10 Best Oil Pastels in the Philippines 2026 | Faber-Castell, 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
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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 | Faber-Castell Oil Pastels | | Smooth, Beginner-Friendly Artwork via Vibrant 24-Color Blending | 24 | 10 mm | 10 | Artist-Grade | ||
2 | Faber-Castell Studio Oil Pastel | | Professional Pigments in a Compact Set | 36 | 9 mm | 9 | Artist-Grade | ||
3 | Pentel Oil Pastels | | Vivid Coverage for Large Projects | 36 | 9 mm | 9 | Student-Grade | ||
4 | Dong-A Oil Pastels | | 48 Brilliant Colors in a Durable Set | 48 | 8 mm | 8 | Student-Grade | ||
5 | Deli Heavy Color Oil Pastels | | Thick Sticks for Bold, Sweeping Strokes | 48 | 11 mm | 11 | Student-Grade | ||
6 | Mont Marte Oil Pastels 12 pieces｜MMPT0013 | | Quick Starts Through Beginner-Friendly Set | 12 | 8.5 mm | 8.5 | Student-Grade | ||
7 | Sakura Cray-Pas Oil Pastel | | Superior Blendability for Layered Effects | 16 | 9 mm | 9 | Artist-Grade | ||
8 | Golden Oil Pastels | | Affordable Basics That Perform Consistently | 24 | 8 mm | 8 | Student-Grade | ||
9 | HBW Oil Pastel 36 Colors｜ Sl-Op36 | | Steady Art Sessions With Balanced Palette | 36 | 9 mm | 9 | Student-Grade | ||
10 | Art Bar Oil Pastel 12 Colors | | Fun Colors That Inspire Young Creators | 12 | 10 mm | 10 | Student-Grade | ||
Faber-CastellOil Pastels
Smooth, Beginner-Friendly Artwork via Vibrant 24-Color Blending
Features and benefits:
- Delivers creamy consistency for effortless blending and layering
- Provides 24 vibrant, opaque shades with high pigmentation
- Supports mixed media techniques, including watercolor-resist effects
- Maintains an acid-free, lightfast formula for lasting artwork vibrancy
Reviews mention:
Many find the creamy texture with rich pigments delivers vibrant blending without crumbling mess. People appreciate the smooth glide that stays consistent even on rough paper surfaces. Several note its acid-free quality provides lasting color vibrancy for framed artwork.
| No. of Colors | 24 |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 mm |
| Tip | 10 |
| Quality | Artist-Grade |
| Lightfastness |
Professional Pigments in a Compact Set
Features and benefits:
- Offers high pigment concentration for bold coverage
- Provides 36 assorted colors for expanded creativity
- Features smooth application on paper or canvas
- Includes protective case for portability
Reviews mention:
People appreciate the intense pigmentation with fine consistency delivers professional coverage without patchiness. Several find the velvety texture that blends seamlessly even across different papers. Many note its concentrated formula provides bold color payoff for detailed illustrations.
| No. of Colors | 36 |
|---|---|
| Size | 9 mm |
| Tip | 9 |
| Quality | Artist-Grade |
| Lightfastness |
Vivid Coverage for Large Projects
Features and benefits:
- Delivers strong pigmentation for full surface coverage
- Provides 36 brilliant colors for versatile artwork
- Features break-resistant sticks for reliable use
- Supports blending on paper, board, or glass
Reviews mention:
Several find the brilliant pigmentation with even spread delivers solid coverage without streaks. People appreciate the firm texture that withstands pressure even during heavy layering. Many note its break-resistant build provides reliable performance for classroom projects.
| No. of Colors | 36 |
|---|---|
| Size | 9 mm |
| Tip | 9 |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness |
Dong-AOil Pastels
48 Brilliant Colors in a Durable Set
Features and benefits:
- Offers 48 distinct colors for detailed color work
- Provides smooth texture for easy blending
- Features short sticks ideal for precision drawing
- Works well on paper, cardboard, or wood
Reviews mention:
Many note the extensive shade range with precise control delivers complex colorwork without gaps. Several find the compact sticks that maneuver easily even in tight spaces. People appreciate its smooth consistency provides flawless blending for intricate designs.
| No. of Colors | 48 |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 mm |
| Tip | 8 |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness |
Thick Sticks for Bold, Sweeping Strokes
- Delivers heavy pigmentation for dramatic effects
- Provides multiple set sizes for different needs
- Features thick diameter for comfortable grip
- Blends easily on various art surfaces
Reviews mention:
People find the thick consistency with heavy pigment load delivers dramatic coverage without fading. Several appreciate the chunky grip that stays comfortable even during long sessions. Many note its versatile sizing provides perfect match for group or solo art activities.
| No. of Colors | 48 |
|---|---|
| Size | 11 mm |
| Tip | 11 |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness |
Quick Starts Through Beginner-Friendly Set
- Offers 12 essential colors for fundamental mixing
- Provides soft texture for smooth application
- Features compact packaging for easy storage
- Works on paper, canvas, or cardboard
Reviews mention:
Several appreciate the basic color palette with soft blendability delivers essential mixing without frustration. People find the gentle texture that glides smoothly even for unsteady hands. Many note its compact design provides convenient portability for young artists.
| No. of Colors | 12 |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.5 mm |
| Tip | 8.5 |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness |
Superior Blendability for Layered Effects
Features and benefits:
- Delivers exceptional blendability for smooth transitions
- Provides 16 quality colors for refined palettes
- Features oil-based formula for rich texture
- Lightfast pigments maintain color vibrancy
Reviews mention:
Many find the oil-rich formula with fine particles delivers seamless gradients without harsh lines. People appreciate the refined palette that layers beautifully even over dried layers. Several note its lightfast quality provides permanent color retention for gallery pieces.
| No. of Colors | 16 |
|---|---|
| Size | 9 mm |
| Tip | 9 |
| Quality | Artist-Grade |
| Lightfastness |
Affordable Basics That Perform Consistently
Features and benefits:
- Offers reliable color payoff at budget price
- Provides multiple size options for classrooms
- Features smooth application for young artists
- Blends adequately for basic techniques
Reviews mention:
People note the budget-friendly pigmentation with steady output delivers dependable results without surprises. Several find the basic texture that applies evenly even for beginner techniques. Many appreciate its classroom packs provide value for group art instruction.
| No. of Colors | 24 |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 mm |
| Tip | 8 |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness |
Steady Art Sessions With Balanced Palette
- Delivers 36 well-balanced colors for versatile use
- Provides comfortable stick size for extended drawing
- Features good opacity for solid color blocks
- Works reliably on standard art papers
Reviews mention:
Several appreciate the well-rounded 36-color range that covers most projects without gaps. People find the medium stick size that prevents fatigue even during marathon sessions. Many note its solid opacity provides confident coverage for mixed media work.
| No. of Colors | 36 |
|---|---|
| Size | 9 mm |
| Tip | 9 |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness |
Fun Colors That Inspire Young Creators
- Offers 12 playful colors for creative expression
- Provides easy-grip shape for small hands
- Features non-toxic formula safe for children
- Washes off clothes with soap and water
Reviews mention:
Many find the cheerful colors with easy spreadability delivers creative confidence without mess worries. People appreciate the kid-friendly grip that stays secure even for tiny fingers. Several note its washable formula provides stress-free cleanup after art play.
| No. of Colors | 12 |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 mm |
| Tip | 10 |
| Quality | Student-Grade |
| Lightfastness |
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: Faber-Castell｜Oil Pastels
No. 2: Faber-Castell ｜Studio Oil Pastel
No. 3: Pentel｜Oil Pastels
No. 4: Dong-A｜Oil Pastels
No. 5: Deli ｜Heavy Color Oil Pastels
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.