Rule #1 when considering pastels as a medium is to buy few and spend little. Pastels are said to be an ‘acquired taste’ as far as mediums are concerned. One you should feel comfortable with. The reason for this cautious approach is the different types of pastels available. There are five main types of pastels. Soft, oil, hard, pencil and PanPastels. The main difference are their binding. Each type of binding produces a different consistency and therefor a different result. When identifying the best pastels for beginning and professional artists, we focused on the best known and most common version of the pastel, the ‘stick’. Each brand and set are considered amongst the best in their respected category.

So which type of pastel is best for you? That answer depends on the artists intent and level of comfort with this medium. For the most part, pastels are known for their ease of use, vibrant color and correctability. Pastels also range in price. Harder pastels tend to be less expensive; however, because of the number of ‘fillers’ in their binding, tend to crumble a bit more and be less vibrant. Soft pastels tend to be the most popular. Soft pastels have a medium crumble to them but deliver vibrant and colorful results. Oil pastels are the smoothest of the three. Oil pastels won’t crumble or cause dust that could smudge. However, they’re the least versatile as they’re not know for blending or playing well with other types of pastels.

Considering the price difference, artist experience and result each type of pastel stick provides, you’re going to have to decide whether you’re a soft, oily or hard pastel kind of artists. What you WON’T have to have to worry about is which brand and set to choose from once you’ve made your decision. These are the best pastels for beginning and professional artists. Each pastel set, regardless of pastel type, was selected for its high quality, rating and popularity.  Take a look, get comfortable with your type and check your budget.  We’re confident whichever type of pastel type you choose, the sets on this list will allow you to get the most of your experience.

Need something to pastel all over?  Check out our equally impressive list of Sketchbooks and Sketch Pads.  Want to get even more out of your drawing abilities? Then arm yourself with one of these drawing kits.  Decided pastels are a little too exotic for your taste? Let’s get you back to basics with one of our best 10 rated Colored Pencil Sets. 

Rembrandt Soft Pastel Traditional Box Set is a top seller thanks to it’s reputation. Regarded as one of the best soft pastels in the market, you can count on a smooth and rich color from its high standard kaolin clay base.

This Faber-Castel Soft Pastel Crayons set has vibrant and bright colors. Ideal for shading and getting those little details right, this set comes with 72 pastels any artists would be proud to own.

These professional grade Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels Set have a smooth touch and a consistent color. Perfect for beginners and professionals alike, this set also comes in at a reasonable price.

These oil pastels will knock your socks off. A real bang for your buck and from a company you know and trust. They’re acid free and more vibrant than chalk pastels. Great for all ages.

These Prismacolor Premier NuPastel Pastel Sticks are high quality and a great value. Use them wet or dry. This pack of 48 will satisfy any artists need to do a little pastel-ing.

A blast of color from this vivid Derwent Inktense Block 72 Tin. This set of blocks allows you to switch up canvas types with ease. Dries permanently and quickly so you can get your art ‘out’ quicker.

If you’re looking for a great gift idea then consider this COLOUR BLOCK 100pc Soft Pastel Art Set. Neatley packaged in a glorious wooden case, these pastels provide smooth vibrant colors with with superb quality.

These Savoir-Faire Sennelier Soft Pastels provide some of the purest and most vibrant pigment in pastels. Never compressed to provide extra softness and touch, these soft pastels are one of the best rated.

These Jack Richeson Signature Half Stick Pastels are perfect for artists on the go. The half stick size of 1 3/8in X 1/2in means you can take more color with you by using up less space.