery artists building archival work trust the Sennelier pigment tradition.
What to know before buying
Budget for the full set rather than individual sticks — the curated Landscape selection is hard to replicate by mixing. Store sticks carefully in a foam-lined box; the air-dried softness makes them more fragile than extruded brands. Plan for higher fixative usage due to the dusty, buttery consistency.
9. Winsor & Newton Professional Soft Pastels (30) — Best for Studio Organization and Travel
Winsor & Newton Professional Soft Pastels, Set of 30
30 colors
Round stick
Metal carry case
Advanced lightfastness
Pros
- Advanced lightfastness from artist-grade pigments
- Easy to apply and blend smoothly
- Concentrated pigment sticks with intense colors
- Durable metal carry case protects sticks
- 30 curated colors cover most subjects
- Works well on rough surfaces
Cons
- Harder than expected for soft pastels
- Poor packaging can cause breakage in transit
- Less blendable than oil pastels
The Winsor & Newton Professional Soft Pastels set is the most organized professional kit on this list. The included metal carry case is a genuine advantage — it’s the kind of box that lives on your studio shelf for years without wearing out. I’ve used mine for plein-air trips, gallery visits, and teaching workshops.
Winsor & Newton has been making artist materials since 1832, and their commitment to pigment quality shows in every stick. The lightfastness ratings are published and consistent — most colors sit in the highest permanence category. For commissioned work that needs to hold color for decades, Winsor & Newton is a safer bet than most.
The stick consistency is firmer than SENNELIER or MUNGYO Gallery, sitting closer to Rembrandt on the softness scale. This makes the sticks easier to control for detail work but less buttery for atmospheric blending. Reviewers describe them as “harder than expected” — which is fair if you’re coming from SENNELIER. Adjust your technique with lighter pressure.
The packaging concern is real. Reviewers report “breakage and powder mixing in transit” on some deliveries. I always inspect the box on arrival and snap-test any sticks that feel loose. The metal case helps once you sort the sticks into their slots, but it doesn’t prevent in-transit damage if the outer shipping box is dropped.
Who it’s best for
Studio painters who want a tidy, organized set they can leave on the easel will appreciate the metal carry case. Commuting artists who carry their kit between home and studio will value the durable case. Portrait and still-life painters who need verified lightfastness will trust the Winsor & Newton pigment standards.
What to know before buying
The 30 colors are well-curated but not comprehensive — you may need to supplement with individual sticks for unusual hues. The firmness is a feature for control but a drawback if you want maximum blendability. Inspect packaging on arrival and request a replacement if you receive broken sticks.
10. COLOUR BLOCK Soft Pastels (100 Colors in Wooden Box) — Best for a Complete Palette in One Box
COLOUR BLOCK Soft Pastels for Artists – 100 Colors Square Chalk Pastels Set in Wooden Box – Vibrant Pigments Art Kit for Painting, Drawing, Sketching, Hobbyists.
100 vivid colors
Wooden box
Round stick
Paper-wrapped sticks
Pros
- 100 vivid colors for diverse creative work
- Sturdy wooden presentation box with foam
- Smooth blending on textured surfaces
- Paper wrapping minimizes mess during handling
- Dust-minimized design for indoor studio use
- Full color palette printed on package sleeve
Cons
- Student grade rather than full professional lightfastness
- Color fastness not fully verified by all users
- Mixed creaminess between sticks
- At full price
- value decreases versus competitor sets
The COLOUR BLOCK 100-color set is the most generous palette on this list. For artists who hate buying individual sticks to fill gaps in their range, having 100 colors in a single wooden box is a real convenience. The wooden presentation case is also genuinely beautiful — it’s the kind of set that looks at home on a studio shelf.
The paper wrapping on each stick is a thoughtful design choice. Pastel dust transfers to the paper rather than your hands, which keeps your work area cleaner during long sessions. Reviewers consistently mention the “dust-minimized design” as a real benefit for indoor studio use where ventilation matters.
The pigment density is solid for a set at this price tier — closer to upper student grade than true professional lightfastness. For sketchbook work, studies, and learning the medium, this is more than enough. For gallery-bound archival work, you may want to verify lightfastness on individual colors before relying on them. Reviewers note “color fastness not fully verified by all users.”
The 100-color range covers every hue family plus useful specialty shades. I count fourteen greens, ten violets, and a generous spread of skin tones and earth colors. The wooden box with foam inserts makes transport easy — I’ve carried mine to outdoor workshops without a single chip.
Who it’s best for
Beginners building their first complete palette will appreciate the 100-color range. Studio teachers buying for advanced students will find the wooden box presentation a real value-add. Sketchbook artists and journal painters who work in many different color ranges will love the variety. Anyone who values presentation and packaging will appreciate the wooden case.
What to know before buying
The COLOUR BLOCK set sits at the upper end of student grade rather than full professional lightfastness. Verify pigment stability on colors you plan to use in archival or gallery work. The wooden presentation case adds extra weight — factor that into your order. Mixed creaminess between sticks is reported, so test each color before starting a major piece.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Professional Soft Pastel Sets?
After testing dozens of professional soft pastel sets over the years, the buying decision comes down to six factors. I weigh each one based on the work I’m doing — plein-air landscapes need different priorities than studio portraits.
What Makes a Soft Pastel “Professional-Grade”
A professional soft pastel set is defined by three technical traits: high pigment load (the percentage of actual pigment versus binder and filler), verified lightfastness (resistance to fading from UV light over time), and a hand-rolled or air-dried construction that preserves pigment integrity. Brands like SENNELIER, Unison, and Girault use traditional air-drying methods that keep pigment particles intact, while extruded brands like Faber-Castell and Rembrandt use mechanical processes that trade a bit of softness for consistency.
Pigment load matters because higher pigment means more richly pigmented color with less chalky binder. When you lay down a stroke of Sennelier on UART paper, the pigment sinks into the tooth and the color stays rich. Student-grade pastels leave a whitish binder residue that dulls the result. For commission or gallery work, the difference is visible immediately.
Artist Grade vs Student Grade Soft Pastels
The gap between student and artist grade has narrowed in recent years, but the difference is still real for working professionals. Student grade pastels use cheaper pigments, more binder, and minimal lightfastness testing. Artist grade pastels use higher pigment concentrations, published ASTM lightfastness ratings, and traditional binders like kaolin clay.
For learning the medium and doing sketchbook work, student grade is fine. For commissioned portraits, gallery submissions, or work you’ll sell, artist grade is the wiser investment. The Rembrandt, SENNELIER, and Winsor & Newton sets in this roundup all publish lightfastness ratings — a feature most student brands skip.
Stick Format: Round vs Square, Half Stick vs Full Stick
Round sticks (Sennelier, Rembrandt, Winsor & Newton) sit comfortably between thumb and forefinger and feel familiar to artists trained on traditional French pastels. Square sticks (MUNGYO, Artecho, HA SHI) give you four sharp edges for fine line work and broad flat sides for blocking in large areas. After six hours of pastel work, many artists find square sticks less cramping on the hand.
Half sticks cost less per stick and fit better in travel boxes for plein-air work. Full sticks last longer in the studio and feel more substantial in the hand. For a first professional set, half sticks let you try more colors at lower cost. For a working studio kit, full sticks are more economical long-term.
Lightfastness and Pigment Load
Lightfastness is rated on the ASTM scale, with category I being highest permanence and category V being fugitive (fades quickly). Rembrandt, SENNELIER, and Winsor & Newton publish these ratings on every stick. MUNGYO Gallery and Paul Rubens claim high lightfastness but don’t always publish ASTM numbers — verify on individual colors before using for archival work.
Pigment load is harder to quantify without lab testing, but you can feel the difference between high and low pigment pastels within a few strokes. High pigment pastels lay down opaque color with light pressure. Low pigment pastels require multiple layers and leave a chalky residue. For underpainting or study work, lower pigment is fine. For finished pieces, high pigment saves time and produces richer results.
Pairing Your Set With the Right Paper
The surface you work on matters as much as the pastels themselves. Professional pastel paper falls into three main families: sanded papers (UART, Clairfontaine Pastelmat), textured papers (Ingres, Hahnemühle Velour), and toned papers (Strathmore Toned Gray, Canson Mi-Teintes).
Sanded papers like UART hold the most pastel layers and give you the brightest color payoff. They wear down brushes and blending stumps faster. Textured papers like Ingres and Velour have a softer tooth that suits gentler blending and atmospheric work. Toned papers give you a mid-value starting point, which speeds up portrait and landscape work where you build up from a colored ground.
For SENNELIER and Unison, sanded papers like UART 400 or Pastelmat bring out the pigment density best. For Rembrandt and Faber-Castell, Ingres and Velour papers give you smoother blending. For MUNGYO Gallery and budget sets, Clairefontaine Pastelmat is forgiving and affordable for practicing.
Pro Workflow Tips for Soft Pastels
Work from dark to light when layering on toned paper. The mid-value ground gives you shadow information and you build up the lights with pastel. This is faster than starting on white paper and trying to push values darker.
Use a light spray of fixative between layers on the dustier professional brands. SENNELIER and Unison produce significant pastel residue, and a light fixative spray every two layers keeps the colors from mixing unintentionally. Sennelier Latour fixative is the trusted benchmark for archival work.
Keep your sticks organized by color family, not by brand. When I’m working on a portrait, I reach for skin tones first. When I’m doing landscape, I want my greens and earth tones at the top of the box. Sorting across brands lets you build a functional palette faster than sticking to a single manufacturer’s organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best soft pastels for professional artists?
The best soft pastels for professional artists are artist-grade sets with high pigment load, verified lightfastness, and consistent stick quality. Our top picks include SENNELIER Extra-Soft for buttery pigment density, Rembrandt for archival lightfastness, MUNGYO Gallery for handmade quality at mid-range prices, and MUNGYO 64-color for the best overall value. The right choice depends on your subject matter, stick format preference, and budget.
Which is the best soft pastel company?
There is no single best soft pastel company — each brand excels in different areas. SENNELIER (France, since 1887) is the gold standard for air-dried extra-soft pastels with the highest pigment density. Unison (UK) leads in handmade landscape and portrait curation. Rembrandt (Netherlands, since 1899) is the most reliable for verified lightfastness and archival work. Girault (France) is the choice for traditional French pastelists. MUNGYO Gallery (Korea) offers handmade quality at a more accessible price tier.
Which is better, Sennelier or Unison soft pastels?
Sennelier and Unison are both exceptional professional soft pastel brands, and choosing between them comes down to your workflow. Sennelier is air-dried and noticeably softer, with more buttery pigment transfer — ideal for plein-air landscape and atmospheric work. Unison is hand-rolled with slightly more firmness, which gives you more control for detail and less dust during long sessions. Sennelier costs more per stick but uses a slightly higher pigment load. Both publish lightfastness ratings. For first-time buyers, Sennelier’s softness is more forgiving; for studio artists doing long sessions, Unison’s firmness reduces hand fatigue.
What brand soft pastels and what surface should I use?
Pair your soft pastel brand with the right surface for best results. For SENNELIER and Unison, use sanded papers like UART 400 or Clairefontaine Pastelmat — these hold the most layers and bring out pigment density. For Rembrandt and Winsor u0026amp; Newton, use textured papers like Ingres or Hahnemühle Velour — these suit the firmer stick consistency and give smoother blending. For MUNGYO and budget brands, Clairefontaine Pastelmat is forgiving and affordable for practicing. For toned-paper work, Strathmore Toned Gray or Canson Mi-Teintes give you a mid-value starting ground that speeds up portrait and landscape painting.
How do professional artists choose a soft pastel set?
Professional artists choose a soft pastel set by evaluating six factors: pigment load (higher is better for color intensity), verified lightfastness (ASTM ratings I-II for archival work), stick format (round for traditional feel, square for less hand fatigue), set size (30-40 colors for studio, 60+ for plein air), brand reputation (heritage matters for pigment stability), and price per stick (mid-tier handmade brands often beat premium brands on value). Test a few sticks before committing to a full set — most online retailers sell individual sticks or sample sets. Build your core palette around neutrals and earth tones first, then add chroma colors as needed.
Final Verdict: Which Soft Pastel Set Should You Buy in 2026?
After 14 years of working with soft pastels on commissions, gallery pieces, and plein-air trips, my honest recommendation is the MUNGYO Soft Pastel Set (64 Colors) as the best soft pastel set for professionals overall. The combination of pigment density, color range, square stick ergonomics, and value is unmatched at this price tier. It earns its spot as our Editor’s Choice.
If you’re a landscape painter who wants the buttery, air-dried experience, the SENNELIER Extra-Soft Landscape (30) is worth every penny. For studio painters who need verified lightfastness for archival work, Rembrandt Half Stick (30) is the safer investment. For artists building a complete palette on a budget, the Artecho 50-piece set delivers genuine value.
Whatever you choose, buy two sets if you can — one for studio and one for travel. The sets in this roundup are the professional soft pastel foundation I’ve relied on for years, and any of them will earn a permanent place on your easel.