10 Best Oil Pastels in the Philippines 2024 | Sennelier, Sakura, Pentel and More
Oil pastels are pigments mixed with a binder mixture of non-drying oil and wax. They’re rich, soft, and creamy, resulting in vivid color. They are perfect for drawing, sketching, and coloring, making them a great and versatile medium for creating colorful pieces.
With the many kinds of oil pastels, we know that it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one. In this article, we’re going to show you the best oil pastels that you can buy online, as well as teach you everything you need to know before purchasing a set of this versatile medium.
Quick List - Top Oil Pastels
Mungyo
Budget-Friendly Oil Pastels of Professional Quality
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How to Choose Oil Pastels
Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose between a set or individual sticks.
- Check the diameter or size of the oil pastels.
- Consider the tip of the oil pastels.
- Inspect the quality of the pigments.
- Take note of the lightfastness of your oil pastels.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Choose Between a Set or Individual Sticks
Oil pastels will either come in a set or individual sticks. Sets are more cost-effective, while individual sticks offer you the freedom of choice between colors. Ultimately, the number of sticks that you should get will depend on your art style and usage.
Individual or Open Stock Oil Pastels Let You Customize Your Set
Even though sets are more convenient in a lot of ways, getting individual sticks or open stock oil pastels is still beneficial in the sense that it will allow you to customize your set. You can choose to buy specific colors that you use a lot, which goes a long way in helping you avoid ending up with extra colors that you almost never use.
Sets With 12 or 24 Oil Pastels Are Great for Beginners
Oil pastels usually come in a set of 12 colors or more. If you’re new to this medium, a set with 12 or 24 colors will be good enough to start out with. Smaller sets are more practical for checking if the quality of the product suits you. They are also easier to bring along in case you like creating art on the go.
Sets With 36 and More Colors Will Surely Bring Your Visions to Life
Once you've gotten better at using oil pastels, you can upgrade to larger sets, like those containing 36 or more sticks. Larger sets also give you more color choices and are very handy if you don't particularly enjoy mixing shades. This will ensure that you're able to bring your visions to life and that you won't be limited with minimal color palettes.
Check the Diameter or Size of the Oil Pastels
Checking the diameter or size of your oil pastels will give you an idea of how thin or thick they are, which contributes to how comfortable they will be to grip. If you have smaller hands, you won’t have a problem with thinner oil pastels.
However, if you have larger hands, you might find thinner oil pastels hard to maneuver and control. Oil pastels with a thicker diameter or size will be easier to use. They are also recommended for kids, since they are easier to hold and can withstand the pressure that kids usually apply when coloring.
Consider the Tip of the Oil Pastels
Even though oil pastels generally have the same shape, some of them have different tips. They each have different benefits, depending on the type of artwork you’re planning to create.
Squared Tips Make Blending Easier
Oil pastels are popularly used for creating vividly colored pieces, so they’re made to be easy to blend. Those with squared tips are amazing for coloring, since they distribute pigment better, resulting in a more vibrant piece.
We recommend these types of oil pastels if you’re fond of creating colorful artwork with large spaces to color, like landscapes or still life. This is also the most common type of oil pastel, so you won’t have a hard time looking for them.
Pointed Tips Let You Have More Precision
This type of oil pastel is reminiscent of crayons because of the look of their pointed tips. It’s recommended for those who want to create more precise artworks or for adding small details to your artwork.
They’re also great for drawing portraits or adding precise features to your work like hair, feathers, or images of different textures. If you want to make your art more detailed and precise, this type of tip is best for you.
Inspect the Quality of the Pigments
Aside from the build of your oil pastels, you should also check whether they’re artist-grade or student-grade. To find out which is right for you, read on below.
Artist-Grade Is Softer and More Pigmented
Artist-grade oil pastels have more pigment load, showing up more vividly on whatever canvas you're planning to use. They have a smooth and buttery consistency that makes them really easy and satisfying to use.
This is recommended for those who have some experience in using oil pastels as their medium, since it will truly bring your artworks to life. They are also more resistant to fading over time, so if you're planning to sell your work or use oil pastels for professional purposes, it's best to invest in a set with artist-grade quality.
Student-Grade Is Best for Beginners
From its name, student-grade oil pastels are made for those who are still learning the medium and its properties. They’re not as vibrant as artist-grade oil pastels and are not nearly as smooth when you make your strokes.
Despite that, they’re still very capable of executing great and colorful artworks. They’re more affordable, too, so if oil pastels are not your main medium, student-grade ones are good enough to get. Then, when you feel ready and confident with the medium, you can simply upgrade to artist-grade sets.
Take Note of the Lightfastness of Your Oil Pastels
If you’re a professional artist or want to start selling your works, it’s incredibly important for you to take note of the lightfastness of your oil pastels. Lightfastness refers to how fast pigments or colors fade when exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors. It is one of the main points that separates artist-grade from student-grade pastels.
Lightfastness is usually measured using the American Standard Test Measure (ASTM) with ratings from 1 to 5, with 1 and 2 being the most permanent, representing oil pastels that won’t fade over time. This is why if you want to preserve the longevity of your pieces, take a look of the lightfastness of the oil pastels that you’re going to buy.
10 Best Oil Pastels to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. of Colors | Size | Tip | Quality | Lightfastness | |||||
1 | Sennelier Oil Pastels Cardboard Set | | Top-Notch Oil Pastels for Long-Lasting Artworks | 24 | 67 x 10 mm | Pointed | Artist-Grade | Excellent | |
2 | Sakura Cray-Pas Expressionist | | Gives Off a High-End Feel at a Reasonable Price | 36 | 71 x 10 mm | Rounded | Student-Grade | Decent | |
3 | Mungyo Gallery Artists' Soft Oil Pastels ｜MOPV48 | | Budget-Friendly Oil Pastels of Professional Quality | 48 | 71 x 10 mm | Rounded | Artist-Grade | Very Good | |
4 | Maimeri Classico Fine Oil Pastel | | Available in Single Colors to Meet Your Needs | 25 Choices | 70 x 11 mm | Rounded | Artist-Grade | Very Good | |
5 | Sakura Cray-Pas Specialist | | Has a Square Form for Making Gradations and Details | 36 | 65 x 10 mm | Squared | Artist-Grade | Very Good | |
6 | Prima Art Philosophy Water Soluble Oil Pastels - Basics | | 2-in-1 Painting Medium | 12 | unknown | Pointed | unknown | unknown | |
7 | Monte Marte Oil Pastels | | Offers Value for Money as a Starter Set | 24 | unknown | Rounded | Student-Grade | unknown | |
8 | Dong-A Hexagonal Oil Pastels | | Easy-Grip Oil Pastels Suitable for Kids | 36 | unknown | Pointed | Student-Grade | unknown | |
9 | Crayola Portfolio Series Water Soluble Oil Pastels | | Features Water-Soluble Properties | 24 | 83 x 13 mm | Pointed | Student-Grade | unknown | |
10 | Pentel Oil Pastels | | Affordable Oil Pastels That Are Excellent for Practice | 12 | 60 x 10 mm | Rounded | Student-Grade | unknown | |
Top-Notch Oil Pastels for Long-Lasting Artworks
If you're looking for a tried-and-true brand, Sennelier is the artist's go-to choice for art supplies, notably oil pastels. In 1949, Sennelier developed these pastel sticks as a versatile medium for renowned painter Pablo Picasso. Since their creation, these oil pastels have earned a reputation as the softest pastel sticks with the best pigmentation.
The 24 diverse colors in this set are ideal for blending and adding depth to your piece. Thanks to the creamy, buttery texture of the sticks, the pigment glides smoothly across your chosen surface. These oil pastels are also exceptionally lightfast and acid-free, so the colors in your artwork will remain vibrant and intense over time. Check this out for a premium set that's worth the price!
| No. of Colors | 24 |
|---|---|
| Size | 67 x 10 mm |
| Tip | Pointed |
| Quality | Artist-Grade |
| Lightfastness | Excellent |
Gives Off a High-End Feel at a Reasonable Price
The medium-firm texture of these oil pastels makes them perfect for rendering precise lines and details. The colors are still easy to blend, especially given the set's balanced range of shades. These pastel sticks work great for beginners, hobbyists, and students. Try this product out for the best student-grade oil pastels on the market!
| No. of Colors | 36 |
|---|---|
| Size | 71 x 10 mm |
| Tip | Rounded |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness | Decent |
MungyoGallery Artists' Soft Oil Pastels ｜ MOPV48
Budget-Friendly Oil Pastels of Professional Quality
Featuring 48 hues, this Mungyo set is definitely a fantastic deal. When applied to surfaces, the pastel sticks' considerable pigment content produces vibrant, rich colors. What's more, the saturation fares well over time with minimal fading. Pros who need artist-grade pastels but don't want to break the bank should definitely consider this product.
These oil pastels have a medium-soft feel that lets you layer and build up textures on your artwork. Although there might be some crumbling, the smooth consistency will make blending seamless. As such, you can use techniques like scraping and stippling with these sticks. Reviews gush about how relatively affordable this product is without compromising quality!
| No. of Colors | 48 |
|---|---|
| Size | 71 x 10 mm |
| Tip | Rounded |
| Quality | Artist-Grade |
| Lightfastness | Very Good |
Available in Single Colors to Meet Your Needs
Whether you're searching for a certain shade or have run out of a particular oil pastel hue, Maimeri has you covered. This Italian brand offers its pastel sticks individually, allowing for custom mixing and matching. Even though this product can be hard to find online, The Oil Paint Store carries 25 colors for a fair price!
Reviewers claim that these artist-grade oil pastels are less blendable due to their firmness. Still, the pigments are rich and appear true on surfaces. Maimeri Classico is a wise choice for those who prefer dry-feeling pastel sticks to softer ones. These pastel sticks are ideal for use in the first layers of paintings and sketches. If you're on the hunt for a distinct color, consider this product!
| No. of Colors | 25 Choices |
|---|---|
| Size | 70 x 11 mm |
| Tip | Rounded |
| Quality | Artist-Grade |
| Lightfastness | Very Good |
Has a Square Form for Making Gradations and Details
Don't like the way rounded sticks feel in your hands? If so, the Specialist line from Sakura is the right choice for you. The square design of these oil pastels makes it possible to create smooth gradations using the sticks' edges. You can also create highlights and precise details with the sticks' corners.
While buyers note it's not as opaque as the pricier variety, this artist-grade set provides excellent coverage and a broad array of colors. The firmness of these oil pastels also helps you add delicate touches to your artwork. Give this product a go to see how its distinctive shape works for you!
| No. of Colors | 36 |
|---|---|
| Size | 65 x 10 mm |
| Tip | Squared |
| Quality | Artist-Grade |
| Lightfastness | Very Good |
Prima Art PhilosophyWater Soluble Oil Pastels - Basics
2-in-1 Painting Medium
You can combine the 12 basic colors in this set to create a spectrum of hues. Despite a few customers saying that the pastel sticks can be a bit crumbly, their soft textures make them easy to blend with your fingertips or a wet brush. For a product that combines oil pastels and watercolors, check this one out!
| No. of Colors | 12 |
|---|---|
| Size | unknown |
| Tip | Pointed |
| Quality | unknown |
| Lightfastness | unknown |
Offers Value for Money as a Starter Set
Since these oil pastels are student-grade, they most likely aren't lightfast. However, given its low cost and good quality, this product is a terrific bargain. It's practical for those attempting oil pastels as a medium! In some reviews, these pastel sticks were even recommended for use in coloring books and as an underpainting material.
| No. of Colors | 24 |
|---|---|
| Size | unknown |
| Tip | Rounded |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness | unknown |
Easy-Grip Oil Pastels Suitable for Kids
As shown in reviews, these nontoxic oil pastels are chunkier than the conventionally sized ones. The shape and size allow for a better grasp and prevent rolling off when placed down. It even comes with a convenient plastic case. This user-friendly product makes a lovely gift for both youngsters and adults!
| No. of Colors | 36 |
|---|---|
| Size | unknown |
| Tip | Pointed |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness | unknown |
Features Water-Soluble Properties
Due to the crayon-like shape of these oil pastels, the pointed tip helps with fine lines and details. Moreover, they are soft enough to blend. Since these are student-grade, they probably aren't lightfast. But they are useful for practice and small projects. Try this to explore the watercolor technique with pastels!
| No. of Colors | 24 |
|---|---|
| Size | 83 x 13 mm |
| Tip | Pointed |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness | unknown |
Affordable Oil Pastels That Are Excellent for Practice
Pentel is a recognized brand for art materials, and its oil pastels are a good option for beginners and students. Although these sticks are medium-firm, they are workable when it comes to blending colors. Reviewers advise using them in sketchbooks for practice and studies.
These oil pastels are also short and narrow, but they are of a decent size for their pricing. Some users have noticed that the sticks have a distinct smell but that it eventually becomes tolerable. Give this product a go to help you get used to oil pastels as a medium!
| No. of Colors | 12 |
|---|---|
| Size | 60 x 10 mm |
| Tip | Rounded |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness | unknown |
More Art Materials to Explore
If you have more time on your hands now, you can consider trying out art mediums aside from oil pastels. It's a therapeutic hobby and a good way to exercise your creativity. To help you get started, check out our articles on some of the best art materials available online.
Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Top 5 Oil Pastels
No. 1: Sennelier｜Oil Pastels Cardboard Set
No. 2: Sakura｜Cray-Pas Expressionist
No. 3: Mungyo｜Gallery Artists' Soft Oil Pastels ｜MOPV48
No. 4: Maimeri｜Classico Fine Oil Pastel
No. 5: Sakura｜Cray-Pas Specialist
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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